Every single one of them were first-rate organizations, but if asked "which one is the most gallant of them all?", five people out of ten would answer the Striding Steeds.
That Striding Steeds' division leader Karoon Zieghart, who was also the second son of Lord Glenn, tutted with a frown. Zieghart owned multiple powerful armed organizations, befitting their reputation as ruler of the north.
"Didn't you say that he was a patient, one who can't even move properly?"
"Many maids heard the conversation between the Ragged Saint and my lord. He is suffering from a severe illness, for sure."
"I have heard that as well. Just like the last time I saw him, his body wasn't normal today, either. However…"
Karoon Zieghart tapped the desk, which caused not only the desk, but also the whole office, to tremble.
"He withstood Father's pressure."
The pressure that Glenn had emitted at the ceremony could be compared to a firefly, while his full pressure was like the sun.
However, a twelve-year-old, and a sickly one at that, managed to withstand it. It was an unbelievable sight, despite seeing it with his own eyes.
"Would Burren have been able to withstand it?"
"…"
There was no response, as Karoon seemed to be talking to himself.
"No, he wouldn't."
Burren was his son, who had started to train at the age of seven, and he had frequently fed him high quality elixirs.
And even with such an upbringing, Burren wouldn't have withstood his father's pressure. So the fact that Raon did kept bothering him.
"Sylvia was also very talented, more than anyone."
She was disabled because of her energy center and mana circuit breaking, but her talent was undisputable.
"Is it possible to send someone to the annex building?"
"It will take some time, but it's possible."
The butler, who was waiting in front of the door, nodded.
"Then do it."
Karoon turned away with sparkling eyes.
"Report everything that happens there."
* * *
Raon left his room before morning light. After a quick warm up in the garden, he started running near the annex building.
He had said that he would work out in preparation for the training, so no one should've bothered him.
"Huff…"
Although he hadn't been running for a long time, he was already out of breath. His body was much weaker than in his previous life.
"Haah."
He held his breath as he got short of breath. He handled the Ring of Fire while focusing on the simple action of inhaling through his nose and exhaling through his mouth.
Nature's mana was entwined in each breath that passed his lips.
The mana particles, which were fluttering like pollen, ran through his mana circuits to give vitality to his body and suppress the emerging ice.
'It's a good flow.'
Raon nodded. The 'Ring of Fire' was most effective when combined with physical activities. That was why he was able to handle the mana at a level and purity much more superior than usual.
"Huuu…"
His clothes were wet with sweat, and he felt burnt out. However, he couldn't stop himself from smiling from the vitality the Ring of Fire was generating.
"Raon!"
While he was trying to focus more on the bliss of training that stimulated his whole body, Sylvia's head poked out of the window that burst open.
"Why are you overdoing it from the first day?"
"Huff… huff…"
Raon slowed his steps and started panting.
"You're sweating so much! That was way too much!"
"It… It just started."
Breathing heavily, he lowered his head.
'It wasn't a bother. She did well stopping me.'
Sylvia was correct this time. He was more like a patient, so he would've gotten sick if he kept running, despite the vitality from the Ring of Fire.
'I still have plenty of time.'
There was still a month before the start of basic training.
It was enough time to raise the two-star Ring of Fire up to three-star, so he needed to proceed slowly, without haste.
"I'm going to rest in my room."
"How is your body? Does it feel bad anywhere?"
He shook his head at Sylvia, who was looking around his body with concerned eyes.
"No. I think I need to stop for today and rest."
"If you overdo it again tomorrow, I'm going to forbid you from training."
"Don't worry."
Raon smiled lightly and went to his room.
'Now, I shall practice with the vertical ring.'
The Ring of Fire that rotated horizontally developed the body, while the 'Ring of Fire' that rotated vertically developed the mind.
He had been practicing with the horizontal Ring of Fire up to that point, so it was time to practice with the vertical one.
Raon closed his eyes while sitting on the floor. He took in nature's mana with a greater mental focus than when he was running.
Bzzt!
A flimsy shadow started to form next to the two rings of fire that were rotating around his heart.