In the training ground, Robin and King Lion stood together.
"Robin, your fighting techniques are really good, but only when it comes to bare-handed close combat. Even though your weapon skills aren't as good, you're still too dangerous," King Lion remarked.
He paused and continued, "There's one aspect you don't know. Weapons are graded into four categories: normal, mid, legendary, and mythic. The higher a weapon is graded, the stronger it is. Some come with magic attacks, and others even with divine skills. So I want you to avoid fighting bare-handed since you can't recognize a weapon's grade just by looking at it. If you're not careful, you could get yourself killed. Legendary and mythic weapons, in particular, can ignore the defenses of a knight's body. As for normal and mid-grade weapons, their effectiveness depends on the material used to make them."
Robin was trapped in his thoughts. "At first, I thought most weapons would just be stuck at normal and mid grades, since even on Earth it's always about the materials used. But now, spells and skills on weapons...",He glanced at the training weapons placed on a wooden rack, wondering which would suit him best.
"Robin!" King Lion called out in a low tone, clearly noticing Robin's deep thought. Robin snapped out of it and rubbed his head. "Sorry, Dad. Also, assuming normal and mid-grade weapons are made by humans, who makes legendary and divine weapons?"
"For legendary weapons, they can be formed during powerful battles, like my sword, the 'Ashton Sword'," King Lion explained as he smiled and unsheathed his sword. "But it's really hard. For example, my sword has been used by my father and grandfather. Another way is to use material from a legendary beast, like the great dragons, which are more powerful than a diamond knight or archmage. So, they're hard to come by or even just going after it is a death wish. Divine weapons, on the other hand, are directly blessed or created by the gods. They are so powerful that having just one in a kingdom could make us one of the top kingdoms in the empire," King Lion said excitedly. It seemed weapons had a special place in his heart.
Robin looked at the sword in his father's hands, which was crystal clear. He could feel a faint trace of healing mana emanating from it, though it was very subtle.
"My sword heals me continuously during battles," Lion said, noticing Robin's curiosity. "Also, you're not going to inherit it unless I'm dead—which is impossible... I'm only in my 30s."
Robin's expression was a mix of awkward silence and disbelief as he stared at his father for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the sword, his eyes gleaming with greed.
"Boy... I stole this from _my_ father. Go steal yours—but not this one," Lion quipped with a mischievous grin.
Robin chuckled as the king sheathed his sword with a satisfied smile.
No wonder he had never seen his father injured even during his battles, in some way his diamond body with the healing effects of the sword he was not faro from being invincible.
"From today, your real training begins," King Lion announced, his tone firm but encouraging. "I forbid you from fighting with your fists anymore. Instead, go to the weapon rack and choose what you'll use in battle."
Robin walked over to the weapon rack, inspecting the various options. There were spears, shields, massive hammers, swords, maces, and staffs. After careful consideration, he picked up a sword. As he swung it experimentally, he felt an immediate connection—it felt more natural than any of the other weapons.
Satisfied with his choice, Robin returned to his father. King Lion's face lit up with approval. The sword was an ideal choice, as it would make teaching Robin easier. "Excellent," King Lion said, his voice filled with pride. "I'll now teach you the Ashton Swordsmanship."
He began explaining. "The Ashton Swordsmanship technique has five levels. Each level amplifies your strength by 20%. To practice this technique, you need two things: a Golden Knight body and the Ashton bloodline. Fortunately, you've already achieved the Golden Knight body at a remarkably young age, and you have our bloodline."
King Lion went on, his expression serious. "I tried to teach this technique to Luke and Peter, but for some reason, they couldn't practice it. The Ashton Swordsmanship pushes the body to its absolute limits, even allowing the user to surpass their current rank. For instance, a Golden Knight who fully masters this technique can wield the strength of a Junior Diamond Knight. The only limit is the strength of your body, the stronger your foundation, the more destructive energy you can unleash."
As the training began, Robin assumed the starting sword stance and swung the blade horizontally. Almost immediately, he felt his body heating up, as if his very core were on fire. After just ten minutes, his energy was drained, and his muscles screamed in protest. Gasping for breath, he leaned on the sword for support, his legs trembling beneath him. He felt as though his body might collapse at any moment. King Lion observed him silently before speaking in a firm tone.
"I expect you to complete ten thousand swings a day for the next month," King Lion declared, his expression unwavering.
Robin's eyes widened in disbelief, and his heart sank. Ten thousand swings? He had barely managed twenty in ten minutes! He almost felt tears welling up but steeled himself, whispering inwardly, _This is for my own good._
For the next few days, Robin pushed himself relentlessly. At first, he could only train for an hour before his body gave out entirely, leaving him utterly exhausted. He tried using healing magic to recover, but to his frustration, it had no effect. Only the druid healing magic his mother had taught him seemed to work—but it brought its own unbearable pain in the process.
After each grueling session, Robin would collapse to the ground, completely spent. It would take him 30 to 45 minutes just to summon the strength to rise again and continue his training. Despite the agony, he forced himself to endure, determined to meet his father's expectations.
King Lion watched over him with a sharp eye, offering no mercy but plenty of silent encouragement. As the days passed, a faint smile began to spread across his face. He could see Robin's unwavering determination, and pride swelled within him.