Morning sunlight spilled gently through the large windows of Adrian's room, casting warm patterns on the floor.
Adrian groggily opened his eyes, blinking against the light. His messy black hair stuck up at odd angles, and his cheeks were slightly puffed as he mumbled:
"...Hnn… what time is it...?"
Still half-asleep, he turned his head and squinted at the ornate clock on his wall.
🕙 10:00 AM
For a moment, his sleepy brain didn't quite register it. Then—
"10 AM!?"
Adrian shot up like he'd been struck by lightning, eyes wide as saucers. The blanket tangled around his legs, causing him to stumble as he leapt from bed.
He frantically changed clothes, hopping on one foot as he tried to shove on his boots, his shirt half-buttoned, his hair still sticking up in places.
I overslept! I overslept! What's everyone gonna say!?
---
Adrian dashed out of his room, skidding around corners, his steps echoing through the polished halls of the Cross Family mansion.
As he reached the grand staircase and hurried down—
"Good morning, young master!" called a maid, bowing politely.
"Morning, young master Adrian!" said a guard, grinning.
"Young master! You're up late today," teased one of the butlers with a warm smile.
Everywhere he passed, servants and guards greeted him cheerfully, their voices filling the hall.
Adrian smiled awkwardly, trying to act cool despite his rush, waving as he sped past.
"G-good morning! Hehe… I-I just wanted a bit of extra sleep today!"
Adrian finally reached the dining hall, his stomach growling like a beast.
On the long table was a steaming plate prepared just for him: fluffy white rice, golden-brown fried chicken with crispy skin glistening slightly from the morning light, and a tall glass of cold fresh milk on the side, tiny droplets of condensation running down the glass.
The aroma of the chicken made his mouth water. Without hesitation, Adrian grabbed his utensils and dug in.
---
📝 System Analysis: Breakfast Mode
[System Analysis Active — Meal Detected]
✨ Rice (White, Steamed): Provides a quick burst of carbohydrates, fueling the young master's energy stores. Excellent for immediate stamina replenishment after mana use!
✨ Fried Chicken (Lightly Spiced): High-quality protein that aids in muscle recovery and strength building. The crispy skin contains fats that can help with prolonged energy output (though maybe not the healthiest, young master...)
✨ Fresh Milk: Calcium and Vitamin D — great for bone development. Also helps in calming the nerves after intense training.
[Overall Effect: This meal will restore stamina by +10%, enhance muscle recovery rate for 2 hours, and provide a temporary +2% boost in focus due to balanced nutrients.]
---
Adrian paused, blinking as he chewed.
"W-wait… System… I didn't ask for all that information!" he muttered in his mind, embarrassed.
The system answered immediately—
[Hmph! I know that! I wasn't telling you, I was explaining it to the readers!]
If the system had a face, Adrian could almost imagine it puffing its cheeks and crossing its arms like a sulky tsundere.
Adrian nearly choked on his rice from shock.
W-what's with this attitude all of a sudden!?
As Adrian gulped down the last of his milk, feeling the coolness slide down his throat, Sir Darius appeared at his side like a silent shadow.
The older knight stood tall and proper, his silver-streaked hair tied neatly, his deep voice respectful as always.
"I've come to fetch you, young master," he said, giving a light bow that carried both formality and warmth.
Adrian blinked, still chewing the last bit of chicken. "U-uh... what's the occasion today, Darius?" he asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and mild nervousness, a drop of sweat sliding down his cheek.
Darius coughed lightly, his fist resting gently at his mouth, as if preparing for a speech.
"Well then... after what transpired last night, young master... it is no mere coincidence."
He glanced at Adrian, his sharp eyes softening with rare admiration.
"I will say this straight. You have... enormous talent, young master Adrian."
Adrian nearly dropped his spoon. "H-huh!?"
Darius continued, voice steady and proud.
"Not only in your gift for crafting, but your understanding of skill principles. To master an advanced technique—one passed down through generations of the Cross Family—in less than an hour... no, in less than half a minute..."
He trailed off, shaking his head in amazement.
At that moment, a few maids who were quietly cleaning the hall peeked from the corners, their faces glowing with awe.
