《Return of the Doomed Archmage》 Chapter 1: The Last Dawn The cold iron of the shackles dug into my wrists, their weight a cruel reminder of my fall from grace. I knelt on the damp stone floor of the dungeon, the air thick with the stench of mold and despair. Torches flickered along the walls, casting long shadows over the faces of the guards who stood watch. They did not speak, nor did they meet my gaze. It was as if I had already ceased to exist. A week ago, I was the Archmage of the Imperial Court, a man whose mere name commanded respect. A week ago, I was the most trusted advisor to the Emperor, the one who had expanded our kingdom¡¯s knowledge of magic and warfare. A week ago, I was untouchable. Now, I was nothing more than a condemned traitor. The accusations had come swiftly. Treason. Conspiracy. Forbidden magic. Words spoken in hushed voices by those who once sang my praises. My disciples, my allies¡ªeach one had turned away as the court declared me guilty. The Emperor, a man I had served for decades, had not even granted me a chance to defend myself. No, the verdict had been decided long before the trial had begun. A sharp creak echoed through the chamber as the heavy doors swung open. Footsteps followed, slow and deliberate, until they halted before me. I did not need to look up to recognize the presence. The scent of sandalwood and wine clung to his robes. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. ¡°Lucien Velkaris,¡± the voice was soft, almost sorrowful. ¡°It didn¡¯t have to end this way.¡± I raised my head to meet the eyes of my executioner¡ªRegent Aldric Valstane. Once my closest friend, now my betrayer. ¡°You and I both know I never plotted against the Empire,¡± I said, my voice hoarse from days without water. Aldric¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°Your magic was too powerful, Lucien. The Emperor feared what you could become.¡± I let out a dry laugh. ¡°And so he let you orchestrate this farce? Tell me, Aldric, was it worth it?¡± A flicker of something¡ªregret?¡ªcrossed his features. Then, just as quickly, it was gone. ¡°The execution is set for dawn.¡± With those final words, he turned and walked away, leaving me in the darkness once more. Morning came too soon. The sun had barely begun its ascent when I was dragged from my cell, my legs too weak to resist. The execution ground was silent, a vast courtyard lined with soldiers and nobles alike. The Emperor sat upon his gilded throne, his face impassive as I was forced to kneel before him. A hooded priest stepped forward, unrolling a parchment. ¡°Lucien Velkaris, former Archmage of the Empire, you stand accused of high treason. Your punishment is death.¡± I smirked. ¡°No final words for an old friend, Your Majesty?¡± The Emperor¡¯s gaze remained cold. ¡°You sealed your fate the moment you outgrew your place.¡± A hand pressed against my back, forcing me down. The executioner raised his blade, its steel gleaming in the morning light. I closed my eyes, bracing for the end. The sword fell. And then¡ª Darkness.... Chapter 2: The Forgotten Child Awakens A dull ache pulsed through my skull, a throbbing pain that felt like a hammer striking against my mind. My body felt¡­ strange. Weak. Small. I forced my eyes open. The ceiling above me was unfamiliar¡ªan elegant, high-vaulted design with intricate gold detailing. Sunlight streamed in through a large window, casting a warm glow over the plush bed I was lying on. The silk sheets beneath my fingers felt expensive, yet the scent of dust lingered in the air, as if no one had touched them in a long time. Where¡­ am I? I tried to sit up, but my limbs felt sluggish, unresponsive. My breathing came in shallow gasps, my heart pounding wildly against my ribs. Something was wrong¡ªterribly wrong. This was not my body. My hands, my legs¡­ they were too small. My voice, when I attempted to speak, was weak and childlike. Panic gripped me. Was this a dream? A cruel illusion? Or had something far worse happened? Before I could process it further, the door creaked open, and a young woman stepped inside. She wore a simple black dress with a white apron, her dark hair neatly braided. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw me awake, and for a moment, she seemed too stunned to move. Then, as if reality struck her all at once, she gasped, tears welling up in her eyes. ¡°Y-Young Master Lucius!¡± she stammered, rushing to my side. Her hands trembled as she reached out, hesitating before gently touching my arm. ¡°You¡¯re awake¡­ You¡¯re actually awake! The gods have blessed us!¡± Lucius? The name sent a strange chill down my spine. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. My throat was dry, and the weight of confusion pressed down on me. The maid, still teary-eyed, quickly stood up. ¡°I need to inform the Madam and the young ladies! They have waited for this day for so long!¡± She paused, her hands clasped together. ¡°Please, Young Master, do not strain yourself. You have been unconscious for three years. I will return shortly!¡± Three years? I could barely process what she had said before she rushed out of the room, leaving me alone in my swirling confusion. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my breath. The memories of Lucien Velkaris, the Archmage, were still vivid in my mind. I remembered my execution. The betrayal. The sword falling. The darkness. And yet¡­ I was here. Alive. In a body that was not my own. Who was Lucius ? And why had I become him?
Lucius sat in silence, his mind still spinning as he tried to process the situation. He had just woken up in a six-year-old¡¯s body, with no memories of this life except for what the maid had called him. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside his room. Moments later, the door burst open. A woman, dressed in a flowing deep-blue gown, rushed inside. Her golden-blonde hair, streaked faintly with silver, was loosely tied back, and her deep violet eyes glistened with unshed tears. Behind her, two young women and a boy followed, their faces a mix of shock, relief, and overwhelming emotion. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Lucius!¡± The woman¡¯s voice trembled as she knelt beside the bed, gently cradling his small hands. ¡°My son¡­ my sweet child¡­ You¡¯re awake¡­¡± Lucius flinched slightly at her touch¡ªnot because it was unpleasant, but because it felt too real. This was his mother? The warmth in her hands, the quiver in her voice¡ªit felt nothing like the coldness of nobility he had once known in his past life. ¡°Do you¡­ remember me?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Lucius hesitated. What was he supposed to say? He knew nothing about this woman, but claiming ignorance would be suspicious. His mind raced for an answer, but before he could speak, one of the young women stepped forward. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t overwhelm him,¡± she said softly. She was around sixteen, her long platinum hair cascading over her shoulders. Her violet eyes¡ªthe same as their mother¡¯s¡ªheld warmth and concern. ¡°Lucius just woke up after three years. He might be confused.¡± ¡°I-Is he really awake?¡± The younger girl, who looked about thirteen, approached hesitantly. Unlike her older sister, she had wavy golden hair like their mother and soft, round features. Her blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears. ¡°We waited so long¡­¡± The boy, standing slightly behind them, remained quiet. He was about twelve, his silver-gray hair slightly messy, and his posture stiff as if unsure how to act. He clenched his fists, biting his lip as his gaze locked onto Lucius. Lucius exhaled slowly. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t remember much,¡± he finally said, his voice coming out small and uncertain¡ªjust as a child waking from a long coma should sound. ¡°Everything feels strange¡­¡± His mother let out a shaky breath and pulled him into a gentle embrace. ¡°It¡¯s alright, my dear. You¡¯ve been asleep for so long¡­ We thought we lost you.¡± The older sister wiped at her eyes, trying to keep her composure. ¡°You collapsed when you were three, Lucius. The healers tried everything, but you wouldn¡¯t wake up.¡± The younger sister sniffled. ¡°And¡­ and Father didn¡¯t even¡ª¡± She stopped herself, glancing at their mother nervously. Lucius caught that. Father? His mother closed her eyes for a moment before standing up. ¡°...Your father is busy.¡± Her voice was calm, but Lucius sensed the bitterness hidden beneath it. Adrian, the third brother, scoffed. ¡°Busy? He didn¡¯t even bother visiting his own son, Mother.¡± His voice was sharp, carrying clear resentment. The older sister sighed. ¡°You know how he is, Adrian.¡± Lucius stayed quiet, simply observing them. This father of theirs¡­ He hadn¡¯t come to see his son wake up after three years? The younger sister, still teary-eyed, turned toward Lucius. ¡°Big Brother, did you know? Even though Father and our two eldest brothers never came to see you¡­ Mother never left your side.¡± She clutched his hand tightly. ¡°She was always here, talking to you, hoping you¡¯d wake up.¡± The mother smiled weakly, brushing Lucius¡¯ hair back. ¡°Because I could never abandon you.¡± Lucius looked up at her. "This woman truly cared about him". It was¡­ strange. Even in his past life, he had never known such warmth. Adrian sat on the edge of the bed, his arms crossed. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I expected anything different. Father only cares about Cassius and Julius.¡± His tone was full of frustration. ¡°Since they¡¯re his ¡®perfect heirs.¡¯¡± Lucius narrowed his eyes slightly. So, the two eldest brothers Cassius and Julius were favored, while he and Adrian were overlooked? The older sister sighed. ¡°Father has always been like this¡­ He values strength, and Lucius was always¡­¡± She hesitated, looking guilty. Lucius understood immediately. The former Lucius was weak. Sickly. A disappointment in the eyes of their father. He glanced at Adrian. His third brother¡ªwho was also disregarded by their father¡ªseemed to have a lot of pent-up anger about it. Lucius finally spoke. ¡°...What about my eldest brothers? Did they visit?¡± Silence. Adrian scoffed. ¡°You already know the answer.¡± The mother placed a hand on Lucius¡¯ shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t concern yourself with them right now. Just focus on resting.¡± Lucius didn¡¯t respond. Inside, a small smirk threatened to form. So¡­ the father and the eldest brothers didn¡¯t care for this body¡¯s original owner. They saw him as worthless. But he wasn¡¯t the same Lucius they had abandoned. He would show them. For now, though, he would play the part of the weak, confused child. Because that¡¯s what they expected. And expectations¡­ were meant to be broken. Chapter 3: The Forgotten Sons Place Lucius lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind still whirling. Three years in a coma¡­ Six years old¡­ An abandoned son of nobility¡­ The pieces were falling into place. The former Lucius had been weak, insignificant in the eyes of his father and elder brothers. If he had never woken up, no one besides his mother, sisters, and Adrian would have cared. A maid entered quietly, bringing a tray of warm soup and bread. She placed it on the bedside table and bowed. "Young Master, I¡¯ve brought your meal." Lucius turned his head. She was the same maid who had been by his side when he first woke up¡ªthe one who informed his family. "What¡¯s your name?" he asked. The maid hesitated before lowering her gaze. "It is Elise, Young Master." Lucius took a moment to observe her. She was in her early twenties, with soft brown hair neatly tied back. Her uniform was simple, but her posture was rigid, as though she feared speaking too much. "Were you my personal maid before?" he asked. Elise nodded. "Y-Yes, Young Master. I was assigned to care for you after you fell ill." Lucius let that sink in. That meant for three years, she had been the only servant tending to him. In noble households, servants followed power. If Lucius had been neglected, then Elise had likely suffered as well. He picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup. It was plain but warm. After a few more bites, he set it down. "Elise, tell me more about this family." She looked startled. "About¡­ the Ardentis family?" Lucius nodded. "I don¡¯t remember much. Tell me about my father, my brothers, and why they weren¡¯t here when I woke up." Elise hesitated, glancing at the door as if someone might overhear. "You may speak freely," Lucius reassured her. "No one else is here." Elise took a deep breath. "Duke Magnus Ardentis¡ªyour father¡ªis the head of the Ardentis family. He is one of the strongest Magic Swordsmen in the empire, commanding both incredible swordsmanship and formidable magical abilities. His rule is absolute, and he values strength and magical prowess above all else." Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Lucius noted the careful choice of words. Not ¡®kind¡¯ or ¡®caring¡¯¡ªjust powerful and absolute. "Your eldest brother, Cassius Ardentis, is set to inherit the title of Duke. He is a prodigy in swordsmanship and wields magic at an elite level. The second son, Julius Ardentis, is the same. He focuses more on strategy and governance, but his combat skills are still unmatched among his peers." She hesitated before continuing. "The two of them¡­ they do not speak much of you, Young Master." Lucius chuckled darkly. "I assume they speak even less to Adrian?" Elise bit her lip. "Master Adrian is¡­ different from them. He is talented, but his ideals do not align with the Duke¡¯s. He values creativity in magic, rather than brute force, which puts him at odds with your father and eldest brothers." Lucius smirked. So Adrian was the black sheep of the sons. "And my sisters?" he asked. A soft smile flickered on Elise¡¯s face. "Lady Selene and Lady Irene are kind. They visited you often and spoke to you even when you were unconscious. They love you very much, Young Master." Lucius absorbed the information. His mother, Selene, Irene, and Adrian were the only ones who genuinely cared for him. The rest of the family viewed him as nothing. A sharp knock interrupted them. Elise straightened immediately. The door opened, and Adrian stepped inside, followed closely by Selene and Irene. Their mother was absent this time. "You¡¯re awake and already interrogating the maids?" Adrian smirked, sitting down on the windowsill. "Guess you haven¡¯t lost your curiosity." Lucius gave a small smile. "I needed to understand my place in this family." Selene sighed, crossing her arms. "Your place is with us. You don¡¯t need to concern yourself with anyone else." Irene nodded quickly. "You¡¯ve been asleep for so long. You don¡¯t have to think about Father or Cassius or Julius. Just focus on getting better." Lucius could see the sincerity in their eyes, but he couldn¡¯t simply ignore reality. "No," he said, his voice firm despite its childlike softness. "I need to know where I stand. I won¡¯t be a forgotten shadow." Adrian raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a slight grin. "Hah. Didn¡¯t expect that kind of fire from you." Selene and Irene exchanged looks, unsure how to respond. The Lucius they knew had been a fragile boy, always seeking comfort from their mother. But now, there was something different in his eyes. "You really don¡¯t remember much, do you?" Irene whispered. Lucius met her gaze and smiled faintly. "Maybe not. But that just means I have to learn again." Adrian let out a low chuckle. "Interesting. I think I¡¯m starting to like this new you, little brother." Selene sighed but smiled. "If that¡¯s the case, then we¡¯ll support you." Irene nodded firmly. "Always." Lucius looked at them¡ªthe only people in this house who truly cared. Then I suppose this is where I¡¯ll begin. For now, he would be patient. He would play his role. But in time¡­ He would carve his place into this family. And they would never overlook him again. Chapter 4: The Table of Power A week had passed. Lucius had spent the days quietly recovering, learning more about the Ardentis household from Adrian, Selene, and Irene. His strength was returning, though his body was still far weaker than his mind. He had also begun to notice something¡ªthe way the servants looked at him. There was no contempt, no outright hostility. Just¡­ indifference. To them, he was insignificant. And now, he would face the ones who had dictated his insignificance. The Night Before A soft knock echoed through the dimly lit room. Lucius glanced toward the door but did not immediately respond. The knock came again, more insistent this time. "Enter." The door opened, revealing Elise, one of the household maids. She bowed slightly before speaking, her tone measured and precise. "Master Lucius, the Duke has arranged a formal family dinner tomorrow evening. All members of the Ardentis family will be present." Lucius turned to her, his expression unreadable. "So they finally remember I exist?" Elise hesitated before replying, her tone carefully neutral. "It is simply tradition, Master Lucius. Whenever the Duke calls for a formal gathering, all family members are required to attend." Required. Not invited. Not welcomed. Required. Lucius smirked faintly. "Understood." Elise bowed again and quickly left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. Tomorrow, he would face them.
The Grand Dining Hall The hall was as magnificent as one would expect of the Ardentis lineage¡ªhigh ceilings adorned with golden chandeliers, banners embroidered with the family crest, and a long table large enough to seat a kingdom¡¯s council. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Lucius stepped inside, his sharp eyes taking in the seating arrangement. At the head of the table sat Duke Magnus Ardentis, the pillar of the family. His presence was like an iron blade¡ªcold, unyielding, forged for power. Beside him sat Lady Seraphina, her pale golden hair carefully braided, her expression composed but distant. To Magnus¡¯s right sat Cassius Ardentis, the eldest son and heir to the family name. His posture was perfect, his expression unreadable¡ªa man molded for command. To Magnus¡¯s left sat Julius Ardentis, the second son. Where Cassius exuded command, Julius carried a more dangerous air¡ªsharp, observant, always calculating. Further down, on the right, was Adrian. His relaxed demeanor contrasted with the others, but Lucius could tell he was just as aware of his surroundings. Opposite Adrian sat Selene and Irene, their presence the only warmth at the table. They offered Lucius brief nods, the only acknowledgment he received. And at the farthest end, at the very last seat, sat Lucius. He was the last to sit. No one had addressed him. No one had looked at him. It was as if he did not exist. The dinner began. Servants moved seamlessly, pouring wine, serving dishes prepared with meticulous care. Plates clinked against the polished wood as everyone dined with the grace befitting nobility. Lucius remained silent, observing. This was not just a family meal¡ªit was a battlefield. Cassius spoke first, his voice carrying a commanding ease. "The Emperor has summoned us to the capital next month. It seems he wishes to review the strength of the noble houses." Julius smirked. "As expected. The old man is always looking for ways to assert his control." Duke Magnus nodded slightly. "We will prepare accordingly. Cassius, you will lead the demonstration." "Of course, Father." Lucius watched the exchange, understanding something. This family only valued power. The talk of war, politics, and magic continued as if he were not there. Even his mother, who had always protected him, remained silent. Lady Seraphina remained composed, occasionally responding with a soft word, but never directly to Lucius. Even Adrian and the twins, who had shown him some acknowledgment before, seemed to understand their place in this hierarchy. Lucius was not included. He was not ignored out of malice. He was ignored because he was insignificant. He lifted his goblet, letting the crimson liquid swirl idly. This family only valued power. And right now, he had none. Not in their eyes. Not yet. The dinner continued, the weight of his absence in their presence pressing against him. Lucius remained silent. He had no need to prove himself here. Not yet. But one day¡­ they would look at him and see something they could no longer ignore. One day, he would not be forgotten. Chapter 5: The Path to Power Lucius sat alone in his room, his mind still replaying the dining hall scene from ago. No one had acknowledged him. No greetings, no words¡ªjust cold silence. He had been seated at the farthest end, like some distant relative of no significance. That was the moment he fully understood his place in this family. Cassius, Julius, the others¡ªthey were standing at the peak, while he was left at the bottom. A failure. A disgrace. But that would change. Lucius clenched his fists, staring at them. He had to reclaim his power. But there was a problem¡ª "This body is too weak."
The Ardentis family was famous for their Magic Swordsmen, warriors who combined swordsmanship with powerful magic. They wielded their mana through Magic Circles¡ªthe foundation of all spellcasting. A newborn noble had zero circles. A six-year-old, if they were talented, would form their first circle. A genius, by the age of six, could have two circles. Three circles at six years old? That was a once-in-a-generation prodigy. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
In his past life¡ªbefore awakening in this fragile shell¡ªmagic had come easily to him. The flow of mana had been as natural as breathing. But now? Nothing. No matter how many times he tried to feel his mana, all he met was silence. For the next seven days, Lucius locked himself in his room, training tirelessly. He meditated, concentrated, tried to recall the feeling of power¡ªbut his body refused to respond. No flicker of mana. No spark. Nothing. His head ached from exhaustion, his limbs trembled from constant strain, but he didn¡¯t stop. "I refuse to be weak." The frustration built inside him, suffocating. Was he truly powerless? Had this new body erased everything he once was? No. That wasn¡¯t possible. "There must be a way."
At the end of the second week, something changed. Lucius sat cross-legged on the floor, his breathing slow and steady. He pushed everything else out of his mind¡ªhis failures, his past, his frustrations¡ªand simply existed. He focused on his heartbeat. The blood flowing through his veins. The warmth in his chest. And then¡ª A flicker. Lucius¡¯s eyes snapped open. He felt it. A faint, barely noticeable pulse of energy¡ªlike a dying ember struggling to stay lit. His breathing grew heavier. It was small, but it was there. "I was right." With trembling hands, Lucius reached for that ember. Slowly. Carefully. If he forced it, he might lose it again. The ember pulsed in response. And for the first time in two weeks¡ªa spark of mana flowed through his body. It was weak, unstable, but it was enough. "I can do this." A grin spread across Lucius¡¯s face. This was just the beginning. Chapter 6: The First Circle For two weeks, Lucius had pushed himself to his limits. He spent countless hours meditating, trying to grasp even a sliver of his old power. But every attempt ended the same way¡ªfailure. His six-year-old body was weak, fragile, and barely able to handle a proper flow of mana. The memories of his past life told him exactly what he needed to do, yet his body refused to comply. But tonight¡­ tonight felt different. Sitting cross-legged in his dimly lit room, Lucius steadied his breathing. He could feel something shifting inside him, a faint hum of mana responding to his will. Unlike before, it wasn¡¯t slipping away. This is it. Focusing every ounce of concentration, he directed the energy to his core. His body tensed as a small, intricate pattern began forming within him¡ªhis first magic circle. The process was agonizing. Sweat dripped down his forehead, his hands trembled, and his breathing grew ragged. The mana inside him twisted and writhed like a beast refusing to be tamed. But he endured. Minutes passed like hours, but then¡­ it happened. Stolen novel; please report. A golden ring of intricate symbols appeared in his core, humming with raw energy. The first magic circle was complete. A wave of relief washed over Lucius. For the first time since awakening, he felt something close to power. But power was never enough. He wanted more. With newfound confidence, he immediately began forming the second circle. His mana surged, his core expanding to accommodate the new structure. But the moment he tried¡ª Pain. A sharp, unbearable pain erupted from within. His mana collapsed violently, sending shockwaves through his body. He gasped, clutching his chest as if his very soul was being torn apart. His vision blurred. His body seized. The circle shattered. And then¡ªdarkness.
Lucius woke up to the feeling of a damp cloth on his forehead. His entire body ached, as if he had been burned from the inside. "Young Master?" A familiar voice. His blurry vision focused on Elise, who sat beside him, her brows furrowed in worry. "You collapsed," she said softly. "I found you unconscious on the floor¡­ Your body was burning up." Lucius remained silent, replaying the events in his mind. He had succeeded in forming the first circle¡ªbut his body had completely rejected the second. He exhaled sharply. So that¡¯s the limit¡­ Even with all his knowledge, he was still trapped in the weakness of this frail body. If he wanted to move forward, he needed to change something. He needed a stronger vessel. A spark of determination flickered in his eyes. This wasn''t the end¡ªthis was just the beginning. Chapter 7: The First Step to Strength The dim glow of candlelight flickered in Lucius¡¯ room, casting long shadows against the walls. His body lay still on the cold floor, sweat dampening his clothes as shallow breaths escaped his lips. His entire being ached¡ªa painful reminder of his weakness. It was Elise who found him first. The moment she stepped inside with his evening tea, her tray clattered to the ground as she gasped. "Young Master!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side. Her hands trembled as she felt for his pulse¡ªweak, but steady. She wasted no time, running out of the room in search of Lady Selene, Lady Irene, and Master Adrian.
A Short While Later¡­ Lucius'' vision blurred as he stirred awake, his body feeling like lead. He could barely register the sound of hurried footsteps before the door swung open. Selene, Irene, and Adrian entered. Selene¡¯s gaze sharpened immediately. "Lucius, what exactly are you doing?" Lucius sat up slowly, his body screaming in protest. Irene crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "Elise said you collapsed. Why are you pushing yourself like this?" she demanded. Lucius didn''t answer immediately. He pressed a hand against his forehead, gathering his thoughts. Selene, always the more perceptive one, stepped closer. "You''ve been acting differently ever since you woke up. Are you hiding something?" Lucius exhaled slowly before meeting their gazes. "I need to get stronger." That was all he said. A simple statement, yet unshakable in its resolve. Irene and Selene exchanged glances. Adrian, however, studied him carefully. Then, he smirked. "You¡¯re serious about this?" Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Lucius nodded. "I need your help," he admitted. Adrian leaned against the doorframe, his smirk widening. "Fine. But if you quit halfway, don¡¯t waste my time." Lucius met his older brother''s eyes and nodded again.
The Next Day The training grounds of House Ardentis were a vast expanse of hardened earth, surrounded by tall walls and lined with racks of weapons. Elite swordsmen trained here¡ªwarriors who served directly under their father, Duke Magnus Ardentis. And among them stood Commander Darius Varro. Darius was a towering man, clad in a black leather coat over his armored uniform. His face was weathered, marked with countless battles, and his sharp gray eyes reflected years of experience. He was not a man known for kindness¡ªonly results. Lucius and Adrian approached, but Darius barely spared them a glance. "Why are you bringing me this frail noble?" he scoffed, eyes flicking toward Lucius. Adrian smirked. "He wants to train." Darius exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "Then let him. It¡¯ll be amusing to watch him fail." Lucius didn¡¯t react. No protest, no anger¡ªjust quiet determination.
The morning sun bore down heavily as Lucius stood among the seasoned warriors. His training began immediately. Running laps. Push-ups. Stamina drills. Basic sword strikes. His weak body gave out over and over again. Every time he fell, Darius barely acknowledged him. "This is why weaklings don¡¯t belong on the battlefield," the commander muttered as Lucius collapsed for the fifth time. Lucius'' fingers dug into the dirt. Pain shot through his arms, his lungs burned, his vision wavered. Yet, he gritted his teeth and pushed himself up again. Darius watched, his expression unreadable. Adrian, leaning against the training post, merely observed in silence. Lucius fell. Again. And again. But he never stopped.
For an entire week, Lucius endured the brutal routine. His body ached like never before, but he refused to give in. Darius still showed no interest. But Adrian? Adrian had started watching him closely. On the seventh day, Lucius collapsed again¡ªbut this time, his body refused to move. His limbs felt like stone. His breathing was ragged. Darius glanced at him, unimpressed. "If you can¡¯t even stand, you might as well crawl back to your books, boy." Lucius'' fingers clenched into a fist. He pushed. And this time¡ªthis time, he stood up. Darius¡¯ expression finally shifted, just slightly. For the first time, he looked at Lucius properly. Darius crossed his arms. "Tch. You¡¯re more stubborn than I thought." Lucius, despite his exhaustion, stood tall. His body screamed in pain, but he endured it. The commander exhaled and rubbed his temple. "Fine, boy. I¡¯ll train you. But don¡¯t expect mercy." Lucius didn¡¯t smile, didn¡¯t thank him. He simply nodded. Because this was just the beginning. And he would not stop here. Chapter 8: The Weight of the Sword The first rays of morning light barely crept over the horizon when Lucius arrived at the training grounds. The cold air bit at his skin, but he welcomed it¡ªit helped dull the soreness in his body from the past week. Darius Varro stood in the center of the grounds, arms crossed, watching the soldiers go through their morning drills. He hadn¡¯t acknowledged Lucius¡¯ presence yet, as if testing his patience. Adrian stood nearby, casually leaning against a wooden post, looking entertained. After what felt like an eternity, Darius finally turned to him. "Pick up a sword," he ordered. Lucius stepped forward toward the weapon rack. His fingers hovered over the polished steel blades, but before he could reach for one, Darius barked, "Not those. Those are for warriors. You''re not one yet." Lucius frowned but followed Darius¡¯ gaze. There, on the ground, lay a training sword¡ªa thick, dull iron blade used for beginners. Unlike the finely crafted swords in the rack, this one was heavy, its weight uneven. He lifted it. The moment he did, his arms trembled. It was heavier than he expected. The First Lesson Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Darius studied him for a moment before giving the next instruction. "Hold it still." Lucius adjusted his stance and tightened his grip. A minute passed. Then two. His arms began to burn. The blade felt heavier with each passing second. His fingers ached. Sweat trickled down his forehead. Five minutes in, his arms gave out, and the sword crashed to the ground. Darius clicked his tongue. "Too weak to even hold a sword properly. And you think you can become strong?" Lucius clenched his jaw. He bent down, picked up the sword again, and resumed the stance. The knights in the background chuckled. "He¡¯s really struggling with a training sword?" one of them muttered. Lucius ignored them. Darius watched in silence. He didn¡¯t correct Lucius¡¯ stance, didn¡¯t guide him¡ªhe simply let him struggle. Minutes later, Lucius collapsed again. "Not even half an hour," Darius muttered. "You won¡¯t survive a single battle like this." Lucius¡¯ breathing was ragged, but he refused to complain. Darius sighed and turned away. "You¡¯re done for today." Lucius'' fingers tightened around the hilt. "No. Again." Adrian raised an eyebrow, amused. Darius slowly turned back, his gaze narrowing. "Again?" Lucius forced himself up, his body screaming in protest. "Again." Darius watched for a long moment before scoffing. "Fine. But don''t expect sympathy." And so it continued. Lucius held the sword, arms shaking, sweat dripping down his back. He collapsed. He got up. He collapsed again. Each time, his body begged him to stop. But he refused. By sunset, his hands were covered in blisters, and his muscles felt like they were tearing apart. Yet, as he stood there, chest rising and falling with exhaustion, he realized¡ª Today, he lasted longer than yesterday. The road to strength was brutal. But for the first time, Lucius knew¡ª He was walking it. Chapter 9: A Path Only He Can Walk The training grounds had emptied as the last traces of daylight faded beyond the horizon. The distant clang of swords and voices of knights had long since fallen silent. Yet, in the darkness, one figure remained. Lucius stood alone, his hands trembling, his legs heavy as stone. Every inch of his body burned from the day¡¯s training, but he had no intention of stopping. Because this wasn¡¯t enough. If he wanted his body to handle a second magic circle, if he wanted to wield magic and the sword together¡ªhe needed more. More strength. More endurance. More pain. And so, his true training began. Lucius sat cross-legged on the cold ground, closing his eyes. Magic surged from his core, flowing into his battered muscles and torn skin. This was the first time he attempted this¡ªusing magic to accelerate his body''s healing. But this wasn¡¯t ordinary healing magic. Most mages used healing to completely mend their wounds. Lucius did not. Instead, he only healed just enough to continue training. His body would still ache, the pain would linger¡ªbut it would not break. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. The energy flickered within him, wild and untamed. Sweat beaded down his forehead as he forcefully controlled the magic, limiting it, focusing only on repairing what was necessary. The moment the process ended, he gritted his teeth and stood up again. "No one will help me. No one will care. This is my fight alone." And with that, he began.
Lucius started with the sword stance drills. Earlier that morning, he could barely hold the training sword for five minutes. Now, he forced himself to stand longer, even as his arms screamed in pain. His grip tightened. His shoulders shook. His mind willed him to drop the sword, but he refused. "Just one more second." One second turned into two. Two turned into ten. Ten turned into a full minute. By the time he finally lowered the sword, his breath was ragged, but a small, almost imperceptible smile formed on his lips. He had already improved. Next was endurance. He ran laps around the empty training ground, his breath coming out in short bursts, his muscles begging for relief. When his legs nearly collapsed, he used his magic again¡ªjust enough to keep going. This was the balance he sought. A body strong enough to endure. A will powerful enough to persist. His heart pounded. The cold air bit at his skin. But this was what he needed. This was what would make him different. This was the path only he could walk. By the time the first light of morning crept across the sky, Lucius was exhausted beyond words. His body ached more than ever before, his magic reserves were running low, and yet¡ª He felt stronger. A small step. A tiny improvement. But an improvement nonetheless. "Not enough." His lips curled into a smirk. But it¡¯s a start. And tomorrow night, he would push even further. Chapter 10: The Silent Witness The nights in Ardentis were colder than Lucius remembered. A chilling wind swept across the empty training grounds, rustling his sweat-drenched clothes as he stood alone beneath the pale moonlight. His entire body ached from the relentless training under Commander Darius earlier that day, but the pain was secondary now. Because this was his real training. With slow, controlled breaths, he focused on the flickering energy within him. Basic magic¡ªthat was all he could use. His body was too weak for anything advanced, but he didn¡¯t need grand spells. He only needed enough magic to keep his muscles from collapsing¡ªto push through another hour, another night. His hands hovered over his trembling legs, and a faint blue light pulsed beneath his fingertips. It wasn¡¯t healing in the truest sense, but it dulled the worst of the pain, allowing him to move. He exhaled sharply. That was enough. Unbeknownst to Lucius, he wasn¡¯t alone. A shadow loomed from the higher balcony of the estate, hidden behind the stone railing. Adrian Ardentis stood in silence, arms crossed, watching. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. He had noticed it a few days ago. The way Lucius¡¯ posture had started shifting. The way his hands had started gripping his utensils with more control at meals. The faint stiffness in his movements that suggested aching muscles. Lucius was training. And he was hiding it. At first, Adrian dismissed it. He¡¯ll give up. He always does. But night after night, Lucius returned. Failing. Falling. Standing again. Tonight was no different. Adrian narrowed his gaze as he watched his younger brother struggle to swing the training sword with shaky arms. His form was sloppy, his stance uneven, but his determination never wavered. The older brother let out a quiet breath, almost amused. "You stubborn fool." He said nothing. He made no move to interrupt. Instead, he simply continued to watch. Watching as his little brother slowly crawled out of his own weakness. Meanwhile, Lucius was reaching his breaking point. His swings were getting slower. His legs were shaking. His magic reserves were running dangerously low. Any more, and he wouldn¡¯t even be able to stand. "Just a little more." But his body didn¡¯t listen. The wooden sword slipped from his hands. His vision blurred. His legs gave out. Lucius collapsed to the ground, his breath ragged, his fingers gripping the dirt in frustration. He clenched his jaw. Weak. Still too weak. For a long moment, he lay there, catching his breath, feeling the cold seep into his bones. And then¡ªhe exhaled. Slowly, he pushed himself up. One more time. And from above, Adrian smirked. "Let¡¯s see how far you go, little brother." Chapter 11: The Offer of a Brother The week passed in silence. Every night, Adrian watched from the shadows as Lucius broke himself in the cold moonlight. Lucius would stumble, fall, heal himself just enough to keep going, and then push even further. Every time Adrian expected him to quit¡ªhe didn¡¯t. And that irritated him. Not because he disliked Lucius. Not because he wanted him to fail. But because this was no way to grow stronger. Lucius was stubborn, yes. But stubbornness alone didn¡¯t create warriors. It created corpses. Adrian had seen men like this before¡ªsoldiers who pushed too hard, too fast, and snapped under the weight of their own ambition. And on the seventh night, he had enough.
