A month had passed since Kael's difficult first day at the academy. Every morning, he had risen well before dawn to train alone in the shadows, strengthening his thin and awkward body. The sword, which used to slip from his hands with every attempt, had now become a natural extension of his movements. That morning, he stepped into the fencing courtyard, the weight of the blade now familiar, even if every motion still demanded considerable effort.
Around him, the students had gathered, drawn by the rumor of change. Some exchanged surprised glances, whispering with restrained excitement. Kael felt their gazes settle on him - some filled with disbelief, others with a new, albeit timid, respect.
He met the eyes of Declan Valroth, his Altaris friend, who gave him an encouraging nod. Naelys was there too, watching silently a slight smile on her lips. Kael's efforts did not go unnoticed by them.
In a corner, three girls spoke quietly, their eyes shining with a mix of admiration and curiosity. "Look at him. He's changed so fast," whispered Elira Valcyr. "He almost looks like a real Altaris now." Velyra Morvane nodded, adding, "His figure has firmed up, and he has that confidence he didn't have before." Lyanna Caerwyn smiled mischievously: "And he's already becoming handsome. Who would have thought Kael the street rat could one day turn heads here?"
Despite the whispers, Kael kept his head high, aware that every progress had been hard-earned, marked by pain and doubt. His body, once so weak, now responded better to his efforts, though he still had a long way to go.
The fencing instructor, a stern man with rugged features, approached. "Kael, show us what you've learned," he ordered in a deep voice. Kael stepped forward, holding his sword with newfound determination. Every strike, every parry, testified to a month of relentless work.
The students held their breath. Some who had once mocked him couldn't believe their eyes. The silence was broken by murmurs of astonishment. "He really has changed." "It's impressive."
Declan came to his side, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "See, Kael, I told you we'd be great friends. Keep it up." Kael smiled, grateful for this precious support.
Naelys looked at him with pride. She knew how much Kael had suffered and how much he had fought against himself. "You're on the right path," she whispered.
In the distance, the three girls continued to talk quietly. "If only he knew the impact he already has." "Maybe he'll change the way we all see him."
But Kael remained focused, aware that this success was only a beginning. The academy would not give him any favors, and he still had to prove he deserved his place.
As the class came to an end, a light breeze lifted his tousled hair as if to carry away the doubts of the past. He felt ready to face whatever the future held.
He knew other challenges awaited him, that some students would never see him as anything but "Kael the street rat." But for the first time, he felt capable of proving them wrong.
His sore muscles reminded him of the effort given, but also the promise of a different future.
The instructor gave him an approving look. "Keep it up, Kael. You have potential." Those words echoed in his mind like a promise.
Declan smiled at him again, this time with a spark of challenge in his eyes. "You're going to turn a lot of heads. Believe me."
Naelys came closer, placing a friendly hand on his arm. "We're here, with you."
The whispers around him had turned into a gentle background hum. Kael was no longer just a street rat. He was a fighter, a student, a future Altaris in the making.
He promised himself he would never give up, no matter what.