CHAPTER 4: The Sovereign's Discipline and The Gathering Shadow
960 Words
The morning sun rose slowly over the Blackstone Marquessate, casting long, golden shadows across the sprawling training grounds. While the rest of the manor was still waking up, Zayn was already in the center of the field, drenched in sweat.
The effects of the Body Refinement Elixir from the night before were spectacular. Zayn could feel a profound density in his muscles that wasn't there before. Every step he took felt completely grounded, and his reaction speed had heightened to a supernatural degree.
"System, pull up my updated status," Zayn commanded in his mind as he adjusted his hand wraps.
【 Ding! 】
【 Status Displaying... 】
【 Host Name: Zayn Bai 】
【 Physical Strength: Level 8 (Equating to a 3-Star Warrior's raw power) 】
【 Agility: Level 7 】
【 Mana Core: 1-Star 】
【 Active Passives: Iron Kinetic Absorb (Level 1) 】
【 Time Remaining Until Family Assessment: 13 Days 】
Zayn smiled subtly. Without even awakening his Aura Core, his pure muscle density and bone structure were already equal to a 3-star warrior who spent years tempering their body. "Not enough," Zayn muttered, throwing a rapid combination of jabs and hooks into the air. "Zian is an elite from the Capital Academy. He must be at least a 4-Star Aura Knight. To achieve a flawless victory in under three minutes, I need absolute technical supremacy."
Suddenly, the sound of slow clapping broke his concentration.
Zayn turned his head sharply. Standing near the weapon racks was his father, Marquess Gariel Bai, alongside Captain John. Gariel's domineering presence was cloaked in a simple training tunic, but his sharp eyes were locked onto Zayn’s feet.
"Your footwork," Gariel spoke, his deep voice carrying across the empty field. "It is completely unorthodox, yet you leave absolutely zero openings. No knight academy teaches a stance that low and mobile. Where did you learn to move like that, Zayn?"
Zayn stood up straight, letting his arms drop naturally. He couldn't reveal his past life, so he maintained a calm, mysterious expression. "When I was in the coma, Father, I felt like I was trapped in a vast, dark space for a hundred years. I had nothing to do but fight the shadows in my mind. These movements are what I carved out to survive."
Gariel’s eyes widened slightly. In the world of high-ranking experts, it was not unheard of for a trauma or a near-death experience to trigger a sudden enlightenment or soul awakening. He walked closer, placing a heavy hand on Zayn’s shoulder.
"A wager with your brother is a dangerous game, my son," Gariel said seriously. "Giving up your nobility means exposing yourself to a world that eats the weak alive. Are you truly confident?"
"Father," Zayn replied, looking directly into the 7-star Aura Master's eyes without a single hint of fear. "In two weeks, you won't be worrying about my future. You will be wondering how to console your eldest son after his pride is shattered."
Gariel stared at him for a long moment before letting out a boisterous, echoing laugh. "Good! That is the arrogance of a true Bai! John, from today onward, clear this section of the grounds for Zayn. Give him whatever resources he requires."
As Gariel and John walked away, John whispered to the Marquess, "My Lord, did you notice the ground beneath the young master's feet? The dirt is packed dense, and there are small cracks in the stone nearby. His physical power has surged exponentially overnight."
Gariel's expression turned serious. "I noticed. Something monstrous is waking up inside that boy. Keep a close eye on him, John. The capital is watching our family closely, and a sudden genius appearing might draw unwanted attention."
Meanwhile, back in his courtyard, Zayn was greeted by his sister, Kira. She was carrying a tray of high-grade medicinal meals sent directly by their mother, Seraphina.
"You absolute i***t," Kira scolded, though her eyes were filled with genuine worry as she set the tray down. "Zian has been training under the royal instructors. He knows advanced sword arts and has mastered the 'Flowing Tiger Aura'. Why would you provoke him like that?"
Zayn picked up a piece of specialized beast meat from the tray and chewed it calmly. "Because, dear sister, a tiger inside a cage like the Academy forgets how a real predator hunts. Don't worry about me. Just make sure you have a front-row seat at the arena."
Kira sighed, realizing her younger brother's stubbornness was now completely unshakeable. She gently reached out, ruffling his white hair. "Fine. But if he pushes you too hard, I'm jumping onto the stage myself. I don't care about the rules."
As Kira left, Zayn’s gaze hardened. He sat down on the stone floor, closing his eyes to immerse himself back into his training. He spent the next several hours practicing his elemental magic, learning how to subtly coat his knuckles with a microscopic layer of condensed wind magic to increase his striking speed.
By the time night fell, the entire estate was quiet. Zayn stood in the dark courtyard, his breathing perfectly synchronized with the wind.
【 Ding! 】
【 Warning: Anomalous magical signatures detected outside the eastern wall of the estate. 】
【 Alert: Three unknown entities are approaching the Host's location. Estimated strength: 3-Star Assassins. 】
Zayn's eyes snapped open in the dark, a cold, vicious grin spreading across his face.
"Assassins? In the heart of the Marquessate?" Zayn whispered, loosening his shoulders as the blue system screen hummed quietly. "Perfect. I was just looking for a live moving bag to test my new punching power."
Moving silently like a phantom under the moonlight, the Conqueror stepped into the shadows of the courtyard, waiting for his uninvited guests.
- Writer
