After running his final, shaky lap, Adrian's small figure finally stumbled to a stop near the edge of the field. His black hair was drenched in sweat, his cheeks red, and his breath fast and heavy. The sun was already beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the training ground. It was 4 in the afternoon.
Darius, standing tall with his arms behind his back, watched the boy with a mixture of pride and concern. "Let's rest for one hour, young master," Darius finally said, his tone gentle but firm. "Please, eat for now. I must apologize for not allowing you lunch earlier. That was too harsh, even for training."
Adrian, still catching his breath, shook his head weakly but smiled. "It's okay, Sir Darius... It would've just... ruined my focus anyway," he said between pants, his small voice filled with unexpected determination.
Darius blinked, genuinely impressed. To think he understands the discipline behind fasting during training... What a perceptive young master, he thought, his respect for Adrian quietly growing.
Darius knelt down beside him, handing him a prepared meal — simple rice, tender chicken fried lightly, and a cool glass of milk. "Eat well, young master. You've earned it."
As Adrian ate, savoring each bite, Darius sat nearby and began explaining calmly.
"Young master," he said, "we'll repeat this training daily: squats, push-ups, the laps. I know it's hard, but this is the foundation of a warrior's body."
He pointed at his own legs and arms. "The squats will forge your lower body. A strong stance is everything — especially when wielding a sword. Your legs must be like pillars, unshakable against any force. They allow you to dash, pivot, or stand firm against the strongest blow."
Then Darius clenched a fist, his voice growing more passionate. "The push-ups? They build your arms, shoulders, and chest — the strength needed to swing, thrust, and block. Without this, even the sharpest blade in the world is no better than a stick in weak hands."
Finally, he swept his hand across the field. "And the laps, young master. Endurance. In battle, even the most skilled swordsman will fall if his breath runs out. The running will temper your lungs and heart, so you can fight on, long after others have fallen."
His gaze softened. "For example — the sword. To master it, your whole body must move as one. Legs steady, arms precise, breath calm. This training will make you one with your blade. And one day... you will hold your own against any sibling. No—surpass them."
Darius smiled with genuine warmth. "I swear it, young master. Together, we'll make it so."
Adrian, after scarfing down the rice and chicken with milk, was in a daze — his eyelids drooping, his tiny body swaying like he could fall asleep right there with food in his mouth.
"Y-Young master?" Darius called gently.
But before Darius could say more, Adrian's head tilted back as he snored softly — the spoon still in his hand. A second later, his eyes popped open, as if on instinct, and he grabbed his milk, drinking it messily, some dripping down his chin.
"Ahh…" Adrian sighed, his eyes fluttering shut again mid-sip. He slumped forward onto the table, cheek squished against the wood, snoring again, absolutely defeated by exhaustion.
Darius blinked in shock, then let out a quiet chuckle. He's truly given it his all.
Moments later, Adrian stirred, grabbed a stray piece of chicken like a sleepwalker, stuffed it in his mouth — then immediately fell back asleep mid-chew, drooling just a little.
Finally, Darius stepped forward, shaking his head with a fond smile. "I guess I pushed the young master too far…"
He gently scooped Adrian up in his strong arms, careful not to wake him. His movements were tender as he laid the boy down on the bed he had just prepared moments earlier, smoothing out the sheets.
Darius sat on the edge of the bed, pulling a clean cloth from his coat. With a fatherly care, he wiped the sweat from Adrian's brow, brushing back his damp black hair. Adrian's peaceful, sleeping face made the old knight's heart ache with pride and protectiveness.
"I will let you rest two hours, young master… recover your strength and energy," Darius whispered, his voice low and warm. "Because this training… this effort… will shape your brothers' and sisters' opinions of you."
He gazed at Adrian's tiny, sleeping form, his expression resolute. He gently stroked Adrian's hair once more, drying away the last of the sweat.
"And when that time comes… you'll carve your own path, with your siblings as stepping stones. Rise to the top, young master…"
Darius took a seat beside the bed, resting in a chair, arms crossed but alert. His eyes softened as he kept silent watch over the boy, guarding Adrian's rest like a loyal knight. The quiet room filled with the soft sound of Adrian's breathing — the calm before the next day's storm.
As Adrian slept deeply, his body completely relaxed and his breath soft and even, a familiar voice echoed gently in his thoughts — like a whisper in the wind of his dream.
"System": Young master Adrian… would you like to use the summoning skill? Perhaps spin for some good materials… or maybe a skill? The system's tone was curious, almost playful, as if eager to assist.
Still asleep, Adrian's mind responded as if half-lucid in his dream: Mm… yeah… go ahead… he thought, a small, peaceful smile curling on his lips as he hugged the pillow tighter.
