Two more months passed. Autumn gave way to winter, and the first snow began to fall upon the Royal Capital.
On the West Training Grounds, the same shirtless figure trained relentlessly, his body steaming in the cold air. Ethan's physique was even more defined, his muscles taut and powerful. He now wielded a heavy steel training sword, and every swing carried a palpable, deadly force. After tens of thousands of failures, he had finally learned to sheathe the blade in his black-red flame. The volatile energy was now an extension of his will, clinging to the steel like a second skin.
"Good," Reno nodded, a deep satisfaction in his eyes. "Remember this feeling. Your fire is not a tool of light; it is an instrument of annihilation. Now, come at me. Show me the fruits of these three months of labor."
"Yes, Master!"
Ethan roared, the snow at his feet exploding outwards as he launched himself at Reno like a cannonball. The flame-wreathed sword carved a sinister arc through the air, aimed directly at his master's head!
For the first time, a serious expression crossed Reno's face. He raised his own greatsword to meet the attack head-on.
*CLANG!*
The impact of steel on steel was deafening. A shockwave of force and heat erupted from the point of impact. An irresistible power surged up Ethan's arms, shattering his grip and sending him flying backward into a snowdrift. Reno, too, was pushed back half a step.
It was only half a step, but Reno's face was a mask of shock and elation. He was the former Captain of the Royal Knights; there were few in the kingdom who could match his strength. Yet this boy, after only three months, had forced him back.
Ethan climbed out of the snow, spitting out a mouthful of bloody snow, a wide, excited grin on his face. "Master, I—"
"You're a monster, kid," Reno said with genuine awe. "An absolute monster."
...
That evening, a visitor arrived at the forgotten West Training Grounds. It was a royal court attendant, his face a mask of disgust as he navigated the muddy, sweat-stenched grounds.
"Which one of you is Instructor Reno?" he asked in a shrill voice.
Reno, who was sharing a drink with Ethan by a warm fire, frowned. "I am."
The attendant looked him up and down with disdain, then produced a silver-sealed letter. "A summons from the Second Princess, Lady Serena. You are to present yourself at the Silvermoon Court in the palace this evening. Do not be late."
*Serena.* The name made Ethan's grip tighten on his cup.
Reno took the letter. The contents were simple, a request for the former Knight Captain's counsel on the increasing monster activity at the border. But the meeting place was Serena's private residence. This was no military briefing.
"I understand," Reno said calmly.
"Hmph," the attendant sniffed, and left as quickly as he could.
"Master..." Ethan looked at him, a knot of dread tightening in his stomach.
"It's nothing, boy," Reno said, his face unreadable. "It seems some people just can't stand to leave an old soldier in peace." He put a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "That's enough training for today. Go and rest."
But Ethan didn't move. Reno looked at his student's worried face and sighed. "Alright, come with me."
He led Ethan back to his small cabin and, from a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards, pulled out a heavy wooden chest. Inside was a collection of green, viscous liquids in crystal vials, and a heavy pouch of gold coins.
"This is my life's savings, and the finished product of my family's body-tempering formula," he said, pushing the chest towards Ethan. "Use it wisely. It should be enough to last you until you become a high-ranking warrior."
"Master, what is this?" Ethan's heart sank.
"Listen to me, boy," Reno's voice wasgraver than ever before. "My entire life, I have been loyal to the crown and this kingdom. No matter what Serena is planning, as a knight, it is my duty to go. But you are different."
He looked Ethan directly in the eye. "You are young. You have limitless potential. Promise me, no matter what happens tonight, you will not be impulsive. You will not seek revenge. You will endure, and you will grow stronger. Stronger than anyone. Strong enough that even kings will tremble before you. Only then will you have the right to do what you must. Do you understand?"
The words were a hammer blow to Ethan's heart. This was a farewell.
"No... Master! I won't let you go! It's a trap!" Ethan's eyes reddened, his voice cracking.
"That is an order!" Reno's voice was sharp for the first time. "If you still consider me your master, you will live!"
He took his greatsword from the wall. "I'm leaving."
Without a backward glance, his tall, lonely figure disappeared into the falling snow.