The silence was casting over the training grounds, the air was a bit chilly after sunset, and the sky was leaning towards dark orange with touches of gray. Daniel stood stunned for a moment, his eyes scanning Dian, who stood in front of him with a slight smile, as if everything was still alright, while his heart was racing after the shock of the last question.
"Ha... our last week's training?"
Dian said in a calm but firm tone, "Yes, kid, you have only one week left before you return."
"What?! Wait a minute, only 3 months have passed, right? So, there's still a month left!"
Dian sighed slightly and said:
"I understand, kid, but it's not up to me. The duke contacted me and said your training would end before the scheduled time. It seems your family wants you to return before the academy starts."
"Huh, but why suddenly-."
Interrupting my words, he said: "I don't know, kid. I'm just following orders."
After hesitating, I nodded and began to take a fighting stance.
Dian smiled slightly sadly and said, "Yes, that's good."
We charged at each other, and our swords clashed as usual, but the rhythm was dull compared to previous times. We didn't even use our auras. After our training ended, Dian returned to his room, and I went to the waterfall as usual... Dian didn't stay with me today, and thus ended this ominous day.
"Listen, Daniel, you seem strange today. Are you okay?"
"Oh, yeah, it seems I'll be leaving in five days."
"What?! Where did this come from?!"
"Why are you making a fuss? It's happened, and we'll meet at the academy, right?"
"Yeah, you're right. Knowing you, you'll definitely succeed."
I smiled, resting my cheek on my arm, and said, "Yeah, you too."
As I was heading back to my room to prepare for my second training session, I saw Dian talking to one of the soldiers. The soldier was of a high rank, but Dian's expression... was somewhat strange.
The evening air was heavy, and every movement around us seemed to reflect the calm before the storm. Daniel felt something strange in his chest, a mix of anxiety and excitement... as if what remained of his training wouldn't be just a test of strength, but a discovery of new limits he had never known before.
As he prepared to head to his room, he caught a glimpse of the last light of dusk disappearing behind the distant mountains, and with it, a subtle feeling of apprehension crept into his veins. He knew the coming days wouldn't be easy, and the final training wouldn't be just a routine... but a real test of everything he had learned.
In that moment, he whispered to himself in a low voice:
"This... is the real test."
Despite the fatigue and cold, he felt a strange surge of enthusiasm, preparing for the day that would determine everything, the last day before he left, before moving on to a completely new stage of his life.
And so, four days had passed, and now... the final training remained.
After the day ended, I headed to the training grounds, but I couldn't find Dian anywhere. I searched every corner of the Iron Fortress and wandered around, only to discover a small slope. Dian was standing there.
"Ah, it seems you've found this place."
"Yeah, it seems so."
We stood there, contemplating the magnificent view.
"Daniil, I'm... not coming back with you. I'll start my work here from tomorrow."
"Yeah, I knew that already."
I did know... well, not exactly. To be honest, I had noticed. The luggage he brought was too much for someone staying temporarily.
"Hahaha, you're just like your father. Nothing escapes your notice."
"What... do you know my father?"
"Yes, we fought once. But he crushed me easily. Yet, I'm grateful to him. I was a young, arrogant fool, but he helped me realize my limits."
As I expected...
"So, Daniel, are you ready for our final training?"
"Yeah, but before that, after our training ends, I want you to tell me your true identity."
Dian was taken aback by the question, then smiled and said, "I'll tell you everything, but..."
He paused for a moment.
"But what?"
"Daniel, I want you to fight me with your full power... the truth."
My eyes widened in that moment. Ha... it seems he's discovered the truth. I smiled slightly and replied, "I promise I'll do it."
And so, the time for our final battle had arrived.