He forced back with raw strength, but I rolled with the montum and ca up ready.
Enhanced Strike! BOOM!
I channelled concentrated enhancent into a powerful overhead attack. The impact when he blocked sent cracks spreading through the reinforced training floor.
My father’s expression showed genuine respect now. "You’ve improved much more than I expected, Adrian. You are able to show transcendent rank combat power at elite-rank...this is incredible."
Thrust! Parry! Counter!
We exchanged another rapid sequence, neither gaining decisive advantage. My Stone Armor was showing fractures from accumulated damage, but it had served its purpose - proving I could survive against superior opponents.
In one mont, we both committed to finishing strikes. His blade ca for my chest while mine targeted his shoulder. The impact would’ve been trendous but we both reached a conclusion as our eyes t.
My sword stood shy of his shoulder whilst his stood shy of my chest. We froze in that position, I was breathing heavily whilst he wasn’t. Despite limiting his combat power to transcendent rank, his vitality was still that of a commander-level awakener.
"Father, that should be enough" I said quietly. "I’ve proven my point. I can survive against Transcendent opponents. You need those items more than I do right now."
My father slowly lowered his weapon, his expression a mixture of pride, concern, and resignation.
"You’ve grown far beyond what I imagined possible in such a short ti," he admitted. "Fine. I’ll accept your gifts. But Adrian..." His voice carried weight.
"Where did you learn to fight like that?"
I quickly formulated a plausible excuse. "It’s part of my bloodline abilities. It provides combat instincts and battle awareness beyond normal levels."
My father nodded thoughtfully, then laughed with genuine warmth. "A Mythical-rank bloodline isn’t for nothing, is it? I should have expected extraordinary capabilities."
The explanation satisfied him, and he finally accepted the items without further argunt. "Very well. I’ll make use of both the pendant and the secret art. Though I still think you’re giving up too much."
"Just promise you’ll co back alive," I said simply.
"I’ll do my best."
As we walked back toward the living room where Mother and Kael were surely waiting, I discreetly pulled out the Book of Hints and opened it to check the updated information.
Probability of Duke Marcus Blackwood’s survival: 40%
My heart lifted slightly. The survival chance had increased exponentially from the original five percent. That dramatic improvent was exactly what I’d been hoping for - proof that my intervention could actually make a difference.
For now, forty percent was acceptable. Once my father had ti to practice the Royal-rank secret art and master even its basic forms, the probability should increase further.
"Father," I said as we approached the living room doors, "be extrely careful. This mission might be a setup orchestrated by our family’s enemies. They could be using the royal command to their advantage, secretly manipulating the King into sending you into a trap while maintaining plausible deniability."
My father’s expression darkened. "I’ve had similar suspicions. The timing and circumstances are too convenient for certain parties at court."
"Then don’t go in assuming the intelligence reports are accurate. Prepare for worst-case scenarios."
"I always do, son. I always do."
After the tension of the duel and the serious discussion with my father, we returned to the living room where my mother and Kael had been waiting. My mother imdiately noticed my appearance but seed relieved that I wasn’t injured.
Kael stood when we entered, and I took the opportunity to properly observe the transformation in him.
"Adrian," Kael said respectfully, then hesitated before continuing. "I was hoping we could speak privately for a mont?"
I glanced at my parents, who nodded their understanding. "Of course. Let’s step outside."
We excused ourselves and made our way to one of the estate’s private gardens, far enough from the main building to ensure our conversation wouldn’t be overheard by anyone.
Once we were alone, Kael turned to face directly. His expression carried sothing that suggested he’d been thinking about this conversation for so ti.
"I wanted to properly thank you," he began, his voice steady but carrying genuine emotion. "For that day when you saved from that beast in the forest. For bringing into your family. For giving a life I never could have imagined."
He paused, as if gathering courage for the next question.
"But I need to understand... why? Why did you help so random street orphan? You’re the son of a Duke. I was nobody. What made you stop and intervene?"
