Supreme Hunter of Beautiful Souls

Kael stepped into the carriage with slow, heavy steps, still feeling the weight of his conversation with Adalric. He threw himself onto the cushioned seat, letting out a deep sigh as he rested his arm over his eyes, trying to process everything that had just happened.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into…" he murmured to himself, his voice full of exhaustion and a touch of frustration.

Before he could dive deeper into his thoughts, a familiar voice echoed through the small cabin. "Ah, what drama, Kael. You're always getting yourself into trouble. But this? This is really special." Umbra appeared before him, materializing as a swirling shadow that took form beside the seat.

Kael moved his arm to look at her, already feeling the discomfort that her presence usually brought. "Seriously, Umbra? Now? Can't I have a moment of peace?"

She grinned mischievously, leaning over him. "Peace? With your lineage, your out-of-control power, and now a mad knight swearing to train you? Peace is the last thing you're going to get, dear."

Kael rolled his eyes, sitting back in the seat with an exasperated sigh. "You don't understand... This guy's a monster. He saw right through me in seconds. And now he's determined to turn me into some kind of... I don't know, weapon."

Umbra shrugged carelessly. "Well, you kind of are a walking weapon, aren't you? Maybe he just wants to teach you not to knock down fifteen trees with one swing."

Kael narrowed his eyes at her, but couldn't help a small smile. "You're not helping."

"Oh, but you love it when I annoy you, admit it." She teased, sitting beside him as if she were just another companion, despite her shadowy, incorporeal nature. "So... what are you going to do now, Hunter? Run away? Or face it head-on?"

Kael leaned his head back, staring at the ceiling of the carriage. "I don't know. But one thing's for sure: if he wants to train the 'weapon' he thinks I am, I'll make sure he knows exactly what he's dealing with."

Umbra smiled, satisfied. "That's what I like to hear. Let's see how far you can take this, my dear Master." With that, she vanished once again, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts and the growing sense that his journey had just become much more complicated.

"I'd better just sleep…" Kael murmured to himself, closing his eyes and trying to forget the whirlwind of thoughts tormenting him. Despite the discomfort, exhaustion won out, and he drifted into a restless sleep.

However, his brief rest came to an abrupt end when a booming shout echoed through the carriage.

"WAKE UP!" Adalric's thunderous voice sliced through the morning silence like a sharp blade.

Kael practically jumped out of his seat, his heart racing, and his mind still foggy from sleep. "What the hell is this?!" He exclaimed, looking around, only to see the carriage door wide open and Adalric standing there, arms crossed, a malicious grin on his face.

"Time to train, boy. The day's already started, and you're not going to waste it sleeping like a baby." Adalric announced, his voice full of determination.

Kael rubbed his eyes and tried to process what was happening. "Are you serious? Can't you let me sleep a little longer?"

"You'll have plenty of time to sleep… when you're dead." Adalric shot back with a provoking grin, before turning around and walking toward the nearby clearing. "Now, move. The training won't start on its own."

Kael let out a frustrated groan, but he knew arguing wouldn't do any good. "This guy's going to be the death of me…" he murmured, getting up and dragging himself out of the carriage.

Kael walked reluctantly toward the clearing Adalric had pointed out. The sound of soldiers moving, carriages being prepared, and horses whinnying in the background made it clear that the caravan was getting ready to move. However, Adalric's focus was entirely on the boy.

Adalric held two wooden training swords, handing one of them to Kael. "Here's your new best friend, Kael. I hope you learn to treat her with the respect she deserves."

Kael grasped the wooden sword, examining it with curiosity and a bit of skepticism. "Swords were never my thing... I don't even know where to start."

"Great. That means you'll learn the right way, without bad habits or stubbornness." Adalric commented with a confident smile. He took a few steps back, assuming a battle stance with his sword. "First lesson: posture. Before attempting any strike, you need to have your feet firmly planted on the ground and your body weight balanced."

Kael tried to imitate Adalric's stance, but the knight immediately shook his head. "No. That's wrong. You look like a bamboo stick trying to fight the wind. Straighten up. Wider stance, knees bent. That's it."

Kael adjusted his posture according to the instructions. Although he felt discomfort at first, he noticed that the position offered more stability. Adalric circled around him like a predator, assessing every detail.

"Now, raise the sword. Not like a dead weight, but as if it's an extension of your arm. It should flow with the movement, not fight against you." Adalric instructed.

Kael raised the sword, trying to find the right balance. Adalric watched for a few seconds before delivering a quick strike with his own wooden sword, aiming for Kael's arm. Kael instinctively recoiled, nearly dropping the sword in the process.

"Ah, so you have reflexes." Adalric laughed. "But that's not enough. To wield a sword, you need more than reflexes. Strength, control, and most importantly, discipline."

Kael huffed, adjusting his grip on the sword again. "You make it sound so easy."

"It's not easy, kid. But with my help, you'll learn. And fast. Our goal is for you to know the basics before we reach Azalith." Adalric declared, tapping his wooden sword against Kael's. "Now, let's work on the basic strikes. First, a downward slash."

Kael attempted the motion, but Adalric shook his head again. "Too stiff. Relax your shoulders. Focus on channeling your strength without wasting it. Again."

They continued practicing while the caravan prepared to depart. Irelia watched from a distance with an amused smile, murmuring to one of the nearby guards, "If he survives my uncle's training, he might actually have potential."

Kael, on the other hand, felt every muscle in his body protesting from the effort. But then, a message appeared in front of him...

[You have gained a new Trait: Disciple of the Sword King]

[Lessons from individuals of the "King Combatant" class in their respective categories can be absorbed more quickly and with greater understanding.]

[Current Target: Alated Sword Teaching (Lvl.1), Progress: 16%]

Kael paused for a moment, panting as he read the message. His eyes gleamed with interest. 'A trait... It's been a while since I got something like this.' He thought, quickly analyzing the implications. The ability to absorb teachings faster was exactly the kind of advantage he needed.

Adalric, noticing the distraction, clicked his tongue impatiently. "Come on, kid. No distractions!" He pointed at Kael with his wooden sword. "Another hundred direct strikes, no excuses. When the carriages are ready, I want your movements perfect."

Kael groaned, returning to the starting position. "A hundred strikes, easy for you to say..." He muttered to himself as he began the attacks again.

[Trait Activated]

With the activation of the trait, something changed. Each strike felt more precise, the weight of the sword more natural. The connection between his mind and physical movement flowed better, and he could feel the progress in real time.

Adalric crossed his arms, watching with a satisfied smile. "Not bad. Looks like you're starting to get it. Or maybe it's the potential you've been hiding."

In the distance, Irelia, still sleepy, watched the scene with a mix of disbelief and interest. "Seriously, who is this kid?" She murmured to herself, while a nearby guard simply shook his head with a smile.