We started heading back to the place where my Mom, Dad, Elvina, and Liam's family were watching me, their expressions a mix of surprise and intrigue. I could feel their eyes on me as we walked toward them, probably wondering how I had managed to defeat a Swordmaster.
My Dad was the first to speak, his voice laced with surprise and curiosity. "How were you able to duel against a Swordmaster?" he asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
I scratched the back of my head, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, that's because he was going easy on me," I replied, trying to downplay my victory. "Otherwise, there's no chance I would have been able to defeat a Swordmaster."
Liam, who had been walking beside me, interrupted, his voice full of disbelief. "Yeah, but still. I've never lost against anyone since I became the family head, except for one time against your Dad."
My eyes widened in shock. My Dad, the man I'd grown up with, had defeated a Swordmaster. "Dad, when did you become a Swordmaster?" I asked, my voice filled with both surprise and admiration.
Dad chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes as he pointed at himself with his thumb. "No, not a Swordmaster," he said with a smirk. "But a high-level knight with high-level aura control and a mana core at the solid yellow stage."
At those words, I couldn't help but glance over at Master, whose eyes widened slightly, and a small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. I could tell he was impressed.
Liam let out a sigh and spoke again. "I've already told you that they're not promoting you to the Swordmaster level because you're a commoner. But you've already reached the Swordmaster stage. You just don't have the title," he explained, his voice almost wistful.
I could feel a surge of anger building up inside me. It wasn't fair. The only reason my dad wasn't recognized as a Swordmaster was because of his status as a commoner. I clenched my fists and tried to push the anger down. 'I can't show my anger. Control yourself, Rayon' , I told myself.
Dad's voice was calm, almost resigned. "Yeah, I know," he said with a shrug. "But I've accepted that I'm a high-level knight, and that's enough for me."
I couldn't just let it go, though. I wanted to know more. "Liam, can you tell me about the military ranks?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Everyone suddenly turned to look at me, their gazes sharp, almost scrutinizing. Liam raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching as if unsure of what to make of my sudden curiosity.
"Okay," he said, "but why do you want to know?"
"I just became a little curious after hearing you talk about the different ranks," I explained. "I want to understand how this ranking system works."
Even the Master, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Can I join as well?" he asked, his tone curious.
Liam chuckled, the sound light but genuine. "Ha, ha, of course. I was already going to tell my children about the military ranking system. It'll be nice to have you both attend, too." He grinned at the Master and me.
Then, as if on cue, Canya walked over to us, her face lighting up with admiration. "What an extraordinary child you both have," she said, looking at Liam and me with pride. "I've never seen my husband defeated before, not with my own eyes."
I couldn't help but think, 'Oh, dear. Liam uncle just got a little insulted in front of his wife and children.'
Calvin, a boy from Liam's family who had been standing nearby, walked up with wide, disbelieving eyes. "How are you so powerful?" he asked, his voice filled with awe.
I smiled at him, enjoying the moment. "Oh, look who's talking," I teased. "I thought you were a tempered boy, but now it seems like you're the one who's surprised."
Mom, who had been watching the interaction with a concerned expression, spoke up with a note of disapproval in her voice. "Rayon, what are you saying?"
I immediately regretted my words. 'Yeah, yeah, I know I'm being rude to him' , I thought to myself. "I'm sorry," I said, quickly apologizing. "I just trained as my master instructed, and here I am."
Calvin, still in awe, shook his head. "Yeah, he's now my master too," he said, glancing at the Master. "So, stop calling him 'my master' now."
I turned to the group, my voice rising, and I bowed dramatically. "Welcome to absolute hell, friends," I said, a playful yet ominous grin on my face.
Both brother and sister stared at me in confusion. "What?" they both exclaimed, clearly unsure of what I meant.
The master, who had been watching all of this with a cold smile, spoke up. "He's just like that," he said, his tone dry. "You'll understand what he means by tomorrow."
Liam, trying to steer the conversation back to more practical matters, spoke up. "Alright, enough of the theatrics," he said with a sigh. "Let's have dinner now, and tomorrow morning, come to the family head office to learn about the military ranking system."
As we made our way inside the manor, Aurora jumped from Elvina's arms and onto my shoulder. Her little claws dug gently into my tunic as she nestled against me.
"Papa, are you alright?" she asked in my mind, her voice full of concern.
I responded, speaking softly to her in my mind. 'Yeah, I'm alright, Aur,' I reassured her.
She paused for a moment before speaking again. 'But I was listening to everything you were saying during the spar,' she said, her tone a little more serious now.
I sighed, reflecting on the battle. 'Yeah, it was tough, but I somehow managed it,' I told her.
She replied, her voice light and playful. 'I'm going to take a nap now. Wake me up when dinner starts.'
I smiled, gently patting her on the head. 'Okay, I will, I promised.'
....
....
The next morning, I woke up feeling a bit groggy after the exhausting sparring session with Liam. As I made my way to the family head office, I found that Master, Casia, and Calvin had already arrived. I was still tired from yesterday's events, and I needed some extra rest.
I thought to myself, 'Liam was holding back, but even then, it was still difficult.' I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue. This day was going to be a long one, but I was determined to learn everything I could about the military ranks and how the system worked.