And so, I began training.
I demanded my coach treat me like a ten-year-old boy, not a four-year-old girl. Training was brutal—I often fainted, vomited, or collapsed from exhaustion. But I reminded myself: God gave me this family. I must protect them no matter what. That thought became my motivation.
After a year, my body grew much stronger. I no longer fainted often, and my endurance increased. My trainer was astonished.
"Your Highness, I have never seen such dedication in one so young. At this rate, you'll be ready to cultivate wlithin a year."
That Night I went to bed less tired than usual. Soon, my dream would begin.
There was a knock at my door.
"Yes, come in," I said.
"My child, it is dinner time," my mother said warmly. "I know you never come to the dining room, but that doesn't mean you should skip meals."
"Mama, you're the best!" I hugged her.
"Now eat. I made your favorite dish."
"No, I want you to feed me by hand," I said, pouting.
"You little one," she laughed, "you must learn to eat by yourself. Mother won't always be by your side."
"Never! You will always be with me. You are not allowed to leave me!"
She smiled gently. "Alright, my princess. I will never leave you."
After eating, I laid my head on her lap. "Mama, tell me a bedtime story. I've been listening to the same one for five years, but I never get tired of it."
"And I will never tire of telling it," she whispered. I fell asleep listening to her voice.
---
Another year passed. I turned six, and my task was to defeat five opponents who had also completed physical training.
I carried my sword, Netherfiend—a spiritual sword given to me by my father on my fourth birthday. It had taken four months to recognize me as its master. Once bonded, it became weightless in my hands, perfectly suited for me.
On the day of the competition, I stepped into the arena. The stands were filled with nobles and generals of Luminara. My father, mother, and brothers watched, nodding encouragement.
My opponents, all much older than me, looked relaxed. They underestimated me, a mere six-year-old girl. But I was no ordinary child.
I drew Netherfiend. When the host shouted, "Start!" all five rushed at me.
Calmly, I whispered the name of my technique: "Untouchable Angel."
In a flash, I moved so swiftly it seemed slow to the eyes. Before their strikes landed, I reappeared behind them, striking with the back of my blade to wound, not kill.
Within a single minute, they all collapsed—defeated in one move.
The arena went silent. Then the host stammered, "W-Winner is… Princess Arielle!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
I walked to my father's pavilion, knelt, and said, "I won."
He stood, lifted me up, and said proudly, "Good… very good, Arielle. I am proud of you." My mother echoed his words, and my brothers gave me a thumbs-up.
"What reward do you want?" my father asked.
"I want to train under the Ancestor at Dark Abyss."
"What?" My father's face paled, and the crowd began to murmur.
But seeing the determination in my eyes, he sighed. "Very well. I allow it. But I cannot guarantee the Ancestor will accept you as a disciple. You must prove yourself worthy."
"I will,"
That night, I returned to my room. Excitement burned in my chest. Finally, I could train at the Dark Abyss—the most sacred place in Luminara for cultivation.
There, people could grow stronger faster than anywhere else. And most importantly, the Ancestor himself resided there—a demigod-level master. If I could become his disciple, I would have the guidance I needed.
Hard work alone was never enough. Without proper guidance, even endless effort would fall short.
Tomorrow, my new journey would begin.