Memories of The Past

"Cizalladura del viento… Lanzas de viento!"

A gust of wind shove Qadir in the air and been attacked with wind spears. Albeit he was able to block the spears, he couldn't ignore the weight of Harold's power.

"He's too strong—those powerful offense magics at the same time."

Qadir's been held up receiving more blows from Harold. The latter kept on advancing without giving the former a chance to serve even a single hit on him.

"The result of this bout will be based on who's the better wielder since both of us use wind magic. It's better to advance while I'm getting the momentum. Qadir has some more remaining in his sleeves."

"We agreed not to hold back, Qadir!"

Harold hissed in annoyance.

"You really haven't changed."

Harold's POV

"Why would I train with them?"

The tuscan sun-haired guy uttered in a sharp tone and narrowed his marigold eyes to the two young men near the office door. He stood rigidly and crossed his arms.

"Harold."

A man in his forty's sighed, massaging his temples with his right thumb and index while the left hand scans a document on his table.

"Father… I am going to be part of the Capital's special troop. Training with them is futile."

Harold scoffed with exaggerating arrogance.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're almost the same age but they've already fought in wars with the monsters."

Harold's father kept his eyes on the documents without batting an eye at his son.

"You shouldn't be comparing me with these denizens, Father. They are meant to follow orders and be killed by the monsters—"

"Harold!"

He was interrupted by his father. He glowered at him, vexed. Harold felt faint fuming mana and staggered back. He couldn't hide his trembling and he was sweating profusely.

"I'm not sure if we should be witnessing this but…"

The brown-eyed guy whispered to his friend.

"We can just think we are they're 'retainers waiting for orders. It doesn't matter."

He noticed his friend's blue eyes are cold and observational. Looking at the overweening young noble guy, his eyes are honestly seething.

Harold clenched his fists and tried to stand up and collect himself.

"I…shall head back now."

He turned back feeling disgruntled. He glanced furiously in the direction of the two young men and hurriedly left the room.

Harold's father beckoned the two to approach his desk.

"Sir Marquez, we will try to convince him."

"As expected of Ravil's son. I am counting on the two of you, Qadir."

"We value the friendship you have with father."

"Thank you. I have your room prepared. You can rest in the meantime. I will ask the butler to familiarize you in the house especially in the training equipment and facilities."

Mr. Marquez called for a retainer to assist them in their room. When they entered their room, the two couldn't hide their wonderment.

The room was decorated with ornaments, lavished with fresh flowers making the room feels like a garden. There were two separate beds covered with quality fabrics; they're firm and soft as if one's lying on clouds. The room has an overlooking view of Marquez's training ground.

"I didn't know the sir would give us a room like this. We even have an extended drawing room."

Caedman slowly paced in the room and checked every corner as if it was his first time in such an extravagant room.

"I guess it comes with being the sons of Captain Ravil. We have no idea their friendship exists until now."

Qadir opened the windows letting the fresh air ventilate their room.

"How about the 'convince' part?"

Caedman mischievously put a question.

"Of course, I was serious. I don't want Father's name to get tarnished just because of that guy's arrogance and egotism. He shouldn't mock us just because he belonged to the Capital."

"Will you be all out?"

"I'm sensing it's not worth it… yet. You understand, right? Besides, we'll just stay here for a month. That wouldn't be enough."

Caedman approached Qadi who was continually staring at the training ground. Harold was there swinging his swords.

"Yeah. It's just part of the observing phase."

The next day, Qadir and Caedman got up earlier than usual and started conditioning their bodies in the training ground. They were interrupted in the middle of their workout when the butler asked them to join him for the tour for a while. It didn't take too long since they're just to know the training facilities and equipment. All other concerns can be brought up with the butler, even their foods are just scheduled to be brought in their room or the training hall canteen. They continued their cardio work out then prepared for sparring.

Unbeknownst to them, Harold was watching them. He was stupefied at first but he pulled himself and fell into numerous thoughts.

