CHAPTER 7
[Cedric Ashvale's POV]
As the morning sun breaks through the sky, a young man is seen furiously attacking level-two training dummies with his spear.
The dummy raised its sword and shield as it moved forward to attack.
"Tier One --- Flowing Reach"
A basic offensive technique: step forward, thrust, and withdraw. The mana flowed to my legs and palms as I quickly and deftly stepped forward, pierced the dummy through its chest, and, as it fell, put distance between the other dummy.
The training dummy charged at me, raising its sword.
"Tier One --- Guarded Line"
A defensive technique. I poured my mana into the spear, strengthening its structure, then angled it inward, intercepting the sword strike before sliding it into a counter, forcing it to drop its shield.
"Tier One ----Turning Tide"
I channelled my mana to my feet and spear point as my spear traced a clean arc while simultaneously jumping away, mana stabilising its rotation so the tip never dipped. A technique not to kill but to help me move and buy time while keeping my distance. A movement technique.
I exhaled, no wasted movement and no wasted mana.
I reached Tier One mastery.
Weapon techniques have a total of five tiers. The First tier involves basic mastery of basic techniques: weapon control and mana control. Tier Two involves incorporating mana-based strikes into the techniques.
I reset my stance, "Tier Two — Extended Reach."
I drew my spear back, channelled the concentrated mana into the spear point, held the mana, and I thrust the spear. The spear tip extended beyond its reach for a moment, creating a mana construct, and it shattered the dummy's head as it fell to the ground.
Then the mana construct broke, the sudden change in weight distribution dragged me forward, and I fell face-first into the ground.
I slowly stood up and reset my stance.
Once more, I tried guiding my mana outward more carefully.
The tip dipped off-line, mana bleeding unevenly before snapping back with a jolt that rattled my arms.
"Stop."
I turned and saw my brother Corvin standing at the edge of the yard, arms crossed, already dressed for the day. Even relaxed, he carried authority easily—Imperial Knight-Captain, academy honours.
"You're forcing it," he said calmly. "Tier Two doesn't respond to pressure."
"I almost had it."
"You fell," he smirked.
I glowered at him as I lowered the spear.
Corvin stepped closer, eyes sharp but not unkind. "Extended Reach isn't about more mana. It's alignment. Feet, core, intent—one line. You're trying to outrun your foundation."
"So, I'm impatient."
"Yes," he said without hesitation. Then, after a pause, "But you're close."
That softened the blow to my pride.
He smiled briefly, then stepped back. "Tier One is solid. Tier Two will come when you stop chasing it."
I rested the spear against the stone and looked towards the mansion.
"Save your strength," Corvin added, glancing toward the manor. "You'll need it today."
"I'll trust your judgment," I said.
"You should," he replied mildly. "I survived long enough to earn it."
[Cedric Ashvale's POV]
[Cedric's Room]
I stood in front of the mirror while a maid circled me, fussing over every crease and wrinkle she could find.
"Stop slouching. You'll wrinkle the fabric."
My reflection frowned.
"I'm not slouching."
Mara continued as if she hadn't heard me.
"And try to smile when you speak to the other guests. It's your party—people are coming to meet you. You need to make a good impression."
I sighed and tried to smile.
Mara burst out laughing. "You look like you swallowed a lemon."
I glared at her.
She only grinned, her eyes softening. "Don't be nervous. Just be yourself—that's enough."
"I'm not nervous. It's just a party. It's not a big deal. There's no reason to be nervous."
"I know you better than you know yourself."
There was no arguing with that. After my mother died and Corvin left for his training, Mara had practically raised me. I'd never lacked for anything that mattered.
Mara stepped back, inspecting her work.
"Well," she said proudly, "I've done a good job, if I do say so myself."
I studied the mirror one last time. The reflection showed an Ashvale heir dressed in ceremonial colours, posture straight, expression carefully controlled.
"Don't crack," I muttered.
Mara smiled—warm and familiar. "You'll do fine, Cedric. Just don't let anyone knock you off balance. Guests or otherwise."
"You're not telling me something," I accused.
"You'll see soon enough," she replied mischievously. "Now go, before I do something embarrassing—like crying."
I stepped past her, then paused. "Thanks."
She waved me off. "Go have a great time tonight."
I smiled—and for once, it felt real.
.
.
.
.
.
AN: What did you guys think of the chapter? comment, review and gift power stones.