Something inside him had already changed—and even the quiet water could not wash it away.
As if nothing had happened, Aaron stepped into the bath chamber with a calmness that felt almost unnatural. His movements were steady, controlled, and precise, the kind of composure that did not come from peace, but from forcing himself not to think too deeply about what he had experienced the night before. Usually, this space would already be filled with soft voices, servants preparing the bath, arranging herbs, adjusting the temperature of the water, while Vivan stood nearby making sure everything was done perfectly. But today, he had stopped all of them.
He had chosen silence.
The chamber felt different because of it. The air was still, heavy in a way that made even the smallest sound noticeable. When the door closed behind him with a soft thud, it echoed longer than it should have, as if the room itself had become aware of his presence. Steam lingered gently in the air, carrying the faint scent of crushed herbs, while the small stone bathing pond in the center reflected the dim light above it.
Aaron stepped forward slowly, his bare feet brushing against the cool floor before he entered the water. The moment his body sank into the warmth, a quiet ripple spread across the surface, breaking the stillness that had been holding the room together. He lowered himself completely, letting the water wrap around his shoulders, his muscles relaxing almost instantly as the warmth seeped into his skin.
For a brief moment, it felt peaceful.
But his mind did not follow.
His fingers moved lazily through the water, creating soft ripples again and again, but his thoughts had already drifted far away from the present. He could not stop replaying that moment—the strange, unsettling feeling that refused to leave him even now. Slowly, unconsciously, his fingers rose toward his lips, brushing against them gently.
There was still a faint sting.
Aaron's gaze lowered slightly, his breathing steady but deeper than before. It was not just a memory. It had been real. Something had happened, something he could not yet understand, and what troubled him more was not fear—but the quiet certainty that whatever it was, it had not ended.
He leaned back slightly, letting the water shift around him as his thoughts changed direction. His concern was not limited to that moment alone. The future weighed heavier on his mind. The Gigan war… and everything that came with it. The loss. The silence. The people he had once failed to protect.
His fingers curled slightly beneath the water.
"This time… I won't let that happen again," he thought.
Strength. That was the only answer he could see. Not hesitation. Not waiting. If he remained as he was, nothing would change. And that thought led him to a decision that settled firmly within his mind.
His father's master.
A man known not just for his skill, but for his discipline. Even in his old age, he carried a presence that demanded respect. If Aaron wanted to change the future, then he had to begin now.
"I need to learn from him," he murmured softly to himself.
The bath continued quietly after that. The only sound in the room was the gentle movement of water as he poured it over himself again and again, the soft splashing echoing faintly in the otherwise silent chamber. It was calm, controlled, almost meditative—yet beneath that calm, his thoughts remained sharp and restless.
"Master?" Vivan's voice came from outside.
"Yes," Aaron replied.
The door opened, and he stepped in. The moment his eyes fell on Aaron, his expression shifted.
"Master… why is there a wound on your lip?" he asked, concern immediately evident in his voice.
Without waiting, he hurried out and returned with a hand mirror. Aaron took it calmly, without surprise, his expression unchanged as he looked at the reflection. The red mark was clearly visible, faint but undeniable.
He touched it lightly.
A small sting.
"I think I must have fallen while sleeping," he said simply.
Vivan paused for a moment, then nodded. "Oh… I see."
He did not question further. Instead, he brought a herbal liquid and handed it to him. Aaron smiled gently, applying it to his lips with steady hands. The coolness spread across his skin, but it did nothing to erase the quiet awareness beneath his calm exterior.
When he stepped out, he was already composed again, dressed neatly as if nothing had ever disturbed him.
"Vivan," he called.
"Yes, Master."
"We're going out today. To Father's master's house. I want to ask him to take me as his disciple."
Vivan blinked in surprise, clearly caught off guard. "Master… you?"
Aaron tilted his head slightly. "Why are you blinking like that?"
He hesitated before replying, "Master… you seem different today."
He laughed softly. "Don't say strange things."
But even he knew—he wasn't entirely wrong.
They left without informing anyone, slipping out of the mansion quietly with two soldiers accompanying them. The journey was long, and as expected, Vivan spoke endlessly, filling the silence with his usual chatter. Aaron responded occasionally, but his attention remained elsewhere, his thoughts lingering between the past and the uncertain future.
By the time they reached the master's estate, the sun stood high in the sky.
The moment he approached the gates, he felt it.
The guards' eyes were sharp, scanning him from head to toe, not with curiosity, but with suspicion. Their gaze felt heavy, almost hostile, as if they were not looking at a guest, but at something they did not trust. Two soldiers passing by even turned back to look at him again, their expressions filled with clear disdain.
Vivan immediately tensed. "Hey—watch how you look—"
Aaron placed a hand on his arm, stopping him.
"Stay quiet," he said calmly.
A servant soon arrived and informed them that only he and Vivan were allowed inside. As they entered, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The air felt heavier, more controlled, as if every movement within that space was being observed.
And then—
He saw him.
The master.
Even in his age, his presence was overwhelming. His body was firm, his posture straight, and his gaze… unwavering. When his eyes met Aaron's, he did not blink, and for a brief moment, Aaron felt a faint chill run through him.
Then, to his side—
Lusian.
Standing there with a rolled map in his hand, as though he was about to leave.
Everything made sense in that moment—the looks outside, the tension in the air—but Aaron did not let it affect him.
Compared to what he had already experienced, this meant nothing.
"Master," he began, his voice steady, "I want to learn archery and train in martial arts. I want to fight alongside my parents and my brother."
Lusian glanced at him briefly, just a passing look, but enough to acknowledge his presence before looking away again.
The master remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"Hmmm… what did you say? Say it again."
Aaron repeated himself, his tone firm and unwavering.
The master observed him carefully, then said, "If you are here because of him, he is leaving. He will not return."
Aaron met his gaze without hesitation. "I am not here for him, Master. Please accept me as your disciple."
The master leaned back slightly, studying him once more. "I no longer take disciples," he said.
Then paused.
"But… if you fight him… and win… I will accept you."
Silence filled the room instantly.
Lusian turned toward the master, but he neither objected nor agreed. Instead, he calmly drew his sword, the metallic sound sharp and clear as it cut through the silence. The blade gleamed under the light, and near the hilt, faint blood stains remained.
His eyes lifted to meet Aaron's.
Aaron's grip tightened slightly, his fingers wrapping firmly around the sword that was handed to him. The weapon was beautifully crafted, its handle carved with intricate designs of a tiger and an elephant, symbolizing strength and power.
Behind him, Vivan stiffened.
Around him, every gaze was fixed on him.
He could feel it—the weight of expectation, of doubt, of judgment pressing down on him from all directions.
And in front of him—
stood the first obstacle he had to overcome.
But somewhere deep within that moment, Aaron understood something far more important.
This was not just a test of strength.
And what lay ahead of him—
was not something he could predict.
Because the path he had just chosen…
was already beginning to change everything.