I infused my body with aura and coated my sword with my dark aura, Seraphius remarked,
"Dark aura, Montague aura is truly unique."
Without a moment's hesitation, I lunged at Seraphius, my sword aimed at his head. He blocked my strike effortlessly, and I retreated to infuse even more aura into my sword.
As I approached him once more, Seraphius observed, "Not bad, but you'll need to develop it further."
"I'll do my best," I replied, determination in my voice.
Seraphius gave a nod of approval and said, "Alright, give it another try."
I attacked him again with the Montague sword technique, delivering sinister slashes and precise footwork. Despite my relentless assault from all angles, Seraphius remained unfazed.
After several minutes of intense battling, I was panting heavily and on the verge of exhaustion. Seraphius commented, "Hmm, not bad. You have the sinister aura. Keep developing it. You can make your opponents tremble with it."
Encouraged, I rose to my feet, wiped the sweat from my brow, and bent my knees, ready to charge at Seraphius once more.
With a shout, I lunged forward, my aura-infused sword a deadly weapon. The ensuing fight was a whirlwind of flashing steel and determination. The ground beneath us cracked as I poured every ounce of my energy into each strike.
After an exhausting half-hour, I collapsed, unable to move. My breath came in ragged gasp..
He declared, "You've officially become an adept knight. Well done!"
I realized that this routine would be my life for the next three months. On my 16th birthday, I would enter the academy. I slapped my face, steeling my resolve to survive.
As I disappeared from the training ground, I made my way to the lord's room. Upon entering, Lord Oswald, who had been silently observing our training, turned his attention to me.
" Oswald, you wouldn't believe it! The boy broke through to the second level just like that."
Oswald's expression remained as cold and enigmatic as ever. The room was filled with a palpable tension as our eyes met. It was I who broke the silence, my tone laced with curiosity as I asked, "Is it truly resolved? What about the engagement with the imperial princess?"
Oswald's gaze remained fixed on me as he replied cryptically, "Yes, for now. The engagement remains in place, but the future is uncertain."
Seraphius leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"My lord, the imperial family seems insistent on binding the Montague family by marrying off the second princess to your child."
Oswald nodded, his gaze never leaving Seraphius.
"Yes, they are. It's part of their preparations for the upcoming war against the demons. They want the Montague family to lead the charge and rally the other noble houses to stand united."
Seraphius absorbed the gravity of the situation.
Oswald's eyes, as cold and determined as ever, met Seraphius's. "He must grow stronger, not only for our family's sake but for his safety against the kingdom and the devils.