Lucius¡¯ breath was ragged. His vision swam. His fingers barely gripped the wooden sword as he forced his body to keep swinging. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. One more. One more. One more¡ª His magic flared weakly, desperately keeping his muscles from collapsing entirely. His legs trembled. His arms burned. Then his body finally gave out. Lucius dropped to one knee, the wooden sword slipping from his grip. He couldn¡¯t move. The world blurred. His magic was drained. His body had reached its absolute limit. Then, a slow clap. Lucius¡¯ eyes widened. A shadow stepped forward from the darkness of the training grounds. Boots crunched against the dirt. And then Adrian stood before him, arms crossed, smirking. "You really are an idiot," Adrian muttered. Lucius tried to stand, but his body refused. Adrian sighed, shaking his head. Then, without warning, he tossed a wooden sword at Lucius¡¯ feet. "Get up." Lucius clenched his jaw, forcing his aching muscles to respond. But his body wouldn¡¯t obey. Adrian crouched down, his smirk fading slightly. "You¡¯ve been training like a madman every night for the past week. Did you really think I wouldn¡¯t notice?" Lucius¡¯ fingers curled against the dirt. He gritted his teeth, refusing to meet Adrian¡¯s gaze. Adrian exhaled. "You have talent, Lucius," he said, voice quieter now. "But talent means nothing if you don¡¯t know how to use it." Lucius remained silent. Then, Adrian did something unexpected. He extended a hand. Lucius blinked. "I don¡¯t offer help twice," Adrian said. "If you really want to get stronger¡ªthen stand up and prove it." Lucius stared at the hand in front of him. His pride screamed at him to refuse. But another part of him¡ªthe part that had struggled alone, fallen alone, risen alone¡ª It wanted to reach out. Slowly, painfully, Lucius grasped Adrian¡¯s hand. A firm pull¡ªand he was on his feet. Adrian smirked. "Alright then, little brother." He turned, resting a wooden sword on his shoulder. "Let¡¯s see if you can keep up." Chapter 12: The Silent Test The night air was cool against Lucius'' skin, but his body burned with exhaustion. His limbs ached, his breath came in ragged gasps, and every muscle screamed in protest. But he refused to stop. This time, however, he wasn''t alone. Adrian stood a few steps away, spinning his wooden sword lazily in one hand. His smirk held amusement¡ªbut his eyes held something else. Expectation. "Go on then," Adrian said, tilting his head. "Show me what you''ve learned." Lucius tightened his grip on the sword. His body protested, his mind screamed that he had nothing left to give. But this was the moment he had been waiting for. With gritted teeth, he charged forward. Adrian never once openly taught Lucius. Instead, he tested him. Every night, Lucius would swing his sword, practice his footwork, push himself to his absolute limits¡ªand Adrian would watch. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. And when Lucius was on the brink of collapse, Adrian would suddenly attack. No warnings. No explanations. A swing too fast for Lucius to block. A strike that sent him stumbling. A movement that forced him to react, adapt¡ªor fail. Lucius didn''t understand at first. "Why aren''t you teaching me properly?" he had asked once, panting, frustrated. Adrian had only chuckled. "I''m already teaching you, idiot. You just don''t realize it yet." If Adrian''s training was silent guidance, then Darius¡¯ training was merciless discipline. Day after day, Lucius endured the brutal drills under the watchful eye of the commander. "Your grip is weak," Darius would snap. "Again." "You''re wasting movement." "Your stance is garbage." "Swing properly, or don''t bother swinging at all." Lucius obeyed. He learned. He improved. But at night, he truly tested himself. With Adrian watching.
One night, after a particularly grueling session, Lucius collapsed onto the dirt, chest heaving. His magic flickered weakly as he healed his trembling muscles. Adrian stood over him, arms crossed. "You still rely too much on magic," he remarked. Lucius frowned. "If I don''t use it, my body won''t last." "That''s the problem," Adrian said. "You''re using magic to heal¡ªbut you''re not using it to fight." Lucius blinked. "What?" Adrian just smirked and turned away. "Figure it out." Lucius stared after him, frustration burning in his chest. But later that night, as he practiced, something clicked. He had been using his magic like a crutch. But what if he used it differently? Not just to heal¡ªbut to reinforce. To strengthen. The realization sent a thrill through his exhausted body. And from the shadows, Adrian smirked. Because this was the real lesson. One that Lucius had to figure out on his own. Chapter 13: A Silent Declaration Lucius sat alone under the moonlight, staring at his trembling hands. "You''re using magic to heal¡ªbut you''re not using it to fight." Adrian''s words had been bouncing around in his head for a week now. At first, he thought he understood. Magic was a tool. He had been using it like a bandage¡ªpatching up his wounds, keeping his body from collapsing, but nothing more. But what did Adrian mean by using it to fight? He thought back to his past life. Magic had never been a weapon for him. He had lived as a scholar, a strategist¡ªsomeone who analyzed battle but never stepped onto the battlefield himself. His mind had been his weapon, not his fists. And now? He was being forced to think like a warrior. And it confused him.
Lucius spent the next week lost in thought, observing, questioning, analyzing. He watched Adrian move, the way his footwork seemed lighter, how his speed was unnatural, how his strikes had force beyond simple muscle strength. And then he paid attention to the knights. Some of them infused their weapons with mana, making them stronger. Others enhanced their bodies, moving faster, hitting harder. It was subtle, almost invisible. Was that what Adrian meant? He focused on his own magic, testing small bursts¡ªtrying to make his fingers lighter, his steps sharper. But the moment he focused too hard¡ªhis magic rejected him. It flared wildly, then dissipated. Lucius frowned. Something was missing. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Determined, Lucius spent the next two weeks experimenting. Every night after training, he pushed his body beyond its limits¡ªjust as before¡ªbut this time, he didn¡¯t heal himself immediately. Instead, he tried to channel his magic into his body. He started with his arms. At first, it was like trying to grab smoke. His magic dispersed, refusing to stay within his limbs. But he kept trying. One night, he felt a flicker of resistance in his muscles. His fingers twitched unnaturally fast, his grip tightening just slightly. The moment he realized it¡ªit vanished. He cursed, but he didn¡¯t stop. Again. And again. Slowly, painfully, he started to understand. Magic wasn¡¯t just about healing¡ªit was about circulation. He had to guide it, not force it. Not control it like an outsider, but let it become part of him. Like breath. Like heartbeat. And on the fifteenth night¡ªhe finally succeeded. His sword felt lighter. His grip stronger. His stance steadier. It wasn¡¯t perfect. But it was a start.
AT NIGHT
Adrian leaned against a wooden post near the edge of the training grounds, arms crossed, watching Lucius with an amused expression. He had been watching for weeks. He had seen every stumble, every mistake, every moment of frustration. And now¡ªhe was waiting. Lucius tightened his grip on the wooden sword. He didn¡¯t ask for a spar. He didn¡¯t need to. Instead, he moved. The first strike came like a whisper through the wind. Lucius lunged, his sword cutting through the night air in a clean, precise arc. It wasn¡¯t brute force¡ªit was speed, fluidity, and control. Adrian¡¯s smirk faded. With a flicker of amusement in his eyes, he sidestepped at the last second. But Lucius wasn¡¯t done. His body twisted, his footwork shifting with newfound agility. His magic pulsed¡ªnot wild, not reckless, but focused. His second strike came faster. Sharper. Adrian raised a brow and lifted his wooden sword to block. The impact was stronger than before. Lucius stepped back, steadying his breath. Adrian tapped his blade against his shoulder, chuckling. "So that¡¯s what you¡¯ve been up to, huh?" Lucius didn¡¯t answer. He simply adjusted his stance¡ªand attacked again. Their wooden swords clashed under the pale moonlight. Adrian no longer held back, meeting each strike with calculated precision. But Lucius was different now. He wasn¡¯t just reacting¡ªhe was adapting. Adrian noticed it immediately. Lucius¡¯ footwork was lighter, his attacks more refined. His magic was no longer a desperate crutch but a seamless extension of his body. Adrian grinned. "He figured it out." The spar continued, the sound of wood against wood echoing through the empty night. Lucius didn¡¯t falter. He didn¡¯t collapse. For the first time¡ªhe kept up. Adrian deflected a strike and stepped back, lowering his sword slightly. Then, he smirked. "Not bad, little brother," he muttered, tilting his head. "Looks like you finally stopped fighting like a corpse." Lucius exhaled, gripping his sword tighter. Adrian let out a short chuckle. "Alright then. Let¡¯s see how far you¡¯ve really come." And with that, he attacked. The real fight had just begun. Chapter 14: Weight of Reality The night air was still. Lucius stood with his wooden sword gripped tightly, his breathing measured, his body tense. Across from him, Adrian rolled his shoulders, his usual smirk still present¡ªbut his eyes had sharpened. For weeks, Adrian had been watching, waiting. Now, it was time to test how much Lucius had truly learned. The spar had started as a game¡ªa mere test of skill. But the moment Lucius had landed a clean strike against Adrian¡¯s shoulder, everything changed. The air grew heavier. Adrian¡¯s smirk faded. "Alright then," Adrian thought, twirling his sword with ease. "Let¡¯s end this."
Lucius barely had time to react before Adrian moved. It was fast. Too fast. A blur of motion¡ªbefore Lucius even registered the attack, his wooden sword was knocked aside, and a sharp strike slammed into his ribs. His body staggered backward, pain flaring in his side. But he gritted his teeth and pushed forward. His magic flared¡ªjust enough to keep his body steady. He adjusted his stance, tried to counter¡ª But Adrian was already gone. A sharp crack!¡ªhis wrist stung as Adrian¡¯s blade knocked his grip loose. Another hit¡ªthis time to his shoulder. Lucius struggled to keep up. He had gotten faster, stronger¡ªbut Adrian was beyond him. Lucius swung wildly, hoping to create an opening. But Adrian saw it. Too predictable. A swift strike to his legs¡ªand Lucius collapsed. Before he could even try to rise, a wooden sword pressed against his throat. The fight was over. Silence stretched between them, only the sound of Lucius'' ragged breathing filling the night. Adrian stared down at him, his gaze unreadable. Then, he sighed and stepped back. Lucius clenched his fists against the dirt. His body ached, his pride burned. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. But more than that¡ªhe felt the gap. No matter how much he trained, how much he pushed himself, Adrian was stronger. Was this what true power looked like? Was this what he had been missing all along?
Adrian sat on a nearby training post, his wooden sword balanced across his lap. His expression was unreadable. Lucius remained on the ground, exhaustion sinking into his bones. Neither of them spoke for a long time. Then, Adrian broke the silence. "You¡¯ve improved." Lucius scoffed, rubbing his sore wrist. "Didn¡¯t seem like it just now." Adrian chuckled, but there was no mockery in his voice. "You kept up longer than I expected. That alone is something." Lucius exhaled heavily, staring up at the dark sky. The stars blinked down at him, distant and unreachable. A question gnawed at him. Something he had never asked before. Why? Why was Adrian helping him? Why was he treating him differently from the others in the house? He hesitated before speaking. "Why are you doing this?" His voice was quiet, uncertain. Adrian was silent for a moment. Then, he sighed. "Because I know something you don¡¯t," he murmured. Lucius turned his head slightly, watching Adrian¡¯s face. For the first time, his older brother wasn¡¯t smirking. "You went into a coma when you were three." Lucius frowned. Adrian didn¡¯t look at him. His gaze was distant, lost in memories. "You tried forming a magic circle before your body could handle it. Most noble children can do it¡ªbut you failed." Lucius'' breath hitched. "Mana Burst." The words were unfamiliar, but the weight behind them was clear. "We thought you would never wake up." Lucius¡¯ fingers twitched. A coma. A failed attempt at controlling mana. He had almost died trying to do something that was expected of him. His entire life, he had thought he was just born weak, just a disappointment to the family. But this¡ªthis changed everything. A question slipped past his lips before he could stop it. "Then why are you helping me ?" Adrian finally turned to look at him. And for the first time, Lucius saw something in his brother¡¯s eyes. A quiet sadness. "Because this house is cruel." Lucius swallowed. Adrian leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. His voice was softer now, stripped of its usual sharpness. "You¡¯re not the only one who suffered, Lucius." "I grew up in this house too. I know how it feels to be pushed aside, to be treated like you don¡¯t belong." His fingers curled slightly. "I never got the love I wanted, the affection I needed. No one ever gave it to me." He exhaled sharply and met Lucius¡¯ gaze. "So I decided¡ªI¡¯d be the one to give it to you instead." Lucius¡¯ breath caught in his throat. The weight of those words sank in. Adrian had never needed to help him. He had never needed to train him. And yet¡ªhe had been there, silently watching, guiding him without expectation. Because he understood. Because he didn¡¯t want Lucius to suffer the same way he had. Lucius sat up slowly, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "You said you never got love¡­ what about our sisters?" Adrian¡¯s expression softened. "Only they loved me." Lucius blinked in surprise. "Selena¡ªour older sister. She¡¯s the reason I¡¯m still standing today." There was something raw in Adrian¡¯s voice now, something deeply buried but never forgotten. "This house tried to break me too, you know." He looked away. "There was a time I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up¡ªbecause no matter how much I tried, I failed. Again and again." His fingers curled tighter around his sword. "But I kept going." Lucius felt his chest tighten. Adrian had failed? His strong, unshakable brother had failed before? "I may not be the strongest in this family," Adrian continued. "But I am part of it." "And if I have to fight to survive, I will." Lucius swallowed hard. Adrian had suffered. He had struggled. He had nearly broken. And yet¡ªhe had never stopped moving forward. Lucius clenched his fists. "So get stronger, Lucius." Adrian¡¯s voice was calm but firm. "So that this house can never break you." Lucius closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply. Then, he nodded. Adrian smirked again, though it was softer this time. "Good." Lucius exhaled, his body still aching from the fight. But his heart¡ª For the first time in a long time¡ª It didn¡¯t feel so heavy. Because for the first time¡ªhe wasn¡¯t alone. Chapter 15: A Hidden Awakening The past two months had reshaped Lucius. Every morning before sunrise, the Commander drilled him like a soldier. His muscles burned as he swung his sword hundreds of times. He ran through the open fields, dodged incoming strikes, and endured brutal conditioning that left him sore for days. The weight of his wooden sword, which had once felt awkward and heavy, now felt like an extension of his own body. And every night, Adrian awaited him. The sparring matches had started as merciless lessons. In the beginning, Adrian cut through his defenses with humiliating ease, knocking him down again and again. Lucius had no choice but to crawl back to his feet, blood pounding in his ears. But he never backed down. And Adrian? He never went easy on him. The training was relentless. Every night, Lucius came back with fresh bruises, his body screaming in protest, but he kept moving. His feet, once clumsy and unsure, grew lighter. His swings, once wild and desperate, became controlled. By the second month, something had changed. Lucius no longer relied on instinct alone¡ªhe studied Adrian¡¯s movements, anticipated his strikes, and countered with precision. His stamina had nearly doubled, his body hardened under the brutal training. The frailty from his coma had vanished. But deep inside, he knew¡ªit still wasn¡¯t enough. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. The weight of his weakness gnawed at him. His strikes had become sharper, his footwork faster. And yet, the gap between him and Adrian remained. A gap he couldn¡¯t close with swordsmanship alone.
That night, after yet another grueling spar, Lucius collapsed onto the dirt, his chest rising and falling with exhaustion. Adrian stood over him, wooden sword resting against his shoulder. "You¡¯re lasting longer," Adrian remarked. Lucius exhaled sharply but didn¡¯t respond. His entire body ached, but he forced himself to sit up. Pain was nothing new to him. Adrian watched him for a moment before turning away. The training was over. Lucius remained seated on the ground, hands resting against the dirt. The cool night air chilled his sweat-drenched skin. He stared at his bruised hands¡ªproof of his effort, of his struggle. He had gotten stronger. He could feel it in the way his muscles no longer trembled under strain, in the way he moved with purpose instead of desperation. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Because strength alone wouldn¡¯t win him battles. Because no matter how fast he was, no matter how skilled his blade became¡ªthere was a limit. His grip on his hands tightened. He had once commanded power that made the world tremble. In his past life, magic had been second nature. It had flowed through him like a roaring river, effortless and unstoppable. But now? Now, he was like a man dying of thirst, standing before an ocean he couldn''t touch. He gritted his teeth. That needed to change. The First Circle had been his first step back into the world of mana. It had taken him weeks to refine, to carve its delicate structure inside his core. But it was only a beginning¡ªa mere fragment of what he once wielded. The Second Circle was his next goal. A circle meant more than just an increase in power. It was a declaration. A step toward reclaiming what was once his. But no one could know. Not the Commander. Not the family. Not even Adrian. His first breakthrough had been unexpected, but now¡­ now, he would forge his path in silence. This power would remain his secret. Lucius exhaled slowly. Then, with newfound determination, he stood. There was no more time to waste. Chapter 16: A Step Beyond Limits The quiet hum of the night filled the empty courtyard as Lucius sat cross-legged beneath the pale glow of the moon. His breath was slow, measured, his hands resting on his knees as he focused inward. Tonight, he would attempt to form his Second Circle. He had done it countless times before¡ªin his previous life, when he was a Seventh-Circle Archmage, shaping mana was as natural as breathing. But in this life, things were different. His body was still young, fragile, and untrained. He had spent the past two months undergoing intense training¡ªsparring with Adrian by day, enduring grueling sessions under the watchful eyes of the Knight Commander in the mornings. His strength had grown, his swordsmanship had improved, but his mana core had yet to catch up. Tonight, that would change. Or so he thought.
Lucius closed his eyes, feeling the gentle flow of mana within him. The First Circle he had formed six months ago thrummed softly at the center of his being, like a flickering ember waiting to ignite into something greater. Slowly, carefully, he began drawing in mana from the world around him. The air shimmered faintly, the energy responding to his will as he guided it into his core. The process of forming a Second Circle required absolute precision¡ªit wasn''t just about absorbing mana, but about shaping it, layering it upon the First Circle in perfect symmetry. He began weaving the structure¡ªthin lines of mana threads intertwining, coiling around his first circle like roots digging into the earth. And then¡ª A sharp pain shot through his chest. His breath hitched. The mana flow staggered, turning unstable. His body trembled, sweat forming on his brow as a splitting headache surged through his skull. Something was wrong. The mana was slipping from his grasp, dispersing chaotically. His muscles screamed in protest, exhaustion from his earlier sparring session dragging him down like a weight. His limbs felt heavy, his mind foggy. He clenched his teeth, trying to force the circle into place¡ª But his vision blurred. Then, with a sudden burst of backlash, the mana violently rebounded inside him. A sharp gasp escaped his lips as he collapsed backward, his chest heaving. His mana core pulsed erratically, rejecting the forced attempt. It was no good. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. His body wasn''t ready.
Lucius refused to give up. The following night, he tried again. This time, he approached it more carefully¡ªconserving his strength throughout the day, limiting his sword practice to ensure he wasn¡¯t pushing his body to its limits. But even with this preparation, his mana still faltered the moment he tried to expand his core. His body had yet to recover fully from the previous night¡¯s backlash, and his attempt ended in failure once more. Lying on the cold stone floor, panting, Lucius gritted his teeth in frustration. His knowledge of magic was unparalleled. His understanding of mana structure was leagues beyond anyone in this kingdom. And yet, this frail body refused to listen. This isn¡¯t working. His hand curled into a fist. He needed a different approach. That¡¯s when it hit him. His body wasn¡¯t in peak condition. His muscles were sore from continuous training, his mana pathways strained and overworked. Attempting to construct something as delicate as a Second Circle while his body was breaking apart was nothing short of reckless. He had been trying to force his way through with sheer willpower, but magic wasn¡¯t just about will¡ªit was about balance. If his body was the issue, then he needed to heal it first.
For the next two days, Lucius did something he hadn''t done in years¡ªhe focused on recovery. He delved into his past knowledge, recalling the minor healing techniques used by mages to enhance physical recovery. While he lacked a proper healing spell, he could at least use mana circulation techniques to stimulate his body¡¯s natural regeneration. At night, he carefully guided warm, soothing mana through his limbs, repairing the strain built up from his training. During the day, he limited his physical exertion, focusing instead on stabilizing his mana core, ensuring that it would be in peak condition before his next attempt. Two days later, his body felt lighter. His mana flow was stable once more. And so, on the fourth night¡ªhe tried again.
Lucius sat beneath the towering oak tree in the courtyard, the night wind cool against his skin. He exhaled slowly, his mind clear, body relaxed. This time, he wouldn¡¯t force it. He would let it happen naturally. Closing his eyes, he reached deep within himself. The First Circle at his core pulsed steadily. Slowly, he began drawing in mana. But this time, he wasn¡¯t in a rush. He let the energy settle, allowing it to naturally expand without resistance. Thin strands of mana wove together, forming the delicate outline of the Second Circle. His breath remained steady, his control absolute. The structure began taking shape, wrapping around the first like the petals of a blooming flower. No pain. No resistance. Just pure, fluid motion. Minutes stretched into an hour. And then¡ª A faint click echoed in his mind. His eyes snapped open, golden embers flickering in his irises. A pulse of mana surged through his veins, stronger than before. The Second Circle had fully formed, its structure stable and complete. He had done it. Lucius exhaled, feeling the newfound power coursing through his body. It was subtle, but undeniable. His mana capacity had doubled, his connection to the arcane deepening. A small, victorious smirk played on his lips. This was just the beginning. No one could know. Not yet. Even Adrian, the only person who knew of his First Circle, wouldn¡¯t be aware of this. For now, he would let them all believe he was still the same weak boy. But deep inside, Lucius knew¡ª He had taken another step forward. And the world wouldn¡¯t be ready for what came next. Chapter 17: The Path Forward Lucius lay on his bed, arms folded behind his head, staring at the ceiling. The Second Circle pulsed quietly within him, its presence undeniable. This was power¡ªrefined, efficient, and under his control. But what was power without purpose? His body had become stronger over the past few months¡ªenduring relentless training with Adrian and the Commander. His swordsmanship had improved drastically, his movements sharper, instincts honed. Yet something still felt¡­ lacking. The Ardentis family was not just a family of knights. They were Magic Swordsmen¡ªmasters of both blade and spell. Their strength did not come from brute force alone but from the perfect balance between mana and martial prowess. And yet¡­ he had never truly fought like one. Lucius had spent his past life as a mage. Magic had been his world. But swordsmanship was physical¡ªsomething he was still getting used to. Still¡­ what if he could combine them properly? What if he could reshape how a Magic Swordsman fought? Most nobles relied on Mana Reinforcement, a crude technique of coating their bodies or weapons in mana to increase strength and speed. It was inefficient¡ªwasting energy instead of truly integrating magic into battle. Lucius wanted more. If he could infuse his sword strikes with the controlled precision of magic, he could achieve something greater than any noble his age. His Second Circle gave him that chance. But before he could think further, a soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Young Master?" The voice of Elise, his personal maid, came from the other side. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Lucius sat up, brushing his hand through his hair. "Come in." The door creaked open, and Elise stepped inside, bowing respectfully before closing it behind her. She was dressed in her usual uniform¡ªpractical yet elegant. Her chestnut brown hair was tied neatly back, her emerald eyes calm and composed. "The Duchess has requested your presence at a family dinner tomorrow evening," she informed him. Lucius raised an eyebrow. Family dinners weren¡¯t unheard of, but they weren¡¯t exactly common either. His father, Duke Magnus, was often occupied with territorial and military affairs. His mother, the Duchess, was more focused on social events and managing noble relations. Which meant¡­ there had to be another reason. Lucius leaned forward. "Did she say why?" Elise hesitated for a moment before responding. "It is in honor of Young Master Adrian¡¯s departure." Lucius blinked. "Departure?" "Yes," Elise nodded. "He will be leaving for the Academy the following morning." Lucius exhaled slowly, absorbing the information. The Academy¡ªthe empire¡¯s most prestigious institution, where noble heirs were trained in combat, magic, and strategy. For many, it was a rite of passage. But for Adrian¡­ it had been a struggle.
Lucius had heard the whispers before. Most noble children formed their First Circle at age 3 or 4, then reached the Second Circle by 8 or 9. By the time they turned 10, the most talented nobles competed in an Empire-wide tournament¡ªa grand event where young warriors clashed in a test of skill, mana, and strategy. The top 10 contenders from this tournament earned direct admission into the Academy. It was the fastest, most honorable path. But Adrian had failed. Eight times. The Academy only accepted students up to age 20, and every year since he turned 10, Adrian had tried and failed to qualify. Now, at 19, he was finally getting in¡ªnot through talent or prestige, but through sheer persistence. Lucius frowned. Adrian¡¯s struggles weren¡¯t because he was weak. He was strong, faster than most, and a solid swordsman. But in a world where magic and bloodline mattered, sometimes effort wasn¡¯t enough. Lucius could imagine the mockery Adrian must have endured¡ªfrom nobles who had entered at 10 or 11, watching him try again and again. Yet Adrian never quit. And now, he was leaving.
Lucius leaned back, fingers tapping against his knee. This changed things. Adrian had been his strongest sparring partner¡ªthe only one who could push him to his limits. With him gone, Lucius would need to find another way to refine his skills. Or maybe¡­ it was time to forge his own path forward. The Academy¡¯s tournament still existed. And if Adrian had failed at 10¡­ then he, Lucius, could not afford to. His power had awakened, but he had only just begun to understand it. The next step would define him. He just had to take it. Chapter 18: A Night of Celebration The Ardentis Palace was unrecognizable. For the first time in months, its vast halls were decorated with golden banners embroidered with the family crest¡ªan intricate sword wrapped in roaring flames. The chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors, and the air carried the faint scent of rare incense. It was a night of celebration. At least¡­ for some. Lucius, standing near the window in his room, let out a slow breath. He was used to seeing this level of grandeur only during imperial visits . But this? This was for Adrian. The brother who had struggled for nearly a decade to enter the Empire¡¯s Academy. Lucius understood the significance of this moment. But he also knew¡­ not everyone in the family saw it that way. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Young Master, may I enter?" It was Elise. Lucius turned. "Come in." The door creaked open, and Elise stepped in, carrying a neatly folded set of clothing. "Lady Selene sent these for you," she said with a small smile. "She thought you should have something special for the occasion." tunic, embroidered with silver linings, along with matching trousers and a black coat adorned with the Ardentis family crest¡ªa silver sword wrapped in flames. ¡°These were sent by Lady Selene,¡± Elise, his personal maid, informed him, adjusting the fabric to ensure it was in perfect condition. Lucius ran his fingers over the embroidery. Selene... she never forgets. Despite the cold nature of the Ardentis household, Selene and Irene had been his only source of warmth when he had first awoken from his coma. For those first two months, they had stayed by his side, ensuring he was comfortable, treating him as their beloved younger brother. Even now, though they couldn¡¯t always be present, their care had never disappeared.
By the time he arrived at the grand dining hall, the banquet was in full swing. The arrangement was the same as always¡ªhis father and mother sat at the head of the long table. To their right was the eldest son, and to their left was the second eldest. The remaining seats were filled in descending order of status and importance. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Lucius¡¯ seat was near the far end. Five months ago, during the last family dinner, he had been completely ignored¡ªhis existence barely acknowledged. Tonight, however, was different. As he took his seat, he noticed Adrian sitting rigidly in place, his expression composed. His dark blue formal attire suited him well, but the tension in his shoulders was obvious. The congratulations had already begun. His mother, the Duchess, smiled warmly. "You did well, Adrian." A simple statement. But for Adrian, it was probably one of the few kind words he had received in years. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Mother." Next was Selene and Irene. "You worked hard for this," They said, offering a rare smile. "Congratulations." Adrian gave a polite nod. "I appreciate it, Sisters." Lucius watched in silence. Then, after a brief pause, he spoke. "Congratulations, Adrian." It was the first time he had ever spoken at a family dinner. His voice was calm but firm. And in that moment, the room briefly fell silent¡ªas if they had just noticed he existed. Lucius wasn¡¯t sure if Adrian was surprised, but his brother turned slightly, nodding in acknowledgment. Then, of course, the mockery began. "Yes, you did great," came a smooth, mocking voice. Lucius didn¡¯t even have to look to know who it was. Cassius Ardentis, the eldest son and heir to the duchy. A prodigy who had formed his Third Circle before the age of 14¡ªa feat considered rare even among noble families. "Only eight failures, and you finally made it in," Cassius continued, a smirk playing on his lips. "Truly, an inspiration for all of us." The second brother, Julius Ardentis, chuckled. "At this rate, maybe in another ten years, you¡¯ll catch up to the rest of us." A few low laughs spread across the table. Adrian¡¯s fingers curled into fists under the table, but his expression remained composed. Lucius felt something stir within him¡ªan unfamiliar sense of irritation. It wasn¡¯t as if he had some deep bond with Adrian, but the way the elders dismissed him so easily... It felt too familiar. And then, the Duke finally spoke. "Enough." His voice was not loud. But it was cold. The mocking laughter stopped instantly, and the entire hall grew silent. Duke Magnus, a man of towering presence, slowly turned his gaze toward Adrian. "You have already shamed our family for too long," he said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Try not to do so again." The words landed like a blade to the throat. Adrian¡¯s face did not change, but Lucius could see the tension in his posture¡ªthe slight tightening of his jaw. And then, in a calm and measured tone, Adrian replied: "Yes, Father." Lucius observed this exchange with a quiet fascination. This was the first time he had seen his father acknowledge Adrian¡¯s existence at all. Not with pride. Not with warmth. But with disappointment and obligation.
The rest of the dinner continued, but Lucius barely paid attention. The dynamic was clearer than ever. His father only cared for Cassius and Julius¡ªthe powerful ones. The ones who had potential. Adrian? He was nothing but a failure in the Duke¡¯s eyes. And Lucius? He wasn¡¯t even considered worth judging yet. For now. Lucius¡¯ fingers tapped lightly against his glass. His father, his brothers¡­ they saw only strength. Then he would show them strength. Not the way they expected. But in his own way. Chapter 19 – The Departure
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the palace as preparations for departure were underway. The Ardentis Estate was far more lively than usual, with carriages lining the courtyard, banners fluttering in the wind, and noble retainers bustling about, ensuring everything was in order. In the center of it all, ten young nobles, the chosen representatives of the Ardentis Territory, stood in their formal attire, their expressions filled with a mix of excitement and tension. Each of them had earned their place in the Empire¡¯s Academy¡ªa privilege granted only to the top ten contenders from every noble territory. Among them was Adrian Ardentis. Unlike the others, who would be traveling in standard academy-bound carriages, Adrian¡¯s status as a direct member of the Ardentis family meant he had his own personal carriage. It was distinct, adorned with the Ardentis Crest¡ªa blazing sword wreathed in flames¡ªetched onto its doors. The carriage, drawn by four powerful black steeds, stood as a symbol of his noble lineage. Yet, despite this honor, Adrian¡¯s presence was met with silence from the people who mattered most. Neither Duke Magnus nor his two eldest sons, Cassius and Julius, had come to see him off. Instead, only Lady Seraphina, their mother, and his two younger sisters, Lady Selene and Lady Irene, were present. Lucius stood a little behind them, observing the moment in silence. For Adrian, this departure should have been a moment of pride. But in truth, it felt more like an escape. At nineteen, he had finally secured his place at the Academy¡ªbut only after eight consecutive failures. His name had been dragged through years of humiliation, overshadowed by the brilliance of his elder brothers. Even now, though he was leaving as an official Academy student, there was no celebration. No recognition. As the last of the luggage was loaded, Adrian turned toward Lucius. ¡°Lucius.¡± Lucius, surprised to be addressed so directly, met his brother¡¯s gaze. Adrian¡¯s blue eyes, usually filled with quiet determination, held something more¡ªa warning. ¡°Listen to me carefully.¡± His voice was low, meant only for Lucius to hear. ¡°You should learn the true Ardentis Swordplay as soon as possible.¡± Lucius blinked. The true Ardentis Swordplay? Everyone knew that Ardentis knights practiced a refined sword style, but the real swordplay¡ªthe legacy of their bloodline¡ªwas a secret art. Only direct family members were allowed to wield it. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Even the strongest knights in their army could not access it. Lucius had never even considered the possibility of learning it. Adrian continued, ¡°It won¡¯t be easy. Getting approval from Marshal Reynard will be difficult.¡± Lucius frowned. Marshal Reynard? Adrian sighed, glancing toward the estate¡¯s training grounds. ¡°You know who he is, don¡¯t you?¡± Lucius hesitated before nodding. Marshal Reynard Ardentis. He was a name spoken with deep respect¡ªand fear. The younger brother of Duke Magnus, he was the second most powerful warrior in the Ardentis Territory, second only to their father. But unlike the Duke, who rarely participated in combat, Marshal Reynard was the true warlord of the family. He was the one who led their armies, the one whom knights and generals feared. Even among Ardentis warriors, his brutal methods and unshakable discipline were legendary. Adrian''s voice grew firmer. "You will have to earn his recognition. And that will not be easy." Lucius felt a chill run down his spine. Earn his recognition? That meant he would have to prove himself to a man who had spent decades perfecting the art of war¡ªa man feared even by veteran knights. Lucius exhaled sharply. "That may be difficult," he muttered. Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Difficult? It may be outright impossible." Lucius looked at him, confused. Adrian smirked. ¡°Because even within the family, no one has ever learned the true Ardentis swordplay without the Duke¡¯s direct approval. And I highly doubt our dear father would allow it.¡± Lucius''s expression darkened. Adrian continued, ¡°But if anyone can force the issue, it¡¯s Marshal Reynard. He is the only one who can challenge Father¡¯s authority when it comes to swordsmanship.¡± Lucius clenched his fists. So that was it. If he wanted to grow, he would have to convince the harshest warrior in Ardentis history to train him.
At that moment, Lady Seraphina stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Adrian¡¯s arm. Her expression was filled with worry, her tone soft yet firm. ¡°Adrian, remember to write home.¡± Adrian hesitated before nodding. ¡°I will, Mother.¡± Lady Selene and Lady Irene, standing beside her, both offered small smiles and words of encouragement. Unlike their brothers, the two sisters had never distanced themselves from Adrian. They had stayed by his side during the first two months of his recovery, speaking to him, bringing him books, and encouraging him when no one else did. Even now, their presence reassured him. ¡°Try not to pick fights with everyone, Adrian,¡± Selene teased, her silver eyes gleaming. Irene sighed. ¡°And try not to break any more bones this time.¡± Adrian let out a short laugh. ¡°No promises.¡± Finally, the head steward signaled for departure. The other nine noble representatives climbed into their respective carriages, each bearing the insignia of their noble houses. Adrian, however, stepped into his personal Ardentis carriage, the crest gleaming in the morning sun. The moment he was seated, the doors shut, and with a command from the coachman, the carriage wheels began to turn. Without looking back, he and the nine others rode out through the gates, heading toward the distant Academy. Lucius remained standing there, watching until the last carriage disappeared over the horizon. His mind replayed Adrian¡¯s words. "The true Ardentis Swordplay¡­" "Marshal Reynard Ardentis¡­" "The second strongest in Ardentis..." Lucius clenched his fists. If he wanted to grow stronger, this was his next step
