Clap, clap, clap! Clear applause rang out from one side of the Training Ground. Two people then approached, interrupting the training.
"It's Viscount Xuefeng and Teacher Heide," someone whispered.
The two walked over to the instructor. Viscount Xuefeng nodded slightly to the students present, then turned to the instructor.
"Thanks for your effort, Burke."
"Your will is my command, Lord Xuefeng." Burke stood at attention and replied respectfully.
"Very well. Take a short break for now. Old Heide and I have a few words to say to these children."
"Yes." He immediately turned and left, making room for them.
Viscount Xuefeng stepped onto the wooden platform. He didn't look old—probably in his forties—with a short black mustache, a sturdy build, and thick knuckles and wrists that showed he regularly trained in swordsmanship and other combat skills. He was no good-for-nothing noble.
His gaze swept slowly over everyone, and Viscount Xuefeng gave a slight nod.
"It's my good fortune to see gifted children like you here in Scorched Stone City."
Talented people, especially those with extraordinary Aspect Power, were in a sense the greatest wealth of a territory.
"Scholar Heide is not only your teacher, but mine as well. When I was young, I studied under him. I still look back on those days with some fondness."
"If you want to be admired and respected, you must put in plenty of sweat and effort. You all understand that. But when I was young, I was just like you, tempted by all sorts of distractions and often wasting time."
"Since you're still growing, you shouldn't let outside distractions take your focus away. So I've decided to offer a few rewards to help you concentrate on your studies." With that, he clapped his hands, and two attendants brought over trays.
"If you can take first place in the examination two months from now, I'll give you this Crimson-Dyed Cloak as a reward." As he spoke, he lifted the cloth covering the tray, revealing a cloak made of fiery red fur.
[Crimson-Dyed Cloak] (First Order—Blazing Sun—Excellent): Made from the fur of a wolf beast with the "Blazing Sun" Aspect Power. It can "enhance endurance" and withstand ordinary sword and knife blows. It also keeps out the cold and water. Its fur is a vivid, beautiful color, making it a fine piece even among the nobility.
"Also, I have rewards for whoever takes second and third place." He had an attendant uncover another cloth, revealing two pairs of finely made boots.
[Red Wolf Boots] (First Order—Blazing Sun—Good): Made from the fur of a wolf beast with the "Blazing Sun" Aspect Power. They can "slightly enhance endurance" and protect the feet. They also keep out the cold and water, making them especially useful in winter.
"Thank you, Lord Xuefeng." The students bowed in thanks, many of them visibly excited.
Over the following days, the students were brimming with energy, throwing themselves into all kinds of training and study. Even the three noble friends rarely caused trouble, and they stopped picking fights with Solin and the others.
Gradually, the students became familiar with one another. Even the noble students learned the names of all their commoner classmates.
One afternoon.
"Mick, want to spar?" Solin came over from one side of the Training Ground, carrying a broad wooden sword. He wore a short vest, with strips of cloth wrapped around his wrists.
"Heh, bring it on."
The boy with slanted eyes readily agreed. He picked up the training sword beside him and followed Solin onto the field.
"Tia, they're practicing swordsmanship again." Leaning against the wooden railing, Comia rested her cheek on her hand and spoke with mild boredom.
"Even though it's supposed to be our midday break."
"Diligence is a good thing." Karen approved of the behavior. She glanced at the archery range nearby and prepared to practice with her bow as well.
"Ah, Karen's going too? All right, Tia and I will come along." Comia wore a loose dress that flared like an upside-down trumpet flower, with no waistband.
The three chatted about recent amusing events as they walked.
"Iona didn't come again this afternoon. She doesn't seem very interested in training class. She only shows up for riding practice," Comia continued.
"I heard Iona's family has a lot of influence in the military and possesses many combat techniques and related secrets," Karen said enviously.
"It's hard enough for ordinary people to learn advanced swordsmanship, let alone secret arts involving extraordinary Aspect Power." Comia shook her head.
"By the way, Tia."
"Hmm?" The girl raised her eyes behind her glasses.
"Have you learned any special secret arts while staying with Scholar Heide?"
"Not yet." The girl shook her head.
"Does Scholar Heide teach that sort of thing?"
"He does." Comia nodded.
"My father told me. He heard it from an uncle of his."
"Although Scholar Heide practices a profession with the 'Castle' Aspect Power, he's a scholar and knows a great deal about knowledge and skills. He may not know the highest-level ones, but he definitely has no shortage of secret arts below the First Order."
"For ordinary people, the best way to learn these secret arts is to join a guild, such as the Alchemist Guild. But guilds only teach a limited number of secret arts to outsiders, just a few basic ones. If you really want to advance, you usually need to find a mentor from that profession's path."
"Even the secret arts taught by guilds are already beyond the reach of ordinary people, but there's still a ceiling to how far their members can grow. For example, the most capable Alchemist in the guild is only a Third Order professional."
"Viscount Xuefeng has three Third Order Knights with the Castle Aspect Power under his command. And the Royal Capital has even more remarkable figures gathered there. They say there are legendary figures of the Fifth Order and above." Comia spoke with particular longing.
"People like that probably aren't the sort the guilds could produce." The girl recalled what the merchant Vandhi had told her.
"That's right. Everyone knows that nobles often have scholars serving as aides and advisors, but few people know what organizations those scholars belong to." Comia turned around and leaned close to Tia's ear to whisper.
"I heard that in other countries, the advisors by a lord's side aren't scholars, but powerful Witches. There are even immortal sorceresses who specifically guide emperors."
She took her hand away from the girl's ear and continued.
"There used to be lots of old women who practiced witchcraft among the mountain tribes. Viscount Xuefeng's ancestors were granted their territory by the king for killing a powerful Witch."
As the two chatted quietly, Karen turned around in front of them.
"What are you two talking about?" She sounded a little confused.
"Nothing, Karen. Have you ever hunted a beast with complete Aspect Power?" Comia jogged a few steps to catch up, then waved to Sylutia behind her, signaling that they could talk another time.
"A First Order beast with complete Aspect Power—that would be a Fang Beast, wouldn't it..." Karen walked along, telling them about hunting in the mountains with her father.
Young figures gathered in twos and threes around the Training Ground. Some swung their swords, sweat flying; others leaned beneath the trees and chatted; still others laughed and chased one another.
The afternoon sun fell on the dry ground. Gusts of hot wind blew past, carrying the faint, intoxicating warmth of youth.
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