The morning sun had already climbed high into the sky, casting its warm glow over the Vale Mansion. Inside Orion's room, streaks of golden light filtered through the slightly open window, illuminating the dust motes that danced lazily in the air.
On the large bed, Orion lay in deep slumber. His bluish-white hair was slightly tousled, fanning over the pillow, his breathing slow and steady. The silk sheets draped over his lower body, leaving his upper half exposed—his toned chest and chiseled muscles bathed in the gentle morning light.
The room remained silent, save for the occasional rustling of curtains in the soft breeze. But then—
Creek…
The door to Orion's room slowly pushed open, a small, deliberate sound breaking the stillness. A slender figure stepped inside, moving with light, almost soundless steps.
Elara.
Dressed in a fresh set of clothes, she looked especially beautiful today. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, a slight shine reflecting the morning light. Her bright blue eyes, filled with warmth, studied her brother as she took a step closer. A gentle, amused smile graced her lips as she whispered, "Brother… today again, you sleep until late in the morning."
She approached his bed bedside, her movements delicate and careful. As she stood beside him, her gaze lingered on his sleeping face—his strong jawline, the slight furrow in his brow even in rest, and his naturally sharp features.
Her eyes unconsciously drifted downward—to his exposed chest. His well-defined muscles, sculpted to perfection, rose and fell with each breath he took. A soft heat rose to her cheeks.
Why does he sleep like this…?
A strange urge stirred within her. What would it feel like to touch his firm muscles?
Hesitating, she slowly reached out, her fingers trembling slightly. Just as she was about to brush against his firm muscles—
Orion's eyes fluttered.
A slight shift. A subtle movement of his brow, as if he were about to wake.
Panic surged through Elara. Her heart pounded. Without thinking—
B-Brother!" she blurted out, taking a sudden step back. "Wake up! You're late for breakfast!"
Orion's eyes flickered open, still clouded with sleep. He blinked, adjusting to the light, before focusing on Elara standing by his bedside. His voice was low and slightly hoarse.
"Elara…? What are you doing here?"
Elara's face was still flushed, but she quickly masked it with a bright smile.
"M-Mother Celia told me to wake you! You're late again!" she said quickly, avoiding his gaze.
Orion sighed, rubbing his eyes before realization struck.
"Shit… I'm late again."
Swinging his legs off the bed, he stretched before turning to Elara.
"Thanks for waking me."
"It's Okay, Brother! Hurry and come downstairs for breakfast!" she said before hastily retreating, practically running from the room.
Orion watched her go, slightly confused by her behaviour. What's with her?
Shaking his head, he stood and walked to the window, pulling it open. A fresh morning breeze filled the room, cooling his skin. He sighed.
"Late mornings… I need to fix this habit."
He stepped toward the bath, his mind shifting to his recent progress.
Since returning from the Iron Fang Armory, he had been consuming Titan's Essence Pills, Spirit Purification Pills, and his self-made ManaGold Crystallized Pills. In just a few days, his cultivation had risen to the peak of Three-Star Novice.
But that wasn't all. Every night, he had been sneaking out to the outskirts of the forest—battling magical beasts in secret, honing his combat skills without his mother, sister, or mansion guards noticing.
As he thought about this, he completed his bath, stepping out refreshed. Dressing in a clean robe, he made his way downstairs.
The warm aroma of freshly baked bread and herbal tea filled the dining hall. Celia, Sera, and Elara were already seated when Orion entered.
His two mothers, with their matching bluish-white hair and striking blue eyes, turned to him. Celia was the first to step forward, concern etched on her face.
"Son, are you okay? Today you late again in wake are you not well?" she asked gently.
Orion smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, Mother. Just a little tired."
Celia frowned slightly but nodded.
Sera, standing beside her, chuckled. "If he's this tired, I bet he's been Cultivating whole night in own room. Right dear!"
Orion inwardly flinched but said with little smile, "Yes Mother."
"See, Celia our Orion is cultivating whole night, so this reason he feels tired" sera said while looking Orion with concerned eyes but she doesn't comment more. Then, "Come let's eat," Sera said, leading them to the table.
Breakfast was warm and pleasant, but as it ended, Orion stood to excuse himself.
But before he could leave—
"Brother!"
He turned to see Elara standing up.
"Are you going to the training ground?" she asked.
Orion nodded. "Yeah. Why?"
Elara's eyes brightened. "Can I come with you? I want to saw you, my progress!"