Chapter 20 – The First Challenge After Adrian¡¯s departure, Lucius dedicated himself fully to training under Commander Darius. However, to his frustration, Darius only taught him basic swordsmanship¡ªfundamental stances, standard strikes, and basic footwork. Lucius quickly realized that Darius saw him as weak, giving him less intense training compared to the other knights. Meanwhile, at night, he focused on strengthening his body to prepare for forming his 3rd Circle as soon as possible. His brothers and father paid no attention to his progress, as if his efforts were meaningless. Despite this, Lucius refused to complain. He practiced tirelessly, determined to prove himself.
After two months of relentless training, Lucius felt stuck. He had built his foundation, but he still wasn¡¯t learning how to fight. One day, after training, he approached Commander Darius and said with a firm voice,"I want to learn how to fight." Darius raised an eyebrow, then smirked."You can barely swing a sword properly. What makes you think you¡¯re ready for combat?" Lucius didn¡¯t flinch. He knew he was still weak, but that wasn¡¯t going to stop him. He needed to improve. Seeing his determination, Darius sighed and finally said,"Fine. I will give you one month. If you can land even a single hit on me during a spar, I will personally train you in real combat." Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The knights around them chuckled. It was ridiculous. Darius was a veteran knight, and his level of swordsmanship¡ªAdvanced Elite¡ªwas far beyond what Lucius could handle. But Lucius accepted the challenge without hesitation.
Lucius now had a goal. If he wanted to win, he had to push himself beyond his limits. His new routine was brutal:
  • Mornings: He continued regular training under Commander Darius.
  • Afternoons: He sparred with lower-ranked knights, trying to gain experience.
  • Nights: He pushed his body beyond exhaustion, strengthening himself for the 3rd Circle.
Lucius quickly realized something¡ªswordsmanship alone wouldn¡¯t be enough. If he wanted to land a hit on Darius, he needed to be faster, sharper, and unpredictable. Instead of just swinging his sword mindlessly, Lucius studied Darius¡¯s movements during training. He observed how the commander shifted his weight, how he adjusted his stance, and most importantly¡ªhe looked for weaknesses.
By the end of the month, the knights started noticing the change in Lucius. He was still weaker than them, but his movements were sharper, his stamina had improved, and most importantly¡ªhis eyes were different. Even Commander Darius had begun to notice. He hadn¡¯t said anything, but Lucius could tell. The way the commander looked at him had changed. It wasn¡¯t disappointment anymore¡ªit was curiosity. The day of the sparring match was now only a few days away. Lucius stood in his room that night, feeling the pulse of his 2nd Circle. He was close to forming the 3rd Circle, but he wasn¡¯t quite there yet. "Just a little more..." He clenched his fists. He wasn¡¯t going to lose. The challenge was set. In a few days, he would face Darius. Would he succeed? Or would he fail like everyone expected? Lucius didn¡¯t know. But he was ready to give it everything he had. Chapter 21 – The Duel That Shook the Knights The training grounds were filled with Ardentis knights, all gathered to witness the most anticipated match yet¡ªLucius vs. Commander Darius. Until now, Lucius was dismissed as weak, someone unworthy of even learning proper swordsmanship. But today, everything was about to change. Darius, a 3rd Circle Mage and an Advanced Elite-ranked swordsman, stood in the center, his stance relaxed but his aura sharp as a blade. Lucius, standing opposite him, gripped his sword tightly. He had trained relentlessly for this moment, pushing his body beyond its limits. The knights watching the match muttered among themselves. "This is just a formality. He won¡¯t last five seconds.""Darius is too fast. The boy hasn¡¯t even trained in real combat.""He¡¯s still weak. He won¡¯t land a single hit." Lucius ignored them. His focus was only on the man before him. Marshal Reynard, the second most powerful figure in Ardentis after Duke Magnus, had taken an interest in this match and was watching from the side. Even he believed Lucius had little chance, but deep down, he was curious.
The Battle Begins "Begin!" a knight announced, stepping back. Darius moved first. A single step, and he was already in front of Lucius. So fast! Lucius barely had time to react before the first strike came. CLANG! He managed to block, but the force sent shockwaves through his arms. Darius didn¡¯t stop. He launched a rapid flurry of strikes¡ªeach one precise, sharp, and aimed to overwhelm. Lucius gritted his teeth and forced himself to move, parrying as best he could. He dodged left. Too slow.Darius¡¯s blade grazed his side. He ducked. Too late.A kick to his stomach sent him skidding backward. Lucius coughed, his vision blurring for a moment. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "I can''t win with power." Darius¡¯s attacks weren¡¯t just strong¡ªthey were masterfully calculated. "Then I won¡¯t fight head-on." Lucius adjusted his stance. Instead of blocking, he started deflecting. When Darius struck downward, Lucius tilted his blade, redirecting the force to the side.When Darius lunged, Lucius sidestepped at the last second. The knights watching stopped laughing. They expected Lucius to crumble immediately, but he was holding his ground.
Darius noticed the shift in Lucius¡¯s movements. "He¡¯s adapting?" Lucius suddenly dashed forward, closing the gap before Darius expected. With a swift flicker of his sword, he aimed for Darius¡¯s shoulder¡ª CLANG! Darius blocked, but for the first time, he was forced to take a step back. The knights murmured. "Did¡­ did he just push Darius back?" Lucius wasn''t just defending anymore. He was attacking. He feinted left, then spun, sending a slash toward Darius¡¯s ribs. The commander barely dodged, his expression tightening. "He''s learning during the fight?"
Realizing Lucius was no longer an easy opponent, Darius decided to end the fight. His sword flashed like lightning. Lucius¡¯s instincts screamed DODGE! But he wasn¡¯t fast enough. Darius¡¯s blade cut through the air¡ªLucius barely managed to block, but the force sent his sword flying out of his hands. The sword landed meters away. A moment of silence. The knights smirked. "It¡¯s over." "He lost." Lucius stared at his empty hands. He had failed. Or so they thought.
As Darius lowered his sword, he felt something strange. A sharp sting. A single scratch on his cheek. A drop of blood fell to the ground. Silence. The knights froze in shock. "Did¡­ did Lucius land a hit?" Marshal Reynard narrowed his eyes. Lucius had attacked even while disarmed? Lucius, in the last second, had flicked a stone from the ground with his foot and launched it toward Darius with precise force. It wasn''t a sword strike, but¡­ it counted. Darius touched his cheek, looking at the blood. Then, to everyone''s shock, he smiled.
Darius turned to Lucius. "I was wrong about you." He sheathed his sword and walked up to Lucius. "From now on, I will personally train you to become the best warrior in Ardentis Knight Order." The knights erupted in whispers¡ª "Did he just acknowledge Lucius?""Unbelievable! He actually won!""No¡­ he didn''t win. But he proved himself." Lucius, breathing heavily, clenched his fists. He wasn¡¯t weak anymore. Chapter 22 – The Path to Strength Lucius trudged back from the training grounds, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. Sweat trickled down his brow, soaking into his tattered tunic. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, yet his mind remained sharp, replaying every move from the fight against Darius. The knights stationed along the path whispered among themselves, stealing glances at him. A weakling noble child landing a hit on Commander Darius? It was unheard of. Even if it was just a scratch, it was a statement. Yet, amidst the murmurs and sidelong glances, one presence stood out. Marshal Reynard Ardentis. The towering man stood near the entrance to the barracks, arms crossed, his sharp gaze locked onto Lucius. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across his face, his silver-streaked hair giving him a presence that demanded respect. He had witnessed countless battles, seen warriors rise and fall, yet something about Lucius intrigued him. "That fight¡­" Reynard¡¯s fingers tapped against his armored forearm. "That wasn¡¯t luck. That boy knew exactly what he was doing. It may have been a small scratch, but against a seasoned warrior like Darius¡­ it was no fluke." Lucius met Reynard¡¯s gaze briefly, but the marshal¡¯s face betrayed nothing. No approval. No disappointment. Just curiosity. "Interesting." Reynard thought. "Perhaps I was too quick to dismiss him." For the first time since Lucius had awoken from his coma, a powerful figure in Ardentis took a real interest in him.
The next morning, Lucius woke up before dawn, his body still aching from the battle. Yet, despite the pain, his spirit burned brighter than ever. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Darius was waiting at the training grounds, his stance rigid as he watched Lucius approach. The air between them felt different today¡ªnot as a mere instructor and a noble child, but as a mentor acknowledging a student¡¯s potential. "You wanted real training?" Darius asked, his gruff voice filled with expectation. Lucius nodded. "Yes." Darius¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. "Then survive this." And so, it began.
Lucius''s Training Routine
From that day forward, Lucius¡¯s days were grueling. Morning to night, he trained relentlessly. Physical Endurance ¨C Carrying weighted logs across the courtyard, running for hours without rest, holding stances for what felt like eternity. His body screamed, but he endured. Sword Techniques ¨C Striking dummies until his arms went numb, practicing forms until the motion became second nature. Combat Awareness ¨C Learning to anticipate movements, finding openings, training his eyes to see not just where an attack would land¡ªbut where it originated. Unlike before, Darius did not hold back. Lucius was no longer seen as a fragile noble boy; he was being molded into a warrior.
One Year Later
Lucius stood in front of the mirror inside his training quarters, staring at the reflection before him. Gone was the weak and frail child who had struggled to lift a wooden sword. His shoulders were broader, his muscles defined¡ªnot just in bulk but in efficiency. Every inch of his body was honed through hardship. At just eight years old, his presence had changed. His once soft features had grown sharper, his eyes burning with newfound confidence. Darius leaned against the doorway, arms crossed as he observed the boy. A smirk played on his lips. "Not bad, kid." Lucius turned, gripping the handle of his sword. He could feel it now¡ªthe strength within him. Marshal Reynard, who had been quietly observing his progress from the shadows, stood atop a distant balcony. He had watched every moment of Lucius¡¯s training. "He¡¯s surpassed expectations." Reynard mused. "No¡­ he¡¯s something else entirely." For the first time, Lucius had carved his place in the world of warriors. His training had only just begun. Chapter 23 – The Unyielding Blade For the past year, Lucius had pushed his body and mind to the absolute limit. Under Commander Darius¡¯s relentless training, he had refined his swordsmanship to an impressive level. From a weak, frail noble child, he had risen to the Adept Rank¡ªa level that most noble children only reached in their mid-teens. But his progress came with a cost. His dream of mastering both swordsmanship and magic had proven to be far more difficult than expected. While his sword skills flourished, his progress in forming his Third Mana Circle stalled. ¡°I can feel the mana inside me, but I can¡¯t stabilize it while focusing on my swordsmanship. Balancing the two¡­ it¡¯s harder than I expected.¡± Unlike most nobles, who prioritized either swordsmanship or magic, Lucius was determined to master both. Yet, as the months passed, he found himself struggling to maintain equilibrium. However, his tenacity had not gone unnoticed. From the shadows, Marshal Reynard Ardentis had been observing his progress. Unlike others, who dismissed Lucius as a weakling struggling to catch up, the Marshal saw something different. ¡°If he continues like this¡­ he may reach a realm beyond what any of us imagined.¡± The yearly Academy Tournament Selections were fast approaching. This was an event where the top 30 noble children (ages 10 and above) from Ardentis Territory were chosen to represent their land and compete for entry into the Empire¡¯s Academy. But Lucius wasn¡¯t old enough to participate. That morning, when he arrived at the training grounds, he noticed an unusual tension in the air. The tournament candidates¡ªnobles trained since childhood¡ªwere all gathered. Their gazes flickered toward him, some filled with curiosity, others with thinly veiled disdain. Commander Darius stood at the center, arms crossed, surveying the young warriors with a knowing smirk. ¡°Today, we will conduct a test.¡± Lucius furrowed his brows. A test? Darius¡¯s sharp eyes landed on him. ¡°Lucius. Step forward.¡± Murmurs erupted among the gathered nobles. ¡°Lucius? That sickly noble boy?¡± ¡°Why is he even being considered?¡± ¡°He¡¯s improved, sure, but is he on our level?¡± Lucius ignored them and stepped forward. His golden eyes locked onto Darius¡¯s without hesitation. The Commander smirked. ¡°It¡¯s time we see how much you¡¯ve grown.¡± Turning to the gathered nobles, Darius scanned them before settling on a red-haired boy with a confident smirk. ¡°Your opponent will be Cedric Hale.¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The tension in the air shifted. Cedric Hale was one of the strongest tournament candidates. At 9 years old, he was already Advanced Adept Rank and had been trained by his father¡ªa famed knight of Ardentis Territory. He was fast, aggressive, and brutal in combat. Cedric rolled his shoulders, a smug grin spreading across his face. ¡°Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d get to spar with you, Lucius.¡± Lucius said nothing. He had watched Cedric train before. His fighting style was relentless¡ªoverwhelming opponents with pure speed and aggression. At the back of the training ground, Marshal Reynard finally spoke. His deep, commanding voice silenced the crowd. ¡°Do not hold back" This is to determine where Lucius truly stands. Lucius took a slow breath and gripped his sword. This is it. The training ground fell silent as the two boys stepped forward. Darius raised his hand. ¡°Begin.¡± Cedric moved first. His sword became a blur as he lunged forward at terrifying speed. CLANG! Lucius barely managed to block, his arms shaking from the sheer force of the strike. But Cedric didn¡¯t stop. He twisted his body mid-air and brought his sword down in a brutal arc. Lucius ducked. The blade whistled past his ear, cutting through the air where his skull had been a moment before. He¡¯s fast. Faster than anyone Lucius had fought before. Cedric pressed forward, his sword flashing as he unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! Each strike pushed Lucius back. ¡°Come on, fight back!¡± Cedric sneered, increasing his tempo. Lucius narrowed his eyes. He could feel his body struggling to keep up. But he had trained for this. He focused. He observed. Cedric¡¯s attacks followed a pattern. A rapid series of slashes, then a half-second pause before shifting his weight for the next barrage. Lucius smirked. ¡°Predictable.¡± The next time Cedric lunged, Lucius sidestepped¡ªjust barely dodging the strike. Then, he struck. BAM! His fist crashed into Cedric¡¯s stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The crowd gasped. Cedric stumbled back, his face twisting in anger. ¡°Tch¡­ lucky hit.¡± Lucius didn¡¯t respond.'' Instead, he raised his sword, his golden eyes burning with an unshakable resolve.
Cedric roared and charged forward once more. Lucius didn¡¯t move. He waited. At the last second, he sidestepped¡ªagain. But this time, he countered. His wooden sword slammed into Cedric¡¯s wrist with pinpoint precision. Cedric¡¯s sword flew from his hands. It hit the ground with a dull thud. Lucius raised his blade and pointed it at Cedric¡¯s chest. Silence. Then¡ª ¡°Enough.¡± Darius¡¯s voice rang through the training ground.
The gathered nobles stared in shock. Lucius had just defeated one of the strongest tournament representatives. But more importantly¡ªhe wasn¡¯t even supposed to be competing. This was merely a test arranged by Commander Darius. No one¡ªnot even the Commander or Marshal Reynard¡ªhad expected him to win. Lucius wasn¡¯t just strong. He was extraordinary. Darius walked toward Lucius, his sharp eyes gleaming with something close to approval. ¡°Not bad,¡± he muttered. But Marshal Reynard¡¯s expression was different. The usually reserved Marshal narrowed his eyes, his mind deep in thought. For the first time, he saw it¡ªLucius had the potential to be more than just a warrior. A rare talent. A potential legend. ¡°He¡¯s more than just ¡®not bad¡¯¡­¡± Reynard thought. For the first time, he considered something that he never expected¡ª ¡°I will teach him the Ardentis Family¡¯s Secret Technique.¡± This wasn¡¯t just a simple sparring match. This was Lucius¡¯s first true acknowledgment. Not as a weak noble. Not as a boy struggling to catch up. But as a warrior who was destined for greatness. Chapter 24 – A Clash of Wills
The grand study of House Ardentis was bathed in the dim glow of candlelight, the warmth of the flickering fireplace barely easing the tension between the two men standing within. Duke Magnus Ardentis sat behind his desk, his golden eyes piercing and unreadable as he swirled the wine in his glass. Across from him, his younger brother Marshal Reynard Ardentis, still clad in his combat attire, stood with squared shoulders and a gaze filled with determination. For a long moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft crackle of burning logs. Then Reynard exhaled sharply. "Lucius was tested today." Magnus raised an eyebrow but remained otherwise composed. "Tested? By whom?" "Commander Darius." At that name, Magnus''s grip on his glass tightened slightly. Reynard continued, his voice firm. "Darius arranged a duel. Lucius fought against the chosen representatives for the Academy Tournament." He met his brother¡¯s gaze. "And he defeated them." For the first time, Magnus¡¯s expression faltered¡ªjust for a second. Then, slowly, he set his glass down with a quiet clink. "Is that so?" Reynard nodded. "He fought like a true warrior, Magnus. He didn''t just win¡ªhe dominated. The knights, the Commander, even the Marshal present¡ªeveryone was in shock. I saw it with my own eyes. That boy has talent." He took a step forward. "I want to train him personally." Magnus scoffed. "Talent?" He shook his head, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. "You speak as if he is some prodigy. Need I remind you, dear brother, that this is the same Lucius who suffered a mana burst at three years old? The same child who fell into a coma for three years, whose body still bears the scars of his own uncontrollable power?" Reynard''s jaw tightened, but he refused to back down. "And yet, despite all that, he still stood his ground today. Despite being younger than all of them, despite having no formal training, he won." His voice was resolute. "You cannot deny what¡¯s in front of you." This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Magnus¡¯s golden gaze darkened. "You believe a mere victory against children makes him worthy of learning the Ardentis Secret Arts? Do you even comprehend what you are asking?" "I have trained warriors for years, Magnus." Reynard¡¯s tone turned sharp. "I know potential when I see it. Lucius is different. He has something no one else does. If given the proper training, he could surpass even Ardian." A flash of irritation crossed Magnus¡¯s face at the mention of that name. "Even Ardian, who formed his magic circle at three, failed eight times before earning his right to enter the Academy." His voice was edged with scorn. "Yet you expect me to believe that Lucius, a boy we once feared would never wield mana properly, is somehow destined for greatness?" Reynard stepped closer, his voice rising. "And what if he is? What if Lucius is stronger than Ardian ever was? Will you keep doubting him just because of his past?" Magnus¡¯s smirk faded. He placed both hands on his desk and leaned forward slightly. "Watch your tongue, Reynard. You may be my brother, but you forget your place." Reynard took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I only forget my place when you refuse to see the truth before you." Magnus abruptly stood, his chair scraping against the marble floor. "Enough. If you believe so strongly in his potential, then let him prove it." Reynard narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?" A slow, knowing smirk curled Magnus¡¯s lips. "If Lucius can defeat Commander Darius in a duel, I will grant you permission to train him in the Ardentis Secret Arts." Reynard''s fists clenched. "That''s absurd!" Magnus tilted his head. "Is it? You claim he has talent. You claim he is ready. Then prove it." Reynard took a step forward, his voice heated. "Darius is a war veteran, Magnus! He has crushed entire armies. You expect a child to defeat him?" Magnus¡¯s smirk didn¡¯t waver. "You may train Lucius however you wish until the duel. If he truly possesses the strength you claim, he will overcome this trial." The weight of the challenge settled between them like an immovable mountain. Reynard wanted to refuse outright, but he knew better¡ªMagnus never changed his mind once he made a decision. After a long pause, Reynard exhaled sharply. "Fine. I accept your terms." Magnus picked up his glass again, taking another slow sip. "Then let us see if our little brother can survive what awaits him.
Chapter 25: The Marshal’s Declaration The clash of steel echoed through the Ardentis training grounds, each strike resonating with unrelenting force. Lucius, his arms aching from the repeated drills, stood his ground against Commander Darius, the man personally entrusted with training the knights of House Ardentis. Darius¡¯s sword came down with crushing weight, forcing Lucius to brace himself, his muscles straining against the impact. Sweat dripped down his brow, but his feet refused to move back. The watching knights murmured amongst themselves. "The boy is holding up well..." "Still, he''s nowhere near Cassius or Julius at that age." "A failed noble, yet he dares to wield a sword? Hah." Lucius ignored them. Doubt had no place in his mind. And then¡ª A cold, suffocating pressure swept over the training grounds. A heavy silence fell. The knights stiffened. Some instinctively straightened their backs as if standing before a superior officer. Darius, who had never once faltered in battle, immediately stepped aside. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Lucius, still catching his breath, felt the weight of an imposing presence behind him. The kind that could command entire battlefields with a single word. He turned. And there stood Marshal Reynard Ardentis. His uncle. A man spoken of in legends. The one who had personally trained only two warriors before him¡ªCassius and Julius. The one who had refused countless others. The one who had never wasted words. For the first time, Reynard¡¯s piercing gaze settled on Lucius. Cold. Unreadable. Judging. And then, he spoke. "From this day forward, you will train under me." It was not a suggestion. It was not a test. It was a decree. The entire training ground stood in stunned silence. Eyes widened. Mouths hung open. Shock rippled through the knights like an earthquake. "The Marshal... chose him?!" "Impossible! He has only ever trained two¡ªCassius and Julius!" "Even Duke Magnus agreed?" Lucius remained still. He could feel the weight of their gazes. The disbelief. The doubt. But he did not question it. He did not ask, "Why me?" He did not hesitate. His hands tightened around the sword hilt. His exhaustion, his aching limbs¡ªnone of it mattered. Only one thing did. The chance to grow. To wield his blade with purpose. To step forward. Reynard studied him for a moment longer, his gaze betraying nothing. But in the depths of his cold, steel-like eyes, there was something else. Lucius met his gaze head-on. No words were needed. And so, with the same chilling authority, the Marshal turned and walked away. "Your training begins at dawn." Lucius exhaled slowly. The storm had begun. Chapter 26: The First Lesson The first light of dawn barely crept over the horizon when Lucius arrived at the training grounds. The air was crisp, carrying the distant clang of steel from knights already sparring. The stone-paved courtyard, reserved for the elite warriors of House Ardentis, felt vast and empty with only two figures standing at its center. Marshal Reynard Ardentis was waiting. Lucius had never been alone with his uncle before. He had seen him from afar, heard whispers of his cold, ruthless training methods, and witnessed the warriors he molded into legends. But standing before him now, under the piercing gaze of the Marshal, felt like standing in the eye of a storm¡ªcalm, but undeniably dangerous. Lucius straightened his posture. His body still ached from the previous day¡¯s duels, but he did not falter. He knew what was at stake. Reynard examined him, his expression unreadable. His presence alone was suffocating, a heavy force pressing down on the boy¡¯s shoulders. He finally spoke, his voice cutting through the morning silence like a blade. "Drop the sword." Lucius hesitated, gripping the hilt of his weapon instinctively. Reynard¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Did I stutter?¡± Lucius slowly released the sword, letting it fall to the ground with a dull clatter. The Marshal stepped forward. "From this moment on, forget everything you think you know about fighting. You are not a swordsman. You are not a noble. You are nothing." Lucius clenched his fists. Nothing? Reynard continued, circling him like a predator assessing prey. ¡°Your body is weak. Your technique is sloppy. Your endurance is laughable. You rely too much on defencive magic, which¡ªwhile it might work against children¡ªwill get you killed against real warriors.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Lucius bit the inside of his cheek but said nothing. ¡°Darius defeated you in an instant yesterday. If that had been a real battle, you would be a corpse.¡± Reynard stopped in front of him, towering over him. ¡°And yet, you dare to believe you deserve my training?¡± Lucius forced himself to hold Reynard¡¯s gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t ¡®believe¡¯ anything,¡± he said. ¡°I will earn it.¡± A slow, amused breath left Reynard¡¯s lips. It wasn¡¯t a smile, but it was the closest thing Lucius had ever seen from him. ¡°Then we begin.¡± In the next instant¡ª Lucius¡¯s world flipped upside down. Pain exploded across his chest as Reynard struck him with his palm, sending him skidding across the stone floor. The impact rattled his bones, knocking the air from his lungs. Before he could recover¡ªanother strike. Reynard moved with inhuman precision, striking Lucius¡¯s leg, his ribs, his shoulder¡ªeach blow knocking him off balance before he could even react. Lucius gasped, his vision blurring. He¡¯s not using a weapon¡­ He¡¯s not even using his full strength¡­ And yet¡ª He couldn¡¯t land a single hit. Reynard¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Stand.¡± Lucius forced himself up, his body screaming in protest. Another blow. Back to the ground. Again. And again. An hour passed. Lucius had stopped counting how many times he had fallen. He tasted blood in his mouth. His hands were raw from scraping against the rough stone. His body felt as if it had been trampled by a warhorse. Yet¡ª He still got up. His vision swam, but he pushed himself onto his knees, then his feet. Reynard watched him with an impassive gaze. He had seen countless warriors break under lesser training. Lucius should have collapsed by now. But instead¡ª He kept rising. Slowly. Painfully. Stubbornly. The boy¡¯s amber eyes burned with something feral¡ªsomething dangerous. Reynard finally spoke. ¡°Good.¡± Lucius panted heavily, but he did not break eye contact. He would not yield. Reynard¡¯s gaze lingered on him, as if reassessing. Then, without another word, he turned away. ¡°Training is over for today.¡± Lucius almost collapsed from relief but forced himself to remain standing. Reynard paused before walking off completely. "Tomorrow will be worse. If you cannot handle it, do not bother showing up." Lucius wiped the blood from his lip. He would be here. No matter how much it hurt. No matter how much he had to endure. He would be here. Chapter 27 - The Weight of Endurance Nightfall The moonlight poured through the cracks in the high stone walls of the training hall, casting long shadows over Lucius¡¯s exhausted form. He sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, his body aching from the merciless training session under Marshal Reynard. His shirt, soaked in sweat and dirt, clung to his skin, and bruises marked his arms and chest like ink on parchment. But he was not done yet. With slow, deliberate breaths, Lucius focused on his mana flow. His core pulsed with energy, and he could feel the two magic circles inside him humming like restrained storms. Tonight, he would form the third. He clenched his fists, channeling his remaining strength into shaping the next layer of his power. His body, however, did not respond. His limbs trembled, not from lack of control¡ªbut from sheer exhaustion. The brutal training had pushed him past his limits, draining not just his stamina but the very foundation of his being. Mana needed a stable body to take form, but his body was battered beyond recognition. Lucius grit his teeth. No. Not yet. I can still push forward. He forced the energy to condense, but his vision blurred, and the burning sensation in his core turned into a sharp, excruciating pain. The mana, unstable and wild, lashed out from within, tearing through his veins like fire. Damn it! His chest tightened, his breathing became ragged, and in that moment, his body shut down. Lucius collapsed onto the stone floor, his consciousness slipping into darkness. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Drip¡­ Drip¡­ Cold water splashed against his face. Lucius¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and he found himself lying on the hard training ground. Above him, Marshal Reynard¡¯s expression was as cold and unreadable as ever. The morning sun barely illuminated his sharp, battle-hardened face. ¡°You have ten seconds to stand up,¡± Reynard said flatly. Lucius gritted his teeth and pushed himself up with trembling arms. His body screamed in protest, but he refused to remain on the ground. One second. His muscles felt like lead. His breath came in ragged gasps. Three seconds. He pressed his palm against his knee, using whatever strength he had left to rise. Five seconds. Pain flared in his ribs, a dull ache from yesterday¡¯s strikes, but he ignored it. Seven seconds. With a final push, he stood¡ªbarely, but he stood. Reynard nodded once. ¡°Good. Now run.¡± Lucius blinked. ¡°¡­Where?¡± Reynard¡¯s cold, golden eyes locked onto him. ¡°Until I say stop.¡±
Lucius ran. With every step, his body protested. The cuts on his arms stung, his shoulders ached, and his legs threatened to give out. But he did not stop. The knights watching from the sidelines exchanged uneasy glances. It was clear Lucius was barely holding himself together, yet Reynard never told him to stop. The morning turned into midday. Lucius''s legs burned, his lungs screamed, but he pushed forward. Sweat soaked his clothes, but the only sound he made was his steady, controlled breathing. And then¡ªfinally¡ªReynard raised his hand. ¡°Stop.¡± Lucius stumbled, his knees nearly giving way, but he forced himself to remain standing. His body begged for rest, for healing¡ª But Reynard¡¯s cold voice cut through the silence. ¡°If you even think about healing yourself, you are not fit to be a warrior.¡± Lucius froze. His fingers, which had instinctively started gathering mana for recovery, stopped mid-air. Reynard¡¯s gaze was sharp, his words like steel. ¡°A real warrior does not rely on magic to cover weakness. If you cannot endure this pain, you are unworthy of the sword.¡± Silence hung in the air. The watching knights shifted uncomfortably. Lucius, however, did not argue. He released his gathered mana, letting the pain remain. Reynard observed him for a long moment before nodding. ¡°Good.¡± And then, without another word¡ªtraining resumed. Lucius gritted his teeth, steadied his stance, and prepared himself. Because he would not fall. Not yet. Chapter 28: The Path of the Blade The past month had been nothing short of hell for Lucius. Grueling physical training from dawn to dusk, relentless drills that pushed his body past exhaustion, and a strict regimen that left no room for weakness. His body had been torn apart and rebuilt, his endurance pushed to its absolute limits. Yet, through it all, he had not touched a sword. Until today. As the sun began to dip behind the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds, Marshal Reynard finally handed Lucius a sword. The weapon was simple but well-crafted, its weight balanced perfectly in his grip. Not a ceremonial blade, not a noble¡¯s ornament¡ªthis was a warrior¡¯s tool. ¡°Infuse your mana into it,¡± Reynard ordered, his deep voice cutting through the evening air like a blade. Lucius took a slow breath, focusing his mana. It flowed through his arm and into the sword, causing the blade to faintly hum, its edge shimmering slightly. At the center of the training ground stood a wooden post, worn but sturdy. Reynard stepped back, arms crossed. His sharp gaze locked onto Lucius. ¡°Strike it with your full power.¡± Lucius tightened his grip and swung. CRACK! The blade bit deep into the post, cutting through nearly halfway, but the momentum faded before it could split completely. Lucius narrowed his eyes. Not enough power. A murmur rippled through the knights observing the scene. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a deep cut for a first strike.¡±¡°Most recruits barely make a dent their first time.¡± The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. One man, however, remained silent¡ªSir Darius, the Knight Commander. His steely gray eyes locked onto Lucius, unreadable. He had almost split a reinforced wooden post in one swing? Lucius exhaled sharply, shifting his stance¡ªbut before he could prepare for another strike, Reynard¡¯s voice rang out once more. ¡°Swing it again. Keep going until you cut it in two.¡± Lucius gritted his teeth and raised his sword. THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! Sweat dripped from his forehead. His arms burned with each strike. The post slowly chipped away, his blade slicing deeper each time. And then, on the eighth swing¡ª CRACK! The post split in two and collapsed onto the ground. For a moment, silence filled the training grounds. The knights stared in disbelief. Most of them required three strikes to do the same¡ªand Lucius had done it in just eight. Lucius panted, his body soaked in sweat, his hands raw and trembling from the repeated impact. His knuckles were red, dirt clinging to his skin. Sir Darius¡¯s expression remained neutral, but his eyes flickered with something close to shock. "This boy¡­ he''s improving at an unnatural rate." But before Lucius could catch his breath, Reynard spoke once more, his tone as cold as ever. ¡°Your swordsmanship training will begin when you can cut it in one swing.¡± A sharp inhale spread through the knights. One swing? That was something only elite warriors could do¡ªknights who had trained for years. Even Darius¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°One swing? That¡¯s¡­¡± Reynard turned away, his next words cutting through the air like a blade. ¡°You have two months.¡±¡°If you can¡¯t do it by then, never show your face to me again.¡± The air turned heavy. Lucius stood frozen, the exhaustion momentarily drowned out by the sheer weight of those words. The knights exchanged uneasy glances. Even Darius, who had witnessed countless recruits rise and fall, felt something unsettling about this declaration. ¡°Marshal Reynard actually expects him to accomplish that?¡± Lucius slowly looked down at his trembling hands, his body screaming in protest. But his eyes¡ªhis deep amber eyes burned with something else. Not fear. Not doubt. Determination. Sir Darius watched him closely. This boy should be afraid. He should be overwhelmed. He should be on the verge of breaking. But instead, Lucius simply tightened his grip on the sword. He¡¯s not going to break. He¡¯s going to fight. Lucius exhaled sharply. Two months. One strike. He had no choice. Chapter 29: The Struggle for Strength The sun barely kissed the horizon when Lucius stood at the training grounds, his body already aching from the previous day¡¯s exertion. Yet, he was not allowed to rest. His mentor for now¡ªCommander Darius¡ªwatched him with a sharp, unreadable gaze. Marshal Reynard had made it clear: until Lucius could cut the post in one swing, he was not worthy of his training. And so, in his absence, Darius had taken up the responsibility of shaping him into a warrior. Darius¡¯s voice was calm but firm. ¡°Again.¡± Lucius gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on the sword, his knuckles turning white. His muscles screamed in protest, but he swung at the wooden post with all his might. The blade struck cleanly, slicing through but stopping just before the halfway mark¡ªjust as it always did. Darius sighed. "Your durability has improved. Your grip is stronger than before. But your blade is still weak, Lucius. Your form is still lacking.¡± Lucius took a step back, breathing heavily. He had known this¡ªfelt this. His endurance had skyrocketed in just one month. Where he once collapsed after a single day of training, now he could endure the relentless drills without faltering. But strength alone wasn¡¯t enough. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Again.¡± Lucius steadied himself. He swung. Again and again. Each strike was more refined, yet still insufficient. After hours of relentless striking, Darius motioned for Lucius to take a stance. ¡°Enough of that. Let¡¯s see if you can handle a real opponent.¡± Lucius barely had time to raise his sword before Darius was upon him. The commander¡¯s strikes were calculated and swift, forcing Lucius onto the defensive almost immediately. Steel clashed against steel, the weight of Darius¡¯s attacks sending shockwaves through Lucius¡¯s arms. Each attack was meant to expose his weaknesses. His grip wavered at the wrong moments. His footwork was inconsistent. His breathing¡ªtoo erratic. Darius swept his legs out from under him, sending Lucius sprawling onto the dirt. ¡°Again.¡± Lucius gritted his teeth, pushing himself up. Again. And again. And again. Darius never praised him, never encouraged him¡ªonly corrected him. And yet, he never treated him as weak, either. Unlike others, Darius had acknowledged Lucius¡¯s potential from the beginning. He had seen something in him before even Reynard had. And he expected him to prove it.
By the time night fell, Lucius was beyond exhausted. His muscles screamed with every movement, his palms raw from gripping the sword. His breathing was heavy, and sweat drenched his training clothes. Yet, as soon as he was alone in his room, he sat cross-legged on the floor and closed his eyes. He had no time to rest. He focused inward, reaching deep within himself, toward his mana core. Two circles. That was all he had. Two circles weren¡¯t enough. He couldn¡¯t cut through the post because his magic¡ªhis power¡ªwas still too weak. He needed more. Gritting his teeth, Lucius began attempting to form his third magic circle. The process was painful, grueling. Every time he tried, his mana scattered, unable to condense into the shape he needed. Again. His body trembled, sweat dripping down his face. Again. He felt a sharp pain in his chest. The strain was immense. Again. And yet, every time he tried, he failed. Lucius opened his eyes, gasping for breath. The candlelight flickered around him, casting long shadows across the room. Failure Again. His time was running out. He had two months. Two months to cut through that post in a single swing. And at this rate¡­ he would never make it. Chapter 30: A New Resolve

