Training

"How was it in there?" Miranda asked as Jace emerged from the Virtual Training Arena, standing before her with an unreadable expression.

Jace sighed, contemplating his response. He only had one word for his experience: "disappointment." However, he decided to play it safe, hoping to avoid a lengthy conversation about his true feelings. "It was nice and also beyond my expectations," he said, attempting a half-hearted smile.

Miranda, however, was no fool. She noticed the disappointment in his eyes and sensed it in his tone. This reaction was unusual, especially since it was his first time in the arena—a moment typically unforgettable for everyone in the family. "Nice? Beyond expectations? Then why do you look like you just lost a fight?" she probed gently, her eyes narrowing slightly in concern.

Jace shrugged, feeling a bit deflated. "It's just... I thought it would be different," he admitted, finally giving voice to his frustration. "I figured out that I can't really progress in there the way I hoped. All I can do is train my skills, get used to them, and improve my fighting abilities. I thought I had found a place where I could advance quickly, but it's more of a training ground."

Miranda's expression softened as she listened to Jace's explanation. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Jace, the Virtual Training Arena is a tool to help you master your abilities and refine your techniques. It's not about quick advancement; it's about understanding your strengths and weaknesses in a safe environment. It's designed to prepare you for real-world challenges."

Jace nodded, though his disappointment lingered. "I get that. It's just... with everything that's happened, I thought I had found a shortcut, a way to get stronger faster. But now I realize that there's no easy path to power. It's going to take a lot of hard work and patience."

Miranda smiled warmly at her grandson. "That's right, Jace. There's no substitute for hard work and perseverance. You're already making incredible progress. Just look at how far you've come. And remember, the Virtual Training Arena is just one of many tools at your disposal. You'll have plenty of opportunities to grow in the real world."

Jace took a deep breath, feeling a bit more reassured. "Thanks, Grandma. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, Jace. Now, how about we head to the dining hall? Your grandfather has prepared a special dinner to celebrate your return. Everyone's eager to see you and hear about your adventures."

Inside his mind, Jace mulled over his true feelings. He had hoped that the Virtual Training Arena would be a place where he could level up indefinitely, where every monster defeated and every challenge conquered would translate into tangible progress. Instead, he found that while the arena was an excellent tool for honing his skills and getting used to his abilities, it did not offer the experience points he desperately needed to advance.

It felt like hitting a wall. Here he was, back in the Norman estate, surrounded by all the technology and magic his family had at their disposal, yet he couldn't leverage any of it to grow stronger. The arena was sophisticated, designed to push him to his limits and improve his combat abilities, but that wasn't enough for him. He needed more than just skill refinement—he needed to feel himself getting stronger, and advancing to the next level.

As they walked toward the dining hall, Jace's mind continued to churn. He understood the importance of mastering his skills, but he couldn't shake the frustration of not being able to level up. His system has now become his secret weapon, a hidden ace that allowed him to grow stronger in ways his family couldn't comprehend. But the arena had shown him its limits—limits he desperately needed to overcome.

Entering the grand dining hall, Jace was greeted by the sight of his family gathered around a long table, laden with a feast. His grandfather, James, sat at the head, his imposing presence softened by a warm smile as he saw Jace approach. His grandmother, Miranda, took her place beside James, always the supportive matriarch.

"Ah, Jace! Come, join us," James called out, his voice filled with genuine pleasure. "We've been waiting for you."

Jace took his seat, feeling a mixture of warmth and apprehension. Around the table, familiar faces turned toward him—his aunt Janice and his cousin Jade. Each wore expressions ranging from curiosity to outright suspicion. The absence of his father, Jared, who was still on his mission, and his uncle Jason, who was serving a severe punishment, was palpable. Jason had always been a stern figure in Jace's life, and his current punishment for breaking a crucial family rule meant he was isolated from the family, undergoing rigorous penance.

"Welcome back, Jace," Janice said with a nod, her eyes searching Jace's face for any sign of what he had gone through.

"It's good to be back," Jace replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside him.

As the meal began, the atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and laughter. Yet, beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of tension. Jace knew it was only a matter of time before things would begin to go south.

Elsewhere

"Young miss, your father would not like you sneaking off given the recent threat on your life," said the woman, her voice firm and unwavering.

She was a striking figure, standing tall with an athletic build that spoke of years of rigorous training. Her hair, a sleek, dark brown, was pulled back into a tight ponytail, revealing sharp, angular features and piercing green eyes that missed nothing. Her stern expression was softened only slightly by the faintest hint of concern in her eyes, a testament to her dedication to her charge.

She was dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged her form perfectly, allowing for both freedom of movement and a professional appearance. Underneath the jacket, she wore a crisp white shirt, buttoned up neatly to her collar. Her black trousers were straight-cut, tucked into polished black boots that came up to mid-calf, perfect for both formal settings and swift, silent movement when necessary. A black belt with various pouches for tools and a holster for a sidearm completed her ensemble, hinting at her dual role as both personal assistant and bodyguard.

Her name was Ava Sinclair, a distant cousin to Eve and fiercely loyal to the Sinclair family. Ava's posture was always alert, her presence a constant reminder of the ever-present dangers in Eve's life. Despite the severity in her gaze, there was a subtle protectiveness in the way she positioned herself, always ensuring that Eve was within her line of sight and protected from any potential threats.

"Your safety is my top priority, young miss," Ava continued, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We can't afford to take any chances right now."