In the training field, two figures—one tall, one small—clashed fiercely in a sword fight. The smaller figure launched rapid attacks, while the larger one blocked each strike with ease.
Despite mainly defending, the taller figure occasionally countered, her blade flicking out with chilling precision, always tapping at the weakest points in the smaller one's stance.
After countless exchanges, the small figure finally halted. Breathing heavily, he dropped to the ground with a defeated expression.
"Impossible… I couldn't land a single strike," Logan murmured, disbelief clouding his eyes.
The two figures were Rebecca and Logan. Their sparring session had just come to an end.
"What happened? Just a moment ago, you were so confident you could land a hit on me. What happened now?" Rebecca asked, standing tall with a huge grin, her mocking smile stretching from ear to ear.
A visible tick mark appeared on Logan's forehead.
'Just a moment ago? We were fighting for three hours, Big Sister!' he roared in his heart—but of course, he wouldn't dare say it aloud unless he wished for a punishment worse than defeat.
"Come on, get up," Rebecca said, her grin fading into a stern frown. "Three months of my personal teaching should make you better than this. Stop hiding your strength."
As she expected, after that emotional breakdown months ago, she had taken it upon herself to personally train everyone in the home. For Logan, she doubled her effort. From physical conditioning to swordplay, she guided him through everything she knew. Only then had she realized just how much of a little monster this brat was.
Within a month, he had flawlessly mastered all the body exercises. And the basics of swordplay? He swept through them in just thirteen days.
At this rate, he should have easily begun learning advanced techniques. But for some strange reason, he simply couldn't perform them.
"Haha… Big Sister, you must be joking." Logan almost choked from laughing. "Hiding strength? There's nothing like that."
If he could hide strength, he would've saved it for a decisive blow. But against her? A peak 9th-tier Telekinesis Master? She could sense the slightest shift in his muscles before he even moved. Every strike he attempted was parried effortlessly, and every time he tried to land a hit, he failed miserably.
After hearing Logan's answer, Rebecca's frown only deepened. She could tell he wasn't lying—he truly couldn't exert more strength than what he had shown. And that left her confused. What exactly was holding him back?
"Big Sister… I think this sword technique is flawed," Logan said hesitantly.
She was still lost in thought when his words sank in. The moment they did, her eyes widened slightly—as if a massive, obvious truth had suddenly been revealed.
"Hah! Why didn't I think of that earlier? I finally understand the problem," she said, slapping her palm against her forehead.
Logan's jaw almost dropped. He had only said it casually, just a vague feeling he couldn't explain. But she… she figured out the real issue from that single line?
Wait, seriously? Could it be… this sword technique actually is flawed? His mind spun in disbelief.
"Don't worry, Logan. It's not your fault—the problem is entirely with this technique." Seeing his shocked expression, Rebecca softened her voice to comfort him.
"Really?" Logan asked, still doubtful.
"You brat, do I look like someone who'd lie to you?" she snorted. "The issue is simple—only a Martial Warrior can properly use advanced techniques. And you're not even close to being a Quasi–Martial Warrior, let alone a full Martial Warrior."
She shook her head in disappointment.
Hearing this explanation, Logan felt it made sense… but something didn't sit right.
Wait… was that an insult? It finally clicked.
"Anyway," Rebecca continued, paying no mind to his internal suffering, "just stick to the basic techniques for now and focus on reaching the Quasi–Martial Warrior stage."
She casually tossed aside the wooden sword. It spun once mid-air and landed perfectly in the rack among the other practice weapons.
'Damn it… show off,' Logan grumbled inwardly.
"Big Sister, wait a minute!" he called out as she walked away.
She stopped and turned back, her expression already annoyed. "What is it now?"
Startled by her tone, Logan quickly explained, "Sister, I want to learn blade techniques!"
Rebecca blinked, taken aback. She hadn't expected that.
"Why blade techniques? Is the sword technique not good enough for you?" she asked, puzzled.
"No, no, you misunderstood, Sister," Logan said, waving his hands. "I like swords—but I also really like blades. That's why I want to learn them too."
"Oh." Rebecca nodded in understanding. It wasn't strange to her—she had seen many people wield multiple weapons. One of her own subordinates used both a sword and a bow, after all.
"Sorry to say this, Logan, but I can't teach you any blade techniques," she said with an apologetic expression. "I only know sword techniques, and that's what I specialize in."