"Waaah... young master Adrian is amazing!" one whispered, clapping her hands together like a fangirl.
The old butler, who was setting another plate down, froze mid-motion. His glasses slipped down his nose, his mouth hanging open.
"A-a genius!? I knew it! I always knew it!" he exclaimed, but as he lifted his arms to celebrate, his back gave a tiny crick.
"Ah! M-my back! Someone fetch a cushion!"
Adrian could only stare, red in the face, waving his hands in panic.
"P-please stop praising me like that!! I-I just tried what Darius showed me!"
The room was filled with warmth, laughter, and admiration, the once-ordinary morning becoming a memory that would stick with the Cross household forever.
The bright sun shone over the vast training field of the Cross manor. The gentle breeze carried the scent of grass and the faint clang of metal from distant sparring.
Adrian stepped onto the field, his small boots pressing into the soft earth. His black hair fluttered lightly, his blue eyes wide with curiosity.
Beside him, Sir Darius stood tall, arms folded behind his back, his expression serious but warm.
"Young master," Darius began, his voice steady, "your brothers and sisters will soon return here — in less than a month's time. And when they do…"
He paused, his gaze on the horizon, as if seeing the future.
"…the patriarch will hold an event. A test. One that will measure the skills, strength, and resolve of each of you. It will determine who among you is worthy of leading the Cross Family into the future."
Darius coughed lightly, adjusting his stance.
"And that, young master, is why I am here — to guide you, to help you grow stronger, and to raise you to the top. To help you change your brothers' and sisters' opinions of you."
👀 Darius peeked at Adrian with one eye, curious how the boy would take it.
Adrian's cheeks turned a soft pink, his expression shy but filled with gratitude.
"I-Is that so…? I'm really thankful to you, Sir Darius."
He bowed, small hands at his sides, his form neat and respectful.
"Pleased to be working with you…" he added softly.
Then — as if something inside him burst with excitement — Adrian raised his head, his blue eyes bright.
"M-Master!!"
💥 ACKKK!!
Darius felt his heart skip a beat, caught off guard by the boy's pure, innocent charm. He coughed, turning his head and covering his mouth with his hand to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
("T-this child… How can he be this cute?! That smile… that bow… dangerous!")
The breeze ruffled their clothes gently, as if urging them to begin.
Darius took a breath, steadying himself, and said firmly:
"Then let's begin, young master. From today forward… I will train you so that no one will ever underestimate you again."
Darius clapped his hands once, the sound crisp in the open air.
"Alright, young master! Let's begin with something basic but vital — 100 squats. Stamina, strength, and form all begin here!"
Adrian's eyes widened. "O-One hundred!?"
But seeing Darius's firm, encouraging gaze, he straightened his back, fists clenched.
"Y-Yes, master!"
👟 Adrian planted his small boots firmly on the ground, feet shoulder-width apart — just like he'd seen the knights do.
He took a deep breath, puffing out his cheeks cutely, and began his first squat.
Down…
His knees bent slowly, his tiny form lowering, his arms stretched out for balance. The fabric of his shirt pulled snug across his back, his black hair falling a little over his eyes.
Up!
He pushed up with determination, his face serious, lips pressed tight in focus.
"One…" he whispered, glancing at Darius, who gave a small nod of approval.
Again.
Down… up!
"Two…"
And again.
Down… up!
"Three…"
💦 After just ten squats, a tiny bead of sweat slid down Adrian's temple. His cheeks flushed pink, but his blue eyes shone with determination.
("I-I can do this! I won't let Sir Darius down!")
From the side, Darius watched, arms crossed, his expression proud but trying not to laugh at how adorably serious Adrian looked.
("He's really giving it his all… even his squats are cute somehow. No, focus, Darius!")
By the time Adrian reached twenty squats, his movements were a little wobbly, but he kept going — the breeze cooling his skin, his breaths becoming faster, his small body working hard.
🌬️ The system chimed in Adrian's mind, its voice smug and amused.
"System Notice: Squat Form — 78% accuracy. Stamina drain: moderate. Strength increase: minimal but effective. Cuteness: Over 9000."