One Month of Stagnation

The clash of steel against wood echoed through the training grounds. Lucius¡¯s sword slashed through the training post¡ªbut only halfway. Again. He gritted his teeth, his arms trembling from the force of the impact. Sweat dripped from his forehead, soaking into his tunic. One month. That¡¯s how long he had been swinging his sword at the same post, and still, he could only cut through it partially. The knights training nearby had noticed his efforts. At first, they dismissed him. A young noble struggling against a wooden post? Nothing impressive. But as the days passed, they couldn¡¯t help but take an interest. His progress was undeniable. "He¡¯s gotten stronger," one of them murmured, watching Lucius draw his blade back. "Yeah¡­ I remember when he could barely hold that sword after waking from his coma," another added. "And now look at him." Lucius, however, heard none of their words. He was too focused. Swing. Clash. Halfway. Again and again. His arms ached, his fingers raw from gripping the hilt. But no matter how many times he tried, he couldn¡¯t split the post in a single stroke. He knew why. Mana. His magical force was lacking. No matter how strong his body became, his mana simply wasn¡¯t enough to complete the strike. And so, every night, he tried to break his limits. Alone in his chamber, he sat within a magic formation, pushing his mana to condense into a third circle. And every night, his body rejected it. His mana spiraled wildly, shattering before it could fully take shape. The pain was excruciating, like his very being was tearing apart. Days passed. Weeks passed. Failure. Over and over. Yet he refused to stop. The knights, at first amused, now watched in awe. "Does he ever take a break?" "Not once," another knight answered. "He trains until his hands bleed, then starts again the next morning." "That¡¯s¡­ terrifying." Even the senior knights, those who had mocked his struggles, now spoke of Lucius with something close to respect. But to Lucius, none of this mattered. He had only one goal. He needed to break through.
One evening, after another grueling day of training, Lucius found himself standing beside Commander Darius, the man who had been guiding him in Marshal Reynard¡¯s absence. The usual clatter of swords had died down. Most knights had left the grounds, though a few remained, still sparring under the torchlight. For a while, neither spoke. Then, Lucius broke the silence. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Commander... is it even possible for me to cut the post in one strike within the next month?" Darius studied him, his sharp gaze unreadable. Then, with a deep sigh, he crossed his arms. "Look, Lucius... you¡¯ve come a long way." His voice was calm but heavy with meaning. "Two years ago, after waking from your coma, you were weak. Frail. But now? You¡¯ve built a strength even knights would respect." Lucius clenched his fists. He knew he had improved. But¡­ "Then why can''t I cut through it?" His voice held frustration. Darius stepped forward, his tone turning firm. "Because strength alone is not enough." The commander turned toward the post, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "Cutting that post in a single stroke requires more than just muscle. It demands concentration. Precision. And most importantly¡ªmana." Lucius frowned. "So it¡¯s impossible with my current strength?" Darius shook his head. "It is possible. But not the way you''re trying." The knight commander unsheathed his sword, holding it in front of Lucius. "Listen carefully, Lucius. Simply infusing mana into your blade won¡¯t cut through that post. It¡¯s not about making your sword glow or strengthening the metal." A moment later, a faint aura shimmered around his blade. It was not fire, ice, or lightning. It was something deeper¡ªsomething invisible yet undeniably sharp. Lucius¡¯s eyes widened. Darius spoke slowly, ensuring every word sank in. "This is what we call ¡®Sword Aura.¡¯" He turned to face Lucius fully. "The higher a swordsman¡¯s mana power, the stronger their aura becomes. At its peak, an aura blade can cut through steel as if it were paper." Lucius stared at the faint glow surrounding Darius¡¯s sword. "Then¡­ how do I create one?" Darius sheathed his weapon. "That¡¯s where your problem lies, Lucius." He crossed his arms, looking directly at him. "A proper sword aura can only be formed by a third-circle mage." Lucius stiffened. Darius, unaware of Lucius¡¯s secret, continued. "Yet somehow, you can already cut halfway through the post as a mere one-star mage. That alone is impressive." Lucius kept his expression blank. He wasn¡¯t a one-star mage. He was already at the second circle. But if even Darius believed it was impossible without reaching the third circle¡­ then there was no doubt about it. He had no choice. He needed to break through. No matter what.
The dim candlelight flickered against the stone walls of Lucius¡¯s chamber, casting long, jagged shadows. The night was silent, save for the faint rustle of his slow, steady breaths. He sat cross-legged on the cold floor, his sword resting beside him. His eyes were closed, his body motionless, but within him, a storm raged. Darius¡¯s words repeated in his mind like an unrelenting mantra. "A proper sword aura can only be formed by a third-circle mage." Lucius clenched his fists. That was the wall before him. The threshold he could not cross. He had already formed his first mana circle shortly after waking from his coma. At that time, his body had been frail, his magic mere embers in the wind. The first circle had taken him months to construct¡ªgathering mana, compressing it into a ring of power within his core. His second circle had been different. By then, his body had grown stronger, his endurance hardened through training. The formation of the second circle had been grueling, but the knowledge from his past life had guided him. He had grasped the balance, drawing mana into his core and stabilizing it into a second, stronger ring. With it, his magic had grown sharper, his control more refined. But now¡­ The third circle eluded him. Lucius exhaled, his breath steady as he reached deep into himself. He could feel his two mana circles spinning within his core, perfectly balanced yet incomplete. Like twin celestial bodies caught in orbit, they hummed with energy, pulling in the mana around him. He needed one more. A third ring to complete the foundation of his power. His mind sharpened. He directed his mana, willing it to compress, to condense into the shape of a third circle. The mana obeyed¡ªswirling, forming the early structure of a ring. It trembled, fragile but present. His heart pounded. This was it. He pushed harder, pouring everything into the process. The circle thickened, the lines of power becoming clearer, more refined¡ª Then, suddenly, his body rejected it. A sharp, searing pain erupted in his core. Lucius gasped, his body lurching as if struck by a hammer from within. His muscles seized, his mana spiraling out of control. He gritted his teeth, struggling to hold it together¡ª But the structure shattered. Mana lashed through his body like an explosion of needles, tearing through his nerves. He collapsed forward, his hands slamming onto the stone floor, his breath ragged. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his vision blurring. Failure. Again. Lucius sucked in a breath, his fingers digging into the cold ground. He had felt it¡ªthe edge of the third circle. It was within reach, just beyond his grasp, yet his body refused to accept it. He knew what he lacked now. His mana wasn¡¯t the problem. His endurance wasn¡¯t the problem. His body itself was not yet ready. Lucius sat back, exhaling sharply. His arms were trembling, his muscles aching from the backlash. He had been too impatient. His body was still adapting to the physical training. His core was trying to keep up, but it had not yet fully adjusted. If he kept forcing the third circle, he would destroy himself. But waiting was not an option. He had one month. He needed another way. His gaze flickered to the candle beside him. The tiny flame danced and flickered, but it did not waver. Lucius narrowed his eyes. He needed absolute control. If his body could not handle the third circle yet¡­ he would force it to evolve. Chapter 31: A Forgotten Path Lucius lay on his bed, staring at the wooden beams of the ceiling, his mind drowning in frustration. One month. That was all the time he had left. His body had grown stronger¡ªhis grip had improved, his endurance had surpassed what he thought possible¡ªbut no matter how much he trained, he couldn¡¯t form the third circle. Every night, he meditated, trying to push his mana beyond its current limits. He could feel the third circle¡ªjust out of reach, taunting him¡ªbut his body simply wouldn''t accept it. Something was missing. He clenched his fists, his breath slow and controlled. There has to be a way. As exhaustion settled over him, a memory stirred¡ªa conversation from his past life. A voice¡ªlight, teasing, yet undeniably intelligent¡ªechoed in his mind. "Do you know how to improve your mana power or form a new circle faster than anyone?" Lucien Velkaris¡ªthe name he once carried¡ªhad scoffed at the question. He had been at the height of his power, feared and revered as the strongest archmage of the empire. What use did he have for shortcuts? "Why would I need to know? I am already the strongest archmage of the empire," he had replied, his tone arrogant, dismissive. The woman before him had sighed dramatically, folding her arms across her chest. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Elara Lysandria. A prodigy of magic theory, a researcher with a mind so sharp it left scholars in awe. She worked directly under the Emperor as one of the leading magical theorists in the empire¡ªyet despite her brilliance, she remained untouched by arrogance. She was highly intelligent, yet so clean and innocent, someone who genuinely sought to advance magical knowledge for the world¡¯s sake rather than for power or recognition. A rare kind of purity in a world filled with schemers and ambition-driven minds. And of course, she was the one person in the empire who had the gall to tease him, Lucien Velkaris. Elara smirked, golden eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just listen, oh mighty strongest archmage." Lucius could still remember the flicker of amusement in her expression, the way she leaned in as if sharing some grand secret. "If you meditate with absolute focus¡­ to the point where you can force your soul to separate from your physical body, you can form a mana circle¡ªeven if your body isn¡¯t ready." Lucien had raised a brow at that. "That¡¯s ridiculous. The soul and the body are connected. Trying to feel mana without the body is impossible." Elara had merely chuckled. "Of course, it¡¯s impossible. But¡­ if the ¡®strongest archmage¡¯ says it¡¯s impossible without even trying, then who am I to argue?" Lucien had frowned at her sarcasm, crossing his arms. "Then why even mention it? If it¡¯s impossible, it¡¯s useless." Elara¡¯s playful expression softened, and for a rare moment, her voice turned serious. "Because magic isn¡¯t just about what we know, Lucien. It¡¯s about pushing past what we believe to be true. Even if something seems impossible, that doesn''t mean it is. It just means no one has succeeded yet." Lucien had scoffed at the time, waving her off. "You and your unproven theories." But now¡­ Now, Lucius sat up, his heart pounding. That was it. The soul and the body are connected, but if I can force my soul to step beyond my physical form¡­ then maybe I can bypass my body¡¯s limitations. It was a risky, unproven theory. If he failed, he could be left permanently crippled in his mana growth¡ªor worse. But if it worked¡­ Lucius clenched his fists. Elara had said it was just a theory. Something she had never tested, something she wasn¡¯t even sure was possible. But she had believed in possibilities. And now, so would he. He had no choice. Lucius exhaled, steeling himself. This was the only path forward. He would succeed¡ªor he would break trying. Chapter 32: The Abyss of Memories
The Experiment Begins Lucius grabbed a fresh sheet of parchment from his desk and began writing furiously. Step 1: Deep meditation¡ªEmpty the mind, let mana flow freely. Step 2: Separation of the soul¡ªFocus on detaching from the physical body. Step 3: Maintaining awareness¡ªEven if mana is imperceptible, the mind must remain stable. Step 4: Attempt to form the third circle within the soul¡¯s detached state. He stared at the words, knowing that this was a dangerous path. No records in history spoke of someone achieving this method. But he had no time for caution. He sat back down, controlled his breathing, and closed his eyes.
The first night, he concentrated for hours. Nothing. The second night, he pushed harder, attempting to will his soul out of his body. Still nothing. By the third attempt, exhaustion hit him like a wave, leaving his body trembling. His head pounded, his mana reserves fluctuated wildly, but he refused to stop. Each failure led to new observations, which he meticulously recorded. "I can feel a pull¡­ that means it''s possible. I just need to understand how to control it." By the fifth night, he could sense something tugging at his soul, a faint pull that felt like a thread unraveling from his existence. It was small progress, but progress nonetheless. By the end of the first week, he knew one thing: This wasn¡¯t something he could brute-force. He had to let go.
On the tenth night, he changed his approach. Rather than forcing separation, he focused on releasing his awareness, surrendering himself to the void. His breathing slowed, his mind drifted. Stolen novel; please report. Then¡ª His vision blurred. For a brief moment, he saw himself from the outside. His body sat cross-legged, eyes closed, completely still. Shock hit him, and he snapped back into his body, gasping. His chest rose and fell rapidly. Cold sweat dripped down his back. But he had done it¡ªeven if only for a second. That night, he made more notes than ever before. He was close.
By the fourteenth night, Lucius sat motionless, the candlelight flickering beside him. He took a deep breath. His heart slowed. His breath became shallow. His thoughts emptied. Then¡ª He was free. His body sat lifeless, but his consciousness floated above it. Lucius felt weightless, unchained from his physical limitations. His mana no longer felt bound by flesh. Power surged through him, wild and untamed. Then¡ª Pain. Memories came flooding back. His past life unfolded before his eyes. He saw his rise as an 8th Circle Archmage, the halls of the Imperial Academy, the admiration of scholars, the whispered praise of nobles. Then¡ª The accusations. The betrayal. The execution. The Emperor had not even looked him in the eye. His disciples, his allies¡ªthey had all abandoned him. Then, he saw him. Regent Aldric Valstane. Once his closest friend. Now his executioner. Lucius watched as his past self stood, bound in chains, before the empire¡¯s highest court. The nobles he once protected sat in silence. Then, the final blow. The cold steel of an enchanted blade piercing his heart. Pain unlike anything he had ever known shot through his soul. His consciousness shook violently. Instinct told him to flee, to escape. But then he realized¡ª "I have to endure it." His mind screamed at him to retreat, to break free from the torment. But he clenched his fists¡ªno, his very soul¡ªand forced himself to stay. He let the memories drown him. He let the betrayal sink in. He endured the searing agony of death once more. And as he endured¡ª Something shifted within him. His mana swirled violently, forming something new. His very essence expanded, the once rigid structure of his second circle beginning to warp and transform. Then¡ª His vision snapped back. He gasped, air flooding his lungs. His eyes shot open, and he found himself staring at the ceiling of his chamber, drenched in sweat. He had returned. But now he understood. "If I want to reach the third circle¡­" "I must endure it all¡ªtill the very end."
Chapter 33: Echoes of a Forgotten Past The next night, after another grueling day of training, Lucius sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes closed, body still aching from the relentless practice. He had tried and failed countless times to separate his soul from his body, yet he knew he was getting closer. His memories were resurfacing¡ªsome sharp as a blade, others hazy and distorted. Tonight, he would go deeper. Drawing a slow breath, he focused all his will, feeling the mana flowing through his body. The familiar warmth of his two mana circles pulsed inside him, but he pushed past them, reaching for the third. His consciousness wavered for a moment before a strange sensation washed over him¡ªhis body felt weightless, detached. Then, his vision blurred.
Lucius found himself standing on the cold, rain-soaked streets of a city bathed in twilight. A boy¡ªno older than six¡ªhuddled in a filthy alleyway, his ribs showing through his torn clothing, his small hands clutching his empty stomach. He watched as people walked past, their eyes avoiding the child as if he were invisible. He knew this scene. He had lived it. That child was him¡ªLucien Velkaris. An orphan. A nobody. He remembered the endless nights of hunger, the bitter cold seeping into his bones, the hopelessness of watching the world move on without him. He had nothing, no one. Until... A figure appeared at the entrance of the alley. A man with graying hair, dressed in fine robes that fluttered in the wind. Headmaster Alden Reinhardt¡ªthe principal of the Imperial Magic Academy. His keen eyes held neither pity nor contempt, only curiosity. "What an unusual sight... a starving child with eyes so sharp they could cut through steel," Alden mused, stroking his beard. Lucien didn''t respond. He had learned long ago that people either ignored you or used you. But Alden knelt before him, studying him closely. "Tell me, boy... what do you know of magic?" Lucien¡¯s lips trembled. Magic was a force he had only heard of in passing¡ªa power reserved for the nobility, the privileged. Something untouchable for someone like him. "Nothing," he admitted, expecting the man to leave. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Instead, Alden smiled. "Then you have much to learn." And just like that, his life changed forever.
The scene shifted again. Lucius saw himself at the academy, buried under mountains of books, his fingers stained with ink. His mind, once starved for food, now hungered for knowledge. Unlike the noble-born students who studied for status, Lucien devoured every piece of information with relentless curiosity. Spells, ancient theories, magical formations¡ªhe absorbed them all. He remembered the sleepless nights of training, the countless failures, the burn of mana exhaustion. He had no talent, no powerful lineage. Only raw determination. And yet, he had surpassed them all. From a street rat to the youngest Archmage of the Empire. But his rise had not come without enemies. The scene darkened. Shadows loomed over him¡ªwhispers of treason, accusations of heresy. His genius, once celebrated, had become a threat. Then came the trial. He stood in the imperial court, bound by enchanted chains, the eyes of the nobles filled with scorn. The Emperor¡ªhis so-called benefactor¡ªgazed down at him, impassive. "Lucien Velkaris, you have been found guilty of treason, conspiracy, and the practice of forbidden magic." "Do you deny these crimes?" He clenched his fists. "You know these accusations are false." The Emperor remained silent. The verdict was already decided. Then, a familiar voice rang out¡ªa voice filled with anguish. "You can''t do this! You all know he''s innocent!" Lucius'' heart clenched as he saw her. Elara Dainhart. His only true friend. A researcher, a scholar, and the only one who had never turned her back on him. She stood before the court, her normally composed face twisted with fury and grief. "He built the magical foundations you now use! He defended this empire with his own hands! And you repay him like this?!" "Enough!" Regent Aldric Valstane¡ªthe man who had once been Lucien¡¯s closest ally¡ªstepped forward, his expression cold. The very person who had orchestrated his downfall. "This is not a debate, Scholar Dainhart. The Empire cannot tolerate a mage whose power rivals the throne itself." Lucien felt the blade press against his neck. And then¡ª Darkness.
Lucius gasped as the scene shifted once more. A dimly lit chamber. A woman kneeling before his lifeless body. Elara. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched his cold hand, her voice trembling. "I will not accept this..." "I will not let them erase you." She placed a glowing crystal against his forehead, her hands shaking. "Even if the world curses me... even if I must break every rule... I will bring you back." "And this time, you will be strong enough so that no one can ever betray you again." Lucius'' breath caught in his throat. "Was my reincarnation... Elara''s doing?" The realization struck him like a thunderbolt. Everything¡ªthe strange pull he felt toward magic, the fragments of his past life resurfacing, the sheer unnatural force behind his rebirth¡ªall of it pointed to one possibility. Elara had sacrificed everything to bring him back. But why? And at what cost? His vision blurred, and his soul snapped back into his body. His eyes shot open, his heart pounding. For the first time since waking in this new life, he felt truly afraid. Chapter 34: The Price of Rebirth The night was silent, save for the faint rustling of the wind against the wooden walls of Lucius¡¯ room. The faint glow of a candle flickered beside him, casting long shadows that danced across the worn wooden floor. He sat cross-legged, his breaths steady but his mind storming with turmoil. The revelation from the night before still weighed on him like a phantom pressing against his chest¡ªElara had played a part in his return, but to what extent? Had she merely searched for a way, or had she succeeded? There was only one way to find out. Lucius shifted his posture, placing his hands gently on his knees, his fingers slightly trembling. He inhaled deeply, allowing the cool air to fill his lungs, then exhaled, focusing inward. The flow of mana pulsed through him, an invisible current guiding his consciousness deeper. His two mana circles spun with a faint glow, vibrant yet untamed, like a storm barely contained beneath the surface. His attention wasn¡¯t on the mana itself, but rather on the fragile thread connecting his soul to his physical form. He had barely succeeded in detaching from his body before¡ªnow, he would push further. The world around him faded. His limbs grew numb, his heartbeat slowed, and for a moment, he felt weightless. Then, like stepping into an abyss, he fell.
When Lucius opened his eyes, he was no longer in his dimly lit room. Instead, he stood within a vast chamber, lined with towering bookshelves and ancient artifacts glowing faintly with mana. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, decorated with floating sigils that pulsed with arcane energy. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and burning incense. A sensation of familiarity settled over him like a heavy cloak. He knew this place. Elara¡¯s private laboratory. A soft hum of mana vibrated in the air, resonating with the intricate carvings along the walls. Scrolls and tomes lay open on a grand wooden table, their pages covered in hastily scribbled notes and complex diagrams. Strange, glowing runes floated above an iron cauldron, their inscriptions shifting as if alive. This room had once been a sanctuary of knowledge¡ªbut now, it was a tomb of desperation. Then, he saw her. Elara Dainhart. She stood before a massive crystal, her delicate hands pressed against its surface. Her long silver hair, once pristine, was now tangled and unkempt. Her once bright blue eyes were darkened by exhaustion. Shadows pooled beneath her eyes, and her normally pristine robes were wrinkled and stained with ink, soot, and dried blood. She looked as if she hadn¡¯t slept in days. Weeks. Maybe longer. Lucius¡¯ breath caught in his throat. "Elara..." She didn¡¯t respond. This wasn¡¯t real. This was a memory. He turned his gaze to the crystal¡ªand his own lifeless body lay within. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. His features were eerily still, frozen in time beneath the thick layer of translucent mana-infused stone. His silver hair floated around his face, his lips slightly parted as if caught mid-breath. His fingers were curled into loose fists, as if even in death, he had refused to surrender. "Wake up¡­ Please, Lucien, wake up..." Elara¡¯s voice cracked, and her knees buckled. She caught herself against the altar, her shoulders trembling violently. "You promised me... You said you''d never let anyone best you... So why...? Why won''t you wake up?" Lucius clenched his fists. He wanted to reach out, to tell her he was here, alive¡ªbut he knew. The past could not be rewritten. For days, weeks, months¡ªshe fought against fate. He watched as she poured over forbidden texts, her hands shaking as she traced symbols onto parchment. She defied the laws of magic, bending the very fabric of the world in pursuit of a single miracle. He saw her carve runes into her own skin, sacrificing her essence to fuel spells beyond mortal comprehension. Each attempt took a part of her, breaking her bit by bit. But Lucien Velkaris never opened his eyes. And so, she believed she had failed. Lucius exhaled sharply, his chest tightening. She hadn¡¯t failed. She had succeeded. But he had been reborn years later¡ªlong after she had given up hope. The memory shifted. Elara was no longer in her lab. She stood within the grand courtroom of the empire, her hands bound by enchanted chains. Her wrists were bruised, her robes torn, yet she held her head high. Defiant. Unyielding. Before her, the same council that had condemned Lucien to death now stared down at her with cold, detached expressions. "Elara Dainhart, you stand accused of practicing forbidden magic and attempting to defy the laws of life and death. How do you plead?" A tense silence filled the grand hall. Then, she lifted her head, her gaze burning with quiet fury. "Guilty." Gasps echoed through the chamber. "Do you understand the severity of your crimes?" "I understand it better than anyone." The emperor sat upon his gilded throne, impassive, watching the proceedings unfold. The same man who had sentenced Lucien to die now held her fate in his hands. "Then do you have any final words before your execution?" She smiled¡ªa sorrowful, broken smile. "I would do it all again." Lucius¡¯ vision blurred. The memory shifted one final time. He stood amidst a silent crowd. A familiar execution platform loomed before him¡ªthe same one where he had once stood, awaiting death. Elara was led forward. Her face was pale, but her expression remained unreadable. There was no fear. Only quiet acceptance. No allies spoke for her. No friends pleaded on her behalf. The world had abandoned her. Lucius tried to look away, but the memory held him captive. He saw the executioner raise his blade. Then¡ªthe blade came down.
Lucius gasped as he snapped back into his body. The moment his consciousness slammed back into reality, he doubled over, his breath ragged. His chest heaved, his hands trembled, sweat dripping from his brow. His mind reeled, heart hammering against his ribs. "Elara was killed trying to bring me back." She had given up everything. Her freedom, her life¡ªjust to give him a second chance. And she never even knew she had succeeded. His hands curled into fists, nails digging into his palm. His body tensed, his vision darkened as anger flooded through him. He had already been angry at the empire. At those who had betrayed him. But this... This was different. The cold hatred that had lingered in his heart¡ªthe quiet, calculating thirst for revenge¡ªwas now an inferno. "The Emperor. The nobles. Aldric Valstane. Every single one of them will pay." His resolve solidified into something unbreakable. "I will kill them all." Not just as an Archmage. Not just as a sorcerer. This time, he would be more. Magic alone hadn¡¯t saved him before. He needed power beyond that. Strength that no one could challenge. "I will master the sword and magic alike." He clenched his fists, feeling the mana thrumming in his veins. "And I will reach the Third Circle in one week. Even if it kills me." The determination in his eyes hardened. He would not waste the second life Elara had given him. Chapter 35: The Price of Power
The night was heavy with silence. The moon, a pale witness to Lucius¡¯ relentless pursuit of power, shone dimly through the frost-laced windows of the Ardentis estate. The training grounds, once filled with the sound of clashing swords and the grunts of knights, now stood eerily still. But within one of the chambers of the estate, a storm raged¡ªone of ambition, of desperation, of suffering. Lucius Ardentis had abandoned all hesitation. His body ached from the brutal training sessions. His arms burned, his muscles screamed in agony, and his sword hand was blistered and raw. He had spent hours upon hours slashing, thrusting, parrying¡ªrepeating the same movements until exhaustion swallowed him whole. But exhaustion was a luxury he could not afford. He had made a promise to himself. He would become stronger. Stronger than anyone. When he had finally collapsed from sheer fatigue, he had only given himself a moment¡¯s rest before dragging himself back inside. The 3rd Circle. He had to reach it. He had no choice. If he wanted to claim his destiny, if he wanted to stand above those who betrayed him, he had to shatter the limits of his own existence. He had already come close before. He had already touched the veil of his soul, dancing on the edge of something greater. But every time he detached, every time he drifted into the void of his past memories, he would snap back at the same moment¡ªthe moment of Elara¡¯s execution. Her face. Her tears. Her trembling voice as she clutched his lifeless body, whispering, "I will bring you back." The image ripped him apart inside. Each time he attempted to endure it, to push past the anguish, he would feel his soul recoil¡ªhis very essence refusing to accept that truth. The pain was more than physical. It was deeper. Sharper. A wound that had never healed, one that festered in the dark crevices of his heart. But tonight, he would not turn away. Tonight, he would conquer his own mind.
