The morning came swiftly, as if the night itself had been stolen. Sunlight filtered gently through the panels of the conac, and the air was fresh, carrying a scent of dew. Toki awoke before anyone else. He rose quietly, stretching his broad shoulders, and slipped into the kitchen where Yuki was already busy preparing breakfast.
"Good morning," Toki said with a small smile, taking a knife into his hand. "Let me help."
Yuki turned her head, a little surprised. "Ah, The idiot woke up, you don't have to—"
"I insist," Toki interrupted warmly, already beginning to slice vegetables with his hands. His technique was clumsy, uneven cuts forming where Yuki's precision usually prevailed, but this time she chose not to correct him. Instead, she smiled softly, finding the sight almost comforting.
"Not bad," she said gently, handing him another carrot. "At least you're not butchering them today."
They both chuckled quietly. It seemed, for once, the day had begun on a good note.
When breakfast was laid out on the low table, Kandaki and Tora sat eagerly, still rubbing sleep from their eyes. The smell of soup and warm rice filled the air. Everyone gathered around, and as they began to eat, Toki cleared his throat.
"After we finish here," he said, his voice calm but firm, "we're heading to the palace. Smith has summoned us." He looked at Kandaki and Tora with equal weight. "That means the three of us—together."
Kandaki nearly choked on his rice. "To the palace? For real?" His face lit with excitement. "Will there be more training, Master Toki?"
Toki gave him a sidelong glance. "There will always be more training."
Before Kandaki could press further, Ozvold, who had been silently sipping tea, raised a brow and spoke in his gravelly voice. "You might want to hurry. It's already ten o'clock. Lord Smith was very clear that you were to come on foot. No carriages."
Toki's eyes narrowed briefly. "On foot, hm? Suspicious… but no matter." He shook his head, dismissing the thought. There were greater problems to face than Smith's odd demands.
The children quickly finished their bowls, and soon the four of them stood at the gates of the conac. Utsuki and Leonard watched them from the doorway. Utsuki waved cheerfully, while Leonard lingered in silence. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he gazed toward the horizon.
"What is it?" Utsuki asked, tilting her head curiously.
Leonard shook his head slowly. "Nothing. Just… something I remembered." His tone was distant, but the smile remained.
The road to the palace wound through the forest. Kandaki practically skipped at Toki's side, excitement radiating from every step. "Another day of training," he thought to himself. "Maybe today I'll finally impress him."
Beside him, Tora trudged in silence, clutching a book to her chest. She would have preferred to remain in the conac's library, surrounded by the quiet company of ink and paper, but duty was duty. Her sighs punctuated every few steps.
As they entered the town's periphery, the atmosphere shifted. People noticed them—noticed him. Heads turned, and soon the streets filled with greetings.
"Captain Toki! Welcome back!"
Children gathered, their wide eyes shining as they clustered around. Some tried to touch his hand, others simply bowed. To Kandaki, the sight was astonishing. His master was not merely respected—he was revered.
"Is this… is this what it means to be a true man?" Kandaki wondered, eyes sparkling with admiration. His chest swelled with determination.
Tora, however, felt only an odd emptiness. She scanned the adoring faces but could not summon the same warmth. Something about the scene left her hollow, though she could not explain why.
At last, they reached the training field beside the palace. A group of soldiers was already gathered there, and the moment they saw Toki, they erupted.
"Captain! You've returned!" one cried, rushing forward. "Please, don't leave us again with that monster!" He pointed dramatically at Ozvold.
The others chimed in desperately: "We nearly died yesterday! Please, Captain, say you'll take over our training again!"
Toki blinked, caught off guard. He turned his gaze to Ozvold, whose expression twisted into a sinister grin.
"They call you a monster now?" Toki thought to himself. "What on earth did you put them through?"
Checking his watch, he noticed the time—it was eleven o'clock. Another hour until Smith's appointed meeting. He addressed his men calmly. "We still have time before training is set to begin."
"No, Captain!" one soldier interrupted eagerly. "No need to wait. Start now! As long as you're the one leading us!"
