Chapter 11 - Training grounds (2)

Hmmm. So that's how the appraisal skill works. But still. Fuck. I knew he'd be strong but knowing and seeing are different things.

Those stats were crazy. As expected of a Morningstar.

Reinhardt Morningstar, Arnolds' younger brother and the captain of the Morningstar Houses' knights.

He was the son of Ragnar Morningstar, the former Duke of the Western region.

In the novel, he fought and died in the war that occurred in volume five. 'The Annihilation war', it was later known to be.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard Reinhardt's voice snap me out of my reverie.

"Alright, we're here." I turned around to look at where the we were. We were at a more secluded section of the training area it seemed.

"Here". I heard Reinhardt say before turning back to see him throw something into the air. A sword. I then raised my hand and caught it.

"Now then Lucas. Our first order of business is to see what level you're at". As he was talking, he started drawing his sword from it's sheath.

"As such, we're going to spar. No magic, no tricks just pure swordsmanship. Come at me."

As soon as he said that, I launched myself at him sword in hand.

I charged at Reinhardt, sword flashing in the sunlight.

Reinhardt parried quite effortlessly, his movements economical and precise. Our blades danced, clashing in a flurry of steel and sparks.

The original Lucas' instincts pushed me forward but it was evident that Reinhardt's skill was superior.

With each exchange, Reinhardt subtly adjusted his stance, guiding me towards specific mistakes.

Oh. I guess he's already started huh. I had thought he just wanted to test my abilities, but looks like I was wrong.

He was teaching me as well. His holds were expertly controlled, never fully unleashing his strength. Obviously.

"Your footwork is sloppy," Reinhardt said sidestepping a wild swing from me. "You're relying heavily on mana. Focus on your center of gravity."

I gritted my teeth, adjusting my stance. Our blades clashed again, and even then I still couldn't land a clean hit. But my swordsmanship obviously got better.

Reinhardt had a slight smile on his face and nodded approvingly.

"Now that's better. But you also need to work on your follow through to make sure even when you do land a hit, you don't leave yourself open to counterattacks."

The training continued for a while. Each exchange a lesson in precision and control. Sweat dripped from my brows, my muscles burning from the intense exertion.

Reinhardt remained composed, his breathing steady and movements fluid.

"Enough," Reinhardt said calling a halt to the training. "You have potential Lucas. No it more accurate you've got talent. But even talent is nothing without dedication and discipline."

I nodded to his words. He was right after all. No matter how high your potential was, no matter how talented you are, without hard work and dedication, you wouldn't get far.

"If you understand, you're free to go. Meet me here in the morning from tomorrow onwards." He added.

"Okay. Thank you, uncle." Bowing slightly in a polite manner I said. Then I turned around and headed back.

************

Reinhardt stared at the departing figure of Lucas feeling complicated.

"What a monster. It's been almost a year since he stopped yet he was able to reach this level of swordsmanship in a single day."

He then shifted his eyes to stare at the Morningstar mansion. "It's too bad he has a low potential. If only his potential was higher. With this monstrous talent he's displayed, he could've become as strong as Gilbert."

He shook his head and muttered in a low voice "If only".

And headed towards the training grounds.