The next day, the sunlight was coming through Astrael's window.
A soft knock, followed by Ealar's entrance, carrying a wooden bowl where the prescribed ginseng was mixed in warm water, releasing a clean, earthy scent.
"Young Lord, it's time for your medicine," she announced gently.
Astrael stirred, blinking his eyes from the remnant sleep.
"Good morning, Elara," he greeted, pushing himself up. He took the bowl as he sipped the slightly bitter medicine.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
RIGHT. LEFT. RIGHT. LEFT.
A rhythmic, heavy sound echoed from outside, marching footsteps and sharp commands in the morning.
Astrael paused, lowering the bowl. "What's that sound, Elara?"
"That's Guard Captain Sir Avalon, Young Lord," she replied, tidying the bedside table. "He's drilling the soldiers on the training grounds. Early as always."
"Captain Avalon..." Astrael's thoughts raced. The head of the guard.
'Now, fathers know my situation, so there is no need to hide, not completely, at least. I should ask him, for my training.' Astreal thought internally before getting up.
"Oh," he mumbled, finishing the medicine decisively. He swung his legs out of bed.
"Young Lord!" Elara protested instantly, her hands fluttering. "The doctor said you should rest!"
Astrael offered his most convincing, innocent look. "Elara, I feel perfectly fine now, see? I am tired from the rest. I spent the whole day in bed. I only want some fresh air now. Please?" He said while making the puppy-eyed look
"I promis I won't do anything. Just a little walk outside?"
Elara sighed, defeated by the plea. "Alright, Young Lord. If you say so. But only a short walk, and you stay where I can see you!"
"Of course!" Astrael agreed readily. "Just let me get dressed."
Minutes later, after changing into simple clothes, Astrael stepped out into the morning air with Elara beside him.
The rhythmic thuds grew louder as they approached the training grounds situated behind the manor house.
It was a wide, earth arena, at the edge of the aren, weapon racks, straw dummies, and simple obstacle courses were present.
A dozen guards, clad in leather jackets over simple tunics, moved in tight formation under the watchful eye of a towering figure.
They executed drills such as shield walls snapping together, practice spears thrusting in unison. Sweat gleamed on their faces, despite the cold morning.
Astrael's gaze immediately locked onto the man commanding them.
Captain Avalon.
He was imposing, easily a head taller than his tallest soldier, with broad shoulders. His black hair with a mix of white hair, cropped short at the sides, matched the stern faces he had.
He wore leather armor reinforced with steel plates at the shoulders and chest. His stance radiated power and unwavering vigilance; his sharp, hawk-like eyes missed nothing as he barked at the soldier
'Appraise,' Astrael commanded in his mind, focusing on the Captain.
Instantly, a translucent blue screen materialized in front of him.
He knows that, except for him, no one can see this.
[Name: Avalon Blackwood]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Guard Captain (Ravenastra Household)]
[Cultivation: Novice Stage 6]
[Threat Assessment: Moderate-High]
[Primary Skills: Enhanced Strength (Basic), Shield Mastery (Intermediate), Combat Tactics (Intermediate), Leadership (Intermediate)]
[Note: Veteran soldier. Experienced in border skirmishes. Loyalty: High (House Ravenastra)]
Astrael's breath hitched. 'Novice Stage 6!' The result sent him a jolt.
Avalon possessed significant strength compared to an average man, honed through years of dedicated training and real combat.
The Captain's sharp eyes, which were focused on the soldiers in front of him, flickered towards Astrael and Elara standing at the edge of the field.
He didn't stop the drill, but his voice lowered slightly, issuing a final command that sent the soldiers into paired sparring practice with wooden swords and shields.
Only then did he stride towards them, his movements staedy.
"Lady Elara," Avalon greeted with a respectful gesture, his voice was deep that matching his frame. His gaze, still sharp but lacking its battlefield intensity, shifted to Astrael.
"Young Lord Astrael. Good to see you on your feet." His expression remained stern, but a flicker of genuine relief touched his eyes. "You gave us quite a scare."
"Captain Avalon," Astrael replied, with a mix of childish curiosity and appropriate respect. "After Doctor Harman, check up and medicine, I am perfectly fine."
"Because of the sound I came to see, the drilling of the soldier
Avalon gave a curt nod. "Discipline and readiness require consistent training. It's better to be ready than die at the border."
He glanced back at his men, now engaged in vigorous, grunting bouts. "What brings you out here so early? Shouldn't you be resting, Young lord?"
