Akira left the magic tower without saying goodbye.
He didn't look back.
When he stepped outside, cool air brushed against his face — fresh, quiet, unreal after everything he had endured. Waiting at the base of the tower was a black carriage, its doors already open.
And beside it stood Sebastian.
Seeing him made Akira pause.
Sebastian was the one who had brought him here in the first place. After Damian had taken over, the two of them had been separated. Akira hadn't seen him once during the entire time in the tower.
"…Where did you go?" Akira asked quietly.
"Master Damian told me beforehand that your training would take days," Sebastian replied calmly. "So I returned to the castle."
Akira looked away. "Well… my training still isn't over."
"I know," Sebastian said. "Master Damian informed me that your next task is to master passive mana control. I was instructed to take you back to the castle."
Akira nodded once. "Well then, let's go."
He climbed into the carriage without another word.
Sebastian followed, closing the door behind them. The carriage rolled forward, wheels clattering softly against stone as they made their way back to the castle.
Neither of them spoke during the ride.
When they arrived, Akira stepped down eagerly. All he wanted was his bed. His body was exhausted beyond words.
He had barely taken three steps toward the entrance when Sebastian stopped him.
"Master Raizen has given new instructions," Sebastian said.
Akira sighed. "What now…"
"Although you have developed sharp instincts and decent accuracy," Sebastian continued, "your physical body is still weak. From this moment forward, you will train your body every day."
Akira blinked. "That's unnecessary. With mana, my body is already way stronger than before. I can take knife attacks without a scratch."
Sebastian's gaze hardened.
"True," he said. "But that strength comes from mana alone. Your body itself is still weak and frail. Now imagine how strong you could become if you trained both."
Akira opened his mouth to argue, but Sebastian continued.
"And that knife you tested against was blunt. What about real mana attacks? What about a sword coated in mana?" Sebastian stepped closer, his eyes sharp. "Do you truly believe you would survive that?"
Akira hesitated.
Sebastian's glare intensified. "If you think the answer is yes… then we can test it."
"no I am good let's go train" replied Akira not wanting to find out.
With that Sebastian turned and began walking.
Akira followed him through the castle halls, their footsteps echoing against the stone floors. They passed through several corridors before stepping outside into the wide open training grounds.
Akira scanned the area.
The person he expected to see wasn't there.
"…Where's Master Raizen?" Akira asked.
Sebastian stopped beside him.
"Master Raizen is the commander of the Imperial Army," he replied. "He carries many responsibilities. His absence is normal."
Akira frowned. "Then who's training me today?"
Sebastian's eyes shifted forward.
"That would be an Imperial Knight."
Footsteps approached.
Heavy.
Steady.
A figure in full armor walked onto the grounds, the metal plates clinking softly with every step. A long sword rested at his side, and his presence alone made the air feel heavier.
Sebastian stepped back half a pace.
Akira swallowed.
An Imperial Knight…?
And somehow, he already knew—
This training would also hurt.
The armored knight stopped a few steps in front of them.
He reached up and removed his helmet.
Silver hair fell loosely around sharp, battle-worn features.
Sebastian spoke first."This is Sir Silas. An Imperial Knight."
Silas placed a hand over his chest and gave a polite bow."It's a pleasure to meet you, young hero."
Akira stiffened at the title."I– I'm Akira," he said. "Nice to meet you too."
Silas smiled faintly.
"Well then, Akira," he said casually, turning and pointing toward the far end of the massive training ground."Run."
Akira blinked. "Huh?"
"Run until you can't anymore."
Akira stared at him. "W-Wait, what kind of training is that supposed to be—"
Silas's eyes sharpened.
In the next instant—His killing intent was released.
It wasn't visible.
It wasn't loud.
But it crashed into Akira like a mountain.
His breath seized in his chest. His legs locked. Cold fear surged straight into his bones as his instincts screamed danger.
Run.
His body moved before his mind could.
Akira turned and sprinted.
Behind him, Sebastian watched silently.
And Silas… smiled.