Chapters 3
The Prince, The Battle, and The Awakening**
The news that Lare would escort Prince Aricus spread through the battalion like wildfire.
Soldiers whispered. Commanders frowned.
Raen chewed on a fruit like it was popcorn.
"Bro, you're going to meet the prince. Don't embarrass us. Or do. I don't care."
Lare ignored him.
He already had a plan.
For the next seven days, he trained with a new madness.
---
The First Two Days — Mana & Internal Energy Fusion
Every morning, Lare sat under the old ironwood tree and channelled mana and internal energy together.
Blue mana glowed around his body.
White internal energy swirled inside his veins.
Raen watched with trembling hands.
"Bro… that's double cultivation. Even mages vomit blood doing one circle. How are you alive?"
Lare's eyes stayed closed.
"My stamina is high. I think the old Lare trained it to the limit."
His system beeped quietly.
> [MANA + INTERNAL ENERGY — PERFECT SYNCHRONIZATION]
[NEW SPELL CREATED: WATER STEP]
[NEW SPELL CREATED: ENERGY SPHERE]
Raen gasped so hard he choked on air.
"YOU'RE MAKING MAGIC LIKE COOKING NOODLES!"
---
Days Three to Six — Sword Evolution
Lare switched completely to sword training.
Basic swordsmanship was simple.
But Lare pushed it into insanity.
He used mana, aura, stamina, and meditation to strengthen each swing.
He slashed the air.
The pressure cut three rocks behind him.
Raen gulped.
"Lare… your sword is not basic anymore. It's… it's basically NOT BASIC!"
Lare wasn't listening.
His body glowed faintly.
> [SUPREME BODY – PROGRESS: 40%]
He was getting closer.
---
Day Seven — Race Through the Forest
Lare stretched his muscles.
Raen grinned wickedly.
"Race?"
"Race."
They shot forward like exploding arrows.
Trees blurred.
Animals ran away in fear.
Raen shouted,
"How are you still faster!? I'm a third-grade swordsman!"
Lare replied calmly,
"I'm only first-grade… and ten-circle mage. Maybe that helps."
Raen screamed in jealousy.
Then—
A shadow appeared above them.
Ten Elite Griffins swooped down, screeching violently.
Raen panicked.
"WHY NOW!?"
Lare drew his sword once.
A single slash cut the air.
FWOOOM
Ten griffins turned to dust.
Raen stumbled.
"Bro… BRO… you killed elites with AIR… AIR!!!!"
Lare wiped his sword gently.
"Training made me stronger."
Raen kneeled dramatically.
"Teach me your ways, master."
---
The Prince Arrives
The next day, the battalion gathered.
Hooves echoed.
A royal carriage stopped at the gate.
Prince Aricus stepped out — a young man with sharp eyes, calm posture, and a hint of anger hidden under his royal aura.
He scanned the crowd…
His eyes stopped on Lare.
"You. The escort?"
Lare bowed politely.
"Yes."
Raen whispered, "He's not arrogant… but looks like he can punch my soul."