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Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Noble Training and Hidden Bonds

Chapter 12: Noble Training and Hidden Bonds

Kain stood in the training yard, his breath steady, his gaze focused. The sun had begun its descent, casting long shadows across the estate. Sir Garrick circled him, his cold eyes assessing every inch of Kain's stance, waiting for the smallest mistake.

"Again," Sir Garrick ordered, his voice cutting through the air.

Without hesitation, Kain launched into the drill once more, his wooden sword slicing through the space with precision. His body moved fluidly, each step calculated and efficient. Sweat dripped down his forehead, but he remained focused.

He had been at this for hours, yet fatigue hadn't settled in as it might have for someone else. With each day, Kain felt his body becoming stronger, faster, more precise. His stats, though hidden from the world, had been climbing steadily, approaching limits even seasoned warriors struggled to reach. The advanced sword techniques that should have taken years to master felt almost instinctual now, as if his body had already known them.

A sudden, swift movement from Sir Garrick interrupted Kain's rhythm. The older warrior lunged forward, his own practice blade aimed at Kain's midsection. Reacting on instinct, Kain parried and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the blow.

"You're improving," Sir Garrick remarked with a grunt, lowering his sword. "But you still have a long way to go."

Kain nodded, though inwardly he knew he had far surpassed expectations for someone his age. His virtual toolbox had allowed him to refine his skills beyond what anyone could have imagined. But he couldn't reveal too much. Not yet.

As they finished the session, the Duke appeared at the edge of the training yard, his imposing presence casting a shadow over them. Kain straightened immediately, bowing his head slightly.

"You're progressing faster than anticipated," the Duke said, his tone as cold as ever. His sharp eyes scanned Kain, but there was no hint of admiration or pride. Only suspicion. "Show me."

Kain swallowed but complied. He gripped the practice sword tightly, readying himself for whatever the Duke had in mind. The nobleman stepped forward, drawing his own blade—real steel, not a training weapon. A tense silence fell over the yard.

"Defend yourself," the Duke commanded.

Kain barely had time to react before the Duke attacked, his sword a blur of movement. The blows came fast and hard, far more aggressive than anything Sir Garrick had thrown at him. Kain parried and dodged, but the Duke's skill was immense, every strike a calculated test.

With each clash, Kain could feel the difference between himself and the Duke. The older man had experience, years of battle hardened into every movement. But Kain had something more—he had power beyond his years, and though he held back, his body responded with a fluidity that surprised even him. After several exchanges, Kain managed to deflect a particularly powerful strike and step out of range.

The Duke lowered his blade, studying Kain in silence for a long moment.

"You'll do," he said finally, his voice devoid of warmth. "But don't let this go to your head, boy. You still have much to learn."

Kain bowed again, hiding the relief that washed over him. Though the Duke had been harsh, it was clear he had gained some respect for Kain's abilities. The mystery of his rapid growth, however, would continue to linger in the Duke's mind.

---

Later that evening, Kain found himself in the company of Lady Aria, walking through one of the Duke's vast gardens. The air was cool, and the scent of fresh blossoms hung in the breeze. It had been days since they'd last had a moment to themselves, and Kain could sense something different in her demeanor.

"You were impressive today, Kain," Aria said softly, her eyes glancing at him from beneath her lashes. There was a slight blush to her cheeks, though she tried to remain composed.

"Thank you, Lady Aria," Kain replied, his voice respectful but distant. He had noticed the way her gaze lingered on him more often now, the subtle shift in her behavior. But he couldn't afford to get too close. He had a mission, a life beyond this estate.

Still, he couldn't deny that Aria had become a comforting presence. Her sharp wit and warm smiles had broken through the cold formality of noble life, and she had begun to share more of her own struggles and aspirations with him.

They walked in silence for a few moments before she spoke again, her tone quieter this time. "Do you ever miss your home? Your village?"

Kain paused, considering her question. His thoughts drifted briefly to the village, to his mother and the simple life he had left behind. But it felt distant, like a chapter of a book he had long since finished. His goals were far beyond that now.

"Sometimes," he admitted. "But this is where I need to be. I want to become stronger."

Aria nodded, though there was something wistful in her expression. "I understand that feeling. We all want to prove something."

She fell silent for a moment, and Kain could sense there was more she wasn't saying. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, noticing the way she twirled a strand of hair between her fingers, her gaze focused on the ground.

"Lady Aria..." Kain hesitated, then decided to ask. "Is everything all right?"

She looked up, startled by his question. For a brief moment, her guard dropped, and Kain saw vulnerability in her eyes. "It's just... I'm not sure what's expected of me sometimes. My father... he's so distant. I know he expects great things, but it's hard to know if I'll ever be enough."

Kain felt a pang of sympathy for her. Despite their different backgrounds, they both carried the weight of expectations. "You'll find your way," he said softly. "You're strong. I've seen it."

Aria smiled at that, a genuine smile that lit up her face. "Thank you, Kain. That means a lot coming from you."

They continued walking, the silence between them now more comfortable. Yet, Kain couldn't shake the feeling that Aria was growing more attached to him. It wasn't something he could afford to dwell on, not when he had so many secrets to keep. But for now, he would let her have this moment.

As they returned to the estate, Kain's mind shifted to his secret spatial dimension. His creations had continued to grow, his technological advancements accelerating. Soon, he would need to test the limits of what he could do in this world.

But for now, he had to navigate the noble life—and the growing bond with Lady Aria—with caution.