The clash of live steel sent sparks dancing through the morning air. Sir Alden attacked with methodical precision, each strike designed to test rather than kill. But Rowan had fought men who wanted him truly dead, and the difference showed in every movement.
Rowan let Sir Alden press him back initially, mapping every tell and habit. The knight favored high guard recovery after heavy strikes—a weakness born from fighting shorter opponents. In three seconds, he would attempt the Avalanche Strike.
Sir Alden's blade rose exactly as predicted. Rowan sidestepped with liquid grace, his counter-strike kissing the instructor's wrist with surgical precision.
"Point to Ashford," called Master Wilhelm. "Clean disabling strike."
From the corner of his eye, Rowan watched Prince Julian step out from behind a pillar. The prince's handsome features showed mild interest, but those pale blue eyes held predatory calculation.
"Again," Sir Alden commanded, new wariness in his stance.
This time the instructor abandoned testing for aggression. His blade work was Academy perfect, but Rowan had learned from masters who made perfection look childish. He wove Shadow Court elements into his defense—not enough to be recognized, but sufficient to throw off Sir Alden's timing.
[COMBAT ANALYSIS ACTIVE]Opponent: Sir Alden - Level 15 Veteran KnightWeakness Identified: Over-reliance on orthodox doctrine
Sir Alden's next attack was a feint-thrust combination. Rowan responded with the Phantom's Reply—a technique that wouldn't exist for years. His blade flickered out of existence before materializing exactly where needed, turning the thrust aside while threatening three vital points.
The instructor stumbled backward, genuine alarm replacing assessment.
Rowan moved again, not for the kill but for demonstration. His sword traced a perfect spiral through the air—the Crimson Lotus, signature technique of grandmasters, considered impossible below Knight-Commander rank.
Sir Alden's weapon flew from his hands, embedding in the dirt ten feet away.
Silence blanketed the training yard.
[QUEST COMPLETE: Trial by Steel]Rewards: +100 EXP, Enhanced Reflexes → Combat InstinctLevel Up! You are now Level 2
"Impossible," Sir Alden breathed. "The Crimson Lotus hasn't been performed in over a century."
"Impressive display, wouldn't you say?"
Prince Julian's voice cut through the tension. He stepped forward with casual confidence, golden hair catching sunlight, every inch the royal heir. But Rowan saw past the facade to the cold ambition that would lead him to open gates for demon armies.
"Your Highness," Sir Alden snapped to attention. "I wasn't aware you were observing."
"I watch promising talent," Julian replied smoothly, fixing Rowan with uncomfortable intensity. "Young Ashford seems exceptionally promising. Where exactly did you study these techniques?"
The question hung like a drawn blade. Rowan felt multiple gazes—Sir Alden's confusion, Marcus's concern, Julian's calculation.
"The library, Your Highness. Master Aldric's journals contain detailed Crimson Order descriptions."
Julian's smile never wavered, but something predatory flickered behind his eyes. "Fascinating. Mastery through theoretical study? How gifted."
The prince didn't believe him. Julian was already more suspicious than anyone realized.
"Dedication can bridge many gaps," Rowan said carefully.
"Indeed." Julian stepped closer. Rowan caught expensive cologne mixed with something else—sulfur and brimstone. "I wonder if you'd be interested in additional opportunities? Certain study circles appreciate exceptional ability."
[WARNING: Corruption Detected]Subject: Prince Julian - Threat Level: EXTREMERecommendation: Maintain distance, gather intelligence
The system confirmed Rowan's fears. Julian's corruption was advanced, the "study circles" clearly demon cult cells infiltrating the Academy.
"I prefer focusing on regular studies for now," Rowan replied. "Fundamentals are important."
Julian's smile widened without reaching his eyes. "How traditional." He addressed the students. "Wonderful dedication to classical arts. We'll all be watching Ashford's progress with great interest."
The dismissal was clear, the threat clearer. Julian had marked him as a person of interest.
As the prince departed, Sir Alden approached with a troubled expression.
"Techniques of that caliber aren't learned from books," the instructor said quietly. "They're earned through years of training and countless battles."
Rowan met his mentor's eyes. "Sometimes we're capable of more than we realize, especially when fighting for something worth protecting."
"What are you fighting to protect?"
Images flashed—Thom's death, the academy burning, Sir Alden falling with demon blade in his chest, the kingdom reduced to ash.
"Everything," Rowan said simply.
Sir Alden studied him, then nodded. "Report to my office after evening meal. If you carry such techniques, you need to understand the responsibilities."
As the crowd dispersed, Rowan remained in the circle, processing implications. Julian's early interest was unexpected but presented opportunities. If the prince was corrupted, the demon cult's infiltration was more advanced than known.
The goblin raid on Brookhaven might not be random—it could be part of a larger plan.
[NEW QUEST: Shadows and Whispers]Investigate Prince Julian's activitiesReward: +200 EXP, Skill: Stealth OperationsWarning: Discovery may prove lethal
Rowan accepted grimly. The system was adapting, presenting challenges he needed to face.
But first, he had a friend to save and a prince to watch very, very carefully.