Suddenly, Ragnariel appeared right in front of Serenya, intercepting the monster's attack with a single swing of his sword, held effortlessly in one arm. He spoke calmly, his voice steady and firm.
"I'm proud of all of you. You didn't give up, even when faced with a monster beyond your strength."
Serenya, Lucien, Kaelen, Sir Dheo, and even the knights looked at Ragnariel in awe. To hold back the attack of a Two-Headed Hell Hound with a sword, and with only one arm, was beyond their imagination.
A few seconds earlier…
Duke Kaelthorn, watching the situation unfold, turned to Ragnariel, his tone sharp and his expression filled with irritation.
"Boy, are you really not going to regret this? I've clearly misjudged—"
Before he could finish, his words were cut off. His eyes widened in disbelief as he realized he couldn't track Ragnariel's movements.
In that instant, Duke Kaelthorn's frown melted into a mixture of exhilaration and unease. A smile spread across his face as he muttered, his voice tinged with awe,
"What… what kind of incredible speed is that? I truly underestimated him. His words match his strength. You've completely surprised me, boy, no, Ragnariel."
Back on the battlefield…
Standing between the Two-Headed Hell Hound and his comrades, Ragnariel turned to his siblings and the knights, his gaze firm and unyielding.
"Congratulations," he said, his voice loud enough for all to hear. "You've experienced a real battle. Remember this feeling of helplessness. Remember also the determination and unyielding spirit you feel now. These two emotions, your refusal to give up and your will to improve, are the keys to becoming a truly great warrior."
Ragnariel smiled warmly at them.
"Watch closely, all of you. This is the path you will walk from now on. This is the power you will one day achieve. Look carefully and burn this moment into your memory."
He channeled his energy into his sword, and with a single swing of his arm, sent the monster hurtling backward. Everyone watching was left speechless, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief.
Then, Ragnariel condensed his energy further, imbuing his sword with an intense, blue flame. With unmatched speed, he dashed to the side of the monster's heads and unleashed a devastating slash. The fiery energy extended from his blade, severing both heads in one swift motion.
The massive creature collapsed, lifeless and unmoving.
The knights of House Caeltheris erupted into cheers, their voices echoing across the battlefield.
"Long live Young Master Ragnariel!"
Ragnariel turned to them, his expression calm but commanding.
"Alright, tend to the wounded. The healing potions we provided aren't just for show."
The knights quickly began drinking the healing potions, their injuries fading as the elixirs worked their magic.
Ragnariel then turned to his siblings and Sir Dheo, who were all looking downcast.
"Hey, what's with those gloomy faces?" he asked.
Lucien was the first to respond, his tone heavy with regret.
"I'm sorry, Ragna. I should've been able to decapitate that monster if only I'd trained harder."
Kaelen added, "I'm sorry too, Ragna. I should've been able to hold the monster's attacks with ease."
Serenya lowered her gaze and said softly, "I'm sorry, little brother. I couldn't live up to your expectations."
Sir Dheo stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"I deeply regret my failure, Young Master. I couldn't finish off that creature."
Ragnariel sighed, running a hand through his hair before speaking in a firm but kind voice.
"Hey, haven't I already said that I'm proud of all of you? Not a single one of you has disappointed me. You fought with everything you had, putting your heart and soul into facing a monster you weren't even supposed to defeat. I'm genuinely impressed that you managed to corner it."
He turned to Kaelen with a small smile.
"And especially you, brother Kaelen. You managed to hold back that monster's movements. That's nothing short of incredible."
Kaelen's expression brightened, and he chuckled. "Hehe, that was nothing, really."
Ragnariel smiled and continued, "And sister Serenya, you managed to slice off one of the monster's heads. That was seriously impressive."
Serenya's eyes lit up as she asked excitedly, "Really? Do you mean it?"
Ragnariel nodded. He then turned to Lucien, his tone full of encouragement.
"And you, brother Lucien. You cut through the monster's leg despite your limited energy and almost severed its neck even when your Qi was nearly depleted. That's nothing short of extraordinary."
Lucien scratched the back of his head, his face slightly red. "Thank you, Ragna. That really means a lot to me."
Ragnariel then addressed Sir Dheo.
"And you, Sir Dheo. Your leadership and analytical skills are remarkable. You developed strategies and tactics by observing the monster's movements and habits. That's a talent not many possess. However, there's still a long road ahead for you to fully realize your potential."
Dheo lowered his head respectfully and replied, "Understood, Young Master. Thank you for your praise and guidance."
Ragnariel raised his voice, addressing the entire group.
"Alright, everyone! You have three hours to rest. I've scanned the area, and there are no monsters within a one-kilometer radius. Use this time to meditate and restore your energy. Afterward, resume hunting monsters. If you encounter another red monster, fight it only if you're in peak condition. Otherwise, retreat. Understood?"
The group responded in unison, their voices filled with determination.