I shrugged with nonchalance, not wanting to make this more dramatic than necessary. "Does there need to be a complicated reason? You were in trouble. I had the capability to help. So I did."
"But people walk past situations like that every day," Kael pressed. "Nobles especially don’t involve themselves with street problems. Yet you not only helped , you brought into your own family. That’s not normal."
"Maybe I’m not normal," I replied simply.
---
He looked at for a long mont, as if searching my face for deeper aning, before finally nodding his head as if accepting my answer at face value.
I took a seat on one of the garden benches and stared up at the night sky. "So, what are you going to do now? I heard from Father that you’ve been training really hard. You must have sothing specific in mind."
Kael nodded, his expression growing more serious and determined. "Indeed. I want to get stronger - much stronger. I don’t want to be weak anymore. I don’t want anyone to be able to pick on or control ever again." He paused before adding, "So I want to enter the academy next year."
Inwardly, I felt satisfaction at hearing this confirmation, but I kept my expression calm and neutral. "That’s a solid plan. The academy is an excellent place to gain opportunities and develop your skills properly."
"I wish I could have entered this year," Kael continued, a hint of regret in his voice. "Entering alongside you would have been interesting, and I could have started gaining those opportunities and skills earlier."
There it is. That’s exactly what i’ve been looking for.
Kael had made it easier for to bring up what I’d been planning. I no longer needed to convince him - he’d expressed the desire himself. My accumulated points were finally going to be put to strategic use.
"What if I told you that’s still possible?" I said casually, watching his reaction carefully.
Kael’s head snapped toward , his eyes widening with shock. "What? But... I already asked the Duke about it. He said admissions were closed for this year. The academy doesn’t accept late entries."
I nodded calmly. "Indeed, official admissions have been closed. But I have ways around certain restrictions within the academy. Being the top-ranked student in the Elite class doesn’t co without benefits and influence."
Kael stared at in complete disbelief, his mouth opening and closing as he processed what I was suggesting. "You... you could actually get into the academy this year? That’s possible?"
"The academy operates on a point system," I explained. "Students can spend points on various services and privileges beyond just equipnt and training facilities. One of those privileges is sponsoring exceptional candidates for special admission reviews."
His expression showed he was struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what I was offering. "But that must cost an enormous amount of points. And you just started - you can’t possibly have accumulated enough..."
I allowed myself a small smile. "I just won first place in a major examination with my entire class. We each received substantial point rewards. I have resources to work with."
"Adrian, I can’t let you spend that much on ," Kael protested imdiately. "Those points are for your own developnt and advancent. You shouldn’t waste them—"
"It’s not a waste if I’m investing in my new brother," I interrupted. "Besides, having soone I trust within the academy provides strategic advantages beyond simple point calculations."
Kael’s expression showed a mixture of overwhelming gratitude and genuine concern about accepting such a valuable gift. "I don’t know what to say. This is... this is more than I could have imagined."
Inwardly, I was satisfied with how this was progressing. Kael entering the academy this year served multiple purposes that he didn’t need to fully understand. Having soone loyal to personally rather than just the Blackwood family would be valuable for navigating academy politics. His growth would also contribute to our family’s overall strength during the coming conflicts.
Most importantly, getting him integrated now ant he would develop alongside the main storyline events rather than missing critical opportunities that only occurred during this specific academic year.
"There are conditions," I said seriously. "You’ll need to pass the academy’s assessnt tests. I can get you the opportunity for review, but you have to prove you’re capable enough to et their standards."
"I understand," Kael said with determination replacing his shock. "I won’t waste this chance. I’ll prove I deserve to be there."
"Good. Then I’ll make the necessary arrangents when I return to the academy tomorrow."
With Kael’s future roadmap settled, I felt much more relieved. Another part of my plan has gone successful, Kael was no longer the sa Winter Beast that would terror everyone in the city, but he would beco my close ally and potentially be my right hand man.
My father’ survival was also more secure now.
I need to get stronger...much more stronger.
Reviews
All reviews (0)