Their desperation was almost comical, but Toki felt a quiet satisfaction. The men's hunger for discipline was a tool he could use. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ozvold's grin widen.
"If one day with Ozvold left them like this," Toki mused, "perhaps I should use that to my advantage."
"Very well," he said finally, voice firm. "Let's begin."
The soldiers erupted in cheer. With quick precision, Toki began the drills. The field filled with the rhythm of boots and shouts.
Off to the side, Tora had settled in the grass, book open in her lap. She barely looked up as the men marched and sparred. Occasionally, her gaze drifted to Kandaki, who clung to Toki's movements, always one step behind.
"Why does he try so hard?" she wondered. "What does he hope to find in all this fighting?" She sighed and returned to her book.
Hours slipped by unnoticed, the pages pulling her deeper. She didn't notice the woman until she sat down beside her.
"Ah, you must be one of Toki's friends," the stranger said, her voice smooth. "What are you reading there?"
Tora startled, slamming the book shut. "I—uh—sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone…"
The woman chuckled softly. "Forgive me. How rude of me to intrude. My name is Lorelay. I work alongside Toki and Ozvold." She extended a gloved hand with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Tora hesitated but shook her hand briefly. "Tora," she murmured.
Lorelay's eyes shifted toward the field, observing the regiment with a practiced gaze. She quickly spotted Kandaki, who stumbled to keep pace behind Toki. A thoughtful look crossed her face.
"And that boy," she said softly, "he must be Toki's apprentice, isn't he?"
Tora blinked. "How can you tell?"
Lorelay's lips curved faintly. "His spirit. It burns bright, even if his body falters. I can feel it from here."
After a time, Toki noticed Lorelay's presence. Breaking from the drills, he approached her, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Lady Lorelay," he said with respect, "what brings you here?"
"Nothing urgent," she replied smoothly. "I was sent to deliver a message. Smith and Old Felix are waiting for you in the alchemy hall." Her gaze flicked briefly to Kandaki, then to Tora. "They specifically requested that you bring the children. And Ozvold as well."
Toki gave a sharp nod. He turned back to his men, raising his hand in a signal. "Continue without me," he commanded. "Discipline yourselves until I return."
The soldiers saluted in unison, though their eyes betrayed disappointment at his leaving.
The five of them made their way through the palace grounds, the echoes of training still lingering behind them, toward whatever waited in the alchemy hall.
The doors of the alchemy laboratory creaked open before them. The faint scent of burning herbs and old parchment drifted out, mingling with the sharper fragrance of freshly brewed tea. Inside, Smith, Old Felix, and Bernard sat at a wide wooden table, steam rising from their porcelain cups. The flickering lamplight danced on the glass flasks and shelves lined with powdered minerals, roots, and vials of glowing liquid.
Smith's sharp eyes rose first. "Ah, you've come," he said simply, gesturing for them to sit. "Please, take your places."
Toki led Kandaki and Tora forward, motioning for them to bow politely. Ozvold followed last, his face expressionless, though his eyes lingered on the equipment with a predator's curiosity. For a long moment, no one spoke; only the soft clink of cups and the faint crackle of a brazier filled the silence.
Finally, Smith set down his tea with deliberate care. His voice was calm, but carried authority.
"I imagine you're wondering what all this talk of sports tournaments and training camps is about."
Toki leaned forward slightly, arms folded, giving a simple nod. His eyes remained steady, though the flicker of curiosity betrayed his thoughts.
Smith continued. "Today is August 31st. In two months' time, at the beginning of November, two important competitions will take place: the junior boxing championship… and the 2400-meter race."
Kandaki's eyes widened at once. "Boxing championship? A race too?" He glanced quickly at Tora, who only frowned, clutching her book closer.
Smith's mouth curved faintly. "I have taken the liberty of enrolling your young friends here. Do you know why, Toki?"
Toki raised a brow. "No. Why?"
Smith's tone sharpened. "You may have gained popularity in the outskirts, Captain, but among the nobility and the merchant guilds, your name carries little weight. Victory in these contests will change that. If the children succeed, the benefits will far exceed mere prize money. Influence, recognition, alliances—these are the currencies that matter."