Lucius sat cross-legged, his breath slow and steady, his thoughts sharpened to a deadly point. He detached from his body, slipping into the ethereal plane of his own consciousness. The weightlessness took hold, and within moments, he found himself drifting once again¡ªpulled back into the memories of his past. The cold, dark chamber. The execution hall. The sound of chains rattling. He saw himself again¡ªLucien Velkaris, bound in iron, kneeling before the Emperor¡¯s court. The accusations rang out like thunder, each word hammering deeper into his soul. "Treason." "Forbidden magic." "A danger to the Empire." And then, the final betrayal. The voice that once spoke to him as a friend, now delivering his sentence. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. "Lucien Velkaris, you are hereby sentenced to death." Lucius clenched his fists. Even now, in this fragmented memory, he could feel the betrayal sinking its claws into him. He could feel the phantom weight of the chains that had bound him. Then came Elara. She had fought. She had screamed. She had pleaded. "You¡¯re all making a mistake! You don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re doing!" She had been ignored. And then, he had died. The memory blurred, shifting forward in time. This was where Lucius had always been pulled away before. But not tonight. Tonight, he endured. He watched as Elara fell to her knees beside his lifeless corpse, her hands trembling as she cradled his head. She refused to accept his death. Tears streaked down her pale face, her once brilliant mind shattered by grief. She had spent years as a researcher, pioneering new theories of magic¡ªbut none of them mattered anymore. None of it meant anything if she couldn¡¯t bring him back. "This isn''t over," she whispered, her fingers tightening around his robes. "Even if I have to break every law¡­ Even if I have to burn this world down¡­ I will bring you back, Lucien." She had done everything. She had used every ounce of knowledge, every forbidden spell, every dangerous ritual. For years, she tried, pouring her life into a single purpose. But Lucius¡­ Lucius had already been reborn. And Elara never knew. She thought she had failed. And the Empire, the same Empire that had murdered Lucien, had branded her a criminal. The trial had been swift. They had called her a heretic, a danger to the world. And just like him, she was executed. Lucius'' soul trembled. She had died for him. And yet, here he was¡ªalive. She had given everything, and he had never even known. Lucius snapped back into his physical body with a jolt. His breath came in ragged gasps, his vision blurred, his body drenched in sweat. His heartbeat was erratic, his veins pulsing with the raw force of mana coursing through him. But he had done it. For the first time, he had endured the full weight of his past. And for the first time, he felt no hesitation. Elara had brought him back. At the cost of her own life. His goal was no longer just revenge. It was justice. It was retribution. The Empire would fall. His body shuddered violently, and suddenly¡ªthe third mana circle began to form. His consciousness wavered, but he clung to the sensation. The ring of energy coiled around his core, solidifying, expanding, locking into place. He had done it. He had reached the Third Circle. And then¡ªagony. His body convulsed as a violent surge of power crashed into him. The raw force of his newfound mana overwhelmed his mortal shell. Lucius clutched his chest, gasping, his fingers trembling. Blood spilled from his lips as his body rejected the power he was not yet ready to contain. His heart pounded erratically, his muscles spasming under the immense strain. Pain unlike anything he had ever felt before tore through him, and in an instant, everything went black.
The next morning, the estate awoke to chaos. Elise, the young maid assigned to Lucius, had entered his room to deliver his morning tea¡ªonly to find him collapsed on the floor, unconscious, blood staining his lips. Panic erupted. She screamed, dropping the tray as she rushed to his side. His skin was deathly pale, his breathing weak. The priests were summoned. Lady Selene and Lady Irene, his sisters, rushed in moments later, their faces stricken with terror. His mother was next, her heart nearly stopping at the sight of her son lying lifelessly on the bed. "My baby¡­ my son!" she sobbed, clutching his hand. The priests worked tirelessly, but even they could not wake him. "His body is stable, but his mind¡­ his soul¡­ he is in a deep coma," one of them said gravely. The news spread like wildfire. From the Ardentis household to the entire territory, whispers of Lucius'' collapse reached powerful ears. Commander Darius was in disbelief. Marshal Reynard felt a strange sense of regret. And Duke Magnus¡­ did not care. "Let the boy die if he is weak." That was all he said.
Chapter 36: A Conversation with the Past Darkness. Lucius opened his eyes, only to find himself standing in a void¡ªendless and silent. There was no sky, no ground, no walls. Just an abyss stretching infinitely in all directions. A feeling of weightlessness filled him, yet he felt bound, as if something unseen was holding him in place. Then, like ripples in still water, images began to appear. First, the memories of Lucien Velkaris. A child, alone in the slums, scavenging for food in the harsh winters. A young boy, staring in awe at a mage casting a simple spell, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes. An older man, donned in a mage¡¯s robes, pouring over endless tomes in the grand library of the Imperial Academy. A rising prodigy, standing before nobles who sneered at his lowborn origins. Lucien¡¯s life unfolded before him¡ªthe struggle, the triumphs, the betrayals. He watched himself rise to the pinnacle of magic, becoming an Archmage of the Empire, only to be betrayed, accused, and executed. The memories blurred together, and then¡ª A different set of memories overlapped. The childhood of Lucius Ardentis. Born into nobility, yet ignored and underestimated. The cold gaze of his father, Duke Magnus. The quiet warmth of his mother and sisters. The mocking sneers of his elder brothers. The endless training, pushing himself beyond limits. Lucius saw it all¡ªhis two lives interwoven, running parallel like twin rivers before finally colliding. Then, a new presence emerged. A warm glow illuminated the void, dispersing the darkness around him. From the light, a man stepped forward. Lucius'' breath hitched. It was himself¡ªor rather Lucien Velkaris. The man before him had the same sharp features, the same amber eyes burning with intensity. His long, dark hair flowed behind him, and his robe shimmered with the faint traces of arcane power. But unlike the broken, betrayed man he remembered before his death, this Lucien stood tall, composed, powerful. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Lucius took a step back, his mind spinning. ¡°This¡­ This isn¡¯t real,¡± he muttered. Lucien chuckled, his voice calm yet commanding. ¡°Isn¡¯t it? Tell me, Lucius¡­ do you even know what is real anymore?¡± Lucius clenched his fists. ¡°What are you?¡± Lucien tilted his head. ¡°I am you. And yet, I am not. I am the past that forged you. The will that shaped you.¡± He took a step forward. ¡°But the question is¡ªwhat is your will?¡± Lucius narrowed his eyes. ¡°You already know what I want,¡± he said coldly. ¡°Power.¡± Lucien smiled, but there was no warmth in it. ¡°Power? Didn¡¯t we have that in our past life? Weren¡¯t we the strongest Archmage in the Empire?¡± Lucius felt his chest tighten. ¡°Then tell me,¡± Lucien continued, stepping closer. ¡°Did it save us? Did our power protect the ones who mattered?¡± Lucius remained silent. Lucien¡¯s gaze turned sharp. ¡°Elara. She dedicated her life to us. She brought us back. And what happened to her?¡± Lucius'' hands trembled. ¡°She was executed. Branded a criminal. And all because she tried to defy fate for us.¡± Lucius grit his teeth. The truth stung like a blade. Lucien''s voice softened. ¡°If power alone was the answer, then why did we lose everything?¡± Lucius'' mind whirled. His whole life¡ªboth lives¡ªhad been spent chasing strength. He had pushed himself relentlessly, training his body, mastering magic, obsessed with growing stronger so that no one could control him again. But Lucien was right. Power alone had not been enough. A bitter laugh escaped Lucius¡¯ lips. ¡°Then what do you expect me to say? That I should give up? That I should stop seeking strength?¡± Lucien shook his head. ¡°No. You need strength. But you need more than that.¡± Lucius frowned. ¡°More?¡± Lucien stepped forward and placed a hand on Lucius'' chest. A surge of warmth spread through him¡ªpowerful, overwhelming, but not just magic. Something else. "Resolve. Purpose," Lucien said. "You are no longer just Lucien Velkaris. You are Lucius Ardentis. Your past life does not define you. Your suffering does not define you. Your vengeance does not define you." Lucius'' breath hitched. "Then what does?" he asked. Lucien smiled. "You decide that for yourself." Silence filled the void. Then, Lucien stepped back. The glow around him intensified, and for the first time, Lucius noticed something¡ªLucien was fading. Lucius'' eyes widened. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Lucien let out a small laugh. ¡°I told you. I am the past.¡± His gaze softened. ¡°But you¡­ you are the future.¡± Lucius felt something warm stir in his chest¡ªa deep, burning energy. Lucien extended his hand. ¡°Take it. Take everything I was¡ªall my knowledge, all my power. I lived my life in pursuit of magic. But now, it is your turn.¡± Lucius hesitated for only a second before gripping Lucien¡¯s hand. A surge of immense power flooded through him. His body trembled, his veins burned as if his soul itself was being reforged. This was it. He was absorbing not just magic, but will, experience, wisdom¡ªeverything Lucien Velkaris had been. Lucien¡¯s figure flickered, his form dissolving into golden light. His final words echoed in the void¡ª ¡°Don¡¯t let Elara¡¯s sacrifice be in vain.¡± Then, light consumed everything. Chapter 37: A Mothers Tears Eight hours passed. The flickering candlelight barely illuminated the somber chamber, casting long, eerie shadows along the walls. The once vibrant warmth of the Ardentis estate felt hollow¡ªas if life itself had paused. Inside the dimly lit room, three figures remained by the bedside of the unconscious Lucius. His mother, Lady Seraphina Ardentis, sat at the edge of his bed, her hands trembling as she clutched Lucius'' cold fingers. Her once radiant emerald eyes were dulled with grief, her face pale, and dark circles marred her delicate features. She had not moved from that spot since her son collapsed. Beside her, Selene and Irene, his two sisters, stood with sorrow-stricken expressions, watching over their mother with concern. ¡°Not again¡­¡± Lady Seraphina whispered, her voice raw and fragile. Her gaze never left her son¡¯s still form. His chest barely moved, his skin was unnaturally pale, and his body had been eerily unresponsive for hours. It was too familiar¡ªtoo painful. She had almost lost him before, and now¡­ Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gripped his hand tighter. ¡°Why? Why must my son suffer like this?¡± ¡°Mother, please¡­¡± Selene placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, her own eyes filled with barely restrained tears. ¡°He is strong. Lucius will wake up.¡± Lady Seraphina shook her head, her voice shaking. ¡°No, I should have protected him better. I should have taken care of him. If only I had been there, if only I had done more¡­ my poor child¡­¡± Irene knelt beside her mother, embracing her tightly. ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t blame yourself. It¡¯s not your fault.¡± ¡°But it is!¡± Lady Seraphina cried, her grip on Lucius¡¯ hand tightening. ¡°He has always been alone in this house. Ignored, abandoned¡­ and I let it happen! I let them treat my son like he was nothing!¡± Selene bit her lip, her own emotions threatening to spill over. It was true¡ªLucius had always been the forgotten child, the one cast aside by their father, overshadowed by their elder brothers. And despite their love for him, they had failed to protect him from the pain of loneliness. Irene stroked their mother¡¯s hair soothingly. Silence fell upon the room. The flickering candlelight continued its slow, rhythmic dance. The only sound was the faint crackling of fire in the hearth and the quiet, choked sobs of Lady Seraphina. Then¡ª A sudden, shallow breath broke the stillness. The fingers beneath Lady Seraphina¡¯s trembling hands twitched. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. A faint stir, the slightest movement. And then¡ªhis eyes fluttered open. For a brief moment, the world was blurred, colors shifting between darkness and light. Lucius'' golden eyes slowly adjusted to the dim surroundings. His body felt¡­ different. Stronger. No pain. No weakness. He was back. ¡°...Mother?¡± The soft, hoarse whisper sent a shockwave through the room. Lady Seraphina froze. Her breath hitched, her tear-streaked face twisting with disbelief. Irene and Selene¡¯s heads snapped toward their brother, eyes wide with pure shock. Lucius was awake. ¡°Lucius¡­?¡± Lady Seraphina whispered, her voice trembling. Lucius blinked at her, confusion flickering in his gaze. But before he could speak again, his mother lunged forward and enveloped him in a crushing embrace. ¡°My son! My baby! You¡¯re awake! You¡¯re alive!¡± The dam broke. She sobbed into his shoulder, holding him as if she would never let go. Her entire body trembled, her hands clutching at him desperately. Lucius sat frozen, stunned by the sheer intensity of his mother¡¯s embrace. ¡°Mother¡­¡± Lady Seraphina clung to him tighter. ¡°I thought¡ªI thought I lost you again,¡± she choked out. ¡°I was so afraid. I was so afraid that you would never wake up.¡± Lucius¡¯ chest tightened. He had always known his mother loved him, but this¡­ this overwhelming desperation, this pure grief and relief¡ª It was something he had never truly felt before. He lifted his arms slowly and wrapped them around her. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mother,¡± he murmured softly. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± But Lady Seraphina shook her head violently. ¡°No! It¡¯s not alright! I should have done more! I should have protected you¡ªI should have never let you suffer alone!¡± Selene wiped her tears and knelt beside them. ¡°Lucius, you collapsed so suddenly¡­ You were barely breathing for hours. We feared the worst.¡± Irene clutched his hand tightly. ¡°You¡¯re not leaving us, Lucius. Ever.¡± Lucius exhaled slowly, his fingers curling into his mother¡¯s back. He had lived two lives. He had seen betrayal, pain, and death. But in this moment, as his family held him close, as his mother sobbed into his shoulder, he realized something profound. This warmth¡ªthis love¡ªwas something he had never truly embraced in his past life. He had always chased power, believing it was the only thing that mattered. But here, in the arms of his mother and sisters, he understood. Power meant nothing if he had no one to protect. A small, almost imperceptible smile crossed his lips. ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he whispered, his voice filled with newfound resolve. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡± Lady Seraphina pulled back slightly, cupping his face with trembling hands. Her emerald eyes, still shimmering with tears, searched his face as if to reassure herself he was real. ¡°My son¡­¡± she whispered. Lucius gently wiped a tear from her cheek. ¡°I promise, Mother. I will be fine.¡± Selene let out a shaky breath, smiling through her tears. ¡°That¡¯s a first¡­ You never reassure anyone, Lucius.¡± Lucius chuckled, voice still weak but steady. ¡°Perhaps I should start.¡± Irene narrowed her eyes. ¡°And you are NOT moving from this bed.¡± Lucius arched a brow. ¡°I feel fine¡ª¡± ¡°No.¡± Irene¡¯s stern gaze froze him in place. Selene crossed her arms. ¡°She¡¯s right. You are not moving. We¡¯re calling the priest.¡± Lucius sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t need¡ª¡± Lady Seraphina placed a hand on his chest, her expression fierce. ¡°You will rest.¡± Lucius blinked, completely thrown off by the unyielding tone in her voice. She had always been gentle, delicate in her love. But now, there was no room for argument. Lucius sighed in defeat. ¡°¡­Fine.¡± Selene and Irene exchanged victorious glances. ¡°We¡¯ll summon the priest at once,¡± Irene said. ¡°You will rest for two full days,¡± Selene added. Lucius sighed again, but deep down, a quiet warmth filled him. He had always walked this path alone. But maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe didn¡¯t have to anymore. Chapter 38: The Strike That Shook the Manor The midday sun hung high above the training grounds, casting long shadows over the soldiers who swung their swords in rhythmic precision. The clanking of metal against metal echoed in the vast yard as knights sparred, their grunts of effort lost amidst the clashing sounds of steel. Lucius stood at the edge of the training grounds, his gaze fixed on the familiar wooden post at the center. Two days of rest had done nothing to dull his determination. If anything, the fire in his eyes burned even stronger. Commander Darius, who had been supervising the knights, turned as he caught sight of Lucius. A rare smile formed on his lips as he stepped forward. "So, the little monster wakes again," Darius said with a chuckle. "I was beginning to think you had a habit of collapsing on us." Lucius gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. There was no playful response this time, no words of banter¡ªonly unwavering focus. Darius noticed the difference but said nothing. Instead, he watched as Lucius began his usual physical training, pushing himself harder than ever before. The boy had always been relentless, but today, there was something else¡ªsomething different. His movements were sharper, his stance firmer. Marshal Reynard had also been observing from afar. Lucius''s aura was different today. It wasn''t just strength¡ªit was refinement, as if something deep inside him had changed. As midday arrived, Lucius finally picked up the sword, his fingers wrapping around the familiar hilt. He walked towards the wooden post¡ªhis final test. Darius, who had gone back to training the knights, glanced toward him with mild curiosity. He had seen Lucius strike the post dozens of times before. The boy always managed to cut deep, but never enough to split it in half. This was an impossible task for his age. "What was Reynard thinking, giving him such an absurd challenge?" Darius thought. A Third-Circle Mage could barely wield an Aura Blade at the age of 21 to 27¡ªeven among nobles. Lucius was only nine. He was about to return his focus to the knights when¡ª A blinding flash of silver cut through the air. It was too fast. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Too clean. Before anyone could process what had happened, a resounding crack echoed through the training ground. The wooden post split in two. Lucius stood frozen in his stance, his sword still glowing faintly, shimmering with an eerie silver hue. The energy surrounding the blade flickered like lightning before fading into nothingness. A hush fell over the training ground. No one spoke. Darius''s eyes widened. He slowly turned his head toward the severed post, his mind racing to understand what had just happened. "Did he¡­ just cut it?" One of the knights took a hesitant step forward, his breath caught in his throat. "H-He did it¡­ he actually did it¡­" The murmurs began. "Did you see that?" "He used Aura Blade¡ªat nine years old!" "That¡¯s impossible¡­ right?" The disbelief rippled through the gathered knights, each of them struggling to comprehend what had just occurred. Marshal Reynard, who had been watching from a distance, finally began walking toward Lucius. His expression was unreadable, but his gaze was intense, locked onto the young boy standing in front of the split wooden post. Reynard had given this task as a test of willpower¡ªto see how far Lucius could push himself before giving up. But never, not even in his wildest expectations, had he believed that Lucius would actually succeed. And yet¡­ he had. And not just that. Lucius had awakened an Aura Blade.
The knights were still frozen in shock when one of them finally whispered: "Has there ever been a warrior who could wield an Aura Blade at the age of nine?" The answer was clear. Never. Not even in the ancient legends of heroes and mythical warlords. Lucius finally exhaled and straightened his stance. His hands still trembled slightly from the force of the strike, but he felt a deep satisfaction inside him. He had done it. Darius took slow steps forward, placing a hand on the boy¡¯s shoulder. He was at a loss for words. "You¡­" He swallowed. "You¡¯ve just done something that defies everything we know about swordsmanship." Lucius simply nodded, his face calm. He expected this result. Marshal Reynard finally stopped a few feet away, his piercing eyes analyzing Lucius in a new light. For the first time in his life, Reynard was truly shaken. "Is this boy truly only nine?" He had trained Cassius. He had trained Julius. He had trained dozens of nobles and warriors, each with immense potential. None of them had ever shown something like this. The event spread like wildfire throughout Ardentis Manor. The knights couldn¡¯t stop talking about it. Servants whispered the news through the halls. The guards outside the Duke¡¯s chamber hesitated before knocking on the door. Duke Magnus Ardentis, who had never once paid attention to Lucius since his coma, sat at his desk when the news reached him. At first, he barely reacted. Then¡ªhis hand, which held a quill, stopped writing. For the first time in years, Duke Magnus turned his full attention to his youngest son. Lucius Ardentis had just become impossible to ignore. Chapter 39: The Weight of Expectations The training ground remained eerily silent. Not a single knight dared to speak, not even Darius. Everyone was still processing what had just occurred. But Marshal Reynard, standing tall in his usual composed stance, did not show any reaction. His face was as cold as ever, betraying none of the thoughts racing through his mind. Inside, however¡­ "Is this even possible?" He had trained countless warriors, witnessed the rise of prodigies, and guided future legends. But never had he seen someone like this. "What kind of monster will he become?" He stole a glance at Commander Darius, who was still staring at the severed post in disbelief. The knights muttered in hushed voices, some afraid, some awestruck. Lucius stood before him, his expression unreadable, his sword still firm in his grip. Reynard¡¯s voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Now you are eligible for swordsmanship at the elite level." His tone was cold, emotionless. It wasn¡¯t praise. It wasn¡¯t encouragement. It was simply a statement of fact. But within his mind, doubt lingered. "Lucius is not supposed to be on their level¡­ not yet. But at this rate¡­ he may surpass Cassius. He may surpass Julius. If he continues to grow like this¡­ he may even take the family name for himself." Reynard exhaled slightly and turned away. He could not allow himself to show his thoughts. "Your training starts early morning tomorrow. Be ready." Lucius simply nodded, his amber eyes unwavering. Lucius, his breathing steady, simply nodded. But Reynard could see it in his eyes¡ªthe fire of someone who had only just begun to rise. "No," Reynard thought to himself. "He¡¯s not just trying to be strong. He¡¯s trying to crush every obstacle in his way." Then, after a brief pause, his gaze turned even colder. "Don¡¯t take him lightly," he warned the knights, referring to Lucius'' upcoming duel against Commander Darius. With that, he turned and left, concealing the unease stirring in his chest. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the corridors of Ardentis Manor filled with a quiet hum of whispers. The knights still spoke in awe. The servants carried urgent messages across the halls. The news of a mere nine-year-old creating an Aura Blade had spread like wildfire¡ªnot just within the estate but across the empire itself. And in the center of it all was Lucius. Inside his chamber, he sat in quiet contemplation when a soft knock interrupted his thoughts. "Young Master," came the familiar voice of Elise, his personal maid. She stepped inside, her usually calm face holding a hint of unease. Her violet eyes locked onto his as she spoke in a hushed voice. "The Duke has summoned you for dinner." Lucius blinked. "Dinner?" Elise nodded, but her voice turned sharp. "There will be no one else at this meal. Just the two of you." "Dinner? With the Duke? Alone?" Elise continued, her voice dropping even lower. "Be very careful, Young Master. This kind of dinner... has only ever happened to Cassius and Julius. Even Lord Adrian was never invited." Lucius narrowed his eyes. That meant he was the third sibling to be invited¡ªsomething unheard of. "Why now?" He didn¡¯t ask questions. He simply nodded and followed her down the dimly lit hallways of the estate. The dining hall was vast, its golden chandeliers casting a dim, almost ominous glow over the long oak table. The scent of fine wine and lavish food filled the air, but none of it mattered. At the head of the table sat Duke Magnus Ardentis. His presence alone made the entire room feel suffocating. A pressure unlike anything Lucius had ever felt before. As soon as he stepped into the room¡ªit hit him. The sheer, overwhelming aura of the Duke. Lucius''s steps halted, his breath caught in his throat. It wasn¡¯t just intimidation. It was power. A force that bore down on him like a titan staring at an ant. "This pressure¡­ it wasn¡¯t like this before. The last two times I dined with the family, it wasn¡¯t this strong." It was deliberate. The Duke was testing him. Lucius gritted his teeth, forcing himself to move forward, each step slow but steady. Then¡ª "Sit." A single word. But it crashed against Lucius like a thunderclap. His body shivered from the sheer force of that voice, as if the very air around them obeyed the Duke¡¯s command. Lucius clenched his fist under the table to stop his hands from shaking. For the first time in nine years, the Duke had spoken directly to him. He wasn¡¯t sure whether to feel honored or terrified. With a deep breath, he sat down¡ªbut this time, directly opposite the Duke. The silence stretched. The meal was lavish, as always. Exotic meats, the finest wines, delicacies from the farthest reaches of the empire. But Lucius barely tasted any of it. The Duke ate in silence, each movement measured and calculated. Lucius followed suit, not daring to break the quiet. Beyond the walls of the Ardentis Manor, the story of Lucius Ardentis and his Aura Blade at the age of nine spread at an unprecedented speed. In the grand halls of the Imperial Court, advisors whispered amongst themselves. In the training grounds of rival noble houses, warriors scoffed in disbelief. In the shadows of the Ardentis family''s enemies, spies carried urgent messages. "The youngest of Ardentis¡­ has done the impossible." "A nine-year-old wielding an Aura Blade? It must be a lie." "No¡­ if the Duke has acknowledged him, then it is the truth." Across the empire, nobles and warlords alike turned their eyes toward the forgotten son of Ardentis. And not all of them wished him well. Chapter 40: A Trial of Endurance The large hall of the Ardentis estate was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candle chandeliers casting shadows against the deep mahogany walls. The long dining table was set with the finest cuisine¡ªsucculent meat, aromatic wine, delicately arranged side dishes¡ªall prepared with the utmost care. Yet, for Lucius, the food before him was nothing more than an illusion. The moment he had stepped into the hall, a crushing weight had descended upon him, making the air feel thick and suffocating. It was an invisible force, one that only someone sensitive to mana could detect¡ªDuke Magnus¡¯ aura. Lucius had encountered many powerful figures in his previous life as Lucien, a master strategist who had stood in the presence of emperors and high-ranking dukes, but none of them had ever exuded such terrifying pressure. ¡°Is it because I have become weaker¡­ or is it because this man¡ªmy father¡ªis simply that powerful?¡± Lucius steadied his breathing, clenching his fists under the table to prevent his hands from shaking. He picked up his fork with precise, deliberate movements and forced himself to eat, though his body screamed in agony with every bite. At the head of the table, Duke Magnus silently observed his son, his dark crimson eyes betraying no emotion. ¡°He came much earlier than expected.¡± Cassius had first faced this trial at sixteen. He had endured the pressure for six minutes before his body gave in. Julius had managed to last nine minutes, earning Magnus¡¯ recognition as a potential heir. Yet now, at only nine years old, Lucius was already seated here. ¡°Just how long will this one last?¡± The clock ticked mercilessly.

