By now, my conversations with Eclipse had become so seamless that I could speak with him while engaging in other actions, no longer needing the blank stare of a baby to communicate. As I prepared to face Gant, Eclipse's voice echoed in my mind, calm and instructive.
"You've been honing your Galaxy Step well, Kairos, but it's still far from perfect. This skill requires grueling dedication—what would take a regular person in Eldoria fifty years of strict practice, you've managed to grasp the basics of in just a short time. However, knowing when and how to use the skill is up to you. The celestial energy weaved into your swordsmanship makes it a hard technique to master, but I believe you're ready. Let's show Gant just how far you've come."
I nodded subtly, focusing my energy. With a deep breath, I activated Galaxy Step. The world around me seemed to slow as I felt the celestial energy pulse through my veins, channeling into my movements. My body flickered with a brilliant glow, shifting from spot to spot, leaving direct afterimages in my wake.
Gant's eyes widened slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Very Impressive, Kairos. Not many could pull off a technique like that at your age."
But Gant was a seasoned warrior, and he wasn't so easily caught off guard. He struck the ground with his sword, kicking up a cloud of dirt, obscuring my movements. Then, with a keen warrior's instinct, he waited for the shadows to shift, anticipating my attack.
As I closed in, my blade aiming for his side, Gant moved with lightning speed. He twisted his body just in time, catching my sword with his own in a clash of steel that rang through the courtyard with a sharp metallic rang clang rang through out courtyard.
The force of the impact sent a shockwave through my arms, but I pushed through, trying to regain my footing. Gant, however, was one step ahead. In a fluid motion, he flipped his sword in his hand and struck me in the stomach with the hilt.
I gasped, the air driven from my lungs as pain exploded in my abdomen. My grip on my sword faltered, and I crumpled to the ground, vomiting from the force of the blow.
Gant stood over me, his expression softened by a touch of concern, though his voice remained firm. "You've got potential, Kairos. But remember, skill alone isn't enough. You need to be prepared for anything—and that means learning from your defeats as much as your victories."
I looked up at him, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, and noticed a small cut on his arm, just beginning to bleed. It wasn't much, but it was something—a sign that I had at least managed to land a hit.
"Not bad," Gant admitted, nodding in approval. "But you've still got a long way to go. Keep practicing that technique, and maybe one day, you'll be able to land more than just a scratch."
I nodded, still catching my breath. "I'll get stronger. I'll master this skill, and I'll prove that I'm ready for the Trial."
Gant extended a hand, helping me to my feet. "I'm sure you will, lad. But remember, strength isn't just about your sword or your magic. It's about the heart that wields them. Don't lose sight of that."
With those words, Gant left me standing in the courtyard, his figure disappearing into the long corridor. As the echoes of the duel faded, I clenched my fists, determination burning in my chest. I had a long road ahead, but I would keep pushing forward. How bad can the Trial really be?
The next morning, Kairos entered the imposing Aurelius estate, he couldn't help but feel the weight of its grandeur. The vast manor, with its endless windows and expansive courtyard, exuded power and prestige, a testament to the might of the Aurelius family. Inside, a diverse array of maids greeted him, ranging from beast-kin to demon folk, each possessing distinct features and captivating beauty. These maids, trained to perfection, gracefully acknowledged Kairos' presence as soon as he crossed the threshold, their voices harmonizing in a welcoming chorus, "Welcome, Master Kairos."
As he moved through the entrance, Kairos' eyes were drawn to his extended family—his cousins, who shared the signature silver hair of the Aurelius lineage. Yet, each cousin had their own unique traits, some with strands of silver mixed with other colors, while others bore the distinct features of beast-kin.
Eclipse's voice, ever-present in Kairos' mind, began to explain, "The beast features you see in your cousins, Kairos, are a result of the diverse bloodlines within the Aurelius family. Over generations, the Aurelius lineage has intertwined with other powerful beings, including beast-kin and dragon folk. These features are not just physical traits but manifestations of the unique abilities and strengths that come with such heritage."
Kairos nodded subtly, his eyes focusing on Lysandra Aurelius, who possessed raccoon-like ears and a silver-and-gray tail. She was a brilliant archer with a sharp tongue, exuding confidence and grace with every movement. Yet, behind her fierce exterior, Kairos sensed her internal conflict. Lysandra was loyal to her family, but she harbored doubts about the morality of the Star Dragon Trial and the family's traditions. Straining his eyes slightly, Kairos activated his observation skill, and Lysandra's status plate materialized in his mind:
Lysandra Aurelius
Race: Half-Beastkin (Raccoon)
Class: Arcane Archer
Age: 17
Attributes:
Strength: 72
Dexterity: 124
Constitution: 64
Intelligence: 56
Wisdom: 35
Charisma: 78
Skills:
Archery Mastery (Level 8)
Arcane Shot (Level 7)
Enhanced Senses (Level 5)
Agility Boost (Level 6)
Stealth (Level 6)
Special Traits:
Beast-kin Agility: Enhanced reflexes and speed.
Night Vision: Superior vision in low-light conditions.
Kairos blinked, letting the information settle before moving on to his next cousin. Caelum Aurelius, older than Kairos by a year. Caelum's cold, calculating demeanor barely masked his deep-seated insecurities. As a master of elemental magic, particularly fire, he viewed Kairos with thinly veiled resentment. The rivalry between them was palpable, fueled by Caelum's jealousy and his desire to prove himself as the true heir to the Aurelius legacy.