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"Careful!" I heard Imelda's loud voice. My opponent lunged at me with an insane speed. I jumped aside dodging his attack then jabbed his back with the other end of my spear. He regained his stance and tried to attack me again.

"Don't just defend Nich!" Imelda's voice sounds frustrated, and I can hear it. The quickness of this person makes attacking him difficult for me. He attempted to strike my leg with his lance, but I managed to leap back. "This distance should be enough," I mumble to myself as I channeled 70% of my remaining energy into my spear. Aiming it at my opponent, who was ready to launch another strike, I swiftly let go of the spear. He attempted to suddenly change his position from offensive to defensive while concentrating on my approaching weapon.

I ran after my weapon, causing him to turn to look at me briefly as he continued to ignore my spear. After disabling his defense with my weapon, I smirk. I pounced on him and kicked the hand holding his lance, which made him lose his grip. Despite his speed, he didn't recover right away because of how heavy it was. He fell to the ground when I kicked the back of his knee. I grab my spear and aim it toward his neck.

"I thought my speed could beat you this time," Liam said. I dropped my spear and helped him get up.

"You got me with that unbelievable speed man," I told him, tapping his back. He pulled his helmet, "But you managed to counter it." I flashed him a sheepish smile before going to Imelda as I pulled out my helmet and my arm armor. 

"You idiotic boy!" She told me through gritted teeth. 

"I won my dear mentor, why are you so angry?"

"There are plenty of counterattacks for Liam's speed and you really did the risky one?" It's indeed risky. "How's your body condition?" Imelda asks me. 

"I'm good, you don't have to worry. But I know I can't train, I might need a good rest and food." I said scratching the back of my neck.

"That's what I told you! Go to the kitchen and ask for a meal. After resting for a while, find me in the practice range." She turns her back and talks to Liam's mentor, Mr. Hans. He gave me a thumbs-up when he saw me looking in their direction. I slightly bowed at him then put the armor and the weapon I use at the weaponry.

I've been training under Imelda's direction for 21 months now. She forced me to use all of my efforts. There was a moment when the pain from all the training prevented me from getting out of bed. She assisted me in identifying my strong points and flaws and taught me various tactics that helped me hone my combat and strategic abilities, such as transferring a certain amount of energy and using it to heighten my senses and agility, similar to what Liam did earlier. But the strength that I have isn't enough to claim what's ours.

After asking for food in the kitchen, I wrote a letter to my mother. For the past months, I haven't forgotten the sole reason why I entered this hell of a training camp.

"The annual Sataria training camp competition will be held next week. I assume you haven't forgotten the event?" Imelda said as I loaded my bow. I pulled the string with ease, not like the first time. "Of course. The winners will choose between attending the Academy or joining the Royal Army led by the great Duke of Trenston, Nathaniel Trenston VII."

"Good. Did you evaluate your performance earlier? What things should you improve? What made you win?" She said while checking and correcting my posture.

"I did. My body will undoubtedly feel the effects of having to transfer more than 50% of my energy. The good news is that I, at least, used my weapon effectively, causing him to lose focus and temporarily lower his guard just in time for me to end the fight."

"Shoot." I release the arrow. "Always be aware of your opponent's weak points. Analyze him, his movements, and the weapons he's using, how he uses his energy, and his fighting techniques of course." Imelda reminded me. "Two more shots, aim for the higher and lower section of the sixth circle." I nodded and focused on the target.

"Remember Nicholas, the upcoming tournament will not only allow you to enter the palace but you will surely be recognized in the whole kingdom of Sataraia. Show them the fruit of your labor." She taps my back. "Don't send your mother the letter you wrote earlier. You can visit her for a couple of days. Just be back three days before the competition begins."

"I will, thank you." Your mentor will determine how frequently you can visit your family after you've joined the training camp. I haven't seen my mom in ten months, so I'm looking forward to it. "Go pack the things you need. I will take this back to the weaponry." I murmured my thanks and immediately jogged towards my quarter.

On my way to the entrance of the camp, I run into Mr. Hans, Liam, and a couple of trainees under Mr. Hans.

"Going home for a while?" Liam asked as he scanned my belongings.

"Yes, Ms. Imelda gave me permission to see my mother."

"Make sure to return for the tournament man. I will definitely beat you there." Liam declared. I chuckled at the thought. I shrugged my shoulders and said, "We'll see."

"Enjoy your brief vacation, Nicholas, see you at the match." Mr. Hans said. I bid my temporary goodbye and made my way to my humble home to surprise my dear mother.

Even though it has only been ten months, Lanae's streets changed a lot. There are lots of people everywhere on the streets. The kids are playing with each other and running about everywhere. I was roaming my eyes around when I remembered to stop by the bakery to buy my mother's favorite bread. For her to appreciate the treats, I also purchased a variety of pastries.

"Nicholas?" I turned to see who was calling me. "Good Lord it's you, Nicholas!" We caught the attention of the people inside the bakery because of Tania's loud voice.

"Tone down your voice Tania," I told her.

"How could I?! We haven't seen one another in a while!" She replied, grabbing hold of my arm and dragging me out of the bakery. She told me stories of the men swarming about my mother. Even though her son, I, is already 20 years old, my mother is still young and no one can deny that she still looks young.

Tania continues to blabber all sorts of rumors spreading in the Kingdom. "Did you know that the Duke of Trenston is looking for his son?" out of the entire nonsense rumor she told me, this one caught my attention.

"He has a son? I thought he wasn't interested in anyone even if they are from high society. He's not even married." I ask Tania out of curiosity.

"Well, that's the big question. He wasn't seen with anyone even before, and according to Genevieve, he doesn't even attend any parties. That's why we were all flabbergasted by the news." I tried to ponder everything, how can a Duke with no history with women suddenly look for a child?

"Hurry up Nicholas, for sure Aunty Rachel is excited to see you again." Tania pulled me as if asking me to run. I brush off the thought about the duke and carry on until we arrive at our house.

"I'll be back Nicholas, I'll just take the fruits and bread that I bought to my sister." I nodded, then she hurriedly walked away.