Training and the Arrival of a Knight
The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the Asakura estate, casting long shadows over the training grounds. The dew on the grass shimmered under the golden rays, and a crisp breeze carried the scent of fresh earth and polished steel. The estate, grand in its architecture, stood tall behind him, its presence a reminder of the noble lineage he now embodied.
Renji stood at the center of the training grounds, stretching his limbs as he prepared for his first official training session since awakening his bloodline. His muscles, though sore from the duel with Leon, ached with anticipation rather than pain. He had survived his death flag, humiliated the so-called hero just a little, and even gained the admiration of those who had once disregarded him. Things were going well—exceedingly well—but he knew better than to get complacent.
His mind raced as he recalled the world's power system—something he had learned in the game but now had to fully understand as his new reality.
The Power System
This world followed a structured power hierarchy divided into two primary forces: Aura Core and Mana Core.
Aura Core: The source of power for warriors, knights, swordsmen, and martial artists. It enhanced physical abilities, weapon mastery, and combat instincts. Those who cultivated their Aura Core developed extraordinary strength, speed, and reflexes, making them formidable in close combat. Mana Core: The foundation of all magical arts, dictating how well a person could manipulate the natural elements. Those who possessed a strong Mana Core could wield destructive spells or healing miracles, depending on their elemental affinity.
Both cores were ranked from 1-star to 8-star, with 1-star being the lowest and 8-star considered legendary. Most people awakened either an Aura Core or a Mana Core, but very rarely, someone could awaken both—like the so-called chosen hero, Leon Brightwind. Such individuals were considered geniuses, destined for greatness, their potential unmatched in both physical and magical combat.
Furthermore, Elemental Affinity played a huge role in magic. A person's mana core determined what elements they could wield:
Common elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Ice, and Thunder. Rare elements: Light and Dark.
While most nobles boasted affinities for common elements, the Asakura family was renowned for their mastery of the Dark element. Despite this, dark magic was often feared and misunderstood. Some even considered it corrupting, associating it with demons and forbidden sorcery.
Renji exhaled as he circulated his energy, feeling his newfound strength. He had been given a second chance in this world, and he wasn't going to waste it.
Awakening and Training
Renji held out his hand, summoning his internal energy. His eyes widened slightly as he felt the distinct presence of both his Aura Core and his Mana Core—an incredibly rare occurrence.
To his surprise, he possessed both an Aura Core and a Mana Core—but both were at 1-star.
Compared to someone like Leon, whose core was already at 3-star at this stage, Renji was weak. But he had something Leon didn't: knowledge of the future, an understanding of his own flaws, and a hunger for survival.
What shocked him more than anything, however, was the dark mist that flickered to life in his palm.
"I can use dark magic?" he muttered.
The mist swirled around his fingers, shifting and curling like living smoke. It wasn't particularly strong—more of a visual effect than anything useful—but it was real.
"Hah… so even my starting stats are trash," he sighed, gripping his wooden training sword. "Well, no matter. It's not about how you start—it's how you finish."
With that resolve, he took a stance, recalling the sword techniques embedded in his mind. The game had provided countless hours of combat experience, and now, his body moved as if guided by muscle memory.
His sword cut through the air in smooth, fluid arcs. He struck, stepped, pivoted, and slashed, each movement executed with practiced precision. His footwork was sharp, his breathing steady—each motion refined, though lacking true strength.
I need to increase my Aura Core as soon as possible.
Sweat dripped down his brow as he continued, adjusting his posture, correcting his balance. If I can train my swordsmanship while also refining my mana core, I might actually stand a chance in this world.
Lost in his training, he didn't notice the presence approaching behind him.
A voice, cold and authoritative, interrupted his concentration.
"Your movements are decent, but your stance is slightly off."
Renji froze, sweat dripping down his forehead. He turned to see a woman clad in gleaming silver armor, her piercing blue eyes analyzing him sharply.
Evelyn Frostbane.
His mind went blank. Fuck.
She was the last person he wanted to meet right now.
The Legendary Knight
He recognized her instantly. In the game, Evelyn Frostbane was the early sword instructor of the hero, Leon. A legendary knight, known for her unwavering discipline and ruthless training methods. If she was here, then—
"Who taught you swordsmanship?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Renji forced a casual smile. "Uh… self-taught?"
Evelyn narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed. She studied his form for a long moment before speaking again.
"Your movements suggest prior training, but they lack refinement. Your grip is slightly weak, and your footwork—while impressive—lacks the weight of experience. A self-taught swordsman does not move with such instinctive precision."
Renji kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, he cursed. She was sharp—too sharp.
"I see…" Evelyn mused. "You have potential. However, potential without discipline is meaningless."
He knew this woman well. She didn't offer compliments lightly. If she was showing even a hint of interest, it meant she saw something in him.
"Why are you here, Lady Frostbane?" he asked, shifting the topic away from himself.
She tilted her head slightly, as if deciding whether to answer. "I was sent here by the royal court to oversee the training of young noble warriors. Given your family's status, I expected to see a promising swordsman. Until now, I had little reason to believe the rumors about you."
Renji smirked. "And what do you think now?"
Evelyn stared at him for a long moment before turning her gaze toward the training grounds. "I think… you might not be as useless as I once believed."
Renji chuckled. "High praise."
"Don't let it get to your head," she replied. "You have a long way to go. If you are serious about improving, I suggest you prepare yourself."
He raised an eyebrow. "Prepare for what?"
A rare smirk crossed Evelyn's face. "You will find out soon enough."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Renji standing in the training grounds, his mind racing.
Evelyn Frostbane was now paying attention to him.
That could be either a blessing—or a curse.
This expanded version goes into greater detail about the power system, Renji's training, and his first proper encounter with Evelyn Frostbane. Let me know if you want any modifications!