"System": 270 RP available. How much do you want to use?
In his dreamy haze, Adrian's sleepy mind barely processed. Uh… 50? Two spins for materials…
"System": Understood. 50 RP for two material spins. Initiating summoning…
In the mental space of Adrian's dreams, a soft glow appeared, like a wheel turning slowly, then faster and faster — the familiar summoning interface shimmering with blue light. The first spin slowed… clicked… and stopped.
"System": Material obtained: Blue Crystallized Gel.
At once, the system began its detailed explanation — as if proudly reporting a rare treasure:
"System":
Blue Crystallized Gel — a material of extraordinary rarity. Classified above Rank S+. It originates from the crystallization of pure elemental mana found only at the cores of ancient, fallen leyline nexuses. This gel hardens over centuries into a crystal-like substance, brimming with condensed, uncontaminated mana.
Primary use: forging legendary-level artifacts, especially weapons that can channel and amplify elemental forces. When forged properly, the Blue Crystallized Gel can bond with a weapon's core, greatly enhancing its resonance with mana, allowing the wielder to unleash devastating strikes, or even elemental bursts.
Known properties:
— High elemental conductivity
— Extreme mana retention
— Self-repairing under moonlight conditions
Estimated market value: immeasurable — due to its rarity, it is considered priceless in most circles.
Adrian in his dream murmured, Wow…
"System": One material spin remaining. Would you like to proceed?
Even in his sleep, Adrian's dreamy thought echoed: Yeah… go ahead…
"System": Starting second material spin…
In Adrian's dreamscape, the glowing summoning wheel began to turn again. It spun faster this time, the hum of magical energy vibrating softly through his sleeping mind. Each section of the wheel shimmered with names of materials he couldn't quite read — until at last the wheel slowed, clicking with a satisfying rhythm as it neared the result.
Click… click… click…
And then — it stopped.
"System": Material obtained: Sorynth.
A soft blue-gold light emanated from the mental image of the reward, and the system immediately began its thorough explanation, its voice proud, like it had gifted Adrian a treasure fit for a king.
"System":
Sorynth — a rare and mysterious metal classified at Rank S. Originating from the ancient shifting isles of Ezekìrion, Sorynth was first discovered when a fallen star crashed into the lands, merging with the island's unique ores. Over time, this material absorbed both cosmic energy and the natural magic of the land.
What sets Sorynth apart is its incredible adaptability. Weapons forged using Sorynth gain the ability to shift form at the wielder's will — a sword may extend into a spear, fold into a dagger, or reshape into entirely new forms depending on the weapon smith's design.
Properties of Sorynth:
— Shape-memory enchantment: Allows weapons or armor to shift between preset forms.
— Mana channeling: The metal responds to the user's mana signature, making transformations almost instantaneous.
— High durability: Despite its adaptive nature, Sorynth is as strong as the finest adamantine.
Estimated origin age: Over 10,000 years — the last recorded piece of pure Sorynth was believed lost in the War of the Shattered Stars.
Market value: Sorynth is priceless. Forgemasters and kings alike would go to war for even a pebble-sized shard.
---
Adrian's dreaming face twitched, his brows furrowing a little as if he somehow understood the value of what he'd just acquired in his sleep.
"System": Materials summoning complete. Proceed to skill spins?
Adrian lay sound asleep, his small breaths steady, his mind floating in a peaceful haze.
Just one spin... ten RP up to fifty only... leave the ones that can't help me... save the useful ones... I'll leave it to you...
A soft snore escaped as he drifted deeper into sleep.
「Understood, young master. Leave it to me.」
A shimmering summoning wheel formed in the quiet space of his mind. Glowing symbols and runes circled its edge, the wheel spinning slowly at first, then faster, becoming a blur of silver, blue, and gold.
Whrrr... whrrr... click... click...
The wheel slowed, the symbols becoming visible again. A soft chime echoed as it stopped.
「Skill obtained — Basic Culinary Sense」
A small icon appeared—like a kitchen knife and ladle crossed over a flame, glowing faintly in the dreamscape.
「Basic Culinary Sense」
「A beginner cooking skill that improves taste recognition, ingredient matching, and heat control.」
「Allows identification of the best seasoning combinations.」
「Helps prevent burning or spoiling dishes.」
「Slightly increases nutritional value of cooked food.」
「Enables faster learning of recipes just by watching or tasting.」
「A skill that will let you impress others beyond combat or crafting.」
「Saving skill... done.」
「Cooking will be one of your hidden strengths, young master. Hmph.」
Adrian snored lightly, his body relaxed, unaware of what had just been added to his growing potential.
「Next spin commencing...」
The wheel spun again, a shimmer of light... then slowed...
Click.
