Memories of The Past (Part 4)

Emir and Harold spent the rest of the day together, talking about the training and plans. During their lunch, they were joined by Qadir and Caedman.

"Whaaat?!"

The table almost wanted to return to being a tree when Harold slammed it in shock hearing something unbelievable for him.

"You… you are… you're my master's son?"

Harold intrusively pointed at Qadir.

"Uh-huh."

Qadir replied with a dead voice. Since it was natural for Qadir to be the son of his father, he continued eating his meal as he doesn't care about Harold's reactions and whatnot.

"Father, you knew about this?"

Harold turned to his father as if pleading.

"Of course, son. Kane's been my friend ever since my military days."

"No… no, it's not true."

Raising his hands, Harold disheveled his hair in disbelief.

"My name is Qadir Ravil, eldest child of Kane, and Elisha Ravil, older brother of Elaine Ravil. Do you need some more?"

"Stop the nonsensical uttering. My master isn't just someone who would have a son like you!"

Qadir just gave him a shrug and continued eating.

"Nooooo!"

It's not that Harold couldn't believe it, it's just that he can't accept it. He treated Qadir's father like his own and he's now thinking that they'll be brothers, too.

"Of course, my father wouldn't just have 'someone' as a son. That is why 'I' am his son."

Qadir remarked flatly.

"Enough of that, Harold. Qadir is Kane's son, your master. You better get along with them, for real. Ok?"

Emir tried to pacify Harold and he flopped on his chair with a dejected face.

Caedman couldn't help but burst into a guffaw. He was joined by Emir and Qadir. Harold was left with his pouting face.

Everything almost went well every day with the training. There's only a week left and they'll end up. Harold will be placed under a professional trainer from the Capital.

The three decided to take a break and lie down under the canopy of the big oak tree.

"Why do I always spar with you? Do you really think I won't be able to hit Qadir?"

"Not yet, Mr. Big Shot—"

"Until when are you going to keep calling me that? It's sickening, you know?"

Harold cut Caedman and hit him up with an orotund voice.

"My bad. Anyway… I am your level one—"

"You mean I'm still at level one when even my father acknowledged my improvements?"

"Won't you let me finish? I am your level one to level 100. Hahaha…"

Qadir burst into laughter and made fun of Harold.

"What? Do you mean to say I won't change opponent until we finished the training?"

"You will… when I decide."

Caedman got up and pull his legs to his chest.

"That's absurd. You're toying me."

"I said… when I decide. And I'm saying that today, you can spar with Qadir."

He put his hand on Harold's head as if he's petting him.

"…"

"And if you won't be able to read his simple move… you'll spar with me again."

"Is that how strong he is?"

"Being strong isn't just having muscles, not being someone who's able to combat with multiple monsters… I'm just like you, Harold."

Qadir chimed in.

"Being strong is someone who could withstand waiting, even if it takes forever. Because chances are given in the most unexpected time and when you need them the most. Being strong is someone who understands and empathizes, who gives generously without receiving. The same goes for bravery. You couldn't face a challenge willfully without letting go of your burdens and accepting things are meant to happen to shape you. When you're ready, you'll come to understand things are needed to stay that way."

"I may not able to grasp everything you said but I'll always keep those in mind until I finally understand them."

"On your position."

Qadir got up and commanded at the same time.

"We are not going to spar. Consider this a real fight as Caedman has prepared you for that, which I guess, you missed the point again."

"Huh?"

Perplexed Harold looked at Caedman.

"Hey, we're not here to play with you all the time. We're also soldiers whose times are precious, you know? I can't believe you missed the point again!"

Caedman's eyes were knitted and his hands placed on his waist.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry… from now on, I'll think first before acting and jumping to conclusions."

Caedman grinned and raised his shoulders.

"Your attention, Harold, on me!"

Qadir shouted firmly. While standing like a post, he's provoking Harold to advance. Harold used his own stances to attack and Caedman's moves to block or counter Qadir's. His moves aren't futile but he always misses the opening. Even his defenses were quite astonishingly quick, he lacks in follow-ups.

Harold knew he wouldn't be able to land even a simple touch to Qadir but fighting with him makes his heart flutter and his mind at ease. Qadir wasn't a rival but someone to look up to. It's not just his fighting skills but his individuality is something more to be admired of.

"You aren't taking me seriously, Qadir, don't you?"

Harold commented when their swords' guards kissed.

"I am."

"But you're holding back!"

Qadir thrust and leap back positioning his sword's tip on the ground.

"Taking you seriously and holding back my strength or powers are different."

"…"

From a lunged position, Harold straightened up slowly.

"I'm serious in fighting with you, analyzing your moves, studying your stances, and whatnot. For me to be able to do those, I have to hold back. You understand?"

"…"

Harold kept silent and grasping what Qadir was saying.

"If I'll fight you without holding back, I won't be able to win on my own."

"What do you mean?"

"We always have goals when fighting. Since my first goal right now is not to win over you, but to understand you. Once that happens, the second goal is to be ready to take you down without worries. The third would depend on how things will go after I defeat you."

"I see."

"We only have a few more days to train. And we wanted to give you a little knowledge about the Capital's Special Soldiers Order."

Qadir holds Harold's shoulder and looked mischievously at Caedman.

"Your master and Qadir's father, Kane Ravil… is an elite trainer of the Order."

Caedman's eyes were unwavering and teasing Harold, plastering an even more vexatious grin. And the poor Harold seemed to bite the bait of Qadir and Caedman's plan of annoying him. His eyes seemed to see oblivion and his jaws were unconsciously dropped.

"I was betrayed…"