Tired but with a strong will, Amon decided to head towards the weapon racks. There, he browsed through the collection of weapons for a while before picking up a standard training sword.
It wasn’t too large or too small—just the right size to be used with one hand or both. Gripping the hilt with both hands, he turned toward the training room designated for sword practice.
But before he could enter, something caught his eye.
Standing a little distance away from him was a girl, likely the same age as him. Her hair was long, cascading like a waterfall, and of a striking golden blonde color. Her eyes mirrored the shade of her hair, glowing like twin suns. Her fair skin was flawless, clean, and radiant. Cherry lips, a straight and cute nose, and a stoic expression made her face appear noble and regal—yet incredibly beautiful.
She wore a sports uniform that clung to her curvaceous body: tight black leggings and a sky-blue sports T-shirt that hugged her figure.
’Damn, she’s beautiful... and definitely looks like a noble,’ Amon thought, mesmerized.
The girl examined a sword with precision, her golden eyes focused. Then, as if sensing his gaze, her eyes met his.
’Shit! She caught me staring!’ Amon panicked internally. He gave her a small, polite smile and a nod before quickly heading toward the training room.
The girl, however, showed no reaction. She had grown used to such stares long ago.It doesn’t matter to her.
---
Once inside the training room, Amon held the sword hilt with both hands.
"Let’s do the basics... Just 100 vertical slashes, 100 horizontal slashes, and 100 diagonal slashes for today," he muttered to himself.
That was all he knew. Simple, fundamental practice. But he believed that mastering the basics was essential.
He raised his sword high above his head and brought it down in a clean, vertical slash. His movements were slow but precise.
Again and again, he slashed downward.
’23... 24...,’ he counted silently.
Minutes passed.
’98... 99... 100.’
Panting, Amon stopped and dropped to the floor, exhausted.
"Hah... hah... fuck, my arms feel like they’re about to fall off," he groaned, grimacing from the soreness.
But his eyes remained determined.He won’t give up so early.
"But I have to do this. I want to get stronger. I’ve been given a golden opportunity, and I can’t waste it."
He stood up again and began his horizontal slashes. His body, already tired, protested with every motion. Sweat dripped from his forehead, soaking his training shirt. His breaths grew heavier.
Yet, he persisted.
After completing 100 horizontal slashes, Amon moved on to diagonal ones, swinging his sword from top-right to bottom-left and alternating sides.
"Ahh! My muscles are in real pain," he groaned.
But even through the pain, he didn’t stop.
---
It was late afternoon now. The sun cast a warm golden hue through the academy windows. Getting up from the training floor, Amon stretched his sore muscles with a grimace.
"Let’s get going, boy," he muttered to himself.
He returned the training sword to its rack and headed toward the washroom. There, he splashed water on his face to freshen up.
Feeling slightly better, he hummed a tune while walking toward the cafeteria, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the academy grounds.
The elegant buildings, the magical lights in the sky, and the lush greenery all around—it was like a fantasy dream come true.
When Amon entered the Noble’s Section of the canteen, he noticed it was far more crowded than it had been the previous night.
’Looks like more students have arrived today,’ he thought.
He filled his plate with various dishes, all of which looked luxurious and delicious. Finding an empty table, he sat down and began enjoying his well-earned meal.
That’s when he heard footsteps approaching.
Looking to the side, he saw a young man with Violet hair and piercing purple eyes. His well-toned body and confident stride exuded nobility and class. He was extremely handsome.
’He’s handsome... but not more than me,’ Amon tried to console himself.
The purple-eyed youth stopped at Amon’s table.
"Hey, you. What’s your name? Mine is Marcus Lionheart," he asked in a calm but indifferent tone.There was arrogance in is voice.
"Oh. My name is Amon Vale. Nice to meet you, Marcus," Amon replied with a friendly smile.
’Lionheart... That name... He must be from the Lionheart family. Possibly the son of Duke Caelin from the Dukedom of Barriana. For a noble, he seems alright so far,’ Amon mused.
But Marcus’s expression changed as he narrowed his eyes.
"Amon Vale? Never heard of any Vale family," he said with a frown.
"I’m a commoner. Of course, you wouldn’t have heard of the name," Amon answered casually.
Marcus’s eyes widened slightly, and his expression turned mocking.
"Hah! So you’re a commoner. How dare a commoner like you enter the noble’s section?" he sneered.
Despite Academy being neutral to all students.It’s still gives privileges to nobles.Since many nobles donate to Academy.Even though Academy is damn reach.
Amon blinked at the sudden change in attitude.
’I take back what I thought about him. He’s just another arrogant noble brat,’ he thought.
"Well, Marcus, I have a golden ticket with me, so I’m allowed here," Amon replied, still keeping a calm tone.
"What?! You, a commoner, have a golden ticket? Are you the disciple of some powerful figure?" Marcus asked, confused but still looking down on Amon.
"No. I don’t have a master. I received the golden ticket from a generous and kind-hearted noble lady," Amon replied truthfully.
Marcus stared at him in disbelief. A golden ticket given as a gift? That kind of fortune was something only a child of destiny would receive.
"Tsk. So you’re just a weak commoner with dumb luck. Enjoy your time with that free pass of yours,Also don’t call my name so casually like I am your friend." Marcus scoffed, turning around to walk away.
"Another weak student," he muttered as he left.
Amon clenched his fists.
’This fucker is calling me weak... Damn it. Truth is always harsh,’ he thought, grinding his teeth.
Still, deep down, he knew Marcus wasn’t wrong.
But he wouldn’t be weak forever.
Amon’s will to become stronger just incresed.