「Skill obtained — Master Feather Duster Technique」
「Description: An ancient art of perfect dusting. Allows flawless cleaning of furniture, unreachable corners, and delicate objects. Absolutely no combat use. Just... dusting.」
The system went quiet for a second.
「...Ahem. Young master, I shall not waste your RP saving this... glorious housekeeper's art. Let us pretend this one never happened.」
The wheel faded from his mind as Adrian snored peacefully, still unaware of his near encounter with a life of dusting greatness.
Adrian, still fast asleep, turned slightly, his breathing soft and peaceful.
「Proceeding with remaining RP spin...」
The system's wheel shimmered once more, brilliant hues flashing as it spun with a whrrrrr!
Tick...tick...tick... click!
「Skill obtained — Legendary Laundry Folding Arts」
「Description: A time-honored technique passed down by the invisible monks of Cleansepeak Monastery. Grants unmatched mastery in folding laundry at blinding speed, with perfect symmetry and creases sharp enough to slice the air. Clothes folded by the user will fit flawlessly in drawers, never wrinkle, and exude an aura of domestic order. No combat applications. None. Zero.」
There was a pause.
「...Young master. I regret to inform you this may be the most earth-shattering skill for a house servant in the history of house servants. Truly, with this, you could conquer the hearts of housekeepers everywhere. Perhaps even be crowned the Lord of Laundry. But alas... for a warrior? A crafter? A Cross?」
The system gave an exaggerated sigh.
「I humbly recommend we discard this one. Unless your future foes are piles of shirts and socks.」
Adrian, still snoring, rolled onto his side.
「Discarding useless skill... what's next, 'Mop-Wielding Grandmaster'?」
The wheel faded, leaving behind nothing but a faint sparkle as the system grumbled quietly in his mind.
Adrian slept soundly, his tiny form resting peacefully under the light blanket, unaware of the system working tirelessly in the depths of his mind.
「Proceeding with next spin...」
The system's interface shimmered again, a new wheel materializing. It spun, flashing colors of deep blue and silver, symbols of swords and focus glowing faintly.
Whrrrrrrr...tick...tick...tick... click!
「Skill obtained — Swordbearer's Calm」
「Description: A passive skill. Swordbearer's Calm is a basic sword technique at its purest, yet refined over generations to a level of deadly precision. It enhances the wielder's focus when holding a sword, steadying the mind and body as one. With this, distractions fade, breathing slows, and the user can channel their intent fully into their strikes. The grip feels natural, and movements flow smoother, reducing wasted energy. Though basic in nature, its simplicity is its strength — a perfect foundation for future mastery.」
The system's voice took on a more serious tone:
「This skill may be called 'basic,' but don't underestimate it, young master. Even the greatest sword saints began by mastering this kind of calm. With this, each swing you make will have purpose — and that alone can turn a simple strike into a lethal one.」
The interface sparkled as the skill was saved.
「Skill saved successfully. Swordbearer's Calm will activate automatically whenever a sword is held. Congratulations on obtaining a true gem among basics, young master.」
Adrian, still blissfully unaware, shifted in his sleep, as if already dreaming of holding a blade steady, his breathing slowing naturally as if the skill was gently settling into his body.
Darius quietly sat beside Adrian, watching over the young master with a protective gaze. Adrian, fast asleep, was snoring softly — but now he started to move a little, one hand flopping over his face, the other waving as if swatting away a dream-bug.
Darius blinked, then leaned forward with a small amused smile.
"...I didn't know the young master was this naughty when sleeping," Darius whispered to himself, holding back a chuckle. "He looks so serious when awake… yet now, he's like a playful kitten."
---
Meanwhile, deep in Adrian's mind — the system's interface glowed brightly again.
「Last spin proceeding. Allocating remaining RP...」
The wheel appeared once more — larger, the symbols on it glowing gold and crimson, ancient runes pulsing as it began to turn.
Whrrrrrrr...tick...tick...tick...tick...
The spin slowed, the symbols flashing faster — a set of eyes, an image of a clock, a swirl of mana — and then...
Click!
「Skill obtained — Foresight Glint」
「Description: A powerful and rare skill! Foresight Glint grants the user the ability to see five seconds into the future during combat. With this, you will perceive your opponent's next move before they make it — whether it's a strike, dodge, or cast. For five precious seconds, their intentions will unfold before your eyes like a clear reflection in still water.」
「However, this skill comes at a cost: each activation will consume a significant amount of mana and strain your mind, causing possible fatigue after use. It is a double-edged blessing — use it wisely, young master.」
The system's tone turned proud — and maybe just a little smug:
「Saving Foresight Glint. A fine catch, young master... Now this is what I call spinning like a pro.」
The skill shimmered on the interface as it locked in place, ready for the day Adrian would wield it.