Alaric said that tomorrow would be Lucien's final day of training.
Elara looked at him quietly before speaking. She said she already expected that, because she knew they would be leaving soon.
Alaric nodded. He said they would be leaving, and that was why he wanted Elara to spend more time with Lucien today. He added that he would tell Lucien not to train for the rest of the day.
Elara smiled faintly. She said she was happy to hear that, and she was glad to know Lucien had learned faster than they expected.
Alaric agreed. He said he was surprised himself. He truly believed Lucien would give up on the very first day, but Lucien never quit. Even when he was supposed to rest, he would train alone in his room late at night.
Elara said she was proud of their son, but it was painful knowing they would soon be separated. Sadness was clear on her face.
Alaric said he was proud as well. He admitted that he once planned to bring Lucien back to the family with them. However, if he did that, the family would likely reject Lucien because of his low mana and his inability to use AURU.
Elara said she understood. She believed their son was genuine, and now she finally understood why Lucindra said they should not bring Lucien back with them. It was for his safety.
Alaric explained that by staying with his master, Lucien would have to prove himself through pure strength. Only then would the family accept him. He also added that his stepbrothers had become far more dangerous.
Elara said all she wanted was for Lucien to live a peaceful life. She did not want their son to grow up filled with regret.
Alaric replied that everything they were doing was for Lucien's benefit and safety. He would be far safer where his master lived.
Elara said she knew that, but she still could not stop worrying.
Alaric admitted that he was worried too. Yet deep down, he knew Lucien would be fine. Over the past three years, he had seen something terrifying and wonderful at the same time.
Whenever Alaric taught Lucien a technique, Lucien learned it as if he were copying it directly. Skills that took Alaric over a year to master were understood by Lucien after watching them only once. When Lucien was five, he grasped advanced techniques instantly.
That was when Alaric realized it.
His son was going to become a monster.
Alaric then told Elara to follow him. He said he wanted to show her something.
Elara agreed, though she wondered what Alaric wanted her to see.
They walked toward the training ground. As they approached, Alaric called out to Lucien and told him it was time to have a duel.
Lucien was surprised. He wondered why his father suddenly wanted to test him again, like he always did. This time, Lucien decided he would go all out.
When the maid heard that the lord and young master were about to duel, she rushed over immediately.
Elara asked if this was what Alaric wanted to show her.
Alaric said yes, and told her to watch carefully. He said she would see how much Lucien had grown over the past three years.
The maid arrived just as Lucien stepped forward. The duel was about to begin.
Alaric announced that he would only use martial arts and that he would not hold back.
Lucien replied that he would also fight with everything he had.
The duel began.
Lucien calmed his breathing and cleared his mind. His feet settled into a low stance, his weight evenly balanced. His eyes focused on his father's shoulders rather than his fists. He waited.
Alaric moved first.
A punch flew forward with terrifying speed. Lucien twisted his body at the last moment, the wind brushing past his cheek. Elara and the maid gasped in shock. Lucien had dodged it cleanly.
Alaric continued his assault. Punch after punch followed, each one faster than the last. Though he used only a fraction of his strength, the pressure was overwhelming. Lucien did not panic. His body moved on instinct, stepping, turning, lowering, and shifting just enough to evade every strike.
His breathing remained steady.
Then Alaric disappeared from his direct line of sight.
A sharp warning exploded in Lucien's mind. He turned just in time to see a kick descending from his blind spot. Lucien crossed his arms and braced himself.
The impact sent a shock through his body. Pain shot up his arm, but he did not fall.
Inside his mind, Lucien cursed. That kick was far heavier than he expected. Even while holding back, his father was terrifying.
Lucien pushed forward before Alaric could follow up. He dropped low and swept at his father's leg, forcing him to step back. Lucien followed with a forward dash, driving a palm strike toward Alaric's chest, then twisting into an elbow aimed at the ribs.
Alaric blocked calmly, but his eyes sharpened.
Lucien pressed harder. His fists moved in short, precise arcs. His footwork carried him around his father, cutting angles and never staying still. Every movement was clean and decisive.
Alaric countered with a knee strike, but Lucien redirected it and slipped behind him, attempting a strike to the back.
The air trembled.
Alaric stopped the blow just before it landed.
Silence filled the training ground.
Lucien stepped back, his chest rising and falling. Sweat rolled down his face. His arms trembled, but his eyes burned with determination.
Alaric straightened slowly, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Lucien had not only endured.
He had fought back.
Alaric announced that the training for today was over. He told Lucien to rest and do whatever he wanted. He reminded him to prepare himself, because tomorrow would be the final day of training.
Lucien looked at his father and thought quietly. It was almost time for his parents to leave. Over the past three years, he had grown this strong.
He thanked his father.
Alaric walked over to Elara and asked if she saw how strong Lucien had become.
Elara was still in shock. Seeing her six year old son fight with such confidence was unbelievable. She said she never imagined he would become this strong at such a young age.
Alaric said Lucien had grown faster than expected. He added that during the duel, Lucien had not even used his full strength.
Elara asked if that meant their son was stronger than he looked.
Alaric said yes. He believed that if Lucien continued training, he would become the strongest in the country.
Elara asked why Lucien could not simply return to the family with them.
Alaric explained that one day, she would understand why they left Lucien behind. For now, Lucien needed to remain hidden and grow strong enough to return on his own.
Elara asked if Lucien could return once Alaric reclaimed his position as family head.
Alaric said yes, but taking that position would not be easy. His stepbrothers wanted the seat of power. He had also fled the family before, making him a disgrace in their eyes. To return now, he would need to reclaim his honor and stop his stepbrothers' corruption.
Elara sighed and said the road ahead would only grow harder. She hoped everything would turn out well.
The maid was still stunned. She never imagined a six year old could dodge Alaric's attacks. Watching Lucien fight left her wondering what kind of man he would become.
Elara asked the maid where Lucien was.
The maid replied that after training ended, Lucien returned to the house.
Elara said she would let him rest. At least he should enjoy this time.
Lucien bathed and changed his clothes, only to realize they no longer fit him. When he told his father, Alaric laughed and said Lucien had grown taller and broader. He gave him clothes that he once wore himself.
Lucien thanked his father, then hurried away. He went straight to the library. Today might be the last time he would ever enter it.
He finally read the last book.
It was about towers, dungeons, and monsters, detailing their weaknesses and behavior. The book was titled The Tower of Silent Calamity.
By the time Lucien finished reading, night had fallen. After eating, he went to bed.
Tomorrow would be his final day of training.
He smiled quietly and closed his eyes.