"You kids have really grown so much!" Master Gladius said with a happy smile, feeling proud of our development.
"However," he stopped as he looked at my face, and continued, "What's with the new abilities that I saw in our little spar today?" he asked with a curious grin.
I smiled with pride, "Well, being an Advanced Ranked student, I manipulated my dark element to some useful techniques I can use while battling. And while I was doing that, I picked up the ability to use necromancy while using my dark element, focused on a particular area, summoning minions for my assistance!" I replied.
"Hmm. I never thought I would be able to see humans capable of using necromancy before, and what's with the quick attack when you suddenly speared from my back? What's up with that?" He asked with his hands scratching his temples curiously.
Being able to use dark teleportation is something only a King or Emperor ranked warrior with my specific attribute and techniques could pull off. However, unlike these mortals, I, who had the power of the abyss, originating from my true demonic heart, can proudly say this skill is something only I alone in this world can do.
Now the problem is, even if I didn't use dark teleportation to the full extent, I can't just answer him with mere words like speed and physical enhancement stuff. What should I tell him?
"Ah, that. I was able to glide through the black swamp I conjured using mana and with extending it from your feet and combine it with my speed, willing mana to my legs, I was able to dash quickly without you noticing it!" I replied, managing somehow with my words blabbering all around. "Phew!"
"It sure doesn't seem like I follow ya, kid. However, I might even say, if you perfect this technique, you could rival Emperor Ranks with ease. Great job!" he said giving me a hard pat on my back, with a smile.
After me, he noticed Bran's face and continued, "First of all, tell me, you brat. Why would you announce your attacks? Do you think it's cool or something?" He asked.
"Well, sir, I wanted to focus my mana to strike you. Sorry, Master!" Bran said with a disheartened face.
"Well, aside from that, you should focus on your opponent's strengths and weaknesses before you make any move. Do you really think a King Ranked one would just leave another opponent while fending off an opponent at hand? Don't make that mistake again, Kiddo!" Master Gladius said as he patted Bran's head with a smile.
Although Bran did something great and quite impressive for his age, I'm afraid he would get an inferiority complex soon, with someone like me. Seems like I have to do something about that, to change that feeling into something positive.
"Hmm. That's it for today, you both. Get rest for today, as from tomorrow, we would be training against our rivaling team, the Daria Squad, till the exams begin."
"But why tho~" I was irritated the moment I heard the squad name.
The mentor who is the rival of Master Gladius, Professor Daria Leventine, who is a mid-King Ranked, taking in Cecilia and Cecilia's attendant Diane, as her apprentices. Even if the mentor of their team is no joke and I was happy to learn some thing from her, the cunning Cecilia and her overprotective secretary Diane would be training with us from tomorrow. Ah, what a pain.
"Haha. Its all because of your quick progressing in strength students. Don't ya worry, your Master has got everything planned out!"
Well, he is unexpectedly excited. I wonder why that is, when he would just bark like a dog whenever the name Daria comes out of any other professor's mouths.
And so, after speaking and getting reviews with our mentor, Bran and I headed out to our room quickly as it was already night at the time. However,
"So what do you think, Lucas? Should we spar, like you said?" Bran asked with a serious face.
"Of course, Bran! It's an excellent idea. We can practice and refine our techniques together. It's crucial to support each other's growth," I replied with enthusiasm, trying to uplift Bran's spirits. Despite being close friends and brothers, the difference in our abilities might make him feel a bit left out.
At least with this method, I can lift that feeling of his mortal emotion and make it more competitive.
Bran's face brightened with a smile. "You're right, Lucas! Let's make sure we're both at our best when we face the Daria Squad. I'll give my all in our sparring sessions!"
"That's the spirit, Bran! We'll show them what we're made of," I encouraged, appreciating his determination. And that's all, as a Demon King, who doesn't know the emotions of mortals could say for now my brother.
We decided to use a part of the training ground that was still open at this hour, as we left the room. Finding a secluded spot, we faced each other, ready for a friendly spar.
"Remember, Bran, it's not just about strength. It's also about strategy and understanding your opponent's moves. Let's focus on improving our coordination and finding ways to exploit each other's strengths," I advised, adopting a more mentor-like tone. And I suppose I should just not use my mana or any stuff other than my physical powers. After all, I do wonder how strong my body is.
Bran nodded, acknowledging the advice. "Got it, Lucas. Let's do this!"
***
[BRAN TRIDENT'S POV:]
The moon hung high in the night sky as we wrapped up our sparring session. I wiped the sweat from my brow, feeling the exertion from the intense practice with Lucas. Despite being on the same team, I couldn't shake the feeling of being overshadowed by Lucas's advanced techniques and capabilities.
Ever since I was young, my family never allowed me to go out because of an incident when some guys kidnapped me. My father saved me, of course; however, I still was engulfed in loneliness. One day, I ran away from my house and sat near the river flowing in our town.
There, I saw a little boy, so skinny that he practically ate leaves falling from the trees. He had dull blond hair and a scrawny body, with only underwear on.
I felt like I had to help him, and so, I brought him to my estate, providing him with food and clothing. However, that kid had his knee hurt from somewhere, so I asked my father to allow the kid to stay with us until he recovers.
It was all ten years ago now, and to think that the little kid who helped me get out of my loneliness became my close friend and eventually one of my family members, as my father adopted him as his second son—my little brother. He would be the only friend I have in this world for now, Lucas.
However, this feeling I'm feeling now is not friendship or the proud feeling of being a brother. It was an inferiority complex.
Lucas used to be weak, and I, being the strongest one of us, felt like I could be proud to call myself a big brother and protect my little brother, even if I had to face failures until he develops.
My father, my family, always wanted me to give up on Lucas after our failures, for almost three years now. However, Lucas suddenly awakened his true abilities. Well, I was kind of scared on the first look at him in the dungeon and his odd actions; however, he is that kind of guy.
I was proud that my brother and my best friend had gotten a new power, and we would rise up to the top together. But, the farther Lucas grew in the past month, his body, his power, and the battle senses he had, I admired every single one of them and hated them at the same time.
"Great job, Bran! You're making impressive progress," Lucas commended, clapping me on the shoulder. His words were encouraging, but a part of me still felt inadequate compared to him.
Even now, we have sparred at least twice in a row. And each spar, he defeated me without using his mana.
"Thanks, Lucas. I appreciate the guidance," I replied with a grateful smile, though a hint of self-doubt lingered in my eyes. As we walked back to our dorms, I couldn't help but mull over my own shortcomings. It was clearly my defeat.