Although frustrated by the disturbances caused by the nobleboy, Lucian couldn't deny the excitement coursing through him. To meet someone strong and around his age who could match his abilities was a rare opportunity. Tightening his grip, Lucian steadied his breath, golden Qi rippling faintly around him.
"Let's see what you've got," he muttered, dashing forward with "Cloud Steps". His movements left faint trails of mist in his wake as he closed the gap between them in an instant.
With a sharp exhale, Lucian activated "Iron Hands", his palms glowing with condensed Qi that radiated an intense warmth. He struck at the noble boy with precise, unrelenting speed. The air around his hands shimmered with energy.
The noble smirked, meeting Lucian's strikes head-on. "Claws of Maahes! " he roared, his hands enveloped in crimson Qi shaped like feral claws. The clash was instantaneous. Crimson and golden energy collided, creating shockwaves that rattled the walls of the training room.
Lucian was driven back by the sheer force of the noble's technique, his feet sliding against the ground. Summoning his strength, he slammed his feet into the floor, halting his momentum. Dust rose around him as he steadied himself.
The noble boy stood tall, his crimson Qi flaring like a lion's mane. Lucian's violet eyes narrowed as he assessed his opponent.
"It's impolite to ask for a spar and not state your name," Lucian said, his voice steady but laced with curiosity.
The noble paused, then smiled. "Sorry about that," he said, his tone light but confident. Slamming his "Claws of Maahes" together, he unleashed a wave of crimson Qi that surged through the room, causing nearby spectators to shield their faces. "I am Valian Rael, the Young Master of the Rael Royal Martial Family."
Lucian's golden Qi flared in response, clashing against the crimson energy. "Lucian Noctis," he replied, a grin tugging at his lips. "Let's make this a fight worth remembering."
Gathering his Qi, Lucian formed his incomplete "Tiger's Claw". The golden energy coalesced into sharp, translucent claw-like constructs around his hands. Though unstable, the technique exuded a raw, primal power.
Valian's eyes widened in astonishment as he sensed the intensity of Lucian's Qi. "Impressive," he muttered, his expression turning serious.
The two charged at each other, their clawed techniques colliding in a flurry of strikes. Each clash sent ripples of energy through the room, the golden and crimson Qi swirling together in a chaotic dance. The air grew heavy with the pressure of their auras, immobilizing the other trainees who watched in awe and fear.
Valian grinned as he increased the speed and ferocity of his attacks. "You're better than I expected, Lucian. But let's see how long you can keep up!"
Lucian gritted his teeth, pushing back with equal vigor. "I could say the same to you!" he retorted, his excitement evident despite the strain.
The room quaked as the battle intensified. Crimson and golden Qi surged and clashed, creating a storm of energy that seemed to consume the space. Valian launched a powerful strike, his "Claws of Maahes" glowing brighter as they tore through the air.
Lucian met the attack head-on with his "Tiger's Claw", but the force of the collision sent him flying backward. He crashed into the wall with a deafening thud, cracking spider webbing across the stone. Coughing, Lucian struggled to his feet, his body battered but his spirit undeterred.
"You're… strong," Lucian admitted, a grin breaking through his labored breathing. His golden Qi surged once more, wilder and more potent than before. Unbeknownst to him, a faint, dark energy intertwined with his Qi, sending a shiver down Valian's spine.
Valian's confident smirk faltered as a voice echoed in his mind. It was deep and commanding, carrying an undeniable authority. "Careful of this boy," the voice warned. "His Qi is strangely familiar and dangerously potent."
Valian's eyes widened in shock. The voice belonged to the god Maahes, the divine patron of the Rael family. Valian had only heard the god speak a handful of times, making this moment all the more alarming.
Before either combatant could continue, a sharp voice cut through the tension. "Both of you, stop immediately!"
Leah Floar entered the room, her green aura flaring menacingly. Her presence commanded immediate attention, and both Lucian's and Valian's Qi dispersed under the weight of her authority.
Lucian's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious from exhaustion. Valian rushed forward, catching him before he hit the floor.
"I'll take him to get medical help," Valian said, his tone apologetic.
Leah placed a firm hand on Valian's shoulder, her aura intensifying. "Not so fast. Pay for the damage first," she demanded, her voice icy.
Valian sighed, pulling a pouch of gold coins from his belt and handing it over. "Fine. Here. Now let me handle this."
Leah nodded reluctantly, stepping aside as Valian carried Lucian out of the training room. The other trainees exchanged glances, their faces pale from the overwhelming display of power they had just witnessed.
Lucian awoke in a lavish room, the soft light filtering through ornate curtains. The air smelled faintly of herbs and incense. Sitting beside him was Valian, his expression one of relief.
"Valian?" Lucian croaked, his voice hoarse. "Where am I?"
"You're at the Royal Rael Estate," Valian replied with a grin.
