The western training ground was quiet in the early morning.
Most nobles preferred the central field, where instructors and healers were present.
This place was different.
Cracked stones.
Broken targets.
Rusty weapons.
Only low-ranking soldiers and recruits trained here.
Which made it perfect.
Arin walked slowly across the ground.
His eyes were calm.
But inside, the system was active.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Observation Mode Activated]
Blue light shimmered faintly in his vision.
One by one, invisible panels appeared over people's heads.
He stopped near a young swordsman practicing alone.
[ STR: 28 | MAG: 4 | SPD: 32 | END: 30 | INT: 12 | CHA: 9
Talent: Sword Mastery (High)
Growth: High ]
Arin nodded silently.
"So strong already… yet ignored."
The young man noticed him and froze.
"Y-Your Highness?"
Arin spoke gently.
"What's your name?"
"Rynor Valen, sir."
"Fight me," Arin said calmly.
Rynor panicked.
"I… I can't!"
Arin picked up a wooden sword
.
"Don't hold back."
After a moment, Rynor attacked.
Fast.
Sharp.
Clang.
Their swords met.
Pain rushed through Arin's arms.
But he endured.
Five exchanges later, Arin stepped back.
"Enough."
Rynor stared in shock.
"You blocked me…"
"You're talented," Arin said. "Train with me."
Rynor hesitated.
Then knelt.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Arin continued walking.
Near the weight training area, a large boy lifted heavy stones.
[ STR: 35 | MAG: 3 | SPD: 22 | END: 34 | INT: 8 | CHA: 6
Talent: Heavy Weapon Affinity
Growth: Moderate-High ]
"Lift again," Arin said
Jaren struggled.
Veins bulged.
But he lifted it higher.
Arin nodded.
"Good. Join me."
Jaren grinned.
"Gladly!"
Near the stables, Arin sensed something different.
A soft magical fluctuation.
A girl was brushing a horse quietly.
Her movements were gentle.
Her eyes were focused.
[ STR: 6 | MAG: 48 | SPD: 15 | END: 12 | INT: 35 | CHA: 22
Talent: Arcane Resonance (Rare)
Growth: Very High
Compatibility: High ]
Arin froze.
"Forty-eight… at sixteen."
He walked closer.
"Your mana flow is unstable," he said.
She blinked.
"Huh?"
"Try this," Arin replied.
He adjusted her posture.
Corrected her breathing.
Guided her circulation.
She followed.
Suddenly, blue light spread around her hands.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Mana Control Increased]
Her eyes widened.
"I… I've never felt this before."
"My name is Arin," he said. "Train with me."
She hesitated.
Then smiled.
"My name is Lyra Veynn. I will."
That afternoon, the four stood together.
Prince and commoners.
Different origins.
Same goal.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Core Team Established]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Team Growth Rate +20%]
Warmth spread through Arin's body.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Leader Bonus Activated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: INT +1 | CHA +1]
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
STR: 5
MAG: 5
SPD: 5
END: 5
INT: 8
CHA: 7
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 1
]
Arin looked at his companions.
Still weak.
Still small.
But full of potential.
From a distant corridor, a servant watched silently.
Then hurried away.
That night, Arin stood by his window.
Stars filled the sky.
This was his first step.
Not toward power.
But toward a dynasty.