A Hidden Master

The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds providing a serene backdrop.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the clearing where Lowell and Gabriel stood.

Three months had passed since their last intense training session, and the passage of time was evident in Lowell's physique and demeanor. His once uncertain stance was now firm and balanced, his movements more fluid and precise.

Gabriel, ever the stoic figure, watched Lowell with an unwavering gaze as the young apprentice went through a series of complex sword forms.

Each strike, each parry, was executed with a level of skill and confidence that had been absent before.

Gabriel nodded silently, acknowledging the progress. "Again," he commanded, his voice as emotionless as ever.

Lowell, now attuned to his master's way of teaching, nodded and began the sequence anew. His wooden sword moved with speed and precision, slicing through the air in a harmonious dance of strength and grace.

The three months of relentless training had honed his skills, each day a step closer to mastery.

As Lowell finished the sequence, he looked to Gabriel for any sign of approval. The master's face remained impassive, but his eyes held a subtle gleam of satisfaction. "You've improved," Gabriel stated flatly, his words carrying the weight of rare praise.

Lowell couldn't suppress a his smile, the acknowledgment from his master a reward in itself. "Thank you, Master," he said, bowing deeply. "I have worked hard to follow your teachings."

Gabriel stepped forward, his own wooden sword at the ready. "Show me," he said simply, taking his stance. It was a challenge, an opportunity for Lowell to demonstrate his progress in a real exchange.

Lowell's heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and determination. He took his position, mirroring his master's stance. The clearing fell silent, the only sound the faint rustle of leaves as they readied themselves.

In an instant, Gabriel attacked, his movements swift and precise. Lowell met each strike with equal determination, their swords clashing in a rhythmic dance.

Lowell moved with newfound confidence, his reflexes sharper, his mind clearer.

Gabriel pressed him harder, testing his limits. Lowell responded with a series of feints and counters, each move calculated and deliberate. Gabriel's strikes were relentless, but Lowell held his ground, parrying and countering with skill and precision.

After several intense exchanges, Gabriel stepped back, lowering his sword. "Good," he said, his voice still devoid of emotion, but the word carried a weight of genuine approval.

'Plop' Lowell landed on his butt. He had improved his swordsmanship by leaps since his master started teaching him.

But he never gained the upper hand in any of the sessions he had with his master. His master's attacks seemed to become heavier and relentless as the time went by.

His master had also given him a skill, which was rare. Rare was an understatement as it was basically priceless.

In this world skills could never be bought, no matter the rank of the skill.

So Lowell had put more effort than ever but he felt as he could never understand the ending of his master's strength. 

His master's swordsmanship was leaps ahead than any swordsmanship he had ever seen, at least it was so for him.

...

"Hah!" Lowell grunted in a tired voice as he lay on the grass" Master I can not go anymore.

Gabriel seemed to be in a better condition than he was.

'Swoosh' Gabriel seemed to be taking out of his inventory. He then extended his hand towards Lowell's ear.

"A-gh! Ugh!" Suddenly Lowell groveled on the grass, scrunching his face in pain. He touched his right ear as he sensed something imprinting on his ear.

"Don't be a crybaby and use this skill well" Gabriel said walking away seemingly as if he could not bear to watch his sorry state anymore.

...

Lowell touched his right ear remembering what happened that day. The stinging sensation seemed to still be there.

"Inventory"

'Swoosh' Lowell's inventory opened with a bright light.

'Blade Dance: Rank S'

A combat skill that allows the user to move with incredible speed and precision. Each movement is unpredictable, making it difficult for opponents to counter or defend.'

Skill were different than the blessing one received from the Monarchs, as one wasn't born with it.

Though skill did depend on mana, they could be used to an unlimited amount a day.

Lowell was forever grateful to his master as a skill like this was coveted by many, even by the highest of royals.

But there was something Lowell had always wondered. How did his master whom had never even come out of the cave have this type of skills.

His master had told him he always had these skills and had never used them. Though Lowell was skeptical at first, but his master's skills showed him otherwise.

His master was really proficient with a sword, even though Lowell was using a skill, and his 'Temporal Sight'.

'Temporal Sight': The ability to freeze time at a 25 meter radius for 30 seconds.

This was the blessing he received just like any other person born in the third month. This was the blessing given by 'Monarch Empathis'.