16 Lucca completes his training

Yeah! I finally did it.

{You have learned the aura skill. You have reached the maximum status for this rank}"

'Can I gain attributes with aura?'

(Yes, according to my analysis, you can gain attributes like mana, but you can also strengthen other aspects, such as stamina and strength, depending on the type of training you do.)

Shortly after Ori's explanation, James appeared and congratulated Lucca. "Congratulations on learning to use aura. Now, the next step is to learn how to maintain it during a fight."

"How long would be considered good?" Lucca asked.

"It depends on your current level, but, as you can imagine, the longer, the better."

"I see."

"Let's start the second type of training, where you'll learn to maintain aura at its maximum potential. You have two options: you can return to the camp and train with me occasionally, or I can call one of the instructors to be your training partner. What's your choice?"

Lucca thought for a moment. "I'd prefer to train with an instructor. I don't have the patience to deal with that person."

"Which person?"

"I don't know her name, but she used to make me do extra exercises and put me against the top students."

James chuckled. "Well, that seems to have been good for you, considering how your body has changed."

Lucca looked at his muscular physique. "Yes, I'm stronger, but I don't want to end up like you, bald and muscular, with brown eyes and a perverted personality."

"Respect your father, kid!" James patted his son's back. "Now, go see your mother, and tomorrow we'll start your training with your new instructor."

Two and a half years passed, and Lucca, now 14 years old, was about to join the academy. The sun was setting on the horizon, casting an orange light over the training ground. 

The sun was setting on the horizon, casting an orange glow over the training field. Two individuals met in the center of the arena.

On one side was Lucca, armed with a short iron sword and a medium-sized shield. On the other side was James, wielding two battle-axes, ready to test what his son had learned during these five years of training.

In the middle of them stood Jarl, serving as the referee in this duel between father and son. He had been Lucca's instructor during these years, a middle-aged man with graying hair.

As soon as Jarl gave the signal, the duel began. Lucca raised his shield and readied his sword, while James swiftly twirled his battle-axes.

James advanced rapidly, swirling his axes in a deadly whirlwind. Lucca raised his shield to protect himself from the furious attacks, feeling the strength of the axes striking against his defense. He stepped back under the pressure but maintained his balance.

Lucca spotted an opening in James's defense and launched an attack with his sword, aiming for his opponent's shoulder. However, James anticipated the move and skillfully deflected it, retaliating with a swift strike of his battle-axes.

The metallic sound of steel against steel echoed as the two battled for control of the duel. James continued his aggressive offense, taking advantage of the two battle-axes, while Lucca focused on his shield defense.

Lucca was beginning to feel overwhelmed by his father's strength and aggression. However, he kept his cool, seeking an opening and trying to maintain control of his aura. When James lunged for another furious attack, Lucca sidestepped and delivered a precise strike toward James's leg.

But James evaded his son's attack by jumping to the side, although he staggered for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, Lucca went for broke, launching another sword strike, this time targeting James's shoulder. However, he was once again unsuccessful as James used one of his battle-axes to defend the attack. James then kicked his son's legs from under him, causing Lucca to fall. James quickly raised his battle-ax and placed the blade at his son's neck, declaring his victory.

"Looks like my son has improved a bit since our last clash a year ago," James remarked, his voice filled with pride.

"When I reach your rank, I'll kick your ass, when I defeat you, haha," Lucca retorted.

"Haha," the two shared a hearty laugh.

"I'm pleased with your training results. You have one week of vacation before you head to the academy," James informed his son.

"Father, can you answer a question for me?" Lucca asked.

"What is it?"

"Why can't I go and slay monsters before entering the academy? I've always wondered about this."

"Do you want the true answer, or the one we give to commoners?"

"What kind of question is that, Father? Of course, I want the truth."

"Because kings, nobles, and sect leaders want to first control the greatest talents of the human race to maintain their power and manipulate the minds of commoners. They want the common people to believe that they only need to join a king's or noble's army or a sect to have a life full of wealth, security, and happiness."

'It sounds a lot like schools on Earth, but instead of going to a noble's army, it's getting a job in a company.'

"So, if you despise this system, why are you going along with it?"

"How do you know I dislike the system?"

"Because if you didn't, you wouldn't have figured out how the system works."

Haha, James chuckled and said, "It wasn't me who realized this system; it was your mother. She explained it to me, and I came to despise it."

"My mother? I can't believe it!" Lucca said, surprised.