Chapter: 7
The early morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and earth as Jayden moved through the familiar, rhythmic motions of his sword forms. The abandoned field was silent, save for the occasional rustle of wind through the grass.
"This is the first time I've had to come out here this early for training," Jayden murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "But if I want to train what I need to, I have no choice."
Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a moment. A faint aura shimmered around his body as his silver eyes took on a subtle glow.
Mana strengthening.
It was one of the fundamental applications of mana—a technique used to enhance the body's natural strength and endurance. According to the book, it was an incredibly difficult process, but Jayden had already come to a different conclusion.
"The book makes it seem like the hardest thing in the world, but it's actually straightforward—at least in theory."
Mana strengthening involved channeling mana through one's muscles, skin, and bones, reinforcing them from within. But the difficulty lay in the balance. Too much mana in one area and too little in another could lead to disaster.
A shiver ran down his spine as he recalled the potential consequences.
If I reinforce my skin and muscles too much while neglecting my bones, I could shatter them under my own force. And if I attempt to enhance my senses—my eyes, ears, or nose—one miscalculation could mean blindness, deafness, or worse.
His aura condensed, shrinking until it clung tightly to his form like a second layer of skin. Power surged through his limbs, and when he moved, his body felt lighter, faster. His sword strikes became sharper, more precise, each motion carrying an impact far greater than before.
But after only a few minutes, he was forced to stop.
Jayden staggered slightly, panting as sweat dripped from his brow. He loosened his grip on his wooden sword, flexing his aching fingers.
"Phew… I'm still not used to that." He clenched his fist experimentally, feeling the strain in his muscles. "The soreness is no joke."
That was another drawback—fatigue. Mana strengthening pushed the body beyond its limits, but those limits still existed. Overuse led to exhaustion, and prolonged use without proper control could leave him completely drained.
"But this is only the beginning," he reminded himself. "I just need to keep refining it."
Taking a brief moment to recover, Jayden turned his attention to the next step—Mana enhancement.
Where Mana strengthening reinforced the body, Mana enhancement applied the same principle to weapons and objects. The book described it in similarly vague terms: simply run mana through the weapon, and it would become stronger. But Jayden had already figured out a way to improve upon it.
As he channeled his energy into the wooden sword, a thin layer of mana coated the surface. A moment later, it solidified into a faint, shimmering edge along the blade. It wasn't perfect—far from it—but it was a start.
"Just strengthening a weapon's durability isn't enough. A sword that doesn't break is useful, but a sword that cuts better is lethal."
Approaching the lone training post in the field, he swung his enhanced sword in a clean arc. The blade bit into the wood—not deeply, but enough to leave a visible gash.
"If that were a person… it would've cut into muscle."
Jayden studied the weapon, satisfied. The outer layer of mana served two purposes: increased durability and an edge-sharpening effect. With proper refinement, it could turn even the dullest blade into a lethal weapon.
A glance over his shoulder caught the first light of the rising sun.
"Right… Celina is leaving today."
Letting out a slow breath, Jayden dispelled his mana, the glow fading from his body and blade.
"I should probably go freshen up and see her off."
With that, he dropped the wooden sword and turned toward the castle.
Celina stood in the now-empty guest room that King Velgrath had provided for her during her stay. The once-furnished space was now bare, with only lingering traces of her presence. Her belongings had already been moved to the carriage, alongside her father's.
She let out a quiet sigh, placing a hand on the doorframe before stepping out.
"It's disappointing that I have to leave so soon," she muttered to herself.
As she walked through the castle halls, she ignored the maids who bowed as she passed, her mind elsewhere.
The time here was short, but… worthwhile. There's something about this place—about him—that makes leaving feel odd. Not regretful, just... incomplete.
Her fingers trailed lightly along the stone walls as she walked, her boots clicking softly against the polished floor.
"Father is surely waiting. No use lingering."
As she approached the castle's exit, her steps slowed slightly. The golden morning light streamed through the grand entrance, illuminating the figure leaning casually against the wall.
Celina smirked. Of course, he'd be here.
"And here I thought you weren't going to see me off," she said, turning her gaze toward Jayden.
Jayden glanced up, smirking as he pushed off the wall. "And miss saying goodbye to my favorite training partner? Never."
"You mean your only training partner."
"Eh, same difference." He stopped in front of her, his smirk fading slightly. "So this is it, huh?"
Celina crossed her arms, tilting her head. "No. We'll see each other again."
Jayden let out a dry chuckle. "That's if my family doesn't try to kill me first."
"True that," Celina chuckled in return, though there was an underlying seriousness in her tone.
Jayden's expression shifted slightly as a thought came to mind. "By the way, Celina, I have a question."
She raised a brow. "What is it?"
"What exactly was the treaty about?"
Celina blinked, then let out a small laugh. "Oh, right. Your family didn't tell you. Well, to put it simply, there was some unclaimed land between our territories. My father and King Velgrath agreed to split it—mainly to collect minerals, farmland, and whatever other resources it has to offer."
Jayden's expression darkened slightly.
Celina noticed. "What is it?"
Jayden hesitated before speaking, his voice lower. "I know I don't have to tell you this, but I'm saying it anyway—watch your back. Now more than ever."
Celina laughed lightly, about to joke, but stopped when she saw the intensity in his silver eyes.
His voice was firm. "My father is a no-good, lying backstabber, and my mother and siblings are no different. Be careful."
Her smirk faded as she nodded. "...Got it."
She took a step back. "Alright, I should get going now. I'll be seeing you again, Jayden."
Jayden watched as she turned and ran toward the waiting carriage. "Yeah… I'll be seeing you."
A few moments later, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Lord Jayden."
Jayden turned to see Abigail standing a short distance away, her composed face betraying the slightest hints of worry and disappointment.
"Yes, Abigail?" he asked, tilting his head.
"The King and Queen have asked you to come to the abandoned field."
For a brief moment, surprise flickered across Jayden's face before it was masked once more.
"Damn it… I didn't expect Liana to move this fast."
"I see," he said calmly, his mind already running through possible scenarios.
Jayden turned to Abigail. "I need you to head to the main training field and get me—"
The rest of his words were cut off.
Chapter 7: End