Back in the dorm room, I found myself staring at the ceiling, contemplating my position in the team. It was clear that Lucas was on a different level, and the thought of facing the Daria Squad, with their strong mentor and skilled apprentices, added to the pressure. I knew the princess had taken a liking to him, but I wasn't sure whether to feel happy or fearful when they both faced off.
In the quiet of the room, Lucas spoke up, breaking the silence.
"You know, Bran, we make a good team. But to truly shine, we need to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. I believe in you, and I want us to grow together."
How could he say something like that when I'm the one who would be holding him back? I couldn't just ignore my feelings and hide it from a friend who became my little brother for life. So, of course, I had to confess~
However, his words struck a chord, and I turned to face him. "Lucas, I appreciate your encouragement, but I can't help but feel like I'm falling behind. You're so advanced, and I—"
Lucas interrupted with a reassuring smile. "Bran, I don't see you as someone falling behind or someone I hate. Trust me, I hate these lesse- I mean, these mortal emotions more than you, as I was someone like that, holding you back. I now see you as my equal, my rival. We can push each other to new heights. What do you say we become each other's benchmarks?"
He certainly had his ways with these words. Even though he may speak awkwardly like he is imitating a great figure of the past.
The idea of being Lucas's rival sparked a new determination within me. I nodded, the self-doubt gradually giving way to a newfound sense of purpose. Maybe, this way, I can really aim to catch up to him.
"You're right, Lucas. I'll take that challenge. Consider me your rival. The next time we spar, you'll be using your full power!"
"Ah. If that happens, this realm would just burst into pieces. Haha~ I mean, I would certainly win!"
Lucas grinned, a glint of satisfaction in his deep dark eyes. "That's the spirit, Bran! Rivals push each other to greatness. We'll show them what we're made of."
From that moment on, a subtle shift occurred. I embraced the idea of being Lucas's rival, not in a way that bred resentment, but in a way that fueled my desire to catch up and stand by his side.
Just you wait, Lucas. I will become stronger than you.
***
[LUCAS TRIDENT'S POV:]
It was already the next day. Bran joined me in my regular exercises today, and we sparred at the last minute without using mana, fully utilizing our physical strength. However, I've got to admit, Bran has certainly changed after yesterday, and now he is actually trying to defeat me with everything he's got. It wasn't bad at all.
Then, as we prepared ourselves for today, we went to our training area no.7, where Master Gladius was waiting for us, along with the Daria Squad.
My Master Gladius and an elf woman who appeared to be Professor Daria Leventine. She was younger than Master Gladius but who knows, considering she is an elf and all.
With long white hair, blue eyes, and a scar underneath her left eye, similar to Master's scar across his left eye. She also had a very toned physique along with numerous black tattoos that covered her arms and the upper left half of her chest. She carried a curved single-edged sword, sheathed at her waist.
"Hell, with the director suggesting to help you idiots!"
"Who are you calling idiots, you idiot!"
"Lucas and Bran are the best students there are!"
"Like hell they are. Lucas is a scrawny kid, and Bran is still developing!"
I could see the spark of a fight between Master Gladius and Professor Daria, as always. Well, I was pissed off hearing Professor Daria describe me as a scrawny kid. I suppose she didn't know about now.
And, the pretty girl with blue eyes, thick and black hair, who I could easily tell it was Cecilia, even though she is in a military-style uniform, for training.
She was was cleaning up her sword, while along with Cecilia, a thick round glasses that magnify that little girl's eyes and a curly hair is tied into a ponytail down her back, which is obviously, Diane the secretary, who was helping Cecilia and cleaning her own daggers too.
"Hey, we made it!" Bran and I said out loud, interrupting the spark between the two mentors, as well as Cecilia and Diane.
"Who the hell are you? Where is Lucas, Bran?" Professor Daria asked with an expression of irritation.
Bran smiled with a sigh as he turned his head towards my face. Master Gladius let out a proud laugh, about to say, "Don't you recognize that lad? he is~" Cecilia cut in with a smile, pointing her unsheathed sword towards me, as we exchanged cunning smiles.
"He is Lucas. Lucas trident of the Squad Gladius!"
"You've got to be joking here. Come on, he isn't Lucas! he is a well-refined warrior standing there. I-It can't be really Lucas, right?" Professor Daria said with obvious nervousness, checking my face again and again.
Well, that's what you get for calling me a scrawny little kid. "Haha. Yeah, it's me, Professor. Long time no see!" I waved at her with a grin on my face.
Exchanging glances with everyone present there, she looked at me with a curious face, "How did 'this' happen?" she asked, pointing to my body and my face.
I don't blame her, though. Even I myself can't understand the result, after one month of training my body. Maybe because of the awakening of my true demon bloodline and my black heart, this body of mine has incredible capabilities. To think I was cursing Lucas and this body so much, "sighs" it's all worth the effort.