***
Three months later.
At the training grounds of the Caeltheris family, Ragnariel sprinted across the field. Heavy iron bracelets weighed down his wrists and ankles, and his body was clad in a special suit lined with iron plates.
"Three months have passed since I began training Lucien, Kaelen, and Serenya," Ragnariel thought to himself, his breathing steady despite the grueling workout. "They've shown some progress, finally reaching the standard for martial practitioners in my previous world. I've teach them martial arts techniques to suit their body types, and I'm satisfied with the results so far."
He glanced down at his hand, clenching it tightly. "I've also opened my third dantian and now, I can wield my Ragnarok martial art. Although I can't unleash its full potential yet, I'm confident I'll be able to defeat any enemies in the future. Compared to my old self before ascending to god realm, my current strength is about one-third of my peak. That's an incredible pace considering I've only trained for five years. I can't wait to test myself in a real battle... though I'll have to wait until I turn ten before I'm allowed to leave this estate. Another five years to go."
A smile played on his lips as he glanced back at the training knights behind him. "For now, I'm satisfied. Almost all of the knights in our family have started joining my training sessions. Their progress is promising, and I've left their instruction in Dheo's hands."
Turning forward, Ragnariel stepped towards Dheo, who was running in front of him. "How's the progress of the knights, Sir Dheo?" Ragnariel asked.
Dheo cast a glance at him and began, "Report, Young Mas—"
Ragnariel cut him off with a light sigh. "How many times have I told you not to be so formal during training?"
Dheo chuckled slightly. "Apologies, Young Master. The knights are improving significantly. Their dantians have grown to the size of a grain of rice."
Ragnariel nodded approvingly. "Good. Teach them the techniques I've shown you and make them standard training for all our knights. Soon, I'll teach you more advanced techniques. After all, I want you to become the first knight under my personal command. What do you say, Sir Dheo? Are you interested?"
Dheo's eyes gleamed with excitement, imagining the glory Ragnariel would bring to the family. "It would be an honor, Young Master. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you."
"Good," Ragnariel said with a satisfied grin. "By next month, I believe we'll be ready for real combat at Drakonashen Mountain."
Dheo hesitated briefly before asking, "Will lord Valerius allow it?"
Ragnariel's grin widened. "Of course. I'll talk to Father regarding this matter."
Ragnariel chuckled to himself as he glanced at the knights. "I still can't help but laugh every time I remember their faces when Serenya defeated them in a duel."
His mind drifted back to the event from a month ago.
***
One month earlier.
"Sir Dheo," Ragnariel had called, "please inform all the knights to gather at the training grounds."
"At once, Young Master," Dheo replied with a sharp bow before departing.
Lucien, Kaelen, and Serenya exchanged confused glances. "Are we not training today, Ragna?" Lucien asked.
"No, today's different. We'll be dueling with the knights," Ragnariel answered nonchalantly.
"What?!" the three exclaimed in unison.
"Isn't it too soon for something like this?" Kaelen questioned, concern evident in his tone.
"There's no such thing as 'too soon' when it comes to gaining combat experience," Ragnariel replied. "This duel is specifically for brother Kaelen and sister Serenya."
"Wait, what about brother Lucien?" Serenya asked, frowning at the apparent unfairness.
"Because," Ragnariel explained, "Brother Lucien spars with me every day. If he can fight me, someone capable of defeating all our knights, what's the point of testing him against anyone else?"
Serenya hesitated but then nodded thoughtfully. "I see… but don't you think it'd still be useful to test his confidence against others? He might need it when showing his skills at the academy later."
Ragnariel glanced at Lucien and gave a small smile. "You're right. It wouldn't hurt for him to face someone else. It might boost his confidence for when he needs to show his capabilities publicly."
Lucien, who had been silently listening, laughed awkwardly and thought to himself, "Does my opinion even matter here? Oh well, Ragna always knows what's best for me. Just you wait, you academy bastards." He clenched his fist, imagining the faces of the bullies who had tormented him.
Moments later, Dheo returned, leading the knights to the training grounds.
