The next morning, I was already at the manor's private training grounds—barely past sunrise.
The air was crisp, the grass still damp with dew, and the practice dummies stood like silent witnesses to the humiliation that was about to unfold.
Well, it's not like I'm worried.I've got the memories, and this body has the instincts. Just mash them together, right? That should work.Hopefully.
I picked up the training sword—it was heavier than a standard one. Not by accident. The Dred Sword Style, passed down through this house, revolves around heavy swords. It's a style built on momentum, force, and endurance—not speed or finesse.
I started swinging. Vertical slashes, horizontal sweeps, precise thrusts. On repeat.
Muscle memory and inherited skill should've carried me through it. But the results?
Subpar at best.
Even without anyone pointing it out, I could feel it. My balance was off. My speed? Sluggish. Worse, there was no consistency—some swings were too light, others too heavy. It was like my body and mind weren't in sync. Not yet.
I kept going for another thirty minutes, and the gap started to close—slowly. My muscles began to remember their rhythm. My footwork adjusted. But progress was painfully slow.
If I keep going like this, it'll take days just to return to Brad's original strength—forget improving beyond that.
While I was deep in thought, a voice called out from behind the fence.
"If you're trying to mess up your basics, then congrats—you're doing a great job."
I turned.
A tall man in his mid-thirties leaned casually against the wooden rail. Brown hair, a faint shadow of a beard, and a relaxed posture that said he didn't need to prove anything. But his eyes? Sharp enough to slice through pride.
Kael.
One of the barony's knights—and unfortunately, the one assigned to oversee my training. From what I remembered, Kael was supposed to be training the next captain of the guard. Instead, he got stuck babysitting a "spoiled noble brat." Me.
Lucky him.
"What are you trying to do, brat?" he asked. His tone was flat, but not entirely uninterested.
His eyes weren't just curious. They were measuring me.
Great.Now I had to explain myself properly, or I'd be in for a long lecture... followed by an even longer beating.
"I realized I've been too reliant on the brute-force side of the Dred style," I said quickly. "It works against beginners, but I won't survive the tournament like that. I'm trying to rebuild my foundation. It's rough now, but it'll be worth it."
That was the best I could come up with on short notice.Let's hope it worked.
Kael squinted at me for a long moment.
"Here I was expecting you to brag about some secret technique," he muttered. "But... you're not wrong. I've never practiced the Dred style myself, but I've seen the Head use it. And whatever you're doing? It isn't even at the starting level. You're just swinging with strength and hoping for the best."
I wisely kept my mouth shut.
Kael sighed and uncrossed his arms.
"Alright. I can't teach you your house's sword style—but I can help you polish the three foundations of swordsmanship."
"Really?" I said, eyes lighting up.
This was rare. Usually, Kael just corrected my mistakes from a distance. To have him actively training me? That was a gift.
Seeing my reaction, he gave a sly smile.
"Obviously. Why would I lie, young master? Let's begin."
Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?
Five Hours Later…
I lay flat on the training ground, arms spread, lungs burning.
That bastard.
He'd made me drill for hours—brutal endurance swings, form corrections, and live parry sessions. And by "live parry," I mean he lunged at me with real intent while I flailed in pain.
My whole body screamed in protest.
"Young master, you trained well. You may go rest now," Kael said, his smile somehow both heartwarming and sadistic. "Just don't forget your mana training later."
I didn't respond. I couldn't.
Still... as brutal as it was, I could feel it—something had clicked.
My body and mind were finally syncing. My stance was steadier. My swings had weight and flow. My instincts didn't lag behind my thoughts.
I wasn't strong yet.But at least now, I wouldn't lose to some random background character.
Next up: mana training.
That'll be fun... right after a short nap.