Orion smiled at her enthusiasm. "Alright," he said. "Meet me at the training grounds in fifteen minutes.
Elara nodded eagerly.
The Vale Family Training Grounds was a massive open-roofed area, large enough to accommodate over a thousand people. Polished stone tiles covered the arena floor, and along the edges were racks of weapons, training dummies, and sparring circles.
Orion stood in the centre, dressed in his training robes, his silver sword resting beside him. Seated in meditation, he waited for Elara.
Some Minutes later— Creeeak…
The training ground doors opened.
Elara stepped inside; a blue whip coiled at her hip. Dressed in a sleek training outfit that hugged her slender form, she looked both beautiful and determined.
Orion opened his eyes, observing her.
He was slightly surprised. Just this morning, she had been at the brink of Two-Star Novice. But now—
"You've stepped into Three-Star Novice," he said.
Elara beamed at his comment. "Yes! I broke through!"
Orion nodded, impressed. "Good. But remember, Elara, always stabilize your foundation before rushing to the next level."
She nodded seriously. "I will, Brother!"
She then uncoiled her whip. "I've been practicing with whip with sometimes… Will you spar with me?"
Orion smirked. "Let's see how much you've improved."
They both took their stances.
Elara tightened her grip on the handle of her whip, her blue eyes gleaming with determination. She stood across from Orion, the tension in the air thick as both prepared for battle. The training grounds were silent except for the faint rustling of the wind, the golden morning sun casting their long shadows over the polished stone floor.
Orion's stance was relaxed but composed, his silver sword resting at his side. His sharp eyes studied Elara with quiet amusement. She's confident. Let's see how much she's improved.
"Begin!"
The moment the word left Orion's lips; Elara exploded into action.
Her whip cracked through the air like a lightning strike, the tip lashing toward Orion's chest at blistering speed.
Snap!
Orion tilted his body just enough to let the attack pass inches from his skin. The air trembled with the force of the strike.
"Fast," he noted, a flicker of approval in his voice.
Elara wasted no time. With a flick of her wrist, the whip recoiled and snapped again—this time aiming for Orion's legs.
He stepped back, dodging with effortless grace.
"You're faster than before," Orion remarked, smoothly parrying the next strike with his sword. The clash of metal and energy-infused leather rang through the arena.
Elara grinned. "And stronger!"
Her whip moved like a living serpent, twisting unpredictably. She infused it with mana, causing faint blue sparks to ripple along its length. The next strike came in a deceptive arc—starting high but suddenly curving low toward Orion's waist.
But Orion had seen through it.
With the slightest pivot of his foot, he turned his body sideways, letting the attack slide harmlessly past him. His sword flicked upward—just enough to graze the whip's surface, disrupting its path.
"Good instinct," Orion said. "But—"
Before Elara could react, Orion closed the distance in a flash.
Her eyes widened. So fast!
She barely managed to raise her arm, attempting to block, but Orion was already there.
With the flat side of his sword, he struck her wrist just hard enough to make her lose grip on her whip.
The weapon fell to the ground.
"Ah—!"
Orion swept his leg forward.
Elara felt her balance shift—and the next thing she knew, she was falling.
Thud!
The cold stone floor met her back. The impact wasn't harsh, but it was enough to knock the breath from her lungs.
Lying on the cool stone floor, Elara panted, sweat dripping down her brow. Her whip lay beside her, still crackling with faint energy.
Orion stepped toward her, crouching beside her.
"You've improved," he said, ruffling her damp hair.
Elara scowled, breathless. "I still lost."
"For now," Orion said, offering her a hand. "But you're getting stronger."
Elara's blue eyes flickered with determination.
"Next time, I'll win."
Orion smirked. "I'll be waiting."
Just then—
CREEEAK!
The training ground doors swung open.
A guard entered, bowing.
"Young Master Orion, Lady Celia has summoned you. A guest has arrived."
Orion frowned. "A guest?"
The guard shook his head. "I am unsure, Master."
Orion exchanged glances with Elara. She dusted herself off and tugged at his sleeve. "Brother, we should freshen up first." He chuckled. "Yeah, we look like we've been through war."
The training ground had some private bathhouse nearby, and they separated to clean up. Not long after, both emerged, refreshed and presentable once more. Elara's dark hair was neatly tied back, her robes now crisp, while Orion's bluish-white hair fell gracefully over his forehead, his attire once again pristine. Together, they made their way toward the mansion.