Chapter 8
The morning after meeting the trainers, Leon made his way to the small back arena near the forest, where his training was to take place. His trainer, Allen, was waiting for him, standing quietly with an enigmatic expression that gave nothing away.
"You're here, Leon. Let's begin."
Allen said this in a neutral tone, but his eyes held a strange look that made Leon feel a bit uneasy. However, Leon didn't dwell too much on it; his passion for training overshadowed any other feelings.
The First Lesson
Allen began teaching Leon the basic principles of sword fighting. The movements were simple and clear, but they required precision and focus. Leon, who had never used mana and lacked physical strength, found the training manageable, not overly exhausting.
"There's no need to rush. Control your breath... Stay steady."
Allen's instructions were brief and to the point. Despite their simplicity, Leon felt that he was making slight progress.
An Unsettling Question
Despite his hard work, Leon couldn't shake the feeling that his trainer hadn't fully accepted him. Allen seemed cold and uninterested, as if he was performing a duty rather than genuinely wanting to train him.
"Maybe it's my fault... Maybe he sees me the way others do, as worthless trash."
But Leon didn't dare ask his trainer about it, as he was grateful for any form of training.
End of the First Day
The training continued until the sun set. After a long day of exercises, Leon bid his trainer goodbye, trying to show gratitude on his face, but Allen only responded with a small nod before leaving.
Meeting His Brothers
Leon returned to the mansion tired, but satisfied with his first day of training. As he crossed the front yard, he saw his brothers training with their trainers. The sight was impressive; their trainers looked like legendary heroes, with shining weapons and flawless movements.
"Maybe one day, I'll be like them..."
But his dreams didn't last long. His older brother, Griffin, noticed him and quickly blocked his path.
"Oh, look who it is! The 'great swordsman' Leon!"
Griffin started mocking him loudly, and the rest of his brothers followed, laughing. Leon tried to act indifferent and walk on, but he couldn't escape their cruel words.
"Tell us, Leon, how many times did you fall today? Or did your weak trainer only teach you how to hold a sword?"
An Unexpected Intervention
Before his brothers could continue tormenting him, the head servant, Sigard, suddenly appeared. With a sharp glance, he ordered them to disperse. Although they despised being commanded by him, they left muttering angry words.
Leon, feeling a small sense of relief, looked at Sigard. He wanted to thank him, but then he remembered Sigard's earlier words, still lodged in his mind like a thorn.
"No need to thank me, trash."
Sigard said coldly, then turned and left without waiting for a response.
Inner Struggle
Leon felt a mix of anger and sadness. Why did everyone treat him like this? Why was it that even the people who intervened to save him only saw him as something insignificant?
"I need to prove myself... I can't stay like this forever."
These words echoed in his mind as he headed to his room. Leon knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but despite everything, there was still a small part of him clinging to hope