Five days had passed since Lucien's first official training under Knight Rex. Five long, grueling days.
Each morning began before sunrise and ended just as the last rays of daylight disappeared behind the Velebrandt estate's high stone walls. Aura fundamentals, technique drills, physical training that left his arms trembling and legs sore, followed by sparring matches so intense that even a breath felt like fire. At first, it had felt impossible—his body aching, his muscles unfamiliar with their own strength. But little by little, Lucien adapted.
Now, the weight of his wooden sword felt natural again. His footwork, once clumsy due to his growth spurt, had regained fluidity. His control over his aura had improved as well—he had finally begun tapping into the deeper reserves buried within him, though it still drained him quickly when pushed too far.
Today, however, was different.
Today was the seventh day of the week—the day Aldric had designated for "real combat experience."
