Chapter 52: Training I
Baines stood in the dimly lit corridor of the Darkan estate, the echo of his footsteps swallowed by the oppressive silence. It took a full five minutes to calm from his outburst, however, his mind churned, the old man’s parting words from the library encounter reverberating like a distant bell: Things have changed.
The cryptic message gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside. ’I’ll find out soon enough,’ he thought. The library’s third floor, with its sparse collection of martial tomes, had lost its allure.
His earlier fascination with Aura Manipulation Techniques had faded, replaced by a mechanical determination to absorb knowledge. In just under two hours, he’d scanned the remaining books with Eye before striding out.
"Oh, Sir Jin, you’re out earlier than expected," the servant stationed outside said, bowing with practiced deference. Beside him stood a new figure, a man in ornate robes, his expression expectant. Baines barely registered them, his focus inward as he brushed past, heading for his quarters.
The servant and the newcomer exchanged glances, their faces etched with surprise.
"That brat..." the robed man muttered, his brow furrowing in displeasure. It seemed he only now remembered. This boy was just a soldier in their family, nothing more.
"S-Sir, please calm yourself," the servant urged, his tone urgent but measured. His role extended beyond mere guidance;
Appease anyone Jin might offend along the way due to his attitude.
And as a member of the Darkan Special Force, assigned to protect the family head, he was no ordinary servant. His polite demeanor only masked a ruthless assassin, meaning he couldn’t be pushed around. "Please relay your message, and I’ll deliver it to Sir Jin without fail."
The robed man studied the servant, sensing the steel beneath his humility. "A-Alright," he relented. "Tell Sir Jin to visit the Flaming Palm Pavilion sometime." With a curt nod, he departed, his robes swishing against the stone floor.
The servant bowed, watching the man’s retreat, his thoughts unreadable. Then he, too, vanished.