"Lex, Lux, this is Kojiro," I began, gesturing toward the imposing warrior who stood at attention in their living room. "He’s an Elite-rank swordsman under my command, and I have a specific task that requires your assistance."
Both brothers remained alert but relaxed their combat stances, though their eyes never left Kojiro as they assessed this unexpected newcor.
"I want you to accompany him on a hunt for a Transcendent-rank beast," I continued, watching their expressions carefully. "However, your role is purely protective. You should only intervene if sothing goes catastrophically wrong. The actual combat must be handled by Kojiro himself - he needs to defeat a Transcendent-rank opponent to break through to that level himself."
Lex and Lux exchanged troubled glances, their internal conflict obvious. As my personal guards, their primary duty was protecting , not babysitting other warriors on potentially dangerous missions.
"Young master," Lux said carefully, "our orders are to ensure your safety above all else. Leaving you unprotected while we escort soone else goes against our responsibilities."
"I understand your concerns," I replied, anticipating this objection. "But I can promise you that I will remain within the capital during your absence. The academy grounds are among the safest places in the kingdom, and I won’t venture beyond the city limits."
Both guards sighed in reluctance, clearly torn between their duty and my direct orders. After a long mont of consideration, they nodded their acceptance.
"We will do as you command," Lex said finally. "However, we must inform Duke Blackwood of this arrangent. He needs to know about any changes to your security detail."
"That’s perfectly fine," I assured them. "I can convince my father of the necessity once he understands the situation."
"Then, if everything goes well, we can set out this evening," Lux added. "There are several known Transcendent beast territories within a few hours travel from here."
Before they departed, I decided to significantly improve Kojiro’s chances of success. I retrieved several of my Enhanced-rank items from storage and presented them to him.
"Take these," I said, offering the Swift Step Boots first. "These will increase your agility by five percent and provide better mobility during combat."
Next ca the Mana Flow Bracelet, its silver surface gleaming with embedded micro-crystals. "This will boost your total mana capacity, giving you more energy to work with during extended fights."
The Razor Edge Sword was the most significant upgrade. "This blade possesses supernatural sharpness that can cut through steel like butter. It’s far superior to your current Mortal-rank weapon."
Finally, I produced the Typhoon Pendant, its rare-rank aura imdiately apparent to everyone present. "This creates devastating whirlwind attacks. It’s currently fully charged and blood-bound to , but I’m temporarily transferring usage rights to you, take care of it."
Kojiro looked incredibly grateful as he equipped each item, his overall combat effectiveness increasing substantially. "With these enhancents, I stand a much better chance against a Transcendent-rank opponent, my lord."
The preparation was complete. Tonight, Kojiro would face his greatest challenge yet.
On the way back to the academy, my communication crystal began to ring with the familiar resonance that indicated an incoming call from my father. I had expected this conversation would happen sooner rather than later.
I channeled a small amount of mana into the crystal, establishing the connection. "Father."
"Adrian," ca Duke Blackwood’s authoritative voice through the magical link. "Lex just contacted about so rather unusual arrangents you’ve made. Care to explain why you’re sending my Transcendent guards on a babysitting mission?"
I had anticipated his resistance and was prepared with my reasoning. "I’m sure you’ve heard about the prototype weapon I’ve been developing from Lex and Lux."
There was a brief pause before he responded. "Indeed, I have. I haven’t spoken to you about it yet because I figured I would wait for you to bring it up yourself."
I nodded even though he couldn’t see . "Yes, father. I wanted the prototype to be significantly improved before sending it to you. And I’m almost finished with the current iteration. So I won’t be leaving the city anyti soon - you can trust on that. If Kojiro could break through to Transcendent rank, I would actually have even better personal security."
"This Kojiro," my father’s tone beca more serious, "tell about his origins. Where did you find him, and how can you be certain of his loyalty?"
"I’ve known him for so ti now, and he has proven himself trustworthy on multiple occasions," I replied carefully, keeping my explanation vague but confident. "His skills are exceptional, and his dedication is absolute."
Another pause stretched across the connection as my father considered my words.
"Alright," he said finally, though I could hear the reservation in his voice. "We will see how this arrangent works out. But Adrian - if anything seems amiss, you contact imdiately."
"Of course, father. How is Kael doing?" I asked, shifting the conversation to the Winter Beast’s progress.
"He’s doing remarkably well, his strength is improving rapidly, and his physical developnt has been quite dramatic. He’s growing at an impressive rate, both in height and muscle mass. The healers are amazed by his transformation."
I smiled at the news, though I wasn’t particularly surprised by this developnt. Kael had only appeared short and frail because of years of severe malnutrition while living as a street orphan. Once that underlying issue was addressed with proper food, dical care, and the resources of a ducal household, his true potential was finally being realized.
The awakening process had likely accelerated his physical developnt even further. When soone awakened their bloodline, their body underwent significant changes to accommodate their new abilities. In Kael’s case, this ant his stunted growth was being rapidly corrected as his enhanced physiology caught up to where it should have been all along.
It was satisfying to know that bringing him into our family had been the right decision.
"That’s excellent news, father. I’m glad to hear he’s adapting well to his new circumstances."
"Indeed. Your instincts about him were correct, Adrian. He shows great promise, based on my estimates he should beco Intune with his body in about four days. By that ti he would have learnt all the basics, and he would be ready to enter the academy."
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