**
Luther stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the training grounds below where the family knights were hard at work. The clang of swords and the rhythmic thud of boots against the dirt echoed up to his room. It was a sight that brought back memories—both of his own grueling training sessions and the weight of expectations that had once rested heavily on his shoulders.
Among the trainees, the grandmaster knight Alex observed with a critical eye. Alex had been Luther's mentor, a towering figure known for his mastery of the transcend aura stage. His reputation as one of the finest knights in the Derik family was well-earned, and his stern demeanor left no room for error. As Luther watched, Alex suddenly turned and their eyes met. A chill ran through Luther; the look was not just stern but filled with unspoken disappointment.
Luther raised a tentative hand in greeting, but Alex's expression remained cold. Turning back to the trainees, Alex barked out an order, his voice carrying across the grounds. "Everyone, 20 laps around the training ground! If you falter, we'll start again from the beginning!" The trainees groaned but did not hesitate. They knew better than to cross Alex when he was in such a mood.
Jonathan, one of the younger knights, whispered to his friend George as they began their laps. "Why are we being punished so harshly? We haven't done anything wrong today."
George glanced towards the window where Luther stood before replying in a hushed tone. "It's not about what we've done today. It's about the young master."
Jonathan looked puzzled. "What does he have to do with this?"
George explained, keeping his voice low. "The commander, Alex, had high hopes for young master Luther. He even made a bet with the White Flames knight commander, Lucifer. He wagered a transcend treasure, confident that Luther would awaken his aura. But Luther couldn't even grasp the basics, and the commander lost both the treasure and a lot of respect."
Jonathan's eyes widened as the pieces fell into place. "No wonder Alex is so strict with us. He must be furious that he lost because of Luther."
George nodded, his face grim. "Exactly. Alex put his honor on the line for the young master. It wasn't just about the treasure; it was about the faith he had in Luther. And when Luther failed, it wasn't just a personal disappointment—it was a public embarrassment."
As the trainees continued their grueling laps, Luther felt the weight of their words. He had always been aware of the expectations placed on him, but hearing the story from the perspective of the knights made it painfully clear just how much he had let people down. Alex's frustration was not just about a failed bet; it was about the shattered hopes and tarnished pride that came with his failure.
Luther turned away from the window, his face set in a troubled frown. He remembered his time under Alex's mentorship—the long hours spent trying to grasp the basics of aura techniques, the frustration of feeling like an outsider in his own family, and the silent judgment he felt from those around him. His failure had not only affected him but had rippled out to others, causing them hardship and embarrassment.
The sounds of the training ground faded as Luther walked to his desk, his mind racing. He needed to confront Alex, to understand where he had gone wrong and to find a way to make amends. He could no longer afford to hide from his past mistakes. The tension between them had to be addressed, not just for his sake but for the family's and for the knights who looked up to Alex.
Leaving his room, Luther made his way down the hall, each step echoing in the silent corridor. As he approached the training grounds, the clamor of the knights' drills grew louder. He hesitated for a moment at the entrance, taking in the scene. Alex stood at the center, his sharp eyes tracking the movements of each trainee, missing nothing.
Summoning his courage, Luther stepped onto the training ground. The knights noticed him immediately, their movements faltering as they glanced between him and Alex. The tension was palpable, a silence falling over the group as they sensed the brewing confrontation.
Alex turned, meeting Luther's gaze with a steely expression. There was a moment of charged silence before Luther spoke, his voice steady but laced with the weight of his apology. "Commander Alex, I need to speak with you. In private."
The knights watched as Alex nodded, his face betraying nothing. "Continue your training," he ordered the trainees, who quickly resumed their drills, though their attention was clearly split.
Alex led Luther away from the training area to a quieter spot. Once out of earshot, he turned to face Luther, his eyes cold and unyielding. "What do you need, young master?" The title felt formal, almost mocking, given the history between them.
Luther took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I know I've disappointed you. I failed to meet the expectations you and the family had for me. But I want to change that. I need your help to find an aura technique that suits me, one that I can master."
Alex's gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained stern. "Do you really understand what you're asking, young master ? The path you've chosen is not easy. Your unique condition means that conventional techniques won't work for you. It requires a level of commitment and resilience that you haven't shown before."
Luther met Alex's eyes, the determination clear in his own. "I understand the challenges. But I'm ready to face them. I can't undo the past, but I can try to make things right. I want to learn. I want to prove that your faith in me wasn't misplaced."
For a long moment, Alex said nothing, merely studying Luther as if weighing his sincerity. Finally, he nodded, though his expression was still cautious. "Very well. We will begin your training anew. But remember, this is your last chance. Fail, and not only do you fail yourself, but you also fail the family and those who have believed in you."
Luther nodded, feeling the gravity of Alex's words. As they walked back to the training grounds,