The Duke¡¯s Internal Calculations

¡ª Five minutes passed. Lucius was still holding on, though sweat dripped from his temples. His fork trembled slightly, but his posture remained upright and disciplined. "He¡¯s still enduring¡­ but how much longer?" ¡ª Ten minutes passed. Duke Magnus lifted his wine glass, taking a slow sip as he watched Lucius with mild curiosity. At this point, Cassius and Julius had already collapsed . Yet Lucius remained seated, swallowing his food carefully, controlling his breath. ¡ª Fifteen minutes. Duke Magnus'' fingers tapped the table once, a sign of genuine intrigue. "This boy... he is different." Even Julius and Cassius might not last this long today, yet Lucius¡ªthe son he had long dismissed¡ªwas still pushing forward. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. For the first time, doubt crept into Magnus¡¯ mind. "Did I fail to see his potential?" "Was it my own pride that blinded me?" "Reynard¡­ was right about him." Across the table, Lucius bit the inside of his cheek hard enough to draw blood, using the sharp pain to keep himself grounded. He had secretly reinforced his body with mana, but even with enhancement, the oppressive weight was unbearable. "I can''t fall here. This is a test. I have to last." ¡ª Thirty minutes. Duke Magnus was no longer merely observing. He was shocked. Even he hadn¡¯t expected Lucius to last this long. "This isn¡¯t just talent¡­ This is something else entirely." Lucius, however, was reaching his limit. His limbs were screaming in pain. His vision blurred at the edges. Then¡ªwithout warning¡ªthe pressure doubled. A sharp, invisible force crashed down on him, heavier than before. His chest tightened. His vision darkened. Lucius gasped¡ªhis body seized up. "No¡ªthis is different. This isn''t Magnus¡¯ aura¡ªit''s someone else!" A deep voice broke the silence. "Now, Magnus¡­ What do you think of this boy?" From the shadows behind Magnus, Marshal Reynard stepped forward, his piercing golden eyes locked onto Lucius'' trembling form. Duke Magnus remained silent. Lucius tried to endure, but the added pressure broke his defenses. His body collapsed onto the table, his consciousness slipping away. A moment of stillness passed. Then, Magnus finally spoke. "You infused your aura." It wasn¡¯t a question¡ªit was a statement. His voice was calm, but the air carried a dangerous edge. Reynard smirked. "You¡¯re sharper than before, brother. I barely added anything." Magnus placed his wine glass down, his expression unreadable. "You purposely increased the weight of the test¡­ why?" Reynard¡¯s gaze shifted to Lucius¡¯ unconscious body. "Because you refused to see the truth." Magnus didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he leaned back, fingers interlocked. His expression remained cold, but internally¡­ "I was wrong about him." For nine years, Magnus had believed Lucius was the weakest of his sons. A disgrace. A failure. But now, before him, was a child who had surpassed even his most talented heirs in sheer endurance and willpower. He regretted ignoring Lucius all these years. But he would never admit it.
Magnus: "You always had a habit of interfering where you weren¡¯t needed, Reynard." Reynard: "And you always had a habit of ignoring what was in front of you, Magnus." Magnus: "He is still far from perfect. His body is weak." Reynard: "Weak? Then tell me, which of your other sons lasted thirty minutes?" Magnus: "That alone is not enough." Reynard: "Then what is enough? Do you want him to fight dragons next? Would you rather break him completely before acknowledging him?" Magnus: "I only recognize strength. The world only recognizes strength. Do you expect me to coddle him?" Reynard: "Coddle him? No. But you''ve already wasted nine years denying his existence." Magnus remained silent. Reynard smirked, his voice taunting. Reynard: "It¡¯s amusing, really. You claim to be a man who values power above all else¡­ and yet, for nine years, you refused to look at the most promising talent in your house." Magnus¡¯ gaze darkened. "Are you implying I made a mistake?" Reynard met his brother¡¯s stare without hesitation. "No, Magnus. I¡¯m saying you made the biggest mistake of your life." Silence fell between them. Magnus exhaled, his eyes returning to Lucius'' unconscious form. Finally, he spoke. Magnus: "Very well. If he survives his next trial, I will consider him." Reynard chuckled. "Ah¡­ so the great Duke Magnus does have regrets after all." Magnus ignored the comment. Instead, he gave one last order. Magnus: "Prepare him for his duel. If he wins¡­ I will acknowledge him." Reynard: "And if he loses?" Magnus¡¯ cold voice rang through the empty hall. Magnus: "Then he was never worthy in the first place." "The duel is next." Chapter 41: A Place for Warriors Before the first light of dawn had fully claimed the sky, Lucius stepped into the Ardentis Secret Training Ground. This place was more than just an arena¡ªit was a sacred proving ground, a battlefield where only the most elite warriors of the Ardentis lineage trained. Hidden deep within the estate, its existence was known only to a handful of people. Those who entered left either as warriors sharpened like the finest steel¡ªor as shattered remnants of their former selves. Lucius paused at the entrance. Before him stretched an expanse of land, vast and desolate, enclosed by towering walls of obsidian stone. These walls were not just barriers; they were engraved with the scars of a hundred battles, lined with inscriptions from warriors long dead¡ªoaths of victory, cries of defiance, and final words carved in desperation. The air itself felt dense, thick with the lingering weight of history, as if the spirits of those who had trained here before still haunted the grounds. At the very center stood Marshal Reynard Ardentis, his presence like an immovable mountain. Clad in a simple combat uniform, with his muscular arms crossed, his crimson eyes regarded Lucius with neither contempt nor encouragement¡ªonly calculation. "Your training starts now," Reynard said, his voice like grinding steel. Lucius barely had time to process the words before¡ª A monstrous force struck his stomach. The impact was so sudden and devastating that it felt like his ribs had caved in. Air fled from his lungs before he even registered the pain. Then¡ª he was airborne. The world spun as he crashed against the hardened ground ten meters away, dust billowing from the impact. His ribs screamed in agony, white-hot pain radiating through his torso. He barely had a second to inhale before¡ª Another strike. Reynard''s knee slammed into Lucius'' back, driving him into the dirt like a hammer against an anvil. His body spasmed from the sheer force. "Stand up." Lucius'' vision blurred, his arms trembling as he tried to lift himself. But his limbs felt like lead, unresponsive to his will. "I said, stand up!" Reynard¡¯s voice thundered, a command that shook the very air. Lucius gritted his teeth, sheer willpower forcing his battered body into motion. His muscles screamed in protest, but he pushed through the agony and rose. That was just the first day. The following days were a nightmare made real. Lucius was subjected to inhumane endurance drills. If a knight¡¯s training was brutal, this was sheer torture.
  • Carrying massive iron weights across the training grounds until his legs collapsed from exhaustion.
  • Running up steep hills while wearing an armor twice his weight.
  • Striking solid steel poles with his bare fists until his knuckles bled.
  • Balancing on a thin wooden beam, swinging a sword non-stop while dodging wooden spears launched at him. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
He wasn''t allowed to eat until he finished each task. He wasn''t permitted to sleep unless his body gave out naturally. On the fifth day, after Lucius collapsed for the hundredth time, Reynard finally tossed a small vial in front of him. "Drink it," Reynard ordered. Lucius, panting heavily, reached for the vial. The moment he uncorked it, a powerful scent of mana restoration potion filled the air. Reynard¡¯s cold eyes watched as Lucius drank. The moment the liquid touched his tongue, a surge of healing energy flooded his body, mending his torn muscles and cracked bones. As soon as Lucius¡¯ injuries vanished¡ª Reynard attacked. Lucius barely had time to register the movement before a brutal strike smashed into his ribs, sending him rolling across the ground. "Too slow." Before Lucius could rise, another strike came, this time to his shoulder. A loud snap echoed. "Too weak." Blood dripped from Lucius¡¯ lips as he gasped for breath. Anger flickered in his golden eyes. Gritting his teeth, Lucius infused mana into his body, activating physical enhancement¡ª But Reynard¡¯s strikes were so strong, they ripped through his mana defense. Lucius coughed out blood. "You think brute force is enough? Pathetic." Reynard said, watching Lucius struggle to stand. By the third week, something changed. Lucius had stopped thinking. He had been hit so many times, beaten so severely, that his body had started moving instinctively. And for the first time¡ª He blocked Reynard¡¯s strike. The force was so strong his arms nearly tore apart. His muscles screamed, his bones threatened to snap like twigs¡ª But he didn¡¯t fall. Reynard¡¯s piercing golden eyes studied him in silence before finally lowering his sword. "Enough for today." Lucius collapsed onto his knees, barely able to breathe. For the first time, he had survived a full training session without passing out.

Now that Lucius could endure, Reynard finally started teaching him how to fight.
  • Footwork techniques that made his movements unpredictable.
  • Sword flow mechanics so his strikes wouldn¡¯t be stiff or easy to read.
  • Mana circulation techniques, to strengthen his Aura Blade¡¯s cutting power.
Lucius trained day and night, secretly pushing himself even further after each session. His body transformed. After six weeks, the once disgraced third son now had the physique of a hardened warrior. His once thin arms were now forged with steel-like muscle. His legs, which once collapsed from exhaustion, now moved like a true knight¡¯s¡ªswift and precise.

For seven weeks, Lucius had only been on defense. Never once had he attempted an attack. But on this day¡ª Lucius saw an opening. His instincts screamed at him. He moved. His sword slashed toward Reynard¡¯s chest¡ª But before it could land¡ª A brutal force slammed into his wrist, sending his sword flying. Lucius gasped, stumbling back. Reynard watched him with cold amusement. "Hmph. You finally tried to attack." Lucius clenched his fists. Damn it. But in Reynard¡¯s eyes¡ª He was impressed. He just didn¡¯t show it.

