Sparring

Aizeleo woke up to the sound of knocking at his door. Through his window, he saw that the sun had yet to rise.

A frown crossed his face as he stood up from his bed. He saw the lean yet sharp figure of Rand at the door, who quickly ordered him to be outside in the training room.

It was a stark contrast to his obedient image from yesterday.

If the day before he had looked like an efficient butler, now he looked like a seasoned leader used to commanding people.

Leo swiftly washed up, dressed in his training attire, and came out of his room, totally composed and ready for the new day and new life.

Although he was still a bit shocked that all of this was real, he quickly gathered himself, completely used to life going astray for him.

As he walked down the corridor towards the advanced training room, aided by the original Aizeleo's memories, the plot for Rand came into his mind.

Considering that Reapers were just a backdrop in the story, Rand's existence shouldn't have too much of an impact on the plot, but that was far from the truth.

Rand was not just an ordinary butler; he was the true heir, the real leader of the few vampires left in the world.

After the End War, beings that used miasma were hated all around the world, and an international hunt for them began everywhere.

This included Vampires, Dark Elves, and Dark Mages.

Caught up in his own thoughts, he soon reached the advanced training hall.

This hall consisted of more than ten rooms that were only eligible for the use of Reapers.

As he entered his designated room, he saw Rand already waiting for him there.

"I'll be training you from now on. Be ready because I won't be lenient, young master," Rand's voice echoed through the white room, which changed into rough terrain after adjusting the settings.

"We'll first get you into a basic workout, after which some weapon mastery is necessary."

Leo, already half bored to death, let out a sigh as he voiced in a cold tone, "Can we get started?"

Rand felt a bit surprised, sensing his young master's cold aura, before he smirked. "Sure, let's do it."

Aizeleo began his routine, his movements precise and fluid. Rand watched him closely, occasionally giving him pointers.

"Remember, balance is key. Your size can be an advantage if you use it right," Rand advised, his tone softer but still authoritative.

After an hour of basic drills, Rand moved them to more advanced techniques.

Leo's small frame and quick reflexes allowed him to perform maneuvers that would be difficult for others. He dodged, ducked, and struck with a speed that belied his age.

But for Leo, who had basically grown and lived for the sole purpose of strength, this felt like a breeze.

Of course, it was hard for his young body to endure all this tough regime, but his stamina and will were greater than many great warriors.

After all, who could stay normal when they were at the constant threat of death? Leo had long since gotten used to people pushing him to his limits.

'This is nothing new, nothing special,' his mind kept repeating like a broken record, making him work even harder.

"Good. You're improving," Rand said, a small smile crossing his face, but his thoughts were far messier than his words.

'How is he holding up so well? Did he really undergo that big of a change? His movements are far more precise and accurate than ever before. Is it just that My Lord wants something even better? But this is plain stupid. He's turning his own kin against him.'

Though a bit lost, he still did his best to assist Leo.

As Leo practiced with the longsword, he felt a bit uncomfortable.

Although he had been trained in the lab to work with all weapons, he knew far too well that his mastery was with katanas and daggers.

But this hesitation soon disappeared as Rand asked him to follow him to the training ground of the Reapers' guards, known around the human domain as 'Gloomers.'

Anyone who knew their name was well aware of their strength and knew better than to offend them.

As he entered the grounds, he was led to a different training area, meant to exclusively train the new trainees for work in Gloomers.

Aizeleo stood in the center of the training ground, his eyes locked onto his opponent. The scent of sweat and metal hung heavily in the air.

Rand had paired him with another trainee, a boy named Kieran, who was known for his brute strength and aggressive fighting style.

Rand was well aware that his young master was too much for normal trainees. He was someone Blake Reaper himself had trained.

"Remember," Rand's voice reverberated across the area, "this is just a training exercise. Control your strength and focus on technique."

Leo nodded, his mind already racing. "Can I change my weapon?" he asked, a question that left Rand completely baffled, but he quickly recovered and gave a nod.

Rand, Kieran, and all the other trainees watched in confusion as Leo changed his wooden longsword for two wooden daggers.

"I'm ready," he said as the spar began.

Leo had the knowledge far greater than an adult, as evidenced by his IQ of 197, and he had studied human biology extensively.

He knew the locations of vital points and pressure points, areas that could incapacitate an opponent with minimal effort.

Kieran lunged forward, his bastard sword slicing through the air with a whoosh. Leo sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated.

He could see the tension in Kieran's muscles, the way his eyes narrowed with determination. Kieran swung again, a powerful horizontal slash.

Leo ducked, then countered with a swift jab to Kieran's wrist, his wooden dagger striking a nerve cluster. Kieran grunted, his grip on the sword loosening slightly.

Kieran recovered quickly, his face flushed with anger. He charged at Leo, aiming a downward slash.

Leo blocked the strike with his daggers, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms. He deflected Kieran's blade to the side, using the momentum to spin around and deliver a precise strike to Kieran's solar plexus with the hilt of his dagger.

Kieran gasped, doubling over, but Leo's strike was controlled—enough to knock the wind out of him without causing serious harm.

Kieran's recovery was swift, his movements now fueled by frustration. He swung his sword in a wide arc, trying to overwhelm Leo with sheer power.

Leo stepped inside the swing, using his smaller stature to his advantage. He struck Kieran's inner elbow, targeting the ulnar nerve. Kieran's arm spasmed, his sword dropping slightly.

Leo followed up with a quick strike to the side of Kieran's knee, causing him to stumble.

Using Kieran's momentary distraction, Leo slipped behind him, his daggers poised.

He pressed one dagger lightly against Kieran's brachial plexus, a cluster of nerves in the shoulder, while the other hovered near his neck.

Kieran froze, realizing the fight was over.

Rand approached, his expression unreadable. "Impressive display, young master," he said, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

'He could've easily killed the boy. This is monstrosity, how can My Lord still be dissatisfied? His movements are like that of an assassin. Maybe the weapon was not well suited. I've got to train this young gem into a sparkling diamond.'

As they both walked out of the grounds, Rand suddenly said, "You could've killed him."

Leo, a bit confused by the statement, decided to go along. "Yes, I could."

"Yet, you didn't, and that's what makes you different, young master. Strength isn't just about power; it's about knowing when and how to use it."

"You've successfully controlled yourself, and it just goes on to show how good of a person you are. Don't you ever get drowned in the lust for power, my precious young master."

Rand's voice contained unconcealed warmth and love for Aizeleo. Hearing this, Leo went silent. His mind denied every single word of Rand.

'I'm far from good, and I'm not even your young master. I'm just a catastrophe that destroys everything in its wake.'