Evan placed a hand on Ignis's shoulder, his expression filled with pride. "Son, I can't even begin to put into words how proud and happy I am."
Alenna smiled warmly. "Alright, let's set this topic aside for now and celebrate your first evolution. I'll go and prepare both of your favorite dishes."
Evan nodded. "That sounds perfect. Besides, Ignis needs to rest—his body must still be adjusting after the evolution."
Ignis nodded in agreement. While the process hadn't completely drained him, it had left him fatigued, and a few hours of rest would do him good.
Alenna gave him a final glance before heading toward the kitchen, and Evan followed shortly after, leaving Ignis alone to recuperate.
Later that evening, the three of them gathered around the dining table. The aroma of Alenna's cooking filled the room, and both Evan and Ignis ate with relish, savoring every bite. It was a rare moment of peace—a well-deserved break after such a significant milestone.
Once they finished their meal, they moved to the drawing room, settling in comfortably.
Evan leaned back and looked at Ignis. "Tomorrow morning, I'll begin training you in swordsmanship—this time, using mana. Be ready and meet me at the training ground at dawn."
Alenna added, "And I'll be teaching you spells. We've decided to alternate our training—one day, you'll focus on swordsmanship with your father, and the next, I'll help you master your spells. That way, you'll develop both your physical and magical abilities at the same pace."
Ignis nodded, absorbing their words. He was grateful for their guidance, but beyond that, he had his own thoughts—his own plans. Tomorrow, he would also take the opportunity to test a few things for himself.
----
At dawn, Ignis stepped onto the training ground, the crisp morning air brushing against his skin. Almost at the same moment, Evan entered alongside him, his expression calm yet resolute.
Evan turned to his son, his voice steady. "Ignis, in terms of technique, there's little more I can teach you. Your skill level already rivals mine—perhaps even surpasses it. The only thing holding you back is your body. You lack the raw strength to fully execute certain moves or counter my attacks, but that will change with time."
He paused before continuing, "However, today, I'll teach you something far more valuable. This is our family's inherent swordsmanship, a legacy passed down from your grandfather. He didn't inherit it from the Drakonis Family, the lineage he was cast out from—he discovered it himself during one of his adventures. Though incomplete, it remains one of the most powerful techniques—Draconic Flame. Even unfinished, it ranks as a 5-star swordsmanship."
Ignis's eyes flickered with intrigue. He had studied the ranking system before, but hearing it from his father lent it a weight of reality.
"Swordsmanship techniques are graded by how much they amplify a warrior's attack power," Evan explained. "A 1-star swordsmanship doubles the strength of a sword strike, amplifying it by 100%. A 2-star technique increases it by 200%, and so on. The higher the rank, the greater the amplification."
Evan's expression darkened slightly. "But there's something you must never reveal to anyone. As far as the world knows, I only possess a 3-star swordsmanship—and that's the lie we will continue to uphold." His gaze sharpened. "Techniques of this caliber are rare and highly coveted. Even among the highest nobles of the Lunar Kingdom, only King and Duke possess 5-star swordsmanship. Even Count Aleric, who rules these lands, holds only a 3-star technique."
He stepped closer, locking eyes with Ignis. "This knowledge is not just a gift—it is a burden. A weapon that, if revealed, will invite danger. Wield it wisely."
Ignis remained silent, absorbing every word. This was more than just a lesson in swordsmanship. It was a lesson in power, in secrecy—and in survival.
Ignis met his father's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I will not reveal this to anyone. You have my word."
Evan studied him for a moment, then gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Now, let's begin your training."
His expression turned serious as he continued, "Draconic Flame is a technique designed to amplify a swordsman's power. I have only mastered it up to the third stage, meaning I can increase my attacks by 300%, making them four times stronger than normal."
He clenched his fist as if recalling his own limitations. "With my strength as a 5-star Knight, I should, in theory, be able to wield the full potential of this swordsmanship—boosting my attacks by 500%. But I've never been able to reach that level." He exhaled, his frustration barely hidden. "My understanding isn't deep enough."
Evan turned to Ignis, his eyes sharp. "But you… You are different. Your talent in swordsmanship surpasses mine. I believe you can achieve what I could not. You might even perfect this technique—or take it beyond what it is now."
He took a step closer, his voice lowering with warning. "But there's something you must always remember, Ignis." His tone was firm, almost commanding. "Never use a level of power beyond what your body can handle."
Ignis listened intently as his father continued, "Let's say you master Draconic Flame up to the third stage, just like me. If you try to execute it while your body is only at the level of a 1-star Knight, the strain will be unbearable—it will tear your body apart."
Evan's eyes darkened. "Even for me, as a 5-star Knight, the highest I can push is a 6-star technique. Anything beyond that would cause serious harm. Power is a double-edged sword—use it wisely."
Ignis nodded, absorbing every word. This wasn't just about learning a powerful technique—it was about understanding his limits. And more importantly, knowing when to surpass them.
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