By the ninth week, Lucius had done something Reynard never expected. He had almost completely mastered Reynard¡¯s footwork. Not only that, but his swordplay had become fluid, sharp, and unpredictable. Lucius was supposed to take months to understand these techniques¡ªyet in just nine weeks, he had reached near perfection. And Reynard knew why. Lucius had been training in secret every night. The monster was awakening faster than expected. On the tenth week, during a sparring session¡ª Lucius finally landed a strike on Reynard¡¯s sword. It was blocked instantly. But he had done it. Reynard stared at him in silence. Then¡ª He lowered his sword. "That¡¯s enough for today." Lucius exhaled sharply, sweat dripping down his face. For the first time, Reynard had stopped the training session not because Lucius was too weak¡ª ¡ªbut because Lucius had improved too much. Reynard walked away, his expression unreadable. "I see now." He thought. "It¡¯s only a matter of time before the monster fully awakens." Chapter 42: The Path to the Duel
The sun was still low in the sky when Lucius arrived at the Ardentis training grounds, his body aching from the relentless routine that had ruled his life for the past few weeks. His once-lean frame had transformed¡ªhis muscles were no longer soft, but hardened and defined from the grueling physical training. Though not bulky, his body was built for speed and endurance, like a predator waiting to strike. Despite the soreness, he welcomed the pain. It meant he was growing stronger. Standing in the center of the training grounds was Marshal Reynard, his arms crossed as he observed Lucius¡¯ approach. His sharp, unreadable gaze made it impossible to tell whether he was satisfied or disappointed. "You¡¯re improving faster than I expected," Reynard finally said. "But you¡¯re still not strong enough." Lucius clenched his fists. Still not enough? He had spent weeks pushing himself beyond his limits¡ªwhat more could he do? "What do I need to do?" Lucius asked, determination clear in his voice. Reynard smirked slightly. "Today, we refine your Aura Blade." Reynard unsheathed his sword, and in an instant, a thick, silver glow coated the blade. It wasn¡¯t flickering or unstable¡ªit was sharp, dense, and completely under his control. "An Aura Blade is not just about infusing your weapon with energy. It¡¯s about control. Without control, all the power in the world is useless." Lucius nodded and reached for his sword. He had already learned how to manifest an Aura Blade, but maintaining it was a different challenge. His previous attempts only lasted five minutes at most before flickering out. He gripped his sword tightly and took a deep breath. A pale-blue glow enveloped the blade. He could feel the energy flowing through it, but no matter how much he tried to stabilize it, there were tiny cracks of instability forming along the aura. "Hold it as long as you can," Reynard instructed. Lucius swung the sword, feeling the added resistance in the air. At first, it felt solid, but after four minutes, the aura flickered like a dying flame. By the fifth minute, the energy collapsed entirely, and the blade returned to normal. Lucius cursed under his breath. Reynard shook his head. "That¡¯s not going to cut it. Again." Lucius tried again. And again. And again. By the tenth attempt, he was drenched in sweat. His arms felt like lead, his breathing was ragged, and his sword refused to cooperate. "It¡¯s not working!" Lucius growled in frustration. Reynard sighed. "You¡¯re forcing the energy. That¡¯s your mistake. Aura isn¡¯t meant to be forced¡ªit¡¯s meant to be guided." Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Lucius looked at him, confused. "Guided? What do you mean?" Reynard turned his sword toward Lucius and stepped forward. "Let me show you." Without warning, Reynard attacked. Lucius barely reacted in time, raising his glowing sword to block. The moment their blades clashed, his Aura Blade shattered instantly. A sharp jolt of pain shot up Lucius¡¯ wrist as he was forced back several steps. He barely managed to keep his balance. "That¡¯s what happens when your aura is weak," Reynard said. "Your blade might look strong, but it has no foundation. A single direct hit, and it shatters." Lucius gritted his teeth and reformed his Aura Blade. This time, he focused on stabilizing the energy rather than just increasing its power. "Good. Now block." Reynard struck again, but Lucius held firm. The impact sent vibrations up his arm, but this time, his Aura Blade didn¡¯t shatter immediately. "Better," Reynard said. "But not enough." For the next three days, Lucius was subjected to non-stop defensive training. Reynard attacked without mercy, forcing Lucius to hold his Aura Blade for as long as possible. Every time his aura flickered, Reynard struck harder, punishing every lapse in concentration. By the end of the week, Lucius could maintain his Aura Blade for ten minutes. By the second week, he had reached fifteen minutes. "That¡¯s still too slow," Reynard muttered. Lucius scowled. "You¡¯re impossible to please." Reynard smirked. "Welcome to the world of warriors." The key to strength wasn¡¯t just duration¡ªit was density. "An Aura Blade that lasts for twenty minutes is useless if it has no cutting power," Reynard explained. "You need to focus on compressing your aura. The denser it is, the more lethal your blade becomes." Lucius closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Instead of spreading his aura evenly over the blade, he tried condensing it into a single point at the tip. At first, the blade flickered violently, as if rejecting his control. But Lucius held firm. Then¡ªa change. The pale-blue light darkened into a deeper, richer hue. The edges of the aura sharpened, giving off an almost vibrating hum. Reynard¡¯s eyes widened slightly. "Not bad." Lucius swung the sword. This time, the weight felt completely natural¡ªnot like something that drained him, but something that moved with him. He turned to Reynard and smirked. "Now, let¡¯s test it properly." For the next two weeks, Lucius refined his technique. His attacks became sharper, faster, and more efficient. He no longer wasted unnecessary energy, and his movements were calculated. Reynard made him fight for twenty minutes straight without letting his Aura Blade flicker. By the twelfth week, Lucius stood in the training grounds, sword in hand, the deep-blue glow of his Aura Blade stable and unwavering. "Now," Reynard said, sheathing his sword, "you¡¯re ready for the duel." Lucius let out a slow breath. The training had been worth it. That evening, the news reached Duke Magnus. He sat in his private chamber, reading the report. His fingers tapped against the wooden table, deep in thought. "Twelve weeks¡­ That¡¯s far too early," he muttered. "Is he truly ready to face Darius?" For the first time in years, doubt crept into his mind. The boy he had once dismissed as weak and useless had somehow transformed into a warrior worthy of a duel against Commander Darius, one of the strongest knights in the kingdom. Across the city, Commander Darius received the news as well. He read the message and smirked. "That boy is full of surprises."
The duel was officially scheduled one week from now at the Ardentis Training Grounds. The event would be held in the presence of Duke Magnus, Marshal Reynard, the elite knights, and a handful of nobles close to the Duke''s family. Lucius stood alone in the moonlit courtyard, gripping his sword. "This training¡­ was worth it," he whispered. In just one week, the entire House of Ardentis would witness his strength.
Chapter 43: The Duel Word of Lucius Ardentis'' duel with Commander Darius spread like wildfire across the empire, reaching every noble household. ?? Many noble families, even those far from House Ardentis¡¯ influence, became invested in the outcome. ?? The rival factions of Ardentis watched with wide eyes, wondering if the youngest son, once dismissed as weak, was now a rising force. ?? Some nobles bet against Lucius, believing a mere boy could never defeat a seasoned warrior like Darius. Others, intrigued by the Duke¡¯s silent approval, saw potential in him. At the Ardentis estate, the news made waves within his own family. Cassius and Julius, Lucius¡¯ older brothers, who once ignored him, now found themselves troubled. ?? Cassius : "The brat was in a coma for three years¡­ and now he thinks he can threaten our position?" ?? Julius : "Father wouldn¡¯t have allowed this if he didn¡¯t see something in him. That means he¡¯s dangerous." For the first time, Lucius was no longer invisible to them. Instead, he was a potential rival. Meanwhile, his sisters, Selena and Erene, worried for him. ?? Selena: "I just don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to him¡­" ?? Erene: "Lucius is reckless, but if he¡¯s doing this, it means he has thought it through." His mother, Lady Seraphina, remained composed, simply watching events unfold. ?? Seraphina: "If Lucius has chosen this path, then he has already decided ."
The days passed with Lucius rigorously training with Reynard. One evening, exhausted from another brutal session, he sat beneath a large tree in the Ardentis countryside. The wind was cool, the golden hue of the setting sun painting the landscape in warm tones. As Lucius leaned back, lost in thought, a voice rang out. ?? ???: "How strong did you become in such a short time?" Lucius opened his eyes, and standing a few feet away was Adrian Ardentis, his third eldest brother. Lucius blinked. It had been two years since he last saw Adrian, who had left for the Imperial Academy. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ?? Lucius (smirking): "Adrian? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at the Academy? Or did they kick you out?" Adrian chuckled, stepping forward. ?? Adrian: "Finished my first year. Unlike you, I actually have to study." Lucius raised an eyebrow. ?? Lucius: "Didn¡¯t you leave two years ago? How did you just finish your first year?" Adrian sighed dramatically. ?? Adrian: "It took me an extra year to get accepted, you little brat." Lucius let out a rare genuine laugh. Their conversation flowed easily, naturally, as if no time had passed. Adrian, however, soon grew serious. He studied Lucius carefully, his golden eyes sharp with evaluation. ?? Adrian: "You¡¯ve changed¡­ a lot." Lucius tilted his head. ?? Lucius: "I should hope so. I¡¯ve been through hell." Adrian remained silent for a moment before speaking again. ?? Adrian: "No. It¡¯s more than that." He walked closer, standing directly before Lucius. ?? Adrian: "You¡¯ve become strong¡­ strong enough that if I fought you with my full power, I might lose." Lucius'' expression didn''t change, but his amber eyes gleamed with curiosity. ?? Lucius: "Might?" Adrian grinned before shaking his head. ?? Adrian: "No¡­ I will lose." Lucius¡¯ smirk widened slightly. That was unexpected. Adrian continued, his voice holding a tone of rare sincerity. ?? Adrian: "I don¡¯t know what happened to you while I was gone, but I can tell¡­ you¡¯re different now." Lucius exhaled, glancing at the sky. ?? Lucius: "People change when they¡¯re forced to." Adrian looked at him for a long moment before laughing again. ?? Adrian: "Well, I came to see the duel. I¡¯ll be watching and cheering for you, along with our sisters." Lucius glanced at him, his smirk softening. ?? Lucius: "Don¡¯t cheer too loudly. You¡¯ll embarrass yourself." ?? Adrian (grinning): "Shut up, brat." The two brothers sat there for a while longer, enjoying the peaceful countryside. For the first time in years, Lucius felt a sense of camaraderie.
The day finally arrived. The Ardentis Training Grounds had been transformed into a grand arena, filled with knights of every rank, noble families, and warriors eager to witness the duel. The noble families close to Duke Magnus sat in the VIP section, their eyes filled with curiosity. At the highest platform, sitting beside Duke Magnus, were:
  • Lady Seraphina (Lucius¡¯ mother)
  • Selena and Erene (his sisters)
  • Cassius and Julius (his eldest brothers)
  • Adrian, watching closely
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, excitement, and expectations. ?? Whispers from the crowd: ?? "Can the youngest son of Duke Magnus really stand against a commander?" ?? "Darius is a monster in combat. The boy won¡¯t last a minute." ?? "But if he has Reynard¡¯s backing¡­ maybe there¡¯s something special about him?" Lucius stepped into the arena, his heart steady, his mind clear. Standing opposite him was Commander Darius, the seasoned warrior who had once been his trainer. In the center of the battlefield, Marshal Reynard, the referee, raised his hand. ?? Reynard: "The duel will now commence." Chapter 44: The Duel (PART - 2) The Ardentis Training Grounds were alive with tension, filled with nobles, knights, and commoners alike. The towering stands held hundreds of spectators, all eager to witness a battle of honor. The sun hung high, casting long shadows over the stone-paved arena, its surface worn from centuries of duels. But today was different. This was not a clash between equals. It was Lucius Ardentis, a boy once thought weak and useless, against Commander Darius, one of the strongest warriors in the kingdom. Most of the audience had already made up their minds. ?? "The boy has courage, but this is madness. A child cannot best a war-hardened knight." ?? "Perhaps it''s merely a test¡ªCommander Darius will let him last a few moves before ending it." ?? "They say Lucius has changed, but strength isn''t built overnight." Despite the doubts, a strange curiosity filled the air. Lucius had been absent for years, rumored to be on his deathbed, yet now he stood here, prepared to fight. Then, he stepped forward. Lucius Ardentis. A nine-year-old child, yet there was nothing childlike in his presence. The moment he entered the arena, silence fell. His golden-amber eyes burned with a quiet intensity¡ªan unshakable focus. It was the gaze of a warrior. His black attire was neither extravagant nor modest, but something else entirely. His tunic fit him perfectly, emphasizing a body that, while young, showed signs of perfect conditioning. He was lean but strong, his movements fluid and controlled, as if every step was carefully measured. His dark brown hair, slightly messy, framed his face in a way that made him appear both handsome and dangerous. Though his features retained the softness of youth, his aura was anything but weak. And in his hands¡­ A silver sword, its hilt finely crafted, the blade shimmering in the sunlight. It wasn¡¯t just any sword.
The Night Before the Duel The night before the duel, his siblings came to him. ?? Selena (gently smiling): "We don¡¯t know what will happen tomorrow, but¡­ we believe in you." Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ?? Erene (hugging him tightly): "This sword was chosen with you in mind, brother. It is light, yet strong¡­ just like you." ?? Adrian (grinning, patting his back): "Make sure to carve your name into the history of this house."
Lucius'' grip tightened around the hilt. The whispers in the crowd turned into murmurs of disbelief. ?? "Is that really Lucius Ardentis? The weakling?" ?? "No¡­ he''s different. His presence alone feels suffocating." ?? "But can he fight? Standing tall is one thing¡ªwinning is another." Lucius took his place in the arena, completely unaffected by the murmurs around him. The energy in the air shifted again as Commander Darius stepped forward. He was a true warrior¡ªbroad-shouldered, wrapped in steel armor, and carrying a greatsword that had seen more battles than most knights ever would. His aura was heavy, exuding the weight of experience. But despite his intimidating presence, he was smiling. ?? Darius (nodding): "You¡¯ve improved a lot, kid." Lucius bowed slightly¡ªa sign of respect, but not submission. ?? Lucius: "I had a good teacher." A murmur rippled through the crowd. "His tone is confident¡­ almost too confident." "Not a single trace of fear in his voice." Darius chuckled. ?? Darius: "Let¡¯s see how far you''ve come." Both fighters took their stances.
At the center of the battlefield, Marshal Reynard, the duel¡¯s official referee, raised his hand. ?? Reynard: "The duel will now commence." ?? "Begin!" ?? The moment the words left Reynard¡¯s lips, Lucius moved. Faster than anyone expected. He shot forward like a blur, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he attacked with pinpoint precision. He struck at every opening he sensed. His blade moved like flowing water, adjusting mid-swing with unnatural ease. His speed was astonishing¡ªfar greater than expected from a boy his age. The crowd fell into deep silence as they watched a miracle unfold before their eyes. The Duke¡¯s family was no different. Cassius and Julius, his eldest brothers, watched carefully. They weren¡¯t happy. They wanted Lucius to fail. Selena and Erene were wide-eyed, thrilled that their brother was holding his own. Adrian smirked, proud. Duke Magnus and Lady Seraphina watched with unreadable expressions¡ªbut they were paying close attention. At first, Darius dodged and blocked with ease. ?? "Hah¡­ not bad, kid." But then¡­ something changed. Lucius infused mana into his body¡ªa golden energy surging through his veins. His speed increased. His strikes became heavier. His attacks became relentless. Darius, who had been relaxed at first, was now forced to take the duel seriously. ?? "What the¡ªhis strikes are¡­ heavier than before!" For the first time, Lucius¡¯ blade found its mark. A thin red line appeared on Darius'' cheek. Blood dripped down his fingers as he touched the wound. The crowd gasped in shock. ?? "He landed a hit on Darius¡­!" ?? "That¡¯s impossible¡­!" ?? "Is this really the same boy?" Darius stared at the blood on his fingers, then looked at Lucius. For a moment, he was completely silent. Then¡­ ?? Darius (grinning): "You¡¯ve truly grown, Lucius." His grip tightened on his sword. ?? Darius: "Since you''ve shown me this much¡­ I won¡¯t hold back anymore." His aura flared. A storm of mana surged around him, the sheer pressure making the ground tremble. ?? Darius: "Now¡­ let¡¯s see how long you can last against me at full strength." Chapter 45: The Duel (Part -3) The battle raged like a storm. Lucius and Darius clashed again and again, their swords igniting sparks with every impact. The air crackled with mana as both fighters infused their energy into their blades, their strikes becoming even heavier. The chatter in the crowd never ceased. ?? "This is insane! The boy is matching Commander Darius blow for blow!" ?? "How is this possible? Darius is one of the strongest knights in Ardentis!" ?? "Lucius Ardentis¡­ is this truly the same boy we once called weak?" Duke Magnus watched in silence, his sharp eyes studying every movement. Lady Seraphina sat beside him, her expression calm yet unreadable. Meanwhile, Lucius¡¯ eldest brothers, Cassius and Julius, clenched their fists, their gazes flickering between Lucius and their father. They weren¡¯t just watching the fight. They were watching their father¡¯s reaction. And what they saw shocked them. Their father, Duke Magnus Ardentis, had narrowed his eyes¡ªnot in anger, but in surprise. ?? "This boy¡­" The Duke thought. "He is already wielding an aura blade? And that color¡­" ?? Julius (whispering, uneasy): "Father looks¡­ impressed." ?? Cassius (gritting his teeth): "This is bad. If he acknowledges Lucius, then..." They already saw Lucius as a threat. But now, their fear solidified. CLANG! CLASH! BOOM! The ground beneath them cracked. Dust exploded into the air with every impact, the sheer force of their attacks sending ripples through the battlefield. At first, Darius overpowered Lucius, pushing him back with raw strength. ?? Darius (grinning): "You''re fast, but I''m still stronger!" But Lucius refused to falter. Instead of retreating, he adjusted his movements, dodging with fluid precision, his strikes finding openings where none should exist. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ?? "How is he dodging like that?!" ?? "Darius hasn¡¯t landed a single clean hit!" ?? "This boy¡ªhe¡¯s beyond prodigy!" The crowd¡¯s opinion shifted with every second. They came expecting to see a child crushed under a knight¡¯s blade. Instead, they were witnessing a rising legend. But Lucius knew. ?? "This battle has to end soon. If it drags on, I will lose." He took a deep breath, his golden eyes burning brighter. Then¡ª A surge of mana exploded from his body. The crowd gasped, their voices falling into dead silence. Because in Lucius¡¯ hands, his silver sword transformed. A shimmering blue aura engulfed the blade, crackling with raw power. ?? "No¡­ way¡­" ?? "An¡­ Aura Blade?! At nine years old?!" ?? "I heard rumors¡­ but I never believed¡­!" But the ones most shocked weren¡¯t the nobles or the commoners. It was Duke Magnus himself. ?? "Blue¡­?" He had known Lucius had awakened an Aura Blade. But this color¡ª The Blue Aura Blade. The second stage of aura mastery. Even his eldest sons only had dark blue blades, despite being much older. ?? Magnus (thinking, astonished): "What is this boy¡­?" Adrian, Selena, and Erene stared, completely stunned. ?? Adrian (mouth open): "He¡¯s a¡­ third-circle mage?" ?? Selena (whispering): "Lucius¡­ you¡¯ve been hiding this from us?" ?? Erene (shaking): "How¡­ when¡­?" But before anyone could process what they were seeing, Darius grinned. ?? Darius: "Impressive, Lucius. But¡­" His own blade flared to life. A Dark Blue Aura Blade¡ªjust slightly darker than Lucius¡¯. ?? Darius (smirking): "Let¡¯s see how you handle a real battle!" The moment their Aura Blades clashed, the battlefield exploded in power. The duel turned into a spectacle. Each strike left shockwaves rippling across the arena. Lucius struck. Darius parried. Darius countered. Lucius dodged. Neither warrior backed down. ?? "I can¡¯t believe this¡­" ?? "Commander Darius¡­ can¡¯t overpower him?" Strike! Lucius landed another hit. Strike! Another cut on Darius'' arm. Strike! A third hit, leaving a burning gash. The crowd went insane. ?? "He¡¯s winning!" ?? "No¡­ this isn¡¯t just a duel anymore!" ?? "Lucius Ardentis is¡­ a monster!" But both fighters were exhausted. Their breathing became ragged, their movements slower. Then¡ª Darius gritted his teeth. He infused every ounce of mana into his sword. The Dark Blue Blade grew darker, pulsing like a living entity. ?? Darius (roaring): "COME, LUCIUS! LET''S FINISH THIS!" Lucius did the same. His Blue Aura Blade shined brighter than ever before. Lucius (whispering): "Let¡¯s end this." Both warriors launched forward¡ª Moving at inhuman speeds. Swords clashed. The entire arena trembled. And then¡ª A sword went flying. It spun through the air, glinting under the sun¡ªbefore landing with a loud CLANG! The arena fell silent. No one moved. No one spoke. Because before them¡ª The battle had ended. But who had won? Chapter 46: Victory or Defeat? CLANG! The sword soared through the air, a glimmer of steel reflecting the afternoon sun before crashing onto the arena floor. A tense silence followed, broken only by the faint rustling of the wind. The crowd leaned forward. Every breath, every heartbeat hung in suspension. ?? "Whose sword was that¡­?" ?? "Did¡­ did Lucius win?" ?? "But wait¡ªwhy is he still standing?" Lucius stood tall, his back straight, his gaze steady. He was not trembling. He was not faltering. He was simply standing. But... he wasn¡¯t holding a sword. Gasps rippled through the audience, confusion settling in like an ominous fog. ?? "If Lucius lost, then¡­ why does he look so calm?" ?? "Where¡¯s Darius¡­?" Slowly, all eyes turned. Darius was there¡ªkneeling on one knee. A deep gash ran across his abdomen, blood dripping onto the arena floor. His sword lay several feet away, its once-unyielding grip now abandoned. His breaths came ragged, uneven. ?? "He did it¡­ he actually won¡­" And then¡ª The arena exploded. ?? "Lucius won! He beat Commander Darius!" ?? "A nine-year-old just took down a war veteran! Impossible!" ?? "What kind of monster is this kid?!" At the highest platform, Duke Magnus Ardentis sat motionless, his face a mask of unreadable intensity. But in his eyes, something shifted. For the first time¡­ his hardened gaze softened. Not in disappointment. Not in frustration. But in approval. A barely noticeable smile tugged at the corner of his lips. ?? "I underestimated him." Beside him, his eldest sons, Cassius and Julius, clenched their jaws. Their hands balled into tight fists as they exchanged glances. ?? Julius (whispering, tense): "Father¡­ is smiling." Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ?? Cassius (gritting his teeth): "That boy¡­ he¡¯s becoming a threat." For years, they had dismissed Lucius as weak. Insignificant. A failure. But today, their illusion shattered. Lucius wasn¡¯t just growing stronger. He was surpassing them. The crowd waited with bated breath for the final verdict. Then, Reynard raised his hand. ?? Reynard: "Commander Darius wins this duel." Silence. Then¡ª ?? "WHAT?!" ?? "HOW?!" ?? "THAT¡¯S NOT FAIR!" Even Darius himself looked stunned. He turned to Reynard, frowning. ?? Darius: "Are you serious? He¡ª" ?? Reynard (firmly): "The rules of swordsmanship duels are clear. The first to lose their weapon is considered the loser. You lost your sword, but Lucius did as well." The crowd erupted in protest. ?? "That doesn¡¯t make sense! Lucius clearly won!" ?? "He landed a fatal strike¡ªhow can this be considered a loss?" Then¡ª A single voice shook the arena. ?? Magnus (sternly): "Silence!" The murmurs died instantly. ?? Magnus: "The verdict stands. The rules dictate the victor, not the battle itself." No one dared argue. But deep inside¡­ they knew. Lucius had truly won. As the arena quieted, Reynard turned his gaze to Lucius. And for the first time in years, he felt something stir within him. Respect. ?? "This battle was never meant for him to win¡­ yet he still struck the final blow. He didn¡¯t just fight¡ªhe strategized." In that final moment before their clash, Lucius had done something remarkable. ?? "At the very last second, he extended his Aura Blade. That requires incredible mana control and concentration¡­ yet he did it flawlessly." This was not a duel of just brute strength. It was a duel of intelligence. Of precision. Of willpower. ?? Reynard (muttering): "If this were a real battle¡­ Lucius would be the last one standing." And that realization alone sent chills down his spine. Reynard strode toward Lucius, his sharp eyes observing the boy. ?? Reynard: "You did well, kid. You impressed me more than I expected." Lucius, still catching his breath, looked up. ?? Lucius: "But I lost." Reynard chuckled. ?? Reynard: "Darius is a war veteran, one of the strongest knights in Ardentis. You didn¡¯t just hold your ground¡ªyou wounded him. That¡¯s more than anyone expected." Lucius was silent for a moment before nodding. ?? Lucius: "I understand." Reynard smirked. ?? Reynard: "You have a long way to go, kid. But trust me¡­ after today, no one will ever underestimate you again." As Lucius picked up his sword and turned away, the crowd erupted. ?? "You did it, Lucius!" ?? "You were amazing!" ?? "We¡¯ll be watching your next battle!" Lady Seraphina smiled softly, a rare warmth in her expression. ?? Seraphina (softly): "My son¡­ you¡¯ve done more than enough." Meanwhile, Cassius and Julius remained silent. ?? "We can¡¯t let him continue to grow stronger." For the first time in years, they felt fear. And they weren¡¯t the only ones. The battle between Lucius and Darius spread across the empire like wildfire. The nobles, the knights, the academies¡ªall whispered his name. ?? "Lucius Ardentis¡­ the rising prodigy." And as Lucius gazed toward the horizon, he clenched his fists. ?? "This is just the beginning." Because the real battle was yet to come. As Lucius returned to his family¡¯s area, Adrian ran up to him with a grin. ?? Adrian (teasing): "You hid this from us, you dummy! A third-circle mage and an Aura Blade?!" Selena smirked. ?? Selena: "What else are you hiding? Are you secretly the Emperor¡¯s lost son?" Erene giggled. ?? Erene: "Maybe he¡¯s actually a dragon in disguise!" Lucius sighed. ?? Lucius: "¡­You all are ridiculous." Adrian threw an arm around Lucius, still grinning. ?? Adrian: "No, but seriously¡­ that was insane. You were amazing, little brother." For a moment, Lucius paused. Then¡ª A small smile crept onto his lips. ?? Lucius (softly): "Thanks, Adrian." As the sun began to set, the battle¡¯s outcome echoed across the empire. Nobles and warriors alike whispered his name. ?? "Lucius Ardentis¡­ the rising prodigy." Chapter 47: The Duke’s Command The next morning, Ardentis was still in an uproar. The duel between Lucius and Commander Darius had spread far beyond the city. Every noble household, every knight, and even the Empire¡¯s elite had heard about the battle. Some called it an unfair ruling, while others whispered of Lucius¡¯ terrifying aura control. But amidst all the rumors, one thing was certain¡ªLucius was no longer just a shadow of House Magnus. That evening, he received an unexpected summons. Lucius entered the grand dining hall, a place that had always felt cold and distant to him. But tonight¡­ tonight was different. As he stepped inside, every gaze turned toward him. It was subtle, but the shift in the room¡¯s atmosphere was undeniable.
  • His mother, Lady Seraphina, smiled at him¡ªgenuine warmth in her eyes for the first time in years.
  • Selena and Erene looked excited, practically beaming with pride.
  • Adrian, leaning back in his chair, smirked. "You really had us fooled, you dummy," he teased. "Hiding all that power from your big brother?"
  • Selena crossed her arms with a playful grin. "People were betting on you, you know."
  • Erene giggled. "I won some gold! You owe me a favor, little brother!"
Lucius let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. But then, his eldest brothers spoke. Cassius, sitting with perfect posture, smiled, but it was not a warm smile. "It was an interesting duel, I¡¯ll admit. But let¡¯s not celebrate too soon, little brother. It was still a loss, after all." Julius scoffed. "Exactly. Commander Darius wasn¡¯t even using his full strength. If that had been a true battle, you wouldn¡¯t be sitting here right now." Their words were calm, but their resentment was clear. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Lucius met their gazes without flinching. Then¡ªDuke Magnus spoke. "You did well." Silence. Absolute silence. Cassius and Julius stiffened. Never¡ªnot once¡ªhad their father acknowledged Lucius in such a way. Selena and Erene exchanged stunned glances. Adrian raised an eyebrow, barely able to believe what he had just heard. Lucius, however, remained unreadable, his golden eyes fixed on his father. Duke Magnus, his expression cold as ever, observed him carefully. There was no warmth in his voice, but there was something else¡ªrecognition. The Duke placed his goblet down. "But your real test is yet to come." The air grew heavier. "The Empire-Wide Tournament is approaching," he continued. "All noble families will send their best young warriors to compete¡ªnot just for glory, but for recognition in the Empire." His eyes locked onto Lucius. "You will participate." Cassius and Julius tensed. Selena and Erene¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. Adrian grinned. "Well, this is going to be fun." Lucius, still calm, asked, "...And what do you expect of me?" Duke Magnus leaned forward slightly, his cold gaze sharper than ever. "Win." The weight of the single word hung over the room. "If you wish to prove that duel was not a fluke¡ªwin against the best. Show the Empire that you are not just a nameless child of House Magnus." Cassius clenched his jaw. Julius looked away, his expression unreadable. Lucius, still unfazed, picked up his glass, took a sip of water, and set it back down. "...Very well." The challenge was set. And this time, Lucius would not be overlooked. As the family gathering ended, Lucius found himself walking through the halls of the estate, accompanied by Adrian, Selena, and Erene. Adrian, walking with his hands behind his head, smirked. "You do realize that if you enter this tournament, every noble house is going to send their best to crush you, right?" Lucius glanced at him. "That was going to happen anyway." Selena nudged his shoulder. "Still, this is exciting! The entire Empire will be watching!" Erene sighed dramatically. "And now we have to put up with nobles coming to challenge you left and right." Lucius chuckled. "I suppose I should get used to it." Adrian stopped, his usual teasing expression replaced with something more serious. "Just be careful, Lucius." Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Why?" Adrian glanced around before lowering his voice. "You''re not just fighting for a title. You¡¯re challenging the power structure of the Empire." Lucius understood. This tournament wasn¡¯t just about skill¡ªit was about politics, ambition, and legacy. And House Magnus had just thrown him into the center of it all. The road ahead would be brutal. But Lucius? He would not back down. Far beyond Ardentis, in the heart of the Empire, whispers of the mysterious fourth son of Duke Magnus had already begun to spread. And among those whispers, certain powerful figures had taken an interest. Some were intrigued. Some were wary. And some¡­ were preparing to crush him before he could rise. The Empire-Wide Tournament was coming. And Lucius¡¯ true battle had only just begun. Chapter 48: Test Before the Tournament

Two Months Before the Tournament

The training grounds of House Ardentis stretched endlessly before Lucius, the crisp morning air sharp against his skin. His body still ached from the duel against Commander Darius, but he stood tall, awaiting his next challenge. Across from him, Marshal Reynard¡ªhis new instructor¡ªwatched with an unreadable gaze. ??"Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself just because the duel with Darius went your way." Lucius frowned at the remark but held his tongue. Reynard continued, his tone colder than usual. "Darius was once the strongest knight of our kingdom. But one of the rival empires used a curse on him. It destroyed his fourth mana circle and shattered his third. Do you understand what that means?" Lucius swallowed hard. A curse... No wonder Darius had seemed restrained during their fight. ??"Even after losing most of his strength, Darius still forced you to your limit," Reynard said. "If that was a cursed warrior, imagine the nobles you will face in the tournament¡ªheirs trained from birth, untouched by such weaknesses." Lucius clenched his fists. He had felt strong after his duel, but now he realized¡ªhe was still far from the peak. ??"Your training begins now. I will break your body, push your mind, and forge your swordsmanship into something worthy of a warrior. But understand this¡ª" Reynard¡¯s golden eyes sharpened. "I don¡¯t train failures. If you can''t keep up, I¡¯ll abandon you before the tournament even begins." Lucius nodded. He had no intention of backing down. "Then let¡¯s begin." For the next two months, Lucius was subjected to inhuman training. His body was torn apart and rebuilt every single day under Reynard¡¯s ruthless guidance. "Your sword is nothing without a body to wield it."
  • Lucius ran ten kilometers daily carrying iron weights strapped to his legs and arms.
  • He performed 1,000 push-ups, squats, and core exercises every morning, his body screaming in pain.
  • Combat Sprinting: He was forced to dodge flying projectiles while running at full speed, training his reflexes and agility.
  • He trained with sandbags tied to his back, increasing his balance and endurance.
Every day, he collapsed¡ªevery day, Reynard forced him to get back up. "You think nobles will stop attacking you just because you''re tired?" Reynard¡¯s words were merciless. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Lucius gritted his teeth and pushed forward. "A strong body means nothing if your sword is dull."
  • Lucius practiced thousands of strikes on training dummies until his hands bled.
  • He was taught to predict enemy movements, reading even the slightest shift in weight or breath.
  • Reynard introduced dual-blade techniques, forcing Lucius to fight two opponents at once.
  • Precision over Strength: Instead of swinging wildly, he learned to strike with intent¡ªevery attack a killing blow.
Reynard would personally fight him, countering every move with ease. "You''re still predictable, Lucius. Nobles will read you like an open book." Lucius cursed under his breath and pressed on. "Your Aura Blade is more than just a weapon. It is your will made manifest."
  • Lucius was forced to hold his Aura Blade for long durations while meditating¡ªendurance training for mana consumption.
  • Reynard made him compress his mana, creating a thinner yet deadlier Aura Blade.
  • Blindfolded Sparring: He fought knights without his vision, relying solely on mana perception to anticipate attacks.
  • Precision Aura Control: Instead of simply covering his sword with mana, he was taught to shape it¡ªa fine edge that could cut through steel with minimal effort.
Some nights, he passed out from mana exhaustion, but Reynard never allowed him rest. "A warrior of your level should never collapse from something so trivial." Lucius pushed his exhausted body forward. In another part of the estate, Adrian trained under Commander Darius. The two had always shared a bond, and despite Darius'' weakened state, his experience as a warrior was unmatched. After one of their intense sparring sessions, Adrian sat down, wiping sweat from his forehead. ??"Lucius has changed, hasn''t he?" ??Darius smiled. "More than you think." ??Adrian tilted his head. "How much more?" Darius leaned forward, his voice serious. ??"I believe he will get into the Imperial Academy in a single try." Adrian froze. ??"A¡­ single try?" he whispered in disbelief. Darius nodded. ?? "Even your brothers, Cassius and Julius, failed twice. You failed eight times before making it in. But Lucius? He¡¯ll walk through those gates in his first attempt." Adrian''s heart pounded. This was no ordinary praise coming from Darius. For a moment, he could only laugh. ??"A third-circle mage who can wield an Aura Blade¡­ a boy who fights on equal ground with you, Darius¡­ and now someone who will pass the Imperial Academy in a single try?" He chuckled, shaking his head. ??"Nothing surprises me anymore." Darius smirked. ??"You''re not like your eldest brothers," he said. Adrian sighed. ?? "No¡­ and thank the gods for that." The last week before the tournament, Reynard prepared Lucius for his ultimate challenge. A real duel¡ªnot against one opponent, but against three elite knights not as strong as Darius. Lucius had to hold his Aura Blade at full strength for the entire fight. No rest. No mercy. It was do or die. The first knight attacked¡ªLucius dodged, countered, and slashed his opponent''s shoulder. One down. The second knight came from behind¡ªLucius pivoted, parrying a powerful blow and disarming his enemy. Two down. The third knight was different. Stronger. Faster. Lucius was forced to use everything he had, his Aura Blade shining dangerously. He barely dodged a lethal strike¡ªthen struck. His opponent fell to one knee. Victory. Lucius stood there, chest heaving, blood dripping from a cut on his cheek. Reynard walked forward, nodding slightly. ??"Now¡­ you are ready." Chapter 49: The Night Before Departure The Ardentis estate was unusually quiet. The usual sound of clashing blades and distant shouts of training knights had faded with the evening, leaving only the soft hum of the wind rustling through the trees. Inside his room, Lucius sat near his window, staring at the moonlit sky. His hands, still sore from his final sparring session, rested on the hilt of his sword. One week. That was all the time left before the tournament¡ªhis first step toward proving himself. A soft knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. ??"Lucius, are you awake?" Recognizing the voice, he turned towards the door. Selena? ??"We''re coming in." The door creaked open, and his older sister Selena stepped inside, followed by Erene and Adrian. Selena, the eldest of the siblings, carried herself with an air of authority, yet tonight, her expression was softer¡ªalmost motherly. Erene, always the liveliest, grinned as she entered, and Adrian followed behind, his usual smirk replaced by a look of quiet concern. Lucius raised an eyebrow. ??"What¡¯s this? A late-night visit before the journey?" Selena crossed her arms. ??"Obviously. We wanted to see if our little brother is holding up fine or if he''s already trembling in fear." Lucius scoffed. ?? "Do I look afraid?" Erene chuckled, plopping down onto the couch in his room. ??"No, but you do look tense." Selena sighed and stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. ??"Lucius, tomorrow, we leave for the Imperial Capital. The tournament is no small event. The eyes of the entire empire will be on you. But I want you to remember¡ªyou don¡¯t carry this burden alone." Erene nodded. ??"You¡¯ve trained harder than anyone. If anyone deserves victory, it¡¯s you." Lucius looked between them, their confidence in him unwavering. For a moment, the pressure weighing on his shoulders felt lighter. ??"Thanks," he muttered, giving a rare, small smile. Selena ruffled his hair, making him scowl. ??"Good. Just don¡¯t overthink everything like you always do." Erene stretched as she stood up. ?? "Alright, we should let him rest. Tomorrow will be a long day." Selena nodded. ?? "Sleep well, Lucius. We¡¯ll see you in the morning." With that, the two sisters left, leaving only Adrian behind. Lucius sighed and leaned back. ??"What? You staying here all night?" Adrian smirked and sat on the windowsill. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ?? "Nah, just thought I¡¯d talk for a bit. You know¡­ about the tournament, the empire, and everything surrounding it." Lucius raised an eyebrow. ??"Alright. What about it?" Adrian exhaled, staring at the moon outside. ??"Lucius, do you even know how much Ardentis¡¯ position matters in the empire?" Lucius frowned. ??"I know we¡¯re powerful, but¡­" ??"We''re more than just powerful. House Ardentis is one of the empire¡¯s strongest noble houses, controlling one of its five great kingdoms¡ªVermillion. We hold military might and the best warrior academies, producing the empire¡¯s most skilled swordsmen and magic swordsmen." Lucius nodded. This much he knew. But Adrian wasn¡¯t done. ??"But¡­ there are others. Kingdoms that see us as either allies, rivals, or threats. You need to understand the bigger picture before stepping into that tournament." Lucius listened carefully as Adrian began to explain.
The Five Great Kingdoms of the Empire of Valtaris The Valtaris Empire was the dominant force of the continent, holding control over five distinct kingdoms, each excelling in a different field of combat and warfare.

