Astral headed back to his room after speaking to Riker. He remembered the sword master Simon, a sword master that even in Astral's time possessed immense power and was known all through the kingdom.
Though Riker had also become a sword master along the line, he could never be compared to the likes of Simon.
There was an evident gap, even though he was yet to see the two fight or work together, but when one read the things Riker had done, and the things Simon had done, it was evident which was the better.
As Astral lay in his bed, he tried to call out the system. So far, it had only been appearing at random times whenever it wanted, but now he wanted to see it because he wanted to see what he gained from the sword practice.
It didn't take long. As soon as his thoughts went to opening the system, the system opened up for him, revealing his status screen.
[Name: Astral Von Miller
Age: 12
Race: Human
Class: None (Sword Path Initiate)
Title: [Rewritten One], [Baron's Third Son]
Level 2
Exp: 0/200
Attributes:
Strength: 9
Agility: 9
Endurance: 8
Vitality: 10
Intelligence: 10
Willpower: 15
Charisma: 11
Free stat points: 4]
There were a few changes to his stats. He had gained in his strength, his vitality, endurance, and willpower. He didn't know how much of a difference that made, but he was happy to see the change.
He didn't fully understand what the free stat points were there for, but he wanted to make a reasonable guess, so he tried to see if he could share it to his main attributes.
"Put two stat points in... uhm... intelligence."
[Intelligence +2 stat points]
"It worked," he said. He wasn't sure that it would, but it actually worked.
"Alright then, put two into agility."
[Agility +2 stat points]
He didn't feel any difference in his body though, but he decided not to worry about that now.
________________
Morning came, and Astral was up very early, long before Mabel even had the chance to get his bath ready, so he didn't even wait. He only washed his face and put on his clothes before rushing out to the training compound. He felt rejuvenated, filled with energy.
The training compound had barely anyone in it, just a few knights preparing for training. When they saw Astral, they all waved at him. It was like he had become one of their own now.
Astral got a sword from the rack, and without even waiting for Riker, he started training. The sword felt many times lighter in his arm. His speed and focus were also top notch.
From the looks of things, he would be able to get through the training without an issue.
Riker walked to the training compound later and spotted Astral already there training. He had a smile on his face when he saw that, but the smile turned to a look of shock as he noticed that Astral's form and handling of the sword had increased by a huge margin.
It had only been a few days of training, yet he had already improved a visible amount. There was no other explanation for it. Astral was a prodigy.
Rather than head to meet Astral, Riker turned and went into the manor. He asked one of the maids to tell the Baron that he would like to have a word with him, and the maid went off.
A few minutes later, the maid returned and told him that the Baron was in his office, and so Riker headed there.
He got to the door of the office and knocked twice, waiting for a response.
"Come in," the Baron said. Riker pushed the door open and walked into the office. He closed the door behind him.
As soon as he was inside, the sweet and soft floral scent of the room reached his nose and made his body relax. The office was neatly arranged, with shelves at the right, with books stacked very neatly inside.
A dark brown table sat at the center of the room, placed on a neat black fur rug. Stacks of paper were arranged on the table.
The Baron sat at the table, focused on a piece of paper that was in front of him. He was wearing a casual white shirt, his coat hanging at the back of his chair.
"Riker, you wanted to see me?" the Baron said while still keeping his head buried in the paper he was reading.
"Yes, it's about your son, Young Master Astral," Riker said.
The Baron dropped the paper in his hands as he heard that and looked up. "He didn't do something wrong, did he?"
"No, no, on the contrary. It's been two days since he started training with me, and in that short time he managed to grow exponentially.
I'm shocked by your son's ability to use the sword, and I believe that your son might be talented with the sword. Honestly, that's an understatement.
Your son is a prodigy with the sword, I can say that much," Riker said.
"You can tell that my son is a prodigy from only three days of training?" the Baron asked, raising his brow.
"I am a Sword Expert. I can tell from the movements of someone's sword if they have any talent for the blade.
Your son is highly in tune with the sword. He has an unwavering heart and loves the blade," Riker said.
"I see." The Baron rubbed his chin. He looked up at Riker and asked, "So what do you want to do with him?"
"I know you have asked me to train him, but I would like to take your son under my wing for the next two years. Your son might be able to get into a sword academy if his growth continues like this," Riker said.
"Hmmm." The Baron rubbed his chin more. He looked up at Riker, paused for a bit, and then placed both hands on the table.
"Fine then, my son is under your care. I trust you, Riker, so please keep him safe and help him grow," the Baron said. Riker bowed without saying a word and left the office.