Toki's jaw tightened. He did not like his students being treated as pawns. Still, he remained silent, letting his thoughts turn.
He asked quietly, "And why must we hold a training camp?"
At that, Bernard laughed, his jovial voice breaking the tension. "Because, my friend, the other participants are already well prepared! They have wealth, coaches, and every resource money can buy. Only through relentless training will Tora and Kandaki have a chance to catch up.
As the discussion carried on, Old Felix, with his weathered hands, carefully lifted the teapot. He poured into the cups one by one, his movements slow and deliberate. But when he reached Toki's cup, the pot ran dry.
"Ah," Felix murmured, "it seems I'll need to prepare another batch." He bowed his head slightly and shuffled toward the back of the laboratory.
Toki gave a small sigh. "Very well. Suppose the children agree. But what of my regiment? Who will oversee them while I'm gone?"
Smith answered swiftly, his voice cool. "Your men are capable enough. They already know how to train themselves thanks to your leadership. Lorelay will watch them from time to time. More importantly, I will be training you myself. This is not only for the children—it is an opportunity for all three of you to grow."
Bernard leaned forward, his tone dropping. "Besides, my younger brothers—the leaders of the Second and Third Divisions—will also be participating with their apprentices. Since you became Captain of the Fourth, you've hardly spoken to them. They are proud men. If you and your students triumph, their respect will follow. And trust me—one never knows when such alliances will be needed."
Toki absorbed these words in silence. The implications spun in his mind: the risks, the advantages, the dangers of failure. His thoughts grew heavier by the second.
At that moment, Old Felix returned with the fresh tea. He placed the steaming cup in front of Toki. "Here," he said gently.
Toki lifted it, inhaling the fragrance. A strange bitterness clung beneath the familiar aroma. Still, he drank. As the liquid slid down his throat, his vision wavered. The walls of the alchemy hall tilted; the voices around him distorted.
"What…" His hand gripped the edge of the table. "What have you put in this tea?"
Smith rose slowly, his sharp gaze unflinching. "Do not concern yourself." And with that, he stepped forward and, without warning, struck Toki with a swift punch. Darkness consumed him before he hit the floor.
A sound pierced the black void—a mocking chuckle, echoing faintly. Then came the sudden sting of cold water splashed against his face.
"Good morning, young gentleman," Smith's voice rang out.
Toki's eyes snapped open. He gasped, shivering as he took in his surroundings. He was tied firmly to a tree, ropes digging into his wrists. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp soil. As his vision cleared, he realized they were no longer in the capital at all.
"Where… where are we?" he demanded, voice low but fierce.
Before him, Smith sat calmly upon a log. Beside him were Bernard, Ozvold, Kandaki, and Tora. Behind them stood a rough wooden cabin, smoke rising from its chimney. A fire crackled in front of the log, its flames flickering as the sky darkened toward twilight.
Toki's chest tightened. If it's already night, then we must be far, far from the city.
Smith met his gaze. "Welcome," he said smoothly, "to the wilderness training camp. We are dozens of kilometers from the capital. For the next two months, you and your apprentices will live and train here. Bernard, Ozvold, and I will supervise."
Toki struggled against his bonds. "You can't be serious. I must inform Utsuki—she'll be searching for us."
Bernard chuckled, raising a hand dismissively. "Already taken care of. A letter has been sent. She knows where you are, at least in spirit. Do not trouble yourself."
Smith rose, stepping closer. With a swift motion, he untied Toki, the ropes falling away. His eyes glinted with ambition.
"Do you see, Toki?" he said, voice almost reverent. "This is not a punishment. This is destiny. I will shape you, mold you, and forge you into my masterpiece."
Toki rubbed his wrists, glaring at him, heart burning with suspicion and anger. His mind raced with possibilities, calculations, and doubts. Masterpiece? What does he truly want from me… and from the children?
The fire crackled louder as the shadows deepened, and the wilderness training camp began.