A full month had passed since Kengoro began his training with Asaka. His physical transformation was significant. On this day, he stood in the training ground, holding a large wooden sword. He wore only tight black pants, which emphasized his muscular body, now stronger and more solid than ever. His muscles stood out due to the intense training.
Asaka stood a distance away, observing closely. Despite the obvious change in his physical strength, her gaze didn't show full satisfaction. She had trained many warriors, but she couldn't feel any significant increase in his magical power. The magical aura emanating from him was still weak, almost invisible.
Kengoro:
"I feel stronger now, Asaka. My body is stronger, and I'm ready for more."
Asaka closed her eyes for a moment, then looked at him intently.
Asaka:
"Yes, I've noticed that. Your body is much stronger than before, but... your magical power is still weak. There's no noticeable improvement in that area."
Kengoro:
"Don't worry about the magic. My body is all I need right now. The magical power will come later. I'll handle things from here."
Asaka watched his words carefully. He insisted that his strength would come from his body, but Asaka couldn't shake the feeling that he might need more magical power to complete his battles.
Asaka:
"What about your brothers? How do you think they see you?"
Kengoro looked at the horizon for a moment before replying in a low voice, as if each word carried a heavy weight.
Kengoro:
"I love them... but they always look down on me. They see me as weak. My dream has always been to feel some affection from my family, but... this is my fate."
Asaka noticed the sadness in his eyes and slowly approached him, hugging him gently. It was a rare moment for him, where he felt like someone truly cared about him.
Asaka:
"Don't be sad, Kengoro. Don't let the weakness of others define who you are. Prove to me that our training has helped make you stronger. I know you can do it."
Kengoro smiled faintly at her, despite the pain he felt inside. He knew he still had much to prove, but these words gave him something new—maybe hope.
At that moment, Yurio, Kengoro's older brother, stood behind a window of the castle, holding a glass of wine. He watched the scene in silence, laughing in a mocking tone. His magical aura was dark and ominous, and his slender face radiated cruelty.
Yurio:
"Heh, this boy... he thinks he's gotten stronger. Nothing will change. People like him will never rise to our level."
Yurio was dressed in fine noble clothes that highlighted his elegance, while his sword, an A-class sword, resembled traditional samurai swords—long and strong with an ornate sheath. His hair was long, reaching his cheeks, and it peeked out from beneath the edges of his hair. His features were thin and tall, and his physique was long and slender, reflecting his sophistication.
As he continued watching them from afar, Yurio's magical aura pulsed thickly and ominously, as if every movement of his carried an invisible threat. It seemed like Yurio believed Kengoro would never reach his level, no matter how much improvement he made.
As Yurio turned away from the window, he met the eyes of Hans, who stood next to him. Yurio held the wine glass between his fingers, looking at Hans with a smirk.
Yurio:
"Hans, did you bring everything?"
Hans:
"Yes, everything is prepared."
Yurio:
"Good, let's deal with our annoying brother."
Then Yurio and Hans left together, ready to carry out their plan.