The Final Lesson

Two months had passed since Leo began his intense training under Ronan, the once-renowned swordsman who had risen from humble beginnings to become one of the continent's strongest fighters. The cold mountain air had seeped into Leo's

 bones, yet he had embraced every challenge with unwavering determination. His body, once fragile and weakened by poison, had healed completely. His strength was greater than it had ever been before, both physically and mentally.

 Ronan's methods were harsh, often bordering on cruelty, but they had molded Leo into something formidable.

Ronan's unorthodox training had begun with grueling physical tasks, followed by meditation to focus his mind. Through endless repetition and the almost unbearable weight of the lessons, Leo had been pushed beyond his limits. He

 could feel the hum of his muscles, the energy coursing through him as his mastery of the sword grew. There were moments of doubt—when exhaustion threatened to overcome him—but Leo had always pushed through.

For Leo, the teachings were not just about the sword. They were about control—control over his body, control over his mind, and most importantly, control over the power that had been awakened inside him. His soul still bore the

 weight of Alex Benjamin's memories and skills, but now, Leo was beginning to carve out his own identity.

Ronan, watching Leo's progress with quiet satisfaction, knew it was time. Today would be the day he passed on the knowledge that had defined his life. He had spent decades refining his sword techniques, techniques that had made him

 a living legend. But for all his strength, Ronan had always remained an outsider. He had never belonged to one of the Great Families, and had never wielded the power that came with their bloodlines. But Leo… Leo was different. There was

 something about the young man that reminded Ronan of a time long past, a time when he had sought to carve his name into the annals of history.

"Today," Ronan said, his voice rough from years of battle, "I will teach you the sword art that I've spent my life perfecting. It is unorthodox, and it may not suit your style, but it will give you a deeper understanding of the blade."

Leo, wiping the sweat from his brow, nodded solemnly. He had already surpassed many of Ronan's expectations, but this was different. This was the moment when the true nature of Ronan's strength would be revealed.

Ronan took a step back and drew his sword. It was a simple weapon, with a hilt worn from years of use, but the blade gleamed with deadly precision. He raised it slowly, as though the very act of drawing it demanded reverence. Then,

 in a fluid motion, he brought the sword down with a slash that seemed to split the very air. The motion was so swift and precise that Leo barely had time to react.

"This," Ronan said, his voice calm, "is the first technique. I call it Phantom Strike. It is a slash that exists beyond the visible plane. You will not see it coming. Your only chance to survive is to feel the wind before it strikes."

Leo's eyes narrowed. He had fought opponents with faster reactions, but he had never faced anything like this. The air seemed to warp around Ronan's sword, and for a brief moment, Leo could sense the disturbance in the atmosphere.

 He had to move—no, he had to anticipate.

As Ronan's blade descended, Leo instinctively dodged, his movements smooth and controlled. He had barely avoided the strike, but the wind from the blade grazed his cheek, leaving a cold chill in its wake.

"Good," Ronan grunted. "But don't just react. You need to feel the attack before it happens. That's the key to surviving this technique."

The two continued the lesson, with Ronan demonstrating the other six techniques one by one. Each one was more intricate than the last, combining speed, precision, and a mastery of both body and mind. There was Echoing Edge, a 

strike that blurred the sword's path, creating afterimages that confused the enemy. Then came Silent Blade, which allowed the user to silence their movements, making their strikes undetectable to even the most skilled opponents.

Leo, though exhausted, was eager to absorb every detail. His body had grown stronger over the past two months, and now his mind was beginning to catch up. With each technique Ronan demonstrated, Leo could sense his potential

 expanding. There was a calmness in his mind, a focus that had not been there before. He had achieved the kind of balance that Alex Benjamin had never fully attained.

As the final technique was revealed—The Raging Gale, a whirlwind of slashes that could overwhelm any opponent—Leo found himself in awe of Ronan's mastery. The old swordsman's strength was unmatched, his movements fluid

 and graceful despite his age. Leo had spent much of his life in pursuit of strength, but he now understood that true power came from harmony—not just with one's body, but with the world itself.

Ronan finished the lesson with a sigh. He sheathed his sword and turned to Leo. "That's all I can teach you for now. I've given you the foundation. What you do with it is up to you."

Leo nodded, though his mind was still racing. He had always known that Ronan was an exceptional swordsman, but now, he realized just how much he had gained. These techniques—though they would take time to master—would be invaluable 

in the battles to come.

Before Leo could say anything, Ronan reached into his bag and pulled out a small orb. It was a simple, transparent sphere, but there was an undeniable aura of power surrounding it.

"This," Ronan said, "is a Summoning Orb. It will allow you to call upon me if you ever need help. But be warned. If you summon me with the intent to cause harm, I will appear, and I will make sure you regret it. I trust you will

 use it wisely."

Leo took the orb, feeling its weight in his hand. It was a strange feeling, holding a tool that could summon Ronan at will. But he also understood the gravity of Ronan's warning. The orb was not just a tool—it was a reminder of

 the bond between them. Leo had no intention of using it recklessly.

"Thank you," Leo said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude. "I won't forget what you've taught me."

Ronan gave a short, approving nod. "Good. Now, you've done well, Leo. I've taught you all I can for now, but there is still much for you to learn. Keep your focus, and don't lose sight of your goals."

Leo tightened his grip on the orb before pocketing it. Despite everything, a strange feeling settled in his chest—reluctance. Training with Ronan had been grueling, but it had also been effective. He had grown stronger in ways he 

never imagined. Now, the real test would begin.

Later that evening, as Leo was preparing to retire for the night, a knock came at his door. A servant entered, bowing respectfully. "Young Master, the Queen requests your presence."

Leo nodded, rising to his feet. He made his way through the palace corridors, his mind still occupied with Ronan's parting words. When he arrived at his mother's chambers, he pushed open the heavy doors.

Inside, his mother sat gracefully on a cushioned chair, her regal presence undeniable. But Leo's gaze didn't linger on her. His eyes immediately locked on the girl standing beside her.

She was stunningly familiar—long, silver hair cascading down her back, deep violet eyes filled with unreadable emotions. Her posture was composed, noble, and refined, yet there was something about her that struck him like a bolt of

 lightning.

A name slipped past his lips before he could stop it.

"Rose?"

The word wasn't whispered—it was spoken loud enough for her to hear.

The girl's expression remained calm, but there was the faintest flicker of reaction in her gaze. She knew him. She had always known him.

His mother's voice broke the moment. "Leo, this is your fiancée—Ariana Valefor."

Leo barely registered the words. His mind was still reeling, struggling to reconcile the impossible similarity between Ariana and Rosario—his lover from a past life.

Ariana tilted her head slightly. "It's been a long time, Leo."

Yet, for Leo, it was as if he was meeting her for the very first time.