Chapter 6: Test

"I will do what I can, sir," I said with determined eyes. The man smiled at me. "Looks like we're off to a good start," he remarked before turning to one of the knights. "Hey, Clark, give me your sword." Without hesitation, the knight named Clark threw his sword at the commander.

With a sudden, fluid motion, Alvin's father hurled the sword straight at me. The blade spun end over end, glinting in the morning light as it hurtled toward me.

Time seemed to slow down. Instinctively, I reached out with both hands, my fingers wrapping around the hilt just before the blade could strike me. The force of the throw nearly knocked me off my feet, but I steadied myself and absorbed the impact.

I looked at Alvin's father with a mixture of anger and surprise. "I could have been killed," I exclaimed.

He regarded me with a smile. "Brat, as long as I'm here, you can't die."

"Well done," he continued, his voice filled with approval. "Most would have flinched or failed to catch the blade at all. You have quick reflexes and a steady hand."

I nodded, still clutching the sword tightly, my confidence growing.

Alvin's father nodded as well. "Your test is not over, boy. Now, show me how you handle the blade."

Stepping back, he observed as I adjusted my grip on the unfamiliar weight and balance of the sword. I took a deep breath, recalling the stances and movements I had observed countless knights practicing.

Starting slowly, I began to move, mirroring the fluid motions I had seen. My footwork was tentative at first, but my natural grace and agility soon became evident. As I gained confidence, my movements became more precise. I swung the sword in wide arcs, parried imaginary strikes, and attempted a few spins and flourishes.

Alvin's father watched quietly, noting every detail. Then, without warning, he drew his own sword and lunged at me. I reacted instinctively, blocking his strike with my sword. The clash of metal rang out across the training grounds.

"Good," he said, pressing forward with a series of quick, precise strikes. "Always be ready."

I struggled to keep up, my arms trembling with effort. His movements were swift and unrelenting, each strike testing my reflexes and determination. I parried and blocked as best I could, but it was clear I was outmatched.

"Focus," he commanded, sweeping my legs out from under me. I hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of me. He stood over me, sword pointed at my chest. "Get up."

Gritting my teeth, I scrambled to my feet and adjusted my grip on the sword, determined not to give up. I needed to find an opening, a way to turn the tide.

Alvin's father attacked again, his strikes more forceful this time. Dodging to the side, I narrowly avoided a blow aimed at my shoulder. I swung my sword in a wide arc, hoping to catch him off guard. He deflected my blow effortlessly and countered with a swift jab.

I felt a sharp sting as his sword grazed my arm. Ignoring the pain, I stepped back, trying to regroup. My breath came in ragged gasps, but I refused to yield. I had to prove myself.

With renewed determination, I launched a desperate attack. Feinting left, I spun right and brought my sword down in a powerful strike. Alvin's father blocked it, a wide smile spreading across his face.

Seizing the moment, I pressed forward, my strikes becoming more aggressive. My body moved on instinct, my mind focused solely on the battle. For a brief moment, it felt as though time slowed down again, each movement flowing naturally.

Alvin's father parried a high strike and then, with a swift motion, disarmed me. My sword flew from my hands, landing several feet away. He held his blade steady, approval gleaming in his eyes.

"Enough," he declared, lowering his sword. "From now on, you call me Sir Aric, understood?"

"Yes, sir," I replied eagerly. Finally, something was going my way.

"Tell me, what is your affinity and core talent?"

I hesitated slightly. "I am a fourth-tier talent with lightning affinity."

He regarded me with a conflicted expression. "I can't say if you have good luck or bad luck. Lightning is the best offensive affinity, bar none. The downside is obvious: you won't be able to reach the green core."

"But don't be too disheartened. Yellow core still garners respect within our ranks."

He smiled warmly. "Now, pick up that sword. Your training begins today. You'll join Alvin in his training."

I eagerly picked up the sword. "Thank you, Sir Aric. But there's something else I hope you'll consider," I said, my tone earnest.

Sir Aric regarded me with interest. "Out with it, boy. What's on your mind?"

Gathering my courage, I continued, "I wish to learn about mana control as well."

Sir Aric nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Mana control, hmm? Isn't that a bit premature for someone at your stage? Using mana before the white core forms can complicate things, possibly even affecting its development."

I squared my shoulders, determination shining in my eyes. "I understand the risks, Sir Aric. But there's something I believe I can achieve with it. I've been researching a theory, and I think I can make a breakthrough."

Aric exchanged a glance with Alvin, who shrugged in response. "They call him the Young Scholar for a reason," Alvin remarked with a half-smile. "He's always onto something in those books of his."

Aric rubbed his chin thoughtfully, weighing the risks against the boy's resolve. "Very well," he finally said, his tone conceding.

"But remember, Oliver, this path requires discipline and caution. If you're willing to tread it, I'll guide you as best I can."

Relief washed over me, coupled with a renewed sense of purpose. "Thank you, Sir Aric. I won't let you down."

He nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Good. From now on, you will train with Alvin. We'll start early at dawn. Your training with the sword and your exploration of mana control will proceed in tandem."

I nodded eagerly, ready to embark on this new journey of learning and discovery.

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**Sir Aric POV**

It's good to have him train with Alvin; the kid has talent, but he'll always be weaker than Alvin due to his core talent. There will be rivalry between them for a short while, but after Alvin forms his white core, he will easily surpass him. That should boost Alvin's self-confidence.

Moreover, it will be beneficial for Alvin to have a wingman in the academy. If Alvin can get Oliver's loyalty he could even serve as his right hand man in the red knights division.