Requeim of Reverence

WILLIAMS WEINBORN – TRAINING GROUNDS

Facing the boy now, I finally took notice of his blue eyes which burned with an intensity I hadn't seen before. For someone who carried the features of an average man, those piercing eyes told a different story.

I let out a battle cry and lunged forward, my sword slicing through the air toward him. He met my attack without hesitation, and in an instant, the clash began.

Steel against steel. The sparks, visible.

With his sharp reflexes but rather dull reactions, it seemed his body was only failing to keep up with his instincts. It was as if he had sharpened his instincts a whole lifetime. Overall, it was no wonder to me since he had been personally trained by Mr. Vestiron. However-

Lord Vestiron had given him strict orders to keep his true potential hidden. I knew this better than anyone. I had received the same orders.

But even if he masked his abilities, I could see the truth.

With a swift motion, I activated a small surge of mana, channeling it into my footwork. The burst of speed caught him off guard. He barely had time to react before I locked him to the ground, pinning him beneath my weight. I murmured only to him, "Visit me after the class. Something important awaits."

He gave me a firm nod, regardless of the situation unfolding. He didn't look defeated to me. But still, he gave up.

"Professor! We want to see more!" The students screamed in unison. But I waved them off, saying, "Next time. Now prepare for the tournament."

The battle only lasted 8 seconds, at least what it felt to others. But for both of us, it served as an indictment that spoke highly of the boy's potent skills.

AUDEL EMPORIO - AT THE OFFICE

"May I come in?"

"You may."

Professor Williams sat behind his desk, absentmindedly fiddling with a small cube. It wasn't an ordinary object—it had an eerie glow, pulsating faintly like a heartbeat. Just by looking at it, I knew it was an artifact.

"Audel," he began as I stepped forward, "Do you know what this artifact does?"

His tone told me he wasn't simply making conversation.

"No," I admitted, my gaze locked onto the cube. "Is this the legacy of the Weinborns—your bloodline?"

It was common knowledge that nobles hoarded artifacts. Williams was no exception.

But to my surprise, he shook his head. "Unfortunately, no." Then, holding the cube up to the dim light, he added, "Mr. Vestiron gave it to me."

I kept my face neutral. So, this was from my mentor.

"From the looks of it, it's a recon-type artifact, isn't it?" I guessed.

A smirk flickered across his lips. "You never fail to amaze me, boy. Again, I'm not surprised, considering who trained you."

Then, his expression hardened.

"But I didn't call you here for flattery."

I furrowed my brows. "So why are you showing it to me? Did Mr. Vestiron leave a message?"

"Indeed." He nodded, placing the cube on the desk. "He told me to give this to you. It will allow you to transcend the boundaries of the physical world and contact him. You are to do so immediately."

A pause.

"And before you ask," he continued, "he's in trouble. His location is confidential, so don't bother asking me where he is."

I took the cube without hesitation. "Understood."

Turning on my heel, I made for the door. But just as my fingers brushed the handle, Williams called out again.

"You don't seem surprised. The girl, however, had a different reaction."

I didn't need to ask who he meant. Maria.

Vestiron's only daughter. She had always been closer to her father than I was, yet I received this message instead of her. It wasn't my problem.

I didn't waste time on meaningless chatter. Instead, I left the room, slipping the artifact into my pocket.

The moment I stepped outside, I stopped in my tracks.

Someone stood waiting.

"Audel."

Lady Boltaire.

Her crimson eyes locked onto mine with a cold determination, her auburn hair flowing with the wind.

"I've convinced my parents. We'll give you shelter as promised. And you know what we expect from you in return."

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