Though Renn looked more refined than he did when Michael first saw him months ago, he was still as cheerful as ever. The moment he closed the distance, that same easy warmth resurfaced without restraint.
"Sir Mic, you've arrived," Renn said, stopping a step away, his eyes carrying genuine excitement rather than the reserved politeness most nobles defaulted to.
Michael inclined his head slightly.
"It's great to see you."
Up close, the difference in Renn became clearer. It was not just posture or attire. It was refinement in presence.
Michael had heard of his connection to Grand Knight Veren, the same man who first taught him the classification of weapon skills. The one who explained that once a weapon user reached Advanced Mastery, they could begin touching reflective weapon Qi, the threshold where technique transformed into force.
And Renn had become that man's direct disciple.
