Astrael walked down the hall, contemplating the words Miss Great had spoke.
The war had practically killed 40% of the human population and, as a whole, 30% of the alliance.
It might not seem like much, but the numbers counted in the hundreds of billions. The Eldoria he currently resided in was fifty times larger.
It had two moons and one sun. In fairy tales, the two moons were depicted as twin sisters.
Back to the war, it still continued in a stalemate. Even with all other races in an alliance, they were unable to win against the demons, revealing how fearsome they truly were.
All the alliance's genius minds and scientists had come together, developing revolutionary magical technology: a barrier or shield to guard against the demons, buying time and providing protection.
They scrambled to construct the barrier, the Celestial Ward. A holy forcefield that burned evil upon contact.
Unfortunately, rumours reached the Demons, who understood the potential threat. Realising the danger, they launched an attack. The alliance fought tooth and nail to safeguard the scientists and the development. It was a race against time.
Unbeknownst to them, there was a traitor among their rank. Which was a surprise to them.
Ultimately, they repelled the demons and completed the Celestial Ward, but that battle cost thousands of lives.
'Damn we are totally fucked up from every corner.' Astrael groaned. He hadn't realised that even united, the alliance stood little chance. 'It's worse than I thought.'
After changing into light training clothes, he went to the training ground where Captain Avalon waited.
"Take this," Avalon said, throwing him a wooden sword, which Astrael caught. Astrael stared at the sword and then at Avalon, confused.
"It's one year from the time you started training, now, after seeing your progress, it's time you start learning some close combat." Avalon Said with his usual stern face.
"It's been one year since you started training," Avalon stated, his face stern as usual. "Seeing your progress, it's time you learn close combat." Before they began, Avalon locked eyes with him. "Before we begin, remember this. A warrior isn't just someone who carries weapons. The biggest war you'll ever fight is right between your ears. It's in your mind. We're all fighting a war within our minds. To win it, you must callous your mind. Do not forget that."
"Yes, I will remember," Astrael replied, standing upright.
"Now, swing your sword," Avalon directed.
Astrael swung his sword, which was anything but a swing. Awkward, slow, clumsy and full of hesitations.
"Straighten your body," Avalon snapped, stepping behind him. "You're not chopping firewood. Plant your feet like roots, feel the weight in your hips, not your wrists."
Astrael adjusted, frustration simmering in his eyes.
"Again," Avalon ordered, his tone like steel. "Let the blade become an extension of your will, not just your arm."
Astrael swung again, this time smoother, more focused.
"Better," Avalon said with a nod. "But don't just swing to hit. Swing to strike. Swing to live."
Astrael's eyes narrowed. He exhaled, centring himself, then moved, steel slicing the air.
CLANG!
Avalon blocked effortlessly. "Too slow. You lack intent. A skilled enemy would've beheaded you."
Astrael flinched, his grip tightening.
"Frustrated?" Avalon's tone softened, just a little. "Good. Use it to forge. A sword isn't just forged in flame, so is the soul that wields it."
The wind picked up around them, stirring Astrael's raven-black hair. He stepped forward again, heart pounding, silver eyes alight with something fiercer than before.
He swung.
"That," Avalon said with a flicker of pride, "was a warrior's swing."
"Now do it, a hundred times," Avalon said while moving to see other soldiers
"Wha-?" Astrael exclaimed, but Avalon was already walking away.
'You can do this, Astrael,' he grunted, swinging again, pouring will and intent into each motion.
'He is a monster.' Avalon thought while watching Astrael. He never thought a five year old could swing the sword, as if an adult is performing.' His will is much stronger than other veteran soldiers, but how is it possible? He is only five.'
During evening, after performing the hard ass sword swinging, Astrael took a bath.
After entering his room exhausted, he told his maid not to disturb him until dinner.
"I am tired," Astrael said while being under the warm water.
"Status," Astrael muttered.
Host : Astrael Ravenastra
Age: 4 yrs
Race: Human
Title: Young Master, The One Who Defies Death, ???, ???
Class: -
Cultivation: Novice stage 1
Level: 0
Exp.: 0/100
Bloodline: Ravensastra Bloodline
-------------------------------
Attributes:
- Strength: 5-->8
- Agility: 5-->9
- Intelligence: 10
- Endurance: 5-->8
- Vitality: 5-->7
- Charm: 5
- Soul: 100 (LOCKED)
- SP: 0
(10 - adult human average)
-------------------------------
Skills and Abilities: [Appraise]
-------------------------------
"It's difficult to increase attributes as they grow," he observed.
After the bath, sitting down cross-legged on the bed, he started doing his breathing technique, Rejuvenation. He began to absorb the mana into his core.
'I need to learn the proper way to advance my core. Father told me only after the awakening ceremony that I could properly learn. Now I can only train my body and accumulate mana, which is very slow. It's better than nothing. It's my only.'
After several hours, the maid knocks on his door to inform him it's time for dinner.
***
A long table across the centre of the chamber. And a shining chandelier hanging overhead in the middle.
His father, Baron Kaelen, was seated at the head of the table, on his left, his mother, Laira. Right to the father, Luna is seated.
His mother, as always, asked his father with concern."Kaelen, don't you think it's too early for Astrael to start learning weapons?"
Kaelen met her worried gaze. "I know. I understand your concern, but the earlier he learns to protect himself, the better. You know about the situation of the kingdom."
"I know, but I wanted him to enjoy a few more years to enjoy his childhood. He's only five." She said.
"Time waits for none, honey. The earlier, the better. We can only assure him that we are always with him." Kaelen replied.
"Yeah," Laira muttered.
Then Astrael enters the dining room with a smile on his face. He liked the feeling of being with the family. It's difficult not to reciprocate the feeling of love and affection as compared to his previous family on Earth.
He takes his seat right next to his big sis Luna.
"Hello, big sis. How are you?" Astrel asks Luna.
"I am great, little brother." She replied, giggling.
"How's the training?". Kaelen asked.
"It's good, Father." He replied
Kaelen nodded.
"Don't stress too much, my son." His mother, as always,s asked.
"Yes, Mother, I will keep that in mind." He replied.
Then the maids brought the food.
While his big sis is doing her usual mischief while joking.
Suddenly, Astrael announced, "Father, I want to go out to the town tomorrow."
A hushed silence fell over the room.