The hum of conversations filled the academy halls. Noah's name had become a frequent topic of gossip—whispered behind closed doors, murmured in training grounds, and even discussed by instructors. A few weeks ago, he had been an afterthought, a struggling hunter barely scraping by. Now, he was the center of attention, his supposed feats leaving students and faculty alike puzzled.
Yet, while Noah carried on with his calculated indifference, a far more powerful presence had taken notice of him.
--
In a towering estate on the outskirts of the city, **Darius Kain**, a legendary hunter and the head of the prestigious Kain Guild, leaned back in his chair. The faint glow of mana-infused lamps illuminated the room, their light reflecting off the countless trophies and relics that adorned the walls.
He tapped his fingers against his desk, eyes fixed on a parchment in front of him. It contained a detailed report on Noah Alaric—a low-level hunter who, mere weeks ago, had been nothing more than an average academy student. Now, the boy was claiming to have killed a dungeon guardian, a feat that even seasoned hunters struggled to achieve.
"Interesting," Darius murmured, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room.
The hunter who had brought him the report stood silently, awaiting instructions.
"This Noah," Darius continued, "is he truly capable of such feats, or is this another case of exaggerated gossip?"
"The details are... conflicting, sir," the man replied carefully. "His classmates are certain it's the same Noah Alaric, but they all agree his personality and demeanor have drastically changed. His combat capabilities as well."
Darius smirked, a glint of curiosity in his sharp, golden eyes. "The academy wouldn't breed someone like this. If these rumors are true, then something has changed in the boy—and I intend to find out what."
He rose to his feet, his imposing frame casting long shadows across the room. "Prepare a meeting. I want to see this Noah Alaric for myself."
--
Noah was in the training grounds again, honing his swordsmanship. His strikes had grown sharper, and though the skill [Sword Mastery] refused to level up, he felt his control over the weapon improving with each session.
As he completed a fluid series of movements, he felt an unusual weight in the air—an oppressive presence that immediately set his instincts on edge. He froze mid-swing, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.
"Impressive," came a voice behind him, deep and commanding.
Noah turned slowly to see a man approaching. Dressed in dark hunter garb with a long cloak trailing behind him, the man exuded authority. His sharp features were framed by streaks of silver in his black hair, and his golden eyes seemed to pierce straight through Noah.
The training ground had gone silent. Other students had stopped their practice to gawk at the unexpected visitor.
"Darius Kain," someone whispered. "Why is he here?"
Noah didn't need to ask. The man's aura alone told him everything he needed to know—this was someone dangerous.
---
Darius stopped a few feet away, his gaze sweeping over Noah with an assessing intensity. "So, you're Noah Alaric," he said. "The boy who claims to have killed a dungeon guardian."
Noah met his gaze evenly, masking his unease with a calm demeanor. "I didn't claim anything. I just answered the questions people asked me."
Darius's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "Modest. Or perhaps careful. Either way, I didn't come here for rumors. I came to see the truth for myself."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "And how do you plan to do that?"
In response, Darius drew a short sword from his belt. Its blade glowed faintly with imbued mana, radiating power.
"A spar," Darius said simply.
Noah's grip on his own sword tightened. He didn't need to be told twice. This was more than a spar—it was a test.
---
Darius moved first, his speed almost blinding. Noah barely had time to react, raising his sword to block the incoming strike. The clash of metal reverberated through the training grounds, and the sheer force of the blow sent shockwaves through Noah's arms.
He gritted his teeth, stepping back to absorb the impact. **"He's holding back, but even so, his strength is leagues above mine."**
Darius didn't relent. He launched a series of swift, precise attacks, each one testing Noah's reflexes and strategy.
Noah's movements were fluid, his experience as Kaelen shining through. He parried and dodged with a finesse that belied his current level, using every ounce of his honed instincts to keep up.
But it wasn't enough.
A powerful strike from Darius sent Noah skidding backward, his feet digging into the ground to maintain his balance.
"You're skilled," Darius said, his tone thoughtful. "Far more skilled than a level-one hunter should be. But skill alone isn't enough in this world."
Noah's eyes narrowed. He tightened his grip on his sword and charged, his strikes fueled by a mix of precision and raw determination.
Darius deflected each attack with almost insulting ease, but there was a glimmer of something in his golden eyes—approval.
The spar ended as abruptly as it began. Darius disarmed Noah with a deft maneuver, sending the younger man's sword clattering to the ground.
"Enough," Darius said, sheathing his weapon.
Noah stood there, breathing heavily but refusing to show any sign of defeat.
---
"You've changed," Darius said, his voice carrying both curiosity and intrigue. "The Noah Alaric I've heard about could never have lasted even a second against me."
Noah didn't respond, his expression carefully neutral.
Darius took a step closer, his golden eyes narrowing. "There's something different about you—something beyond natural talent. Whatever it is, I intend to find out."
He turned to leave but paused after a few steps. "If you're truly as capable as the rumors suggest, you'll hear from me again. Prove yourself further, and perhaps there's a place for you in the Kain Guild."
As Darius walked away, the whispers resumed, louder than ever.
Noah retrieved his sword, his mind racing. **"He's dangerous. But if he thinks I'm a prodigy, I can use that to my advantage."**
With a faint smirk, he sheathed his weapon and left the training grounds.