"I was in bed for three days, now I am perfectly fine, thought to have some fresh air, Captain," Astrael said, offering a small, hopeful smile. "I saw them training. It looks… interesting." He gestured towards the sparring soldiers.
Avalon studied him, his gaze piercing. Astrael felt a momentary flutter of panic – could the man sense his probing? His mana? But Avalon's expression merely showed thoughtful appraisal.
"Strength is earned, Young Lord," he stated simply. "Through sweat, discipline, and time. These men train daily to protect this land and its people."
He gestured towards a young guard currently being knocked onto his backside by his partner. "Even the newest recruit understands that."
Astrael pondered the words spoken by Sir Avalon, his gaze drifting across the field until it stopped on a soldier. The man's body shimmered with a faint, crimson glow.
"What's that, sir Avalon? "Astrael asked while pointing to the said person.
Avalon followed his gesture with a hint of pride. "That is Aura, Youn Lord. Just like mana, it is a type of energy but drawn from the vigorous blood energy, honed through relentless effort". Avalon calmly replied, while turning his head to meet Astrael's eyes."Unlike mana mage uses, which depend upon innate talent, to form Aura, it takes years of hard work, enduring pain, and unshakeable will. Most people lack the fortitude."
His voice grew somber. "Most people are unable to endure the pain, and it is much slower in progress as compared to mages. Yet for those of us born without magic's gift…" He paused, the unspoken weight of his own journey hanging in the air. "...it is the only path. The path of the warrior."
He studied Astrael's thoughtful expression. "So, Young Lord? Does it still hold your interest? Knowing the cost?" he said in a teasing tone.
Astrael absorbed the words spoken by Sir Avalon, Years of pain, with slow progress. Yet, beneath the daunting description, he felt the spark ignite in his heart.
'What are you hesitating for, Astrael?', His own inner voice lashed out, 'Astrael, time waits for none, don't be indecisive.'
The memory of crimson nightmare, the smile and love of his mother, the stern and strict father, but with a soft heart, and his lively and mischievous big sister.
Astrael thought and found himself foolish for hesitating.
He straightened his small shoulders, meeting Avalon's challenging gaze with newfound resolve. "Yes, Captain," he declared, his voice firmer than Elara had ever heard it. "The cost doesn't matter. If it's a path to strength, I want to walk it."
He glanced back at the veteran, the crimson aura a visible testament to perseverance. 'Appraise,' he commanded in his mind.
[Name: Garrick]
[Race: Human]
[Rank: Veteran Guard (Ravenastra Household)]
[Cultivation: Novice Stage 2 (Aura)]
[Threat Assessment: Low-Moderate]
[Primary Skills: Basic Swordsmanship, Endurance (Basic), Aura Reinforcement (Basic)]
[Note: Steadfast. Ten years of service. Loyalty: High (House Ravenastra)]
Novice Stage 2. A stark contrast to Avalon's stage 6.
Avalon raised his eyebrow, clearly surprised by the boy's conviction. He exchanged a look with Elara, whose worry was now edged with reluctant respect.
"Strong words for a kid who fainted for 2 days," Avalon said, crossing his arms. "Spoken easily, in the moment of heat. But the forge of training is difficult, Young Lord. It breaks as many as it shapes."
"I understand," Astrael insisted, refusing to look away. "But I need to be strong. To protect…" He trailed off, the unspoken 'myself, my family' hanging between them.
Avalon held his gaze for a minute, watching the determination in his eyes.
Finally, he gave in, with a nod, "Determination and conviction are the first step. Never forget it while your muscles scream and your will falters
He turned back towards his soldiers, his posture once more that of the commanding officer. "We'll speak again when the physician clears you fully, Young Lord. Until then," he added, his voice softening fractionally as he glanced back, "rest. Even the strongest blade needs a sturdy hilt. Elara, see him back."
As Elara gently steered him away from the field, Astrael looked back.
The path was long, brutal, and uncertain. But for the first time since waking from the nightmare, Astrael felt a flicker of control. He had a direction. He had the system. And he had a resolve forged from a million deaths.
The training ground, with its dust and sweat, wasn't just interesting; it was his first battlefield.
***
🌟 Hey, fellow traveler of tales and treasures! 🧭 Your presence here is a journey filled with surprises, like uncovering hidden gems 💎. Isn't it fascinating how a little GOLDEN ✨ something can change everything? 💛