"Hayden!"
A voice called as Hayden neared the training yard.
It was Brody. They were just on a break when he noticed Hayden, so he slung his wooden sword over his shoulder and called him out.
Seeing that Hayden was deep in his thoughts, he couldn't help but warn him.
"What are you doing here? You're not strong enough to train with us. You should be resting, it's dangerous here."
Brody wasn't trying to look down on Hayden but Henry's sword just flew out a moment ago while practicing, and it might happen again and hit their youngest. They'd get scolded if that happened.
Hayden also understood his brother's concern and nodded. He was already satisfied with what he had just seen.
"I'll be strong enough soon," he replied before turning back to return to the manor. This unusual action of being very obedient made the twins confused and curious but with their break almost done, they had no time to think about it.
Hayden, on the other hand, was already looking forward to his life in the Academy after seeing how capable his Lens was.
Furthermore, he just realized after browsing through his memories that this world might even be more dangerous for ordinary people.
Although he wanted to be free and perhaps live a better life than his previous one, he had to get stronger in order to protect his peace.
'The Knight Academy...'
As a seven-year-old who still had to rely on his parents for his food and shelter, it was probably his chance to start over, to become stronger than he had ever been. And this time, he wouldn't just be a tool.
He would use his strength for himself or to protect his peace…
***
Days passed, and Hayden began to settle into his new life as the 8th young master of the Gray family.
The manor was a quiet place since it was located in the countryside, far from the bustling cities or even grand academies, the size of a city where knights or even magicians trained.
He didn't dislike it since he was still very young and needed to grow in such a safe environment. Anyway, it wasn't boring and Hayden found it comforting…
It was a peaceful childhood he never had in his previous life, after all.
Each evening, the family gathered for dinner in the grand dining hall.
The long table was always set with simple but hearty meals—roasted meats, fresh bread, and vegetables from the manor's gardens.
The atmosphere was formal, with little conversation beyond the necessary.
Sitting at the head of the table was Howard Gray, Hayden's father.
He was a stern man with a sharp jawline and graying hair, a typical appearance of a nobleman in Hayden's mind.
'He looks really strict…' Hayden thought to himself as he recalled that Howard rarely smiled.
Nonetheless, they certainly had the same features. Well, they at least both have eyes with a shade of blue.
However, Howard's eyes always seemed to be evaluating his sons, measuring their worth. It wasn't very comfortable.
To his right was Roan, the eldest. He was a broad-shouldered young man and after serving a Knight for about three years, he already seemed like a serious man. Hayden's memories of him were completely different. Those few years of service were definitely enough to change his demeanor.
Of course, Hayden could also tell that even if Roan hadn't manifested his Aura yet, his father was already feeling satisfied since they knew very well how rare an Aura could manifest. As a matter of fact, there has never been a knight born in their territory at all.
Since Howard himself wasn't a Knight, he knew very well that it would not be easy for his sons. Nonetheless, he had to give his sons a chance to at least change their future… It was a promise he made to his late wife.
During their dinner, Howard would ask Roan about his experiences with the renowned Knight, which may also benefit his other sons.
Then, to Howard's left were Brody and Henry, the fourth and fifth sons. According to his memories, Brody was quick-tempered, while Henry was quieter, with a bookish air about him.
And then there was Hayden, the youngest, sitting at the far end of the table, often overlooked.
Similar to other nights, the dinner today was uneventful, filled with Howard's questions about their studies and training.
"Roan, how is your training progressing?" Howard asked.
Everyone already expected this question, so none of them were surprised.
Roan straightened in his seat.
"Well, Father. Sir Thorne says it's not impossible for me to manifest Aura. He believes I already have enough experience. I just have to focus on my training… Ahem, he mentioned that his Aura was awakened after he ate some Starfall Lotus Petals…"
Sir Thorne was the Knight he served for the past three years. It was arranged by their Academy.
In any case, Howard's mouth twitched after hearing the last part. Those petals he mentioned may not be known to awaken someone's Aura but it was known for being the main ingredient for a legendary potion that could bring a patient back to life as long as they still have a breath left.
There was no way for him to obtain those petals even if he had the money to purchase them.
Howard then nodded as he just advised his son to continue training his body… In any case, even if Roan failed to become a knight, he would still inherit the land and his title as a baron.
Then, Howard turned to his other sons.
Brody shifted uncomfortably. "I'm... still working on my footwork. Sir Rain says I need to be more disciplined."
The person he called Sir Rain was the sword instructor that Howard hired for them during their vacation. It was to ensure that once the academy started, Brody and Henry wouldn't look bad at all.
Henry cleared his throat. "Aside from our training… I've been studying the history of our kingdom. I also included books related to knights. "
Howard's expression darkened. "This knowledge won't make you a knight. Focus on your training. Both of you."
Hayden kept his head down, pushing food around his plate. He knew better than to draw attention to himself.
But tonight, Howard's gaze lingered on him.
"And you, Hayden," Howard said, his tone dismissive. "I trust you're preparing for the Academy?"
"Yes, Father," Hayden replied as he already prepared an answer "I've been studying the basics of Aura theory and practicing my swordsmanship."
Howard raised an eyebrow. "Swordsmanship? With whom?"
He didn't arrange any instructor for Hayden since his body was still too weak. In his mind, Hayden would have to stay in the Academy for about three years first before he planned to hire a personal instructor for him.
"One of the stablehands has been teaching me…" Hayden said as he indeed befriended their horsekeeper over the past few days.
Howard snorted. "A stablehand? Well, I suppose it's better than nothing. Just don't embarrass the family when you get to the Academy."
Hayden wryly smiled at this as sometimes, he just couldn't understand his father's thoughts.