Happiness.

6 Years.

Janus 01, 900.

Lucian stands in the castle's courtyard. His white hair blows with the winter winds. Over the past 6 years, he has grown to be a strapping young man. At 5ft tall, he stands tall for his age, with an amazing posture, all thanks to Isla's sadistic training methods. All of his movements now bear comparable calculation to Isla's. 3 years of Isla's torture has taught him a great deal.

...

'I wonder what this new Swordsman proficiency does?'

'Status'

Name: Lucian

Current State: "Fledgling"

Race: Half-Breed

Titles: "Diligent Learner"

Corruption Index: 0% Lv2

Health: 100%

Strength: 22

Dexterity: 25

Constitution: 18

Intelligence: 35

Charisma: 20

Perception: 20

Magic: 17

Skills:

"Demonic Instinct" - When killing intent is present, predatorial instincts kick in, nullifying emotion and heightening senses. Lv1

Proficiencies:

Magical Affinities:

"Lightning" - Those with an affinity for lightning gain access to a rare tree of magic, which is capable of unleashing destructive power or immeasurable speed.

Martial Proficiencies:

"Dance of Northern Wind' (25%) - An ancient style of swordsmanship specialized in dueling with one-handed swords. [25% Bonus to striking power when One-handed Sword is equipped]

Swordsman Lv. 1 - When using swords, agility is boosted by 5%

Languages: Common 100%

Companions:

Legendary Shadow Panther: "Iris" Lvl 5 (?) [Adolescent]

'That's a pretty decent bonus. This should definitely give me the upper hand against Harald. He won't expect me to be faster than usual.'

'It's been a while since I checked my stats. They're looking pretty good. I feel much stronger than before. My Intelligence is also through the roof. I've read so many books over the past 6 years. It sucks that my Intelligence hit a cap at 35, something about "Higher Level Knowledge." I wonder if the academy will have books to boost it further. I should look into finding a way to boost my lower stats. I'm seriously lacking in magic and constitution.'

"Focus, boy." Harald commands.

Lucian's mind returns to his sparring session.

"Clang!"

Lucian deflects a horizontal slash.

Sidestepping to the left, he lunges forward.

"Clang!"

Harald parries the stab and returns with one of his own.

Lucian sidesteps again.

"Ksss!"

His blade grinds against Harald's as he moves in for the kill.

Harald drops his sword, raising his hands in defeat. The tip of Lucian's blade on his throat.

"Good one. I didn't expect you to hold my blade in place like that and use my flank to your advantage."

"That marks 5 Wins and 986 Losses for me." Lucian says triumphantly.

Harald chuckles.

"You should probably work on those numbers. I think it's a bit more than 900."

"Sheesh. Sore loser much?" Lucian taunts.

Harald sneers at Lucian jokingly.

"Our Magical Training will be held in my Magical Workshop."

He points to one of the towers, so Lucian can distinguish it from the others.

"Meet me there later."

Harald winks and turns to leave.

Over the past 6 years, Harald has grown fond of Lucian. Some of the maids even rumor Lucian to be the Marquis's adopted son. However, none of that is true. Harald's fondness has grown due to the increase in Lucian's training. Which now incorporates elements of basic magic. Leading Lucian to now have a semblance of control over his lightning. Much more so than before, as he can now cast simple spells and crackle more than a few bolts.

...

Lucian's sparring session ends as Iris bounds over to him.

She pounces on Lucian as if he is a toy, causing him to topple over as she licks his face clean.

Iris has grown to be a bit taller than Lucian. Standing nearly 6ft tall on her hind legs.

"Down girl. Down." Lucian pleads.

Iris turns her head, giving him a puppy-eyed look, before bounding away to run circles around the square.

"You've really got some energy. I should take you outside the castle sometime and let you run free." Lucian mutters.

...

A few hours later.

Lucian's feet resound against the stone steps of Faerdham's 1st tower. On his way to Harald's Magical Workshop on the top floor.

"Knock. Knock."

"Enter."

Lucian enters the workshop.

Harald sits at a workbench on the far side of the room. His focus is directed at a large wooden chest in front of him.

Looking to the rest of the room.

Countless shelves line the walls, and chests reside just below them. Every crevice of storage is filled with trinkets and other devices.

Lucian's eyes light up at the realization of what they contain.

His eyes light up at the sight of countless Magical Tools and Items.

'This is amazing. There must be a fortune in equipment here. Are all of the towers like this?'

Lucian's brain begins to melt as he imagines the amount of money Harald's spent.

Though, his imaginative thoughts are cut short as Harald motions for him to come closer.

"Open it."

Harald points to the chest on his desk.

Puzzled by the request, Lucian slowly opens the chest.

As the lid drops back, its contents are revealed.

A black velveteen lining encapsulates a small black orb.

Lucian suddenly realizes what the orb is.

"A Mage Sphere?" He questions.

"Happy Birthday." Harald exclaims happily.

Lucian's face goes white with surprise as he begins to imagine the tremendous cost of his gift.

"Th-Thank you." He stutters.

"But this is too much."

Harald replies with a few hard pats on the back.

"You've earned it."

"Your progress has been astonishing. You make me proud to be your master."

Lucian pauses for a few moments as he looks over the sphere.

'It's beautiful.'

Harald wraps his arm around Lucian's shoulders.

"It's all yours. I'll show you how to use it tomorrow."

"Now, we should probably head to the Main Hall."

"No lesson?" Lucian asks in surprise.

"It's your birthday. So I've prepared a special feast for you. Trust me, I think you'll enjoy it more than lessons." Harald replies with a wink.

"Okay..." Lucian says, wondering what could be more special than the gift he just received.

The pair head down the staircase.

Reaching the bottom. Harald motions for Lucian to enter first.

'Why is he making me go first??'

Lucian hesitantly opens the door to the main hall.

His eyes widen at what lays in wait on the other side.

...

"Layla?"