The next morning, Ashley woke me with a knock on the door.
"Young master, it's already morning."
Waking up to the persistent knocking, I frowned slightly and, turning to the side, replied:
"Come in."
The door opened quietly, and Ashley entered. As always, neat, composed, without unnecessary emotion on her face.
"Young master, since you have recovered, Lord Ordin is waiting for you for breakfast. In half an hour."
"Got it, you can go."
Father…
The thought alone made me frown. From what I remembered, the Grand Duke Kaldris was a strict man, demanding and intolerant of weakness. After that incident at the banquet… there was no way he was pleased.
Letting out a quiet sigh, I got out of bed and went to wash up. The cold water helped clear my mind. After that, I dressed, choosing something neat but not overly formal. It took about fifteen minutes.
Without rushing, I headed to the dining hall. Each step carried a faint tension. Not fear… but something close to it.
When I entered, he was already there.
Tall, around one hundred ninety centimeters. Perfect posture, as if he were always standing before a formation of soldiers. Sharp, well-defined facial features with no softness to them. Black hair, dark as tar, neatly cut, barely reaching his ears. And his eyes… red. Cold, piercing, as if they could see straight through you.
One glance was enough to understand — this was not just a noble, but a man who had lived through countless battles.
"Sit," he said.
His voice was calm. Neither warm nor cold. Just… steady.
I sat down and silently began to eat. We ate in silence for a while. After a couple of minutes, he spoke:
"How are you feeling?"
"I feel perfectly fine, Your Grace."
He frowned slightly.
"Viren, this is not a formal reception. Drop the formalities."
"Yes… father."
Honestly, I was surprised. From the memories, Viren feared him, almost avoided him. But now… I didn't feel pressure. Rather, a calm, heavy presence.
We continued eating in silence.
After a few more minutes, he spoke again:
"Viren. In a year, the academy. Without reaching the first rank of the core, they won't accept you, even if you are a Kaldris. What are you going to do?"
I paused for a moment, then answered without hesitation:
"I plan to train, father."
"Really?"
There was a hint of surprise in his voice. He tried to keep his expression unchanged, but the subtle movements of his facial muscles betrayed him. Even I noticed it.
"I'm ashamed," I said. "I disgraced the family. Myself. You. I don't want to lose anymore."
I spoke sincerely. Even if those weren't my actions… the shame still felt real.
About thirty seconds passed before he responded:
"I hope you won't lose that resolve after your first training session."
"I won't, father."
"Then I will personally oversee your training. While I have the time."
"Thank you, father."
I was surprised. But more than that — I was glad. Who would refuse training from the Grand Duke?
As I was finishing my meal, he added:
"In one hour, come to the training grounds."
"Yes, father."
After eating, I returned to my room. There was a strange feeling inside — a mix of anticipation and tension. I understood: this wouldn't be easy.
Half an hour later, I began preparing. I changed into more comfortable clothes and headed to the training grounds.
When I arrived, there were about ten minutes left before the start. I stood near the entrance, trying to steady my breathing and clear my thoughts.
Exactly ten minutes later, I knocked.
"Enter."
I stepped inside. In front of me stretched a large training field, almost like a stadium.
"Run," he said. "Until I tell you to stop."
I nodded and started running.
The first minutes were easy. Even with a bare core and no rings, my body was stronger than an average human from my previous world. Running felt… simple.
But it didn't last long.
After thirty minutes, my breathing became slightly heavier. Nothing serious.
Another thirty minutes — my chest began to tighten, each breath growing harder.
Another thirty — every inhale burned. My throat was dry, my legs felt heavy, as if weights were tied to them.
My thoughts began to blur.
"Maybe that's enough…"
"Screw this…"
But every time such thoughts appeared, I remembered the future. Remembered how things would end. And I knew — it would only get worse.
I couldn't afford to stop.
Step. Another step.
Just keep moving.
And when two hours and thirteen minutes had passed, my vision blurred. My legs gave out.
I collapsed.
Darkness.
I woke up in my bed.
"What the hell kind of training is that…" I muttered.
The Grand Duke was sitting on a chair beside the bed.
"You are serious after all," he said.
"Yes, father."
"That's enough for today. Tomorrow, the real training begins."
He stood up and headed for the door, but before leaving, added:
"Don't forget to meditate for an hour before sleep. You've recovered, so you can at least do that."
With those words, he left.
About half an hour later, I heard a knock. Ashley brought a nutritious soup.
After eating, I read for a while, then sat down to meditate.
Closing my eyes, I focused.
At first, nothing.
Then… something. Faint. Subtle. Like a movement of air that didn't exist. A slight pressure, as if the space itself was breathing.
Mana.
I carefully tried to guide it, attempting to form a ring around my core.
Slowly. Too slowly.
I immediately understood — this would take time.
With that thought, I fell asleep.