Chapter 4: The Path to Strength

The crisp morning air carried the faint sounds of clashing swords and barking orders across the Everhart estate's sprawling training grounds. Rows of armored knights sparred under the watchful eyes of seasoned instructors, their movements precise and disciplined.

Leon stood at the edge of the field, his new sword strapped securely to his waist. He watched the knights with quiet fascination, taking in the fluidity of their strikes and the controlled power behind each blow.

"Impressed?" Benedict's voice broke through his thoughts. The steward stood beside him, arms crossed, a knowing smile on his face.

Leon nodded. "I've never seen anything like it before... at least, not up close."

Benedict chuckled. "The Everhart family prides itself on raising warriors of the highest caliber. And now, young master, it is your turn."

Before Leon could respond, a loud voice called out from the field.

"Oi! Leon!"

Rachel stood in the middle of the training grounds, her arms folded and a wide grin on her face. She wore a fitted training uniform, the family crest emblazoned on her chest. Her long, dark hair was tied back into a practical ponytail, but the mischievous glint in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Come on! You can't just stand there all day!" she teased. "Or are you scared I'll beat you again?"

Leon sighed but couldn't help a small smile. "I'm not scared, Rachel."

"Prove it, then!" she said, drawing a wooden training sword from a nearby rack and tossing another toward him.

Leon caught it clumsily, the weight feeling different from the sword his father had given him. The knights around them paused, their attention drawn to the siblings as whispers of amusement spread through the group.

Benedict leaned in and whispered, "Lady Rachel has been training for years, young master. Be careful."

Leon took a deep breath and stepped forward onto the field, squaring his stance as Rachel twirled her sword effortlessly. Despite the playful expression on her face, he knew she wouldn't go easy on him.

"Ready?" she asked.

Leon nodded, gripping the wooden sword tightly. "Let's do this."

Rachel wasted no time, dashing forward with impressive speed. Leon barely had time to react as she swung her sword toward his side. He moved instinctively, raising his blade to block, but the impact sent a jolt up his arm.

"Too slow!" Rachel laughed, pressing the attack with rapid strikes.

Leon gritted his teeth, trying to keep up. He blocked another swing, then another, his body moving awkwardly as he adjusted to the rhythm of combat. His mind raced, analyzing her movements.

"She's fast, but she leaves small openings after each swing... If I can just—"

Leon sidestepped a downward strike and retaliated with a quick jab, surprising Rachel as she barely managed to parry.

"Oho!" she grinned. "Not bad!"

Encouraged, Leon pressed forward, his strikes growing more confident. He aimed for her sides, trying to take advantage of her openings. For a moment, he thought he had the upper hand—until Rachel's footwork shifted, and with a swift maneuver, she knocked his sword aside and tapped his shoulder with the tip of her blade.

"Gotcha!"

Leon froze, panting as Rachel stepped back with a triumphant smirk.

"Not bad, little brother," she said, resting her sword on her shoulder. "You've got good instincts, but your form is a mess."

Leon sighed, rubbing his sore arm. "Yeah... I figured."

The surrounding knights chuckled, some offering words of encouragement while others nodded in approval.

"You did well for your first time," Benedict said, placing a reassuring hand on Leon's shoulder. "With practice, you'll improve."

Rachel patted him on the back. "We'll train together every day! I'll make sure you can at least hold your own before the academy."

Leon smiled, feeling a spark of determination. "Thanks, Rachel. I'll do my best."

As the morning sun climbed higher, Leon felt a newfound sense of purpose. The road ahead was long, but with his family's support and his own determination, he was ready to walk the path to strength.