"So tell me again. Do you want to leave with General Victoria for the Tepes Empire to continue your training at her estate, and you're asking for our permission? Is that right, Cain? asks Valerius with a serious look. "
"But soon, you'll be a little too young to leave for another country. Also, you say that Victoria invited you, but I can't see her anywhere near. Are you perhaps lying??" asks Seraphina with a concerned look on her face.
"No, Mom, I am not lying; the master told me to manage the negotiations by myself as a form of training. Also, I know I am a little young, but Mom, if I leave with my master, I can see and discover new things. Also, I will be able to become stronger and make new connections with the young nobles from the Tepes Empire. And our alliance with the Corvus will also become tighter. I promise I will visit from time to time, so you will not miss me." says Cain with a determined look.
In Cain's strong attempt to convince them, Seraphina and Valerius are looking at each other and their soon-to-be, so try and find any sign of lies or doubts. But they can't find anything, so after some minutes of silence, Valerius is the first to talk. "Fine Cain, you can go with your master to the Corvus Estate and train there for some years."
Cain, filled with joy, responds fast to his father: "Thank you, father; I will not disappoint you!" and he runs to his father to hug him as a sign of thanks.
But before he could reach Valerius, he once again opened his mouth. "I say you can leave, but not before your birthday in 2 months, when you will reach the age of 6. Just after the birthday, you can leave for the Tepes Empire. This way, your core will stabilize, and you can prepare for a longer time far from home."
Cain, stopping in his tracks, pounded his dad's words for some time before responding, "Mhm, that will work." Thank you. I will leave in two months. I will go talk with Master now." He makes a courteous bow before his parents.
As Cain walked away from his parents, a tumult of emotions churned within him. The gravity of his decision—to leave the familiar confines of the Silverblood Estate for the unknown realms of the Tepes Empire—weighed heavily on his heart. He paused, taking a moment to gaze back at the grand hall, its walls echoing with memories of laughter and tears. "Is this what growth demands of me?" he wondered, the shadows of the estate casting long, contemplative silhouettes against the fading light. His resolve was firm, yet beneath it lay a tangle of hope and apprehension. He envisioned the challenges ahead, the strength he sought to gain, and the ties he feared to strain.
In the quiet of the estate's lush gardens, Cain's mind drifted to a tender memory—a summer day, laughter filling the air as he and his siblings chased each other, their parents' watchful eyes brimming with warmth. That day, his father had pulled him aside, placing a hand on his shoulder with a gravity that belied the joyous occasion. "Strength lies not in standing alone, but in knowing when to seek the support of those you trust," his father had said, a lesson that now resonated more than ever.
The Silverblood Estate, with its sprawling gardens and ancient, ivy-clad walls, stood as a silent witness to the legacy of a family bound by love and duty. The grand hall, adorned with tapestries depicting the valorous deeds of ancestors, bore the marks of time and the soft glow of the evening sun through its stained-glass windows. As Cain made his way through this familiar yet suddenly distant space, every detail—the soft whisper of the wind through the open windows, the gentle creak of the wooden floors, the scent of blooming flowers from the garden—seemed to implore him to remember his roots, even as he stepped into the unknown.
Leaning against the ancient pillar outside the main hall, Victoria's thoughts were as intense as the training she had planned for Cain. With her eyes closed, she wasn't merely enjoying the tranquility of the estate; she was deeply contemplating the unique potential of her first pupil. "Cain stands apart," she thought. "His spirit, his resilience—there's an untapped power within him ready to be shaped into something remarkable." As his mentor, she felt a profound responsibility: to refine that power, guide him with precision, and ensure that Cain would not only survive but excel in the vast world beyond the estate's protective embrace.
After more than 20 minutes, Cain finally makes his appearance before his master. "Victoria, I tried to negotiate with them, but the most I could get was to leave with you two months from now, after my birthday. I am sorry I couldn't convince them to let me go now, but it seems like I still need to stabilize my core first and spend more time with my siblings. But after that, I have permission to leave for a long time."
"I see," says Victoria, still with her eyes closed. Starting to move and getting in front of her apprentice, she continues, "In that case, Cain, I will let you have a training program for your base to improve that will also help you accommodate your new core and new powers. You will need to practice at least two times a day. Don't let it go just because you've awakened; otherwise, you'll be left behind, and you'll get another beating from some bitter bandits. Do you understand me?!" and she slams her leg on the ground.
Cain, surprised by the new attitude of his master but also a little scared but also excited, was startled and stood straight in front of her. As in a soldier's position in front of his general, Cain answers clearly and loudly, "I will not let you down, Master!"
"Good, cause if you do.. I will have to throw you in the middle of the Shadow Forest and let you deal with all the king and general class beasts out there, hehe," she smirks with a mischievous smile that brings chills to Cain's back, making all his hair stand up.
After two hours in which Cain and Victoria go over most of the training program that Cain will practice in the next two months, Victoria finally leaves for the Tepes Empire, where duty calls for her. She will be back in 2 months to celebrate her pupil's anniversary and, at that time, take him with her.
Victoria's meticulously planned training regimen for Cain was tailored to his unique abilities and potential as a leader. Each morning, he would start before dawn, focusing on physical conditioning to enhance Cain's agility and strength, which is crucial for someone with a shadow affinity. He would also work on mastering his connection with Fenrir, his loyal companion, ensuring their bond and teamwork were unbreakable. Afternoons were dedicated to strategic thinking and combat tactics, emphasizing the importance of timing and discretion in battle. Evenings would conclude with meditation, aligning Cain's physical and mental strength, preparing him not just for battles but for leadership. This comprehensive training aimed to harness Cain's shadow affinity and his partnership with Fenrir, building a foundation for his future role as a bridge between realms and a symbol of strength and wisdom.
And so Cain followed the training regime Victoria prepared for him, not missing any days, and faster than he knew, one mouth had already passed.
In the evening, feeling a little more tired than usual, Cain finishes his training a little early than usual and goes straight to his room, where Night's Whisper and someone else have been waiting for him for some hours already. He felt it during the training—a change inside him.