"Ah… is that so?" Logan's shoulders slumped. He had always wanted to learn blade techniques, but it seemed he would have to put that dream on hold and focus on getting stronger first.
"Well, I can't personally teach you," Rebecca continued, "but I do have books on the basics of blade techniques. If you want to learn from them, I can give them to you. As for instructing you directly… I'm afraid I can't help."
"Really? Thank you, Big Sister!" Logan said, genuinely relieved. Even if it was only the basics, the chance to learn blade techniques made him excited.
"Alright, alright," Rebecca waved her hand with a small smile. "It's already past noon. Let's go eat something."
"Okay." Logan nodded. After hours of nonstop training and sparring, his stomach was practically begging for mercy.
The two walked side by side across the training field. Logan moved casually, but Rebecca… her gaze kept drifting around, unfocused and distracted.
Noticing this, Logan felt a faint sense of unease. She's acting strange… he thought. But he kept quiet. If she wanted to say something, she would. If not, pressing her would only earn him a smack.
So, without speaking, he simply matched her pace as they headed toward the dining area.
When they reached the dining table, everyone was already seated—clearly waiting for them.
"Logan, come here!" Julie called out the moment she spotted him.
Although he heard her loud and clear, Logan didn't rush over.
"Go, sit with them," Rebecca said, walking ahead toward the main seat.
Logan nodded and obediently sat beside Julie.
"How was today's training?" Julie asked excitedly, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Fine," Logan replied shortly. He had no desire to explain the torture he had just gone through.
"Just fine? It should be amazing! Big Sister is teaching you herself!" Julie said with open amazement.
Logan's expression twitched in annoyance. Amazing? Does she think it's enjoyable for me?
Sure, he liked practicing the sword—and he was eager to learn blade techniques—but Rebecca's "teaching" style was extreme. Why didn't anyone understand that?
The dining hall, usually lively and filled with chatter, suddenly fell silent at the sound of a sharp voice.
"Quiet. We're here to eat, not to chat," Rebecca said firmly.
Instantly, all the children straightened in their seats and shut their mouths. No one dared to test her authority.
Once the room settled, Rebecca lifted her hand. Using her telekinesis, she gracefully levitated pots, bowls, and plates, serving food to everyone with controlled precision.
Gasps filled the room as the utensils floated past their heads. Yet, no one spoke—they simply watched in awe.
After the last plate was placed, everyone remained still. They didn't touch their food. This was a rule they'd made themselves: they would only begin eating after the elder started first. After all, Grandma—the Director—was their pillar. Their protector. Their family. For them, she wasn't merely an elder… she was the grandmother who never stopped caring for her children.
"Big Sister… when will Grandma come to eat?" a timid little girl asked, her small voice trembling.
Logan froze mid-motion. A cold feeling crawled up his spine. Slowly, he turned his gaze to Rebecca.
Rebecca didn't speak immediately. Her silence alone made the air heavy.
"She won't be coming here to eat from now on," Rebecca finally said, her voice soft—far softer than usual. "She's ill and needs rest. You all should eat. I will bring her food."
"Oh…" The little girl lowered her head, disappointment clouding her tiny face.
Seeing the gloom spreading across the table, Logan couldn't sit still. He straightened, clapped his hands lightly, and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"Come on, don't be sad. Grandma just needs rest. Once she gets better, she'll definitely eat with us again! You think she wants us starving here? No way!"
A few children looked up, hope flickering weakly in their eyes.
"Is that true, Logan?"
"Will Grandma really be okay?"
He smiled brightly—so brightly it almost hurt. "Of course! If you don't believe me, why not ask Big Sister yourself?"
But deep inside… his heart sank. He knew the truth. Only a few days ago, the healers of Lokt City had told Rebecca that the Director's life force was fading rapidly. At most… two months.
He could still picture the devastated look on Rebecca's face that day. But life and death were things far beyond their control.
Rebecca forced a smile. "Yes. She just needs rest."
Hearing her words, the children brightened and finally began eating, their chatter returning slowly.
Once lunch ended, Rebecca instructed everyone to continue their daily exercises—a routine she had personally created for them. The children followed obediently, and although their training resembled playful antics, every one of them took it seriously.
"Logan, you come with me," Rebecca said after giving her instructions.
"Okay." Logan stood up immediately. Looks like the blade-technique books are here! he thought with excitement as he followed Rebecca deeper into the mansion's inner halls.