"Understood, Sir!"
With that, Ragnariel swiftly returned to Duke Kaelthorn's side.
Duke Kaelthorn greeted Ragnariel with a hearty laugh and pulled him into a brief embrace.
"Hahaha! You truly live up to your words, boy. I'm at a loss for words after witnessing speed so fast that even my eyes couldn't follow."
Ragnariel smiled politely and replied, "My apologies, Your Grace, for leaving your side without permission."
Duke Kaelthorn waved off the apology with a broad grin.
"No need to apologize, no need at all! In fact, I'm grateful to have witnessed even a fraction of your abilities."
His expression then shifted, turning serious as if issuing a command.
"And there will be much to discuss during our journey, Ragna."
Valerius's eyes widened in surprise at the Duke's casual use of Ragnariel's name. The same shock reflected on the faces of Valerius's children and knights. Duke Kaelthorn, noticing this, chuckled and added, "Is it alright if I call you that, boy?"
Ragnariel gave a warm smile and bowed slightly.
"Of course, Your Grace. It's an honor for me."
Duke Kaelthorn let out a hearty laugh.
"Good, good!"
Valerius then turned to Ragnariel, his voice filled with pride.
"I'm truly overjoyed. In just four months of training, my children have become this incredible. And within two months, our knights can defeat a Two-Head Black Hound with ease."
The words left Duke Kaelthorn and his retinue wide-eyed with astonishment.
"Four months for them... and only two months for your knights?" the Duke asked, his voice incredulous.
Valerius nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. Even I find it extraordinary."
"Extraordinary?" Duke Kaelthorn repeated, his tone almost disbelieving. Then he shook his head and laughed.
"This is no ordinary feat, Baron Valerius. It's a miracle! I'm truly curious now about how they've been trained." He turned his sharp gaze toward Ragnariel.
Ragnariel scratched the back of his head, giving a nervous smile.
"Haha, we'll have plenty of time to discuss it, Your Grace."
Duke Kaelthorn burst into laughter again.
"Hahaha! You're right, we have all the time in the world."
He then raised his voice, issuing an order to his troops.
"Alright, everyone! Prepare to resume the journey!"
"Yes, Sir!" the soldiers responded in unison, their discipline evident.
Turning back to Valerius, the Duke smiled warmly.
"Well then, Valerius, I'll be borrowing your son for a while."
Valerius nodded, his tone lighthearted.
"By all means, Your Grace."
Ragnariel approached his father, speaking softly.
"I'll be off now, Father. Please keep an eye on Lucien, Kaelen, and Serenya for me. They have a tendency to slack off when I'm not around."
Valerius laughed heartily and reassured him.
"Don't worry, son. I'll make sure they stay on track. Come back safely."
"Of course, Father," Ragnariel replied with a small smile.
He mounted the horse of one of the knights accompanying Duke Kaelthorn, ready to continue their journey.
Ragnariel and Duke Kaelthorn's entourage set out toward the location where Selene Kaelthorn's coming-of-age trial would take place. During the journey, Duke Kaelthorn asked Ragnariel many questions, ranging from the training techniques to the types of exercises the knights under his guidance practiced.
Ragnariel answered all of the Duke's questions fluently, explaining the training regimens in detail. However, when asked about the techniques he and his knights used, Ragnariel's tone grew cautious.
"Apologies, Your Grace, but the techniques employed by me and my knights are matters I can only discuss with you in private."
Duke Kaelthorn nodded thoughtfully.
"Fair enough. We'll arrange a private discussion at a later time."
Throughout the journey, Ragnariel noticed the knight captain sharing his horse emitting an unmistakable killing intent toward him. The tension lingered until Duke Kaelthorn asked another question, breaking the uneasy silence.
"By the way, Ragna, is it true you can sense things within a one-kilometer radius?"
Ragnariel nodded.
"Yes, Your Grace, but only monsters. My ability doesn't extend to detecting humans or other beings."
The moment Ragnariel finished his reply, the knight captain's killing intent subsided, though Ragnariel remained vigilant. Internally, he mused, "It seems the thirty individuals I sensed trailing us are under this knight's command. His murderous intent has now shifted... toward the Duke's daughter."
A subtle smile formed on Ragnariel's lips as he continued to think.
"Well, this might just be an opportunity to earn Duke Kaelthorn's favor."
Ragnariel then asked casually, "Your Grace, how much farther until we reach our destination?"
"Approximately another half to one hour," Duke Kaelthorn replied. "Why do you ask, Ragna?"
Ragnariel shrugged lightly.
"No particular reason, Your Grace. I was merely curious."
From her seat in the carriage, Selene Kaelthorn cast Ragnariel a cold, irritated glare. Ragnariel, noticing her expression, sighed inwardly.
"Hmm, it seems the young lady isn't pleased with how well I've been getting along with her father. Oh well, no matter. My main priority is to stay on good terms with him anyway."