Adrian blinked in his thoughts.
("W-Why did you measure that last part?!")
"Because even the grass is cheering for you, young master~"
Adrian nearly tripped from the distraction, but caught himself, cheeks burning.
Darius smiled, hiding his amusement behind his hand as he encouraged,
"Good! Keep that pace, young master! Just eighty more!"
Adrian's legs burned with every motion, his muscles screaming in protest as he forced himself lower, then up again. His small fists clenched tightly at his sides, his face red from effort, and sweat trickled down his forehead, dripping onto the training ground beneath him.
"Ninety-eight… h-hah… ninety-nine…" he panted, his voice shaky, but his spirit unbroken.
Darius watched silently, his eyes wide with admiration. ("He's truly going to do it… at just ten years old…")
Adrian gritted his teeth, pushing his exhausted body for the final squat. His legs wobbled like they could collapse at any second, but he drew a deep breath, his entire body trembling with effort.
"O-O-O-ONE HUNDRED!!" Adrian shouted, voice echoing through the training field, his small form dripping with sweat, hair messy and clinging to his face.
The moment he straightened up from the last squat, his strength gave out. His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the ground with a soft thud, arms splayed, chest heaving rapidly.
"Hah… hah… hah…" Adrian gasped, staring up at the blue sky, his vision slightly blurred from fatigue.
> "System Notice: 100 squats completed. Additional +30 RP."
> "System Bonus: Enduring Lower Body (Enhanced) → Fatigue from lower body actions will recover 10% faster. Strengthening effect on leg muscle development increased."
The system chuckled softly in his mind:
> "You really are something, young master… maybe too stubborn for your own good."
Adrian could only lay there, breathing hard, a faint smile on his lips. His small chest rose and fell quickly as he whispered in his mind:
"Ha… I did it… I really did it…"
Darius walked over, crouched beside him, and placed a hand gently on Adrian's shoulder. His voice was warm and proud.
"You've impressed me, young master. Truly. Now rest — you've earned it."
Adrian lay on the ground, still catching his breath from the squats, when Darius stood tall, crossing his arms with a smirk.
"Alright, young master," Darius said, his tone both strict and playful, "next is 100 push-ups. And once you finish those… you'll run 10 laps around this field. No stopping."
Adrian froze. His wide blue eyes blinked up at Darius, his face pale with disbelief.
"Eh…?" he squeaked out. His lips trembled into a pitiful pout, his little hands still shaking from the squats.
Adrian sat up slowly, his hair a mess, and gave Darius the most hopeless look a 10-year-old could muster. His eyes glistened as if on the verge of tears, his cheeks puffed a little.
"S-Seriously… is this how you treat a 10-year-old master…?" he muttered, his voice filled with despair, making Darius cough into his hand to hide his chuckle.
> "System Notice: Warning — cuteness level critical! Sir Darius' heart is at risk of fluttering!"
Darius turned his back briefly to hide the grin creeping on his face. ("Stay strong, Darius… don't let his cuteness win…" he thought.)
Adrian sighed dramatically, dropped to the ground, and started his push-ups. His small form bobbed up and down, arms trembling after just ten, his hair flopping with every motion.
> "System Notice: First-time push-up training detected. +20 RP."
> "Push-up effect: Upper body endurance +1%. Fatigue during arm-related combat skills will lessen slightly."
At push-up forty, Adrian's face was red as a tomato, and he mumbled under his breath, "T-this is child labor…"
By the time he forced out push-up 100, his arms gave out and he flopped onto the ground like a pancake, face first.
Darius clapped lightly, proud. "Good! Now—"
"D-Don't say it…" Adrian whispered weakly, already knowing what was coming.
"—10 laps around the field! No stopping, young master!"
Adrian lifted his head slowly, his eyes dead inside, and groaned dramatically. "I regret everything…"
But he pushed himself up, wobbling like a baby deer, and started jogging, huffing cutely with every step as Darius watched with a warm smile, hands behind his back.
> "System: Impressive, young master. At this rate, you'll be a hero by age eleven!"
Adrian, panting as he ran, thought miserably: I'm going to die before that at this rate…