1. Vermillion (Kingdom of Ardentis) ¨C The Warrior¡¯s Dominion

  • Led by Duke Magnus Ardentis.
  • Specializes in Magic Swordsmanship, balancing both swordplay and mana-based combat.
  • Their warriors are known for Aura Blades, a technique few outside Vermillion can master.
  • Holds the strongest military academies in the empire.
  • Status in the Empire: One of the most powerful noble factions.

2. Solmara ¨C The Kingdom of Pure Magic

  • Led by Duke Callidor Solmara.
  • Specializes entirely in magic, with no reliance on physical combat.
  • Their magic system is vastly different from Ardentis, focusing on rune calculations and grand spells instead of raw mana control.
  • Home to the Grand Magus Academy, where only the most gifted spellcasters are trained.
  • Status in the Empire: Strong political influence mor than vermillion but lacks military force.

3. Durnholm ¨C The Spear Masters

  • Led by Duke Roderic Durnholm.
  • Specializes in spear combat and battlefield tactics.
  • Their army is known for their flawless formations and lightning-fast cavalry units.
  • The only kingdom to have rivaled Ardentis in military prowess in past wars.
  • Status in the Empire: Military powerhouse, second only to Vermillion.

4. Calidora ¨C The Kingdom of Dual Blade Masters

  • Led by Duchess Selphine Calidora.
  • Specializes in dual-wielding swords, with warriors trained in extreme agility and relentless offensive styles.
  • Their combat style is unpredictable and deadly in one-on-one battles.
  • Status in the Empire: A rival to Ardentis, though not an outright enemy.

5. Lunareth ¨C The Shadow Kingdom

  • Led by Duke Alistair Lunareth.
  • Specializes in assassination, stealth tactics, and espionage.
  • Their warriors use a mix of daggers, short swords, and shadow magic, making them almost impossible to detect in battle.
  • Status in the Empire: Neutral, but unpredictable.
Adrian¡¯s tone darkened. ??"Outside the empire, there are kingdoms that despise us. They wait for us to make a mistake, for us to show weakness."

1. The Grand Duchy of Kravath

  • An independent military power rivaling the empire.
  • They wield ancient curses and forbidden magic.
  • They were responsible for cursing Commander Darius.

2. The Holy Kingdom of Aetheria

  • A religious kingdom that considers the empire heretical.
  • Their warriors fight using divine magic and holy spears.
  • They are the greatest rivals of Durnholm.

3. The Kingdom of Zephiron

  • A kingdom of pure magic, separate from Solmara.
  • They claim magic should never be mixed with swords, viewing Ardentis as abominations.
Adrian¡¯s voice grew serious. ??"Lucius, this tournament isn¡¯t just about proving yourself. If you lose¡­ if you fall to the wrong opponent, Father may stop supporting you entirely. Ardentis has many enemies, and if they see you as weak, they will never accept you." Lucius clenched his fists. ??Lucius:"That means I just have to win," . Adrian grinned. ??"Exactly." He stood up, stretching. ??"Alright, I¡¯m off. Rest well, Lucius. Tomorrow, we enter the lion¡¯s den." Lucius remained silent as Adrian left the room. He turned back toward the window, gazing at the empire¡¯s capital in the distance. "One week¡­ That¡¯s all I have." With that, he closed his eyes, preparing for the battles to come. Chapter 50: Journey to the Imperial Capital The day had finally arrived. House Ardentis was to set off for the Imperial Capital, where a grand noble gathering awaited them. The journey would take two days by carriage, and for the first time in years, the entire ducal family¡ªincluding Lucius¡ªwould be traveling together. The morning was filled with preparations. Carriages lined up outside the Ardentis estate, servants hurriedly packing supplies, and knights stood in formation, ready to escort the Duke''s household. Lucius, dressed formally for the occasion, stood near his carriage, adjusting the cuffs of his attire. His sisters, Selena and Erene, had taken it upon themselves to dress him properly, much to his dismay. "You can¡¯t show up at the Imperial Castle looking like a rogue," Selena had scolded. "Yes, you need to look dignified, Lucius," Erene added with a teasing smile. Even now, as he stood there in an elegant black and crimson coat embroidered with the Ardentis insignia, he felt their lingering presence. Not far away, his two eldest brothers, Cassius and Julius, shot him cold glances. Though they had been present at the family dinner where Duke Magnus acknowledged Lucius, their resentment had not faded. Their younger brother, Adrian, on the other hand, was more amused than anything. "Try not to embarrass yourself in front of the Emperor, little brother," Adrian teased as he patted Lucius on the back. Lucius simply sighed. Two days of this? The journey was uneventful for the most part. House Ardentis traveled in a procession of carriages, flanked by an escort of knights. On the first night, they set up camp in an open plain. A bonfire crackled under the night sky, casting flickering shadows on their faces. Duke Magnus sat in silence, studying a map while the rest of the family engaged in idle conversation. Lucius found himself in an odd position¡ªacknowledged but still an outsider among his own family. Despite the tension, there was an air of anticipation. Everyone knew the noble gathering at the Imperial Castle was more than just a formal event. It was a stage where alliances were forged, rivalries were tested, and House Ardentis'' standing in the empire would be weighed. And, of course, there was another reason Lucius was receiving so much attention. His duel with Darius had spread beyond Vermillion. Nobles from across the empire¡ªespecially those from the rival kingdoms¡ªwere eager to see the so-called "disgraced third son" for themselves. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Some were curious. Others wanted to challenge him. Lucius clenched his fist. He would not be caught off guard. By midday on the second day, the grand Imperial Capital of Valtaris came into view. The massive walls of the capital towered over the landscape, a testament to the empire¡¯s might. The Imperial Castle, visible even from a distance, stood at the heart of the city, its golden spires gleaming in the sunlight. As their carriages passed through the gates, crowds of commoners gathered, whispering amongst themselves. "Look, it''s House Ardentis!" "I heard their youngest son defeated a commander!" "No way, he was supposed to be a failure, wasn''t he?" Lucius ignored the murmurs. He was used to the stares by now. Inside the city, they made their way toward the Imperial Castle, where the noble gathering would soon begin. As tradition dictated, each of the Five Ducal Houses would be announced upon entry. One by one, the noble houses entered the grand hall, their names echoing through the chamber. "House Solmara, led by Duke Callidor Solmara." The nobles of the magic kingdom entered in elegant robes, their presence exuding refined grace. "House Durnholm, led by Duke Roderic Durnholm." The spear masters followed, their disciplined steps mirroring that of seasoned warriors. "House Calidora, led by Duchess Selphine Calidora." The dual-blade warriors moved with feline agility, their very presence making even experienced knights wary. "House Lunareth, led by Duke Alistair Lunareth." The shadows of the empire, dressed in dark attire, entered in eerie silence. And then, finally¡ª "House Ardentis, led by Duke Magnus Ardentis!" Lucius walked behind his father and brothers, feeling countless eyes turn toward him. The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere became heavy. This was no ordinary noble gathering. The true test was about to begin. The nobles barely had time to settle when a powerful presence filled the hall. A man entered¡ªold yet exuding undeniable authority. The Emperor of Valtaris, draped in imperial robes, took his seat at the highest throne. Beside him stood a younger man, his eldest son and heir, the Imperial Crown Prince, around 27 years old. The emperor was known to have seven children¡ªtwo daughters and five sons. Three of his sons had already graduated this year. But among his remaining children, the Imperial Twins¡ªa boy and a girl¡ªwere participants in the upcoming tournament. Lucius glanced at them. They were around his age¡ªperhaps a bit older¡ªbut their sharp eyes showed confidence. These were no ordinary nobles. They were Imperial Blood. And they, too, were watching Lucius. The gathering continued, filled with polite conversations and measured words. But beneath the surface, a storm brewed. Lucius could feel it. The rival kingdoms¡ªespecially those close to Vermillion¡ªhad their eyes on him. And the royal family itself was watching. For the first time in his life, Lucius was not invisible. He was a subject of interest. A name whispered in curiosity. A rising force that could not be ignored. But with recognition came danger. And in the Imperial Capital, danger was everywhere. Chapter 51: The Banquet of Nobles The grand hall of the Imperial Castle fell into absolute silence. A presence unlike any other filled the room¡ªone of unshakable authority, ancient wisdom, and unmatched power. Seated upon the golden throne was Emperor Aurelius Valtaris, ruler of the empire. He wore crimson robes embroidered with golden dragons, a sign of his dominion over the continent. His piercing amber eyes swept over the gathering of dukes, nobles, and the participants of the Imperial Tournament. No one dared to speak. Then, he rose from his throne. "Nobles of the Empire," the Emperor¡¯s voice echoed across the chamber, deep and commanding, sending shivers down the spines of even the strongest warriors. "The Imperial Tournament approaches. Once again, the finest warriors of the empire shall test their strength. Some will rise. Others will fall. And among them¡­ a new legend will be born." The nobles listened in silence, their expressions grim yet filled with anticipation. "But remember," the Emperor continued, his eyes like a storm, "This is not merely a test of strength. It is a test of will, discipline, and worth. Only those who possess the spirit of true warriors shall stand victorious." His gaze settled upon the young participants, his presence pressing down on them like an unshakable force. "Make no mistake. The eyes of the Empire are upon you." With those final words, he raised his hand, signaling the start of the banquet. The nobles bowed as one. The banquet had begun. As the music played, the grand hall filled with laughter, clinking goblets, and hushed conversations. The finest dishes were served, from exotic meats to delicacies from every corner of the empire. The dukes and noble families, who had known each other for generations, greeted one another. They exchanged pleasantries, rekindled old alliances, and, for some, measured their competition. This was the first time in over a decade that Duke Magnus Ardentis had attended a noble gathering. The last time was during his son Adrian¡¯s fourth tournament. But when Adrian failed to meet his expectations, Magnus never returned. Yet, today¡ªhe was here. And everyone knew why. "So Duke Magnus has finally returned¡­" some whispered. "It seems the rumors were true. His son, Lucius, will be participating." The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "Tsk, tsk. Has he found hope in another son only to be disappointed again?" But all whispers ceased when Lucius Ardentis entered the hall. Tall, elegant, and undeniably striking, he walked beside his father. His presence demanded attention. His sharp golden eyes, a mark of the Ardentis bloodline, glowed under the chandelier¡¯s light. His flawless features made even the noblewomen steal glances, unable to look away. "Is this truly the ''disgraced third son''?" one noblewoman murmured, staring at him. "Hah. If he is weak, then at least the gods blessed him with looks," another noble scoffed. But those who had witnessed his duel against Darius knew better. Lucius was more than just a handsome noble. He was a threat. As the banquet continued, several noble houses approached Duke Magnus. Some greeted him respectfully. Others, less so. Among them was Duchess Selphine Calidora, the head of House Calidora, accompanied by her daughter, a participant in the tournament. "Duke Magnus," she greeted with a smirk, her emerald green eyes filled with amusement. "How unexpected. I thought you had sworn never to return for a noble gathering." Magnus, as always, remained silent. Duchess Selphine chuckled, her tone laced with mockery. "Ah, but I suppose things change when a father sees potential in his son¡­ again." Her words were a dagger, a cruel reminder of Adrian¡¯s failure. Before Magnus could respond, another voice joined. Duke Callidor Solmara, a tall man with silver hair and deep blue eyes, approached with his two sons, both tournament participants. Unlike Selphine, his expression was neutral¡ªperhaps even amused. "Selphine, must you always provoke Magnus?" Duke Callidor asked with a smirk. "It¡¯s been years since we all stood in the same room. Do we need to turn it into a battlefield so soon?" The three of them¡ªMagnus, Selphine, and Callidor¡ªhad once been friends. Back in the Imperial Academy, they had studied together. But time had turned them into rivals. Duchess Selphine sipped her wine, still smirking. "Oh, Callidor, I¡¯m merely welcoming an old friend. I was just wondering if Duke Magnus is here to watch history repeat itself." Her eyes flickered toward Lucius. "After all, they say his son is¡­ weak." The moment the word left her lips, a sudden pressure filled the air. Lucius, who had remained silent until now, finally stepped forward. His golden eyes locked onto Duchess Selphine. "Duchess Calidora," Lucius spoke, his voice calm yet authoritative¡ªa voice that demanded respect. "You speak as if you already know the outcome of this tournament." He smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "But if words alone determined strength, then I would have mistaken you for the strongest warrior here." The air grew heavy. The nearby nobles stopped talking. Even Duchess Selphine¡¯s smirk faded slightly. "How bold," she mused, swirling her wine. "I see you have inherited your father¡¯s arrogance." Lucius did not waver. "If confidence in one¡¯s strength is arrogance, then I will gladly wear that title. But arrogance without strength¡­" he let his gaze linger on her, "That is simply delusion." The silence that followed was deafening. Duke Callidor chuckled, breaking the tension. "Well, well. It seems Duke Magnus'' youngest son has quite the sharp tongue. Perhaps we should be watching him more closely." Duchess Selphine¡¯s smirk returned, though her gaze had shifted¡ªno longer mocking, but analyzing. "Interesting," she murmured. For the first time that night, she looked at Lucius not as a noble¡¯s son¡ªbut as a competitor. As the banquet went on, Lucius noticed the many eyes watching him. Some in curiosity. Some in amusement. Some in hostility. But one thing was certain. The Empire had noticed Lucius Ardentis. And soon, they would learn the truth. The weak third son of House Ardentis was no longer weak. And in this tournament¡­ He would prove it. Chapter 52: Old Bonds The Banquet Continues¡­ The grand hall bustled with activity as nobles and dukes mingled, exchanging pleasantries and hidden intentions. The air was thick with tension and curiosity. Many of the noble families had heard rumors about Lucius Ardentis'' duel against Darius. But what truly shocked them was the fact that he was a Third Circle Magic Swordsman at his age. A feat only a few nobles could achieve in their late 20s. For someone so young to reach that level¡­ it was unheard of. And so, many nobles found themselves drawn toward Duke Magnus and his son. Duke Magnus, who had remained quiet throughout most of the gathering, now found himself surrounded by old acquaintances¡ªformer academy classmates, sparring rivals, and even old troublemakers. These were not just high-ranking nobles, but people who had once fought beside him, trained under the same instructors, and knew the weight of true strength. Among them were¡ª Lord Cedric Varnholt A burly, broad-shouldered man with graying brown hair, dressed not in the refined robes of nobility but a smith¡¯s tunic. His calloused hands and soot-stained sleeves revealed his true craft¡ªthe forging of enchanted weapons. By his side stood Liora Varnholt, his 15-year-old daughter. A wiry girl with bright hazel eyes, she wore a leather apron, her hands faintly stained with metal polish from her work in the forge. Cedric grinned as he approached Magnus, his deep voice booming. "By the gods, Magnus! Still brooding in a corner like in our academy days?" Magnus let out a faint smirk. "And you¡¯re still wearing a smith¡¯s tunic to a noble gathering." "Hah! And why wouldn¡¯t I?" Cedric patted his chest proudly. "Unlike you, I don¡¯t pretend to be something I¡¯m not. Besides, I didn¡¯t come here to impress nobles¡ªI came to see if the rumors were true." His sharp blacksmith¡¯s eyes turned toward Lucius, scrutinizing him as if he were a blade fresh from the forge. "So, you¡¯re the famous Lucius Ardentis, huh?" Lucius gave a polite nod. "It¡¯s an honor, Lord Varnholt." Cedric scoffed. "Lord? Bah. Just call me Cedric. Titles are for politicians, not warriors." Liora, who had been standing quietly, suddenly stepped forward, her sharp hazel eyes narrowing. "You¡¯re a Third Circle Magic Swordsman, aren¡¯t you?" Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Lucius raised an eyebrow at her bluntness. "Yes, I am." Instead of being impressed, Liora frowned. "That doesn¡¯t make sense. You¡¯re too young." Cedric let out a loud whistle. "Heh¡­ a Third Circle Magic Swordsman at his age? You¡¯re right, Liora. That doesn¡¯t happen. Hell, even the best knights only reach Second Circle by their mid-20s." Liora crossed her arms. "You must train like a madman." Lucius simply smiled. "Something like that." Cedric laughed. "Magnus, your son¡¯s a monster." "I¡¯m aware," Magnus replied calmly. Liora tilted her head. "What¡¯s the mana flow like when you reinforce your strikes? Smooth, or do you force it through?" Lucius blinked at the oddly specific question. "Smooth. I guide it naturally through my veins before directing it to the blade." Liora''s eyes lit up. "...That¡¯s genius." She turned to Cedric. "Father, I need to forge something for him." Cedric laughed heartily. "You heard her, Magnus. Seems my daughter¡¯s already taken a liking to your boy." Magnus smirked. "She¡¯s got good instincts."
Lady Mara Tildren The next noble to approach was Lady Mara Tildren, a renowned mage from Solmara. With raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes, she carried herself with an aura of serene confidence. Beside her stood her 16-year-old son, Kaelis Tildren¡ªa lanky boy with sea-green eyes, his body faintly shimmering with mana. Lady Mara nodded toward Duke Magnus. "Magnus, it has been a long time." "Mara," Magnus greeted. Her eyes lingered on Lucius. "A Third Circle Magic Swordsman at this age¡­ it seems the Ardentis name will soon be spoken in every noble court." Kaelis, who had remained quiet, suddenly spoke¡ªhis voice filled with curiosity. "Your mana control¡­ it¡¯s unnatural." Lucius frowned slightly. "Unnatural?" Kaelis narrowed his eyes. "Most mages force their mana outward. But you¡­ your flow is too precise, too instinctive. It¡¯s almost like¡­" He paused, his expression shifting. "...Like your body was born for it." Lady Mara chuckled. "My son is too observant for his own good." Kaelis didn¡¯t look away. "You¡¯re different from normal nobles," he muttered. Lucius didn¡¯t answer. But deep down¡­ Kaelis was right. Lucius¡¯ power wasn¡¯t normal. And soon, the world would understand why.
Sir Elton Drayce The last of the old friends was Sir Elton Drayce, a knight from Calidora and a former academy troublemaker. His blond hair was streaked with silver, but his green eyes still carried the mischievous glint of youth. Beside him stood his children¡ª Rylan Drayce (Age 14), a sharp-featured boy with shaggy blond hair, already carrying a wooden practice sword. And Veyna Drayce (Age 12), a girl with braided blonde hair, a dagger strapped to her belt. Elton smirked. "Magnus, my old rival! I should¡¯ve known you¡¯d be here." "Elton," Magnus sighed. Elton turned toward Lucius. "So this is your boy, huh? I heard he¡¯s a Third Circle Magic Swordsman." He whistled. "Damn. If I had half that talent back in the academy, I¡¯d be emperor by now." Rylan grinned. "I wanna fight him." Veyna, however, simply stared at Lucius with suspicion. "You don¡¯t seem that strong," she muttered. Lucius chuckled. "Looks can be deceiving." Veyna narrowed her eyes. "...We¡¯ll see." Elton laughed. "Oh, they take after me, don¡¯t they?"
As the banquet continued, nobles introduced their children, alliances were quietly formed, and the next generation of warriors and mages sized each other up. But through it all, one thing became clear¡ª Lucius Ardentis was not just another noble heir. He was a phenomenon. And soon, the entire empire would see it. Chapter 53: The Tournament As the grand banquet ended, each noble and ducal house was assigned an estate within the Imperial Capital to reside in until the tournament concluded. The Ardentis family¡¯s estate was located in a secluded yet prestigious area, reflecting their noble status. It was well-guarded, with servants and knights ensuring their comfort. A royal escort guided Duke Magnus and his family to their temporary home, and by the time they arrived, the night was already deep. Lucius felt the weight of expectations pressing upon him, yet his heart remained calm and determined. Tomorrow was his final day of training before the tournament began. And he would make every moment count. At dawn, Lucius awoke to the sight of Reynard. "Get up, boy. Today, we train harder than ever." Lucius didn¡¯t need any more motivation. From the early morning until midday, the sound of steel clashing echoed across the estate as he sparred relentlessly, pushing his swordplay and mana control to their very limits. Reynard didn¡¯t go easy on him¡ª Every strike Lucius made was countered, every movement he hesitated on was punished. "Focus! Your mana reinforcement is strong, but it must be natural. It must flow like an extension of your body, not just a tool!" Lucius gritted his teeth, his golden eyes sharp, and adjusted. His Third Circle aura blade had grown denser, sharper¡ªno longer flickering, but holding its shape with deadly stability. By midday, sweat dripped from his brow, his muscles ached, and his mana reserves felt drained. Reynard finally stepped back, crossing his arms. "Enough. The body remembers, but the mind must be clear." Lucius steadied his breath, wiping his forehead. "What now?" Reynard¡¯s stern gaze softened slightly. "Now? You meditate." Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Lucius raised an eyebrow. "Meditate?" "You¡¯ve trained your body. Now, train your mind. A warrior who enters battle with a crowded mind is already half-defeated. Make your mind empty before tomorrow." Lucius nodded, understanding the wisdom in Reynard¡¯s words. He returned to his quarters, preparing to enter deep meditation. Sitting in the center of his room, Lucius closed his eyes and focused inward. He could feel his mana flow¡ªa roaring current that had only grown stronger over time. He had already mastered the Third Circle, but he wanted more. His desire to reach the Fourth Circle burned within him. But¡­ not today. Lucius knew that rushing power led to instability. "Small steps. I will reach the Fourth Circle¡­ but only when the time is right." Instead, he focused on honing what he already had. He could feel it¡ª
  • His physical enhancements were stronger than ever.
  • His mana reinforcement no longer wavered.
  • His aura blade was thicker, heavier, more stable.
The night deepened as Lucius sat in stillness, his mind as clear as a calm lake. He was ready. As the night fell, the Ardentis family gathered for dinner¡ªone last meal before the tournament. Duke Magnus, seated at the head of the table, observed his son. Lucius¡¯ posture was calm, his expression collected¡ªthere was no fear, no hesitation in his golden eyes. The Duke nodded approvingly. "Tomorrow is an important day, Lucius. Do well." Lucius lifted his gaze, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "I will win." The table fell silent for a moment. His words were not arrogance¡ªthey were absolute certainty. The two eldest brothers, who had always dismissed Lucius, felt their anger boil beneath the surface. But Ardian, the third brother, and their sisters smiled. They were happy to see Lucius wasn¡¯t nervous or worried¡ªhe was simply determined. And that was a sign of true strength.
At sunrise, the Imperial Capital transformed into a festival. The entire city was decorated, banners waving in the wind, as crowds of people from different kingdoms filled the streets. The tournament was not just an event¡ªit was a spectacle. For three days, the strongest young nobles and warriors would clash, proving themselves before the entire empire. And the reward was something legendary¡ª An artifact capable of enhancing a warrior¡¯s body, allowing them to reach the next mana circle faster. A prize that could change a person¡¯s fate. At the colossal arena, thousands gathered.
  • Nobles from different kingdoms.
  • Ducal families from across the continent.
  • The Imperial Family seated at the top, watching over everything.
In the center of the grand stage, the Empire¡¯s Marshal of Cavalry¡ªa man renowned for his strength and command in battle¡ªstood tall. His booming voice echoed across the arena. "Let the Imperial Tournament begin!" The crowd roared, the tension in the air almost tangible. The commentators took their places, ready to announce every moment of glory and defeat. And among the competitors, Lucius Ardentis stood tall, his golden eyes burning with anticipation. The time had come. The battle for dominance had begun. Chapter 54: The Tournament Begins The Imperial Arena erupted with a thunderous roar. Its vast ring of earth and stone stood at the center of an enormous coliseum, with thousands of spectators filling the stands. Above them, banners of the Five Great Kingdoms billowed in the wind:
  • Vermillion ¨C Crimson
  • Solmara ¨C Deep Blue
  • Durnholm ¨C Iron Gray
  • Calidora ¨C Emerald Green
  • Lunareth ¨C Midnight Black
And above them all, the golden eagle of the Imperial Family gleamed highest, a symbol of absolute authority. The air hummed with anticipation, the atmosphere thick with excitement and tension. In the tunnels below, 250 noble children¡ªages 10 to 19¡ªstood ready. At the center of the arena, a figure clad in silver and gold armor raised his hand. The Marshal of Cavalry, a towering man with a gaze sharp as a blade, commanded instant silence. His voice boomed across the stadium, enhanced by magic. "Hear me, warriors of the Five Great Kingdoms!" The crowd erupted once more before quieting down. "This is no mere game. This tournament is a trial by battle¡ªa test of skill, resilience, and strength. The future elite of our Empire shall rise from these sands." His piercing gaze swept over the competitors, as if measuring their worth. "You fight not just for honor, but for the right to enter the Imperial Academy. Only the top 50 will stand victorious, earning the privilege to train under the Empire¡¯s finest." He raised his gauntleted hand. "Now, hear the rules!"
Tournament Criteria ?? Participants:
  • Each of the Five Great Kingdoms¡ªVermillion, Solmara, Durnholm, Calidora, and Lunareth¡ªhas sent 50 noble children.
  • A total of 250 competitors, aged 10 to 19, stand before this trial.
?? Objective:
  • The top 50 will earn admission to the Imperial Academy.
  • Placement is determined by performance across the tournament. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
?? Day 1 Format:
  • Every participant will face five random duels.
  • Wins and losses determine the overall ranking.
?? Injuries:
  • Imperial priests clad in white robes wield divine healing magic.
  • Injured participants will be healed, ensuring they can continue or withdraw honorably.
?? The Imperial Family¡¯s Presence:
  • Among the competitors are 30 nobles from the Empire¡¯s core aristocracy.
  • Most notably, Prince Leon Valtaris (14) and Princess Aria Valtaris (12), twin children of the Emperor himself, compete to prove their worth.
?? The Prize ¨C The Aetheric Shard:
  • The ultimate champion will receive an ancient relic¡ªthe Aetheric Shard, said to enhance the body¡¯s mana flow, allowing a warrior to break through their limits faster.
With a final glance at the competitors, the Marshal lowered his hand. ¡°Day One! Five duels each, randomly drawn! Your scores will carve your fate¡ªonly the top fifty join the Academy. Fight with honor!¡± His voice boomed, met by a deafening cheer. White-robed Imperial priests lined the arena¡¯s edge, their hands glowing with healing light, ready for the inevitable. "Let the tournament¡­ begin!"
The mana-screen flickered, displaying the first matchups. Lucius Ardentis vs. Gavric Torvald ¨C Durnholm. Lucius exhaled, his golden eyes glowing slightly as he stepped forward. Across the arena, a tall and broad-shouldered boy from Durnholm emerged. Gavric Torvald. A warrior from a kingdom of iron and steel, where knights were forged like weapons. The crowd murmured as they observed the two fighters. ?? Commentator 1: ¡°The first match for Lucius Ardentis! A son of Duke Magnus, and a rising talent in Vermillion!¡± ?? Commentator 2: ¡°But Gavric Torvald is no pushover! The Durnholm warriors are famous for their resilience¡ªthis will be a clash of strength versus speed!¡± Lucius gripped his sword, his aura blade forming with perfect clarity. Across from him, Gavric cracked his knuckles, his body coated in a dense layer of mana reinforcement. The referee raised his hand. ?? "BEGIN!" ?? Gavric charged first. His footsteps cracked the ground, his his spear swinging like a falling executioner¡¯s blade. Lucius didn¡¯t move¡ªhe simply watched. And then¡ª A blur of gold. At the last moment, he sidestepped, his enhanced reflexes far surpassing normal nobles. The spear slammed into the ground, missing him entirely. Lucius moved in, his aura blade humming¡ª A precise slash at Gavric¡¯s exposed side. CLANG! A sharp impact¡ªGavric¡¯s armor-like mana reinforcement absorbed the hit. But Lucius didn¡¯t stop. He shifted, his blade dancing¡ªstriking again and again, faster than the eye could follow. ?? ¡°Incredible speed from Lucius!¡± The commentator¡¯s voice rang out. ?? ¡°But Gavric is holding strong! His Durnholmian defense is like a fortress!¡± Gavric growled, swinging his spear in a massive arc. Lucius ducked, sliding beneath the attack with perfect precision. And then¡ª With a sharp exhale, he coated his blade with pure, condensed mana¡ª A powerful, focused stab¡ª Straight through Gavric¡¯s reinforcement layer. The Durnholm noble staggered, eyes wide, feeling his mana protection crack. And before he could recover¡ª Lucius¡¯ foot smashed into his chest, sending him sprawling onto the ground. A moment of silence. Then¡ª ?? "Winner¡ªLucius Ardentis!" ?? The arena erupted in cheers. Up in the Ardentis family¡¯s viewing booth, Duke Magnus simply nodded, as if he had expected nothing less. Cassius and Julius scowled, jealousy burning in their gazes. But Ardian smiled, feeling nothing but pride. Lucius lowered his blade, his golden eyes scanning the crowd. He had won. But this was only the first step. Four more battles awaited him. And he was just getting started.