The time with the tailor was surprisingly pleasant, or at least less unpleasant than Corin had feared. The older man took his measurements with professional detachment, without judging his background or origins. It seemed as if Viviana had already given precise instructions as to his new style.
That gave Corin some time to think about everything.
Whatever had happened to him back in the ruins... it was only the beginning. The more he understood about the paths, the closer he would get to an answer. And if the Valtrors were indeed behind the attack, he would be able to learn more about them through the Academy and the Virellis.
He also still had to deal with the mysterious package. But at the moment? Not a priority. He had no control over it, not yet.
When the tailor finally presented him with the finished garments, he couldn't deny that he was impressed.
The suits were tailor-made. Pitch black, sharply cut, classy. Each one was tailored to perfection, fine details of gold and silver, subtle yet striking enough to catch the eye. Even the choice of color matched the individual golden strands in his dark hair.
Corin looked at himself in the mirror. He no longer looked like a boy from the slums.
A young, handsome man stood before him. His black eyes and golden strands created a subtle but special impression.
The rest of the day went by itself. From the tailor, he went straight to the hairdresser, a quick but precise treatment that left him barely recognizable. Viviana seemd to have a clear vision for his looks. Then came the highlight: probably the best meal of his life. The finest ingredients, masterfully prepared, a far cry from what he was used to in the slums.
Afterwards, he had time to explore the estate further. He quickly realized that he was being watched. The eyes of the other family members and servants followed him at every turn. Some were full of confusion. Others full of cool ignorance. Still others seemed to look down on him as if he was out of place.
But no one said a word.
Then the evening came.
The Virellis had their own training ground, a large, open hall with ornate pillars that seemed almost out of place considering the unadorned function of the place. This was where they fought, trained and steeled themselves.
Viviana was already waiting for him.
She was leaning relaxed against one of the pillars, a playful smile on her lips. Her long, black gloves reflected the light of the torches, while her dark dress made her look like a queen, or a predatory cat just waiting to pounce on its prey.
"There you are at last," she said, looking him over from head to toe. "Looks like today has changed you a bit."
Corin grimaced slightly. "I feel like I've seen someone else in the mirror."
Viviana's smile deepened.
"Get used to it, Corin. Suits today, titles tomorrow." She stepped closer, her pink eyes twinkling with amusement.
"But that's for later. Right now, I'm interested in something else entirely."
She tapped a finger against his chest.
"I want to know what you're made of."
Corin raised an eyebrow. "That sounds... ambiguous."
Viviana laughed softly. "Come on, you know what I mean."
She turned elegantly on her heel and took a few steps back.
"I want to see what you can do, what you really can do. Your Blessings, your reflexes, your limits."
She raised a hand.
"And before you ask, yes, this is necessary. You'll need it at the academy."
Corin took a deep breath. Then he nodded.
"All right."
Viviana grinned. "Wonderful." She relaxed her shoulders, stretched a little and didn't look the least bit tense. It was as if this was all just a game to her. A dangerous game.
"Then show me what you've got. "
Corin exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders as he watched Viviana step onto the worn stone floor. The training ground behind the Virelli estate was larger than he expected, surrounded by high walls and shaded by hanging lanterns.
But none of that mattered.
Only she did.
Viviana's heels clicked lightly against the ground as she moved, every motion as smooth as a dancer's.
Her pink eyes glittered. "You look tense."
Corin flexed his fingers. "Should I not be?"
She laughed softly, tilting her head. "Not if you trust yourself."
He wasn't sure he did.
This past day had been… strange. Staying in the Virelli estate, navigating the silent stares of their people, and worst of all, feeling like he was waiting for something.
And now he knew what.
Viviana had called this a 'test.' But he could see it in her expression, this wasn't about proving anything. It was about entertainment.
For her.
She lifted a single gloved finger.
"Come now, raven boy. Let's see what you can do."
Corin didn't hesitate.
He lunged.
Faster than he thought possible, his body moved on instinct, feet sliding against the stone as he aimed a quick strike toward her shoulder. Not to hurt, just to make contact.
Viviana stepped aside.
Effortlessly.
His fist met nothing.
He recovered quickly, pivoting to strike again, this time lower. Another miss. A third, a fourth.
She moved like water.
"Mm." She tapped her chin, still weaving around him like she wasn't even trying.
"You're faster than I expected."
Corin clenched his jaw, exhaling sharply through his nose. This wasn't working. She was playing with him. He had to change that.
This time, he didn't go for a direct hit. Instead, he faked a step to the right, then twisted left at the last second.
And his palm brushed against the sleeve of her coat.
Barely a touch. But it was something.
Viviana blinked. Then, to his surprise, grinned.
"Well, well."
Corin smirked, shifting back into position.
"I think you're underestimating me."
Viviana tilted her head, pink eyes gleaming.
"Then this," she murmured, "is going to be fun."
And then she moved.
Corin barely saw it. One second she was standing in front of him, the next, she was everywhere.
A blur of black and gold. A step too fast. A twist just out of reach.
He dodged by instinct alone, but even that felt useless. She was toying with him, her fingers grazing his shoulder, his arm, his ribs, light touches, just to show she could.
Corin grit his teeth. He had never fought anyone like this. It wasn't about strength. It wasn't even about speed.
It was about control.
And she had all of it.
"Not bad," she purred, circling him. "You've got reflexes, at least."
Corin turned with her, breathing harder than he wanted to admit. He needed to find an opening. A real one.
There.
She shifted weight onto her left foot, just for a moment.
He moved.
Almost.
His kick should have landed. Should have.
Instead, she wasn't there.
Before he could react, she was behind him. Her gloved hand pressed against his back, just firm enough to push him forward.
He stumbled, barely catching himself on his heels before spinning back around.
And Viviana just smiled.
Something curled in his chest. Annoyance? Frustration?
Or something else?
"I let you have that touch earlier," she admitted, almost sweetly.
Corin's stomach dropped.
She had....
She had let him?
His pulse pounded in his ears. "You....."
Viviana laughed. "Oh, don't look so betrayed."
She reached out, before he could react, her fingers brushed lightly against his collar, straightening it.
"You are quick. I just happen to be quicker."
Corin exhaled sharply. "I hate you."
Her grin widened. "No, you don't."
His jaw tensed. She wasn't wrong.
She took a step back, clapping her hands together once.
"That was fun. Let's do it again sometime."
He wasn't sure if she meant sparring or something else.
Either way, he wasn't sure he had a choice.