Chapter 9: Initial Training for Assassins
The next day.
I followed my father to the basement, a place I'd never known existed.
There were all kinds of weapons in the room, including sabers, spears, swords, and halberds. There were also tools for training the body, as well as dummies for training assassination techniques. The ground was exceptionally clean, and could be said to be spotless.
"Will, I originally wanted to have you start training after you grew up, but since you asked yesterday, I plan to teach you some simple practices from today onwards. However, once you start, you have to practice diligently every day. You can't slack off for a day unless there are special circumstances. Now, I can give you another chance to go back on your word."
"Father, I'm ready."
"Good. Let's get started. First, we'll work on the strength of our arms. Watch what I do, then try it out yourself."
His father dropped down and propped his forearms on the ground, his body stretching into a straight line.
In the words of my previous life, this was planking.
Just as I thought, he started with some simple basic movements to train the flexibility of the body.
I followed my father's example and laid down. I put my arms on the ground and did my best to straighten my body.
"You're still young. Hold on as long as you can. Remember not to force yourself. Don't injure your bones. Just practice diligently. I'll teach you a few simple moves later. In the future, when I'm not at home, you have to train here yourself."
"I understand."
I agreed.
Then, I learned a few sets of movements from my father, most of which I had already trained in my previous life, such as pull-ups.
Two hours passed quickly.
Sweat beaded on my head, and my body began to ache.
"That's all for today, Will. You did great!"
"Thank you, Father."
My father and I walked out of the basement into the corridor and saw Jennifer and Great Archmage Anna walking over together.
Ever since my sister went to the Glei Academy to study, Great Archmage Anna would personally accompany her every time she returned. Clearly, she really cared about her.
"Will!! Sister is back! It's been six months since we last met. Did you miss me?!"
My sister, Jennifer, ran toward me, shouting in an exaggerated voice, and put her arms around my head, ignoring the fact that I was sweating all over and dirtying her brand-new uniform.
"Sister, I'm covered in sweat."
"It's okay. I don't mind."
"But Father and Great Archmage Anna are still here."
"It doesn't matter. Father and Teacher Anna won't mind too."
"But Sister, I want to take a shower…"
"It's alright, I'll shower you!"
"This… definitely not!"
I declined expressionlessly.
Although this body was only three years old, my mind was not.
My adult self-esteem wouldn't allow me to do that, even if she was my dear sister.
"Oh my, is Will already at the age where he's starting to hate his sister?"
Jennifer let go of my head and stared at me with innocent jade-green eyes, full of grievance.
"…"
I had nothing to say. I wore a resigned look.
Jennifer was only seven years old, but she was already beautiful. I had no doubt that my sister would be a beauty in the future.
But I doubt her mind is as precocious as her memory.
"Jennifer, don't tease Will. Go into the living room with Teacher Anna. I'll take Will to the shower and be right there."
My father came to the rescue. Only then did Jennifer let go of me.
"Teacher Anna, apologies."
"Not at all. The relationship between these siblings is still as good as ever. Earl Reinhardt, we'll go to the living room first. Jennifer, you have seven days of leave to stay at home. You have plenty of time for your brother. There's no need to rush."
Great Archmage Anna summoned Jennifer.
"Really? Teacher Anna, can I stay at home for seven days this time?"
Jennifer cried out happily. After seeing Great Archmage Anna's affirmation, she immediately turned to look at me. "Will, did you hear that? I have seven days off this time. Hurry up and wash up and come over to accompany me."
I was speechless and could only nod silently.
After washing up in the bathroom with father, I went to the living room. Mother was already talking to Great Archmage Anna.
"Will! Come to Sister!"
Jennifer immediately waved me over.
I could only walk over.
Because I knew that even if I didn't, she would still come over.
"Will, you've grown taller again. When can you come to the Glei Academy to accompany your me?"
"Sister, I'm only three years old. I don't have your kind of talent to be admitted by exception by one of the three major magic academies in the country. At least wait until I'm 10 years old."
"Ah? Doesn't that mean you still have to wait seven years? No, that's too late. Why don't I get Teacher Anna to help you test your magic talent when you're five years old? If you have inherited Mother's talent, you can immediately come and accompany me."
"Forget it. I don't want to enter the academy that early. Besides, talent is something one can chance upon but not seek for. Maybe I don't have the talent to learn magic. Do you know what Chris is doing now? He's coming back less often."
I changed the subject.
I didn't tell her that I had already tried to awaken my magic power. I was afraid that if she knew the result, she would drag Teacher Anna to test it for me again. That would be too much of a blow.
It was better to wait a few years before doing the test.
However, it was also a fact that our elder brother, Chris, was returning home less and less. Now that she was also in the academy, she should more or less know some information.
"Chris is already a reliable senior now, and he's deeply trusted by his mentor. Naturally, he's getting busier and busier. Recently, I heard that he went to the north with his mentor for investigation. He should have written to Father and Mother. Didn't you ask them?"
"I was planning to ask you since you were coming back."
"Is that so? That's great! As expected of my good brother, Will! Sister has learned new Lightning and Wind Magic in the academy. It's really fun. Many interesting things have happened recently. Let me tell you…"
My sister told me about the interesting things that had happened at the academy.
This has become a must-do routine every time she returned.
I could listen to her with relish every time.
Normal life in the academy was indeed much more interesting than the assassin training class.
I would most likely be sent to the academy in the future as well, but not now.
For the next seven days.
Every day, I would wake up two hours early. After sneaking into the basement to train, I would take a shower and go back to my room to sleep, waiting for my sister to wake me up.
After spending seven happy days with her, Jennifer followed Great Archmage Anna back to the academy.
As for me.
I began my daily training.
In my spare time, I flipped through Julius's Magic Notes in the study. I wanted to know the final outcome of this unconventional Mage.