Chapter 29: A Promised Date
Grim was in the training yard, practicing the drawing motion for Sundering Slash. The sun had barely risen, but he'd been at it for nearly an hour already. His muscles still ached from D's training, but in a good way. It was like they were rebuilding themselves stronger than before.
He drew the sword again, trying to achieve the lightning-fast motion D had demonstrated. Aurora energy gathered along the blade's edge, but the release was still too weak to create more than a faint arc of light.
"You've improved."
Grim whirled around to see his father standing at the edge of the yard. Rowan looked tired, his clothes still dusty from travel, but his eyes were alert as they observed Grim's form.
"Father," Grim said, sheathing his sword. "You're back."
Rowan walked closer, studying his son with the careful eye of a master swordsman. "Your stance is different. More balanced."
"I've been training," Grim replied, trying to sound casual.
"Clearly." Rowan circled him slowly. "Your mana circulation has changed too. It's... more focused."
Grim tensed slightly. "You can tell?"
"Of course. Did you think I wouldn't notice?" Rowan stopped in front of him. "Who taught you while I was gone?"
For a moment, Grim considered lying, but what was the point? "His name was D. The Empress arranged it."