Kirin ascended the stairs with a trembling breath, his legs unsteady. The stage loomed ahead, adorned with shimmering illusions of an enthusiastic crowd. Kaito stood at the center, crossing his arms and exuding an air of confidence.

"Address them with conviction," his grandfather instructed. "Imagine them as ardent supporters, eager to hear your vision."

Kirin nodded weakly, his knees turning to jelly. Stepping onto the platform, he froze in place. Before him sprawled an endless expanse of illusory faces, their eyes fixed expectantly upon him. Despite his attempts to steady his racing heart, each breath did little to calm the storm within.

When he parted his lips, only a feeble squeak escaped. Panic constricted his throat, imagining the echoing laughter that would follow any feeble attempt at words. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

Kaito noticed his distress. "Take your time. They long to hear your voice," he reassured, though the words offered little respite for Kirin's frazzled nerves.

Finally, Kirin managed to gasp, "G-Good people of the dukedom, I s-stand b-before you t-today..."

Every syllable felt like a knot, contorting his tongue with each twist. The crowd's faces blurred, a buzzing cacophony filling his ears. Maintain your stance, you fool! Yet his