Chapter 269
At the center of the training field, Kael stood, holding his sword in a grounded stance. His feet were planted shoulder-width apart, right slightly back, knees bent in a relaxed coil. His blade hovered diagonally, gleaming under the afternoon light, as if poised to leap from his hand. His breathing was steady. His gaze—sharp and focused.
Before him stood Vic, Barret, and Chris—all experienced and respected fighters in the territory. All of them had drawn their blades, a serious look in their eyes.
Kael’s posture was disciplined, but as his ears caught the whispers from the onlookers, one brow twitched.
His stance almost faltered.
"Genius... Reaching A-rank within 8 months, they think, is the work of a genius? Are these people idiots?" Kael cursed inwardly, exasperated.
Hearing the scoff in his tone, Vic and Barret’s lips twitched with amusement.
"Are you sure you aren’t acting tough just to draw more splendor?" Vic asked, raising an eyebrow. "Reaching A-rank isn’t as easy as you’re making it sound."
Kael’s lips curled upward into a half-smile, mocking yet calm.
"How long did it take for Adele to reach here?" he asked without blinking.
Vic thought for a moment and answered, "As per what I’ve heard—it’s about 2 years."
"And you?"