Training with the strongest [2]

A week had passed by and Raven had already learned the first two sword forms of their family's basic sword art. This was a surprise to Kael as even though he is seen as a genius, it took him three months to master the first two forms and before him was a kid who ruled off by this word, he was born with the ability to not use Aethon but for some reason he unlocked the ability regardless.

Keal looking at Raven trained had only one thing on his mind. "I started using the sword when I was 8 like everyone else in this house and became a captain if a squad at 15, but here stands a guy who just started using a sword last week and his already this good? If I'm a genius, what on earth does that make him?."

His eyes narrowed as he watched Raven execute a flawless sequence of movements, his sword slicing through the air with precision and control. It was almost... effortless.

"Raven, how are you doing this?" Kael asked, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "A week ago you couldn't even use Aethon or a sword, and yet now you're at a level were people might mistake you for a Acolyte ."

Raven paused, his chest heaving slightly as he caught his breath. "I suppose. I've always been good at picking up new skills."

Kael's gaze lingered on Raven, his mind racing with possibilities. If Raven continued to progress at this rate, he would be a formidable opponent in no time. And what did it mean for the future of their family, for the squads, for the entire realm?

Kael's expression turned thoughtful. "I have a feeling you're going to change everything, Raven. And I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad one." He paused before continuing, his eyes serious. "Alright, Raven, let's move on to the fundamentals of cultivating Aethon. Although you improved your swird skills, your Aethon is still weak."

Raven listened intently as Kael began to explain the basics of Aethon cultivation. "Aethon is the life force that flows through all living things, and learning to harness it is crucial for any warrior. It's all around us, in every rock, every tree, every living creature. The key is to learn to sense it, to feel its flow and rhythm."

Kael closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Watch closely, Raven. I'm going to demonstrate how to connect with the Aethon in the environment."

As Kael spoke, he began to glow with a soft, blue light. The light grew brighter, and Raven could see that Kael's feet were now standing on the branches of a nearby tree. Kael was walking on the tree as if it were solid ground, his movements effortless and fluid.

Raven's eyes widened in amazement. Kael smiled, his eyes still closed. "I'm pouring Aethon into my feet, allowing me to connect with the tree and manipulate its energy. It's a basic technique, but it requires a deep understanding of the flow of Aethon."

Raven watched, fascinated, as Kael continued to walk on the tree branches with ease. He could feel the Aethon flowing through the environment, and he began to sense the connection between all living things.

"Now, it's your turn, Raven," Kael said, opening his eyes and stepping down from the tree. "Let's see if you can sense the Aethon and connect with the environment."

"Omega, can you replicate this pattern in my body?" Raven asked silently, his thoughts transmitted directly to the nanites.

"Affirmative, Raven," Omega responded, its voice echoing in Raven's mind. "I am synchronizing the Aethon flow in your body to match Kael's pattern. Prepare to feel the energy coursing through your veins."

As Omega worked its magic, Raven felt a surge of energy flowing through his body. Omega expertly manipulated the Aethon, distributing it in a pattern identical to Kael's. Raven's eyes widened as he felt his connection to the environment deepen, and he sensed the Aethon's power coursing through him.

Kael observed Raven for five minutes, expecting him to struggle or falter in his attempt to walk on the tree branches. He thought to himself, "Maybe this is too much for a beginner... perhaps I had false high hopes for him."

But just as Kael was about to intervene, Raven took a step forward, and then another, his feet moving effortlessly across the tree branches. Kael's eyes widened in surprise as he realized that Raven was not only mimicking the technique but also seemed to be adapting to it with incredible speed.

"How is he doing this?" Kael wondered, his mind racing with possibilities. He had never seen anyone pick up the technique so quickly, not even among the most talented warriors.

As Kael watched, Raven continued to walk on the tree branches with ease, his movements fluid and confident. Kael's expression changed from skepticism to amazement, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity about Raven's potential.

Kael's laughter was silent, but his eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Raven continue to walk on the tree branches with ease. He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that he had just found a worthy rival in Raven.

"Looks like the Patriarch knew what he was doing when he assigned me to teach you," Kael thought to himself, a hint of a smile still playing on his lips. "You're going to be a force to be reckoned with, Raven. I can already see it."

As Kael continued to observe Raven, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. He had always enjoyed a good challenge, and Raven's rapid progress had just provided him with one. A month and three weeks passed, during which Kael intensively trained Raven in the ways of Aethon and swordsmanship. Raven's progress was nothing short of phenomenal, thanks in large part to the "Iron Fang" elixir that Kael had provided.

The elixir, a rare and potent concoction, was said to boost human Aethon by 30% if the cultivation process was done correctly. However, thanks to Omega's advanced nanotechnology, Raven's body absorbed the elixir's benefits to an unprecedented degree, boosting his Aethon by a staggering 100%.

Under Kael's guidance, Omega's cheats and the elixir's powerful effects, Raven's skills improved dramatically. He mastered complex sword techniques, enhanced his Aethon control, and developed a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between his body and the environment.

As a result, Raven's rank skyrocketed, and he found himself at the esteemed rank of Junior Knight in terms of strength. Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for his student's rapid progress.

"You're a natural, Raven," Kael said, his voice filled with genuine praise. "Your potential is limitless, and I'm honored to be your mentor."

Raven smiled, his eyes gleaming with gratitude. "Thank you, Kael. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."

Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that there was more to Raven's progress than met the eye. "You've got a real talent for this, Raven. I'm curious, what's your secret?"

Raven shrugged, careful not to reveal Omega's existence. "I guess I just have a knack for it, Kael. You've been a great teacher, and I've been working hard."

Kael's curiosity was piqued, but he let the matter drop for now, content to see Raven continue to grow and develop as a warrior. "Remember, Raven, your growth is rapid, but don't let it go to your head," Kael cautioned, his expression serious. "There's still much to learn, and complacency can be a warrior's greatest enemy."

Raven nodded, taking Kael's words to heart. "I understand, Kael. I won't let my progress cloud my judgment."

Kael smiled, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. "Good. I'm looking forward to seeing you continue to grow and develop. When you reach the rank of Superior Swordsman, we'll have a real fight, one that will test your skills and push you to your limits."

Raven's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect of a challenging battle against his mentor. "I'm looking forward to it, Kael. I'll work hard to reach that rank and prove myself against you."

Kael chuckled, a low, confident sound. "I'm counting on it. Now, lets go back. It's nearlytome for the flag bearer ceremonyto start. Keep in mind that all nobel familes under Lionheart Arch-Dukedom wilo be attending."