Lucian's eyes widened as he processed the words. "Wait… Royal? As in the royal family? You're a prince?!"
Valian chuckled. "Not quite. Let me explain." He gestured for Lucian to sit up before continuing. "I'm the young master of the Rael family, one of the three royal families serving under the true royal family. There's us, the Rael family, focused on martial arts. Then there's the Aregon family, masters of swordsmanship, and the Luminara family, renowned for their magical prowess."
Lucian nodded slowly, taking it all in. "That… makes sense. Kind of."
Valian's expression turned serious. "Thank you for that fight. It's been a while since I've faced someone who pushed me that hard. Stay here for a while. We could train together, and it'd be nice to have someone my age around."
Lucian hesitated, then smiled. "Sure. Sounds like fun."
Valian extended his hand, and Lucian shook it firmly. Their mutual respect had been forged in battle, and it marked the beginning of a powerful bond.
As the evening approached, Lucian and Valian sat together, discussing the academy entrance exams scheduled for the next day. Valian leaned back with a confident grin. "This is interesting. I'm sure you'll pass!" he said, giving Lucian a thumbs up.
Lucian laughed, his nerves easing slightly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
After their conversation, Valian led Lucian to a room across from his own. The opulence took Lucian by surprise. The room was massive, adorned with intricate carvings, luxurious furniture, and soft lighting that gave it a regal yet comfortable ambiance.
"This is… incredible," Lucian murmured, his eyes wide as he took in the grandeur.
"Get used to it," Valian said with a chuckle. "Come on, let's head to dinner. My family's eager to meet you."
The dining hall was even more imposing, with a long table set beneath a glittering chandelier. As they entered, Lucian felt a weight in the air, an overwhelming presence of Qi far beyond his realm. His gaze flicked to the figures seated at the table.
Valian introduced them one by one. "This is Theron Rael, my brother entering his third year at the academy. Next is Leon Rael, entering his last and fourth year. Over there is Aurelius Rael, the oldest and strongest among us, who graduated last year. And this," Valian paused, gesturing toward a striking young woman with long crimson hair and golden eyes, "is Seraphina Rael, my sister in her second year at the academy."
Lucian's breath caught as he looked at Seraphina. Her pale, flawless skin and elegant features left him momentarily speechless.
"And finally," Valian said with pride, "my parents: Arius Rael, the head of our family, and Althea Rael, my mother."
Lucian bowed slightly. "It's an honor. My name is Lucian Noctis, and I'm grateful for your hospitality."
Arius Rael nodded, his voice deep and commanding. "Lucian, in light of Valian's agreement and the guidance of our family god, I grant you permission to reside here."
Lucian blinked in surprise, glancing at Valian, who grinned. "Thank you," Lucian said sincerely.
The Rael siblings exchanged shocked glances, their father's decision clearly unexpected. Leon spoke up, his tone skeptical. "Father, what agreement is this?"
Arius explained the events that had transpired between Lucian and Valian. "And," he added, "the god Maahes himself has requested that we take the boy in."
The room fell silent as everyone turned to Lucian. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I've never met your family god, but tell him I said thanks," he joked, a grin spreading across his face.
Arius burst into laughter, the sound rich and prideful. "That's the spirit! Now, let's eat. We all have a big day tomorrow."
The meal was lively, filled with conversation and playful banter among the siblings. Lucian found himself speaking with each sibling individually. Theron, the third-year academy student, shared stories about his rigorous training and offered Lucian advice on balancing strength with strategy. "The key is not just raw power," Theron said, his tone measured, "but understanding your opponent's weakness. You'll learn that in time."
Leon, the fourth-year student nearing graduation, was more pragmatic, focusing on Lucian's goals. "The exams are tough," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But you've got spirit. Prove yourself there, and doors will open. Just don't get cocky."
Aurelius, the eldest sibling, exuded an air of quiet confidence. Though he spoke little, his words carried weight. "You remind me of myself when I was younger," he said, his golden eyes piercing. "Keep pushing your limits, but remember there's a fine line between determination and recklessness."
Seraphina, with her striking crimson hair and golden eyes, was warm and curious. "Valian spoke highly of you," she said, a playful smile gracing her lips. "It's rare for him to be this excited about someone. What's your secret?" Lucian stammered, momentarily caught off guard, but her lighthearted laugh eased the tension. "Relax," she said. "I look forward to seeing what you're capable of."
Even Arius and Althea joined in the conversations. Arius offered insight into the Rael family's history and their divine blessing, while Althea inquired about Lucian's life in the forest, her kind demeanor putting him at ease.
By the end of the meal, Lucian felt a surprising sense of belonging.
Later that night, as he lay in the grand bed provided for him, Lucian stared at the ceiling, his thoughts racing. "Tomorrow is the exam," he whispered to himself, a smile forming. "I can't wait."