"They're here. Let's head to the arena," Ragnariel said, gesturing for his siblings to follow.
Once they were on the arena, Ragnariel circulated his Qi to amplify his voice and addressed the crowd.
"Listen up, knights of the Caeltheris family!" he began, his voice booming across the training grounds. "I've gathered you all here today to duel my three siblings." He gestured to Lucien, Kaelen, and Serenya standing beside him.
The knights murmured among themselves, their expressions skeptical, some even dismissive.
Ragnariel raised his voice again. "The rules are simple. One of my siblings will stand in the arena, and any of you who believe in your skills may step forward to challenge them."
The murmurs grew louder, many of the knights exchanging doubtful glances.
"And," Ragnariel continued, his tone sharper now, "this is not just a simple duel. If you manage to defeat any one of them, you'll be rewarded with three days off and a bonus of fifty silver coins."
At this, the knights fell silent. Skepticism still lingered in their eyes, but the promise of such a reward clearly tempted them.
One of the knights raised his hand and asked, "Young Master, are your words true?"
Ragnariel gave a confident smile. "Of course. My words carry the authority of the head of the family himself." He gestured behind the knights, and all of them instinctively turned.
Standing there was Valerius, who smiled calmly.
Suddenly all the knights bowing and said in unison, "Good morning My Lord!"
Valerius then said, "What Ragnariel says is the truth," he declared. "If any of you manage to defeat one of my children standing in the arena, you will be granted three days off and a bonus of fifty silver coins, equivalent to three months of your salary."
The knights erupted into cheers, their enthusiasm ignited by Valerius's confirmation.
Ragnariel clapped his hands to grab their attention. "Alright, since we have our witness present, let's begin the duels. Everyone except Lucien, step down from the arena."
As Kaelen and Serenya descended, Ragnariel leaned close to Lucien, Ragnariel want to give Lucien a support words or maybe an intimidation. Ragnariel grin and said, "If you lose even once, we'll start Hell Training, Level 2. Remember that, Brother."
Lucien gulped, feeling a cold sweat break out on his back. But instead of letting the intimidation crush him, he steeled himself. "I can't lose… no, I won't lose. There's no way I'll survive Hell Training Level 2, and I don't even want to imagine what that would be."
Meanwhile, Ragnariel turned to address the knights. "Alright, all of you who are confident in your skills, step forward."
A large, bald knight leapt onto the arena with a loud thud. "Forgive me in advance, Young Master Lucien, if I end up injuring you."
Lucien gave a polite smile. "Don't worry about it, Sir Balen. I only ask that you take this duel seriously."
The knight reached for the wooden sword at his waist, positioning himself in a firm stance. "Rest assured, Young Master, I'll give it my all."
"Good," Lucien replied, gripping his own wooden sword tightly. "I'm looking forward to it."
As the two squared off, Ragnariel turned to Dheo. "Sir Dheo, who is that bald knight?"
"He's Sir Balen, captain of the second division of knights, Young Master," Dheo replied.
Ragnariel nodded. "I see. Alright then…" He raised his hand. "Let the duel begin!"
Sir Balen charged forward, his heavy steps shaking the platform as he swung his wooden sword in a wide arc, aiming for Lucien's side.
But Lucien moved swiftly. With precision, he deflected the swing upward and closed the distance, delivering a clean strike to Sir Balen's wrist. The wooden sword flew out of the knight's hand, clattering to the ground.
The entire training ground fell silent.
Sir Balen froze, his arm still outstretched as he stared at Lucien in disbelief.
"Didn't I tell you to take this seriously, Sir Balen?" Lucien asked, his eyes sharp with displeasure.
Ragnariel's voice broke the silence. "Alright, let's redo the match. It seems Sir Balen underestimated his opponent. Knights! I expect all of you to give your utmost effort in these duels. No holding back."
Lucien stepped back, pointing at the fallen sword. "Pick up your weapon, Sir Balen."
The knight snapped out of his daze, his voice trembling slightly. "Y-yes, Young Master."
The two moved to the edge of the arena and readied themselves once more.