"How can they move like that. That blue-eyed guy is a wind mage for sure, but the brown-eyed guy is an earth mage based on the trick he used to assist his leap to attack from above. They can freely manipulate their mana, even their moves are very controlled. They can easily dodge every strike. With those movements and time like that, how can they not attack each other when they have the very chance?"

Harold smirked scornfully.

"That's why they are weak and not worthy of my time and strength."

Unbeknownst to everyone, others were also watching from above. Looking from the office window on the third floor, one can clearly see Qadir and Caedman's sparring. Early in the morning, Captain Ravil arrived and met with his old friend.

"Your son doesn't seem to understand my lessons. I'm sorry if I decided on my own."

"No. I clearly understood your intention. I know how my son treated you like a father that I was never to him."

"Don't say that, Emir. Everyone knew how you were burdened by the blessing bestowed upon you that you can't even live up for your life."

"We already drifted apart and now, his arrogance and egotism are devouring his principles."

"I assure you that Qadir and Caedman will be able to help Harold get back on his feet. I trust those two will not let him go astray."

"I am looking forward to that. Even if it takes time."

"When I noticed his interest with swords, I decided to teach him some basics but he wanted to go beyond that. He values strength and power more. It's undeniable that he's strong but he mistaken strength for attacking brazenly and winning for dominance. So I couldn't teach him more."

Emir looked in the direction where Harold was.

"But he has a soft spot in his heart. He loved his family and he just wanted you to be proud of him. He cared about what you'll think about him. Though you felt you drifted apart, he's still clinging onto that time you'll notice him because he looked up to you."

"I… I never knew he still loves me even though I did nothing."

"Don't be like that, Emir. Both of you needed time to reflect on your shortcomings. So, while your son is preparing himself, you should do it, too."

Captain Ravil held Emir's shoulder and comforted him.

"You're right, Kane. Instead of sobbing and blaming myself, I know I can do something else to win our relationship back. Kane, you saved me once again."

"You're just like Harold, didn't you know? You were in fact, more conceited than him in our younger days."

Kane crossed his arms then raised his right hand holding his chin in between his bent forefinger and thumb.

"Hahaha… I guess like father like son, huh? Well, indeed, thank you, Kane."

The two fathers converse more inside the office while the youngsters started to meet their goals in training. Using training swords, their moves are indeed unrestrained.

Harold advanced and attacked Caedman at a quick pace. Seeing a usual start, Caedman didn't hesitate to block the attack, and instead, he disengages a move. Thinking Harold would be able to dodge it, he prepared for a remise attack. Harold almost wasn't able to deflect Caedman's first trick attack which made it easier for Caedman's remise attack. He feinted with his right hand and when he's closer to Harold, he swung his sword from his left hand. Harold was dumbstruck by his move and fell to the ground.

"You tricked me."

Harold's face darkened.

"No, I did not. Get up and don't let your guard down."

Caedman lunged with a striking form while waiting for Harold.

Repeated attacks, same execution, and flow. The practice went on for an hour with the same routine. Sometimes, there are minute changes but that's all.

"Why aren't you changing your moves? Are you demeaning me?"

Though Harold is chasing his breath, his conceited attitude didn't break down.

"You should be asking yourself that question. You advance first, either on defense and offense. I'm just following your movements."

"You, rascal—"

"Tsk…tsk… tsk…"

Caedman cut Harold placing his palm in front of him and slowly shook his head.

"You really don't study your moves, huh?"

Harold was surprised by Caedman's remark. He clenched his fists and his body started to tremble in irritation.

"I want to change opponent."

Harold demanded.

"That will not happen."

"What do you mean. Wasn't Qadir also here to train me?"

"Oho! You are now accepting us your trainers, eh? I didn't expect it to happen so soon. Soon enough that it's on the first day."

Caedman stood handsomely proud but not conceited and smiled cheerfully.

"It's presumptuous of you to say that. It was because my father said so."

"And what about your opinion?"

Qadir chimed in. His voice appeared to be stern but empathetic.