The following morning, a chill hung heavier in the air than before, as though the land itself sensed the change.
Kael Ardent returned to the training grounds, the ancient tome still clutched in his hands.
His mind was consumed by the ambiguous history he had uncovered, each word in the chronicles casting long shadows of doubt over his family's legacy.
Selene Valmont stood in the center of the grounds, her posture erect and authoritative.
Her dark eyes seemed sharper than ever, as though she already knew the weight Kael carried.
"Today's training will differ," Selene announced, her voice steady.
"It is time you faced an opponent."
Kael's gaze flickered in surprise.
"An opponent?" he repeated, unsure.
Selene nodded.
"Rivalry sharpens skill.
A test against another swordmaster is the best way to measure your progress."
She gestured toward a figure standing across the yard.
The newcomer was tall, muscular, and radiated confidence.
His name was Roderic Dunstane, a noble of the Dunstane family—an ancient house known for its pride and relentless ambition.
His reputation as a formidable swordmaster was whispered in every corner of the kingdom.
Roderic's expression was smug as he looked at Kael.
"So, the weakest son of the once-mighty Ardents dares to stand against me?"
His voice carried a tone of mockery, designed to provoke.
Kael remained silent, his eyes locked on Roderic without flinching.
Selene stepped aside, allowing the two young men to face each other.
The atmosphere was tense.
The air seemed to still, the distant chirping of birds fading into nothingness.
Roderic made the first move—a swift, aggressive advance, his blade cutting through the air toward Kael.
Kael barely reacted in time, raising his practice sword to block the strike.
The impact reverberated up his arms.
The system interface flashed:
– Parry Successful: +5 Experience
– Stability Improved: +1 System Point
Kael's stance adjusted instinctively, guided by the system's feedback.
The duel continued.
Roderic was relentless, each attack precise and powerful, designed to overwhelm.
Kael focused, blocking and countering as best he could.
Each successful parry and dodge fed experience into his system, slowly increasing his confidence.
But it was clear:
He was outmatched.
A heavy blow from Roderic sent Kael staggering backward.
He barely managed to avoid falling, his legs trembling.
Selene watched without interference, her expression unreadable.
"Your technique is still flawed," Roderic sneered, pressing forward.
"You rely too much on that system… as if it will carry you."
Kael gritted his teeth.
"I rely on effort."
Another strike came.
Kael ducked, rolling to the side, and managed to land a weak but real counterattack on Roderic's side.
A slight mark appeared on Roderic's tunic.
For a brief moment, silence reigned.
Roderic's eyes narrowed, not with anger, but with the faintest trace of respect.
"You have potential," he admitted, his voice lower.
"But potential is meaningless without discipline."
Kael stood up straight, the system interface shining faintly once more:
– Rival Challenge: +20 Experience
– System Points +5
Selene finally stepped forward.
"This is only the beginning," she said calmly.
"Roderic is strong, but he has never faced an opponent who adapts as the system does."
Roderic sheathed his sword without further comment and walked away, leaving a faint smirk behind.
Kael exhaled deeply.
His body was sore, bruised, and aching.
Yet for the first time, he felt the faintest sense of accomplishment.
He was no longer simply the youngest, weakest son.
He was a student.
A learner.
And perhaps, one day, a swordmaster.
The system interface blinked softly.
New Quest Unlocked:
"Surpass Your Rival – Train and improve your skill against Roderic Dunstane"
Objective: Continue training, study Roderic's style, and seek weaknesses.
Reward: +50 Experience, +20 System Points.
As the sun climbed higher, the shadows of past glories and future battles loomed larger over Kael's path.
Unseen by all, Malgath's power continued to swell, ancient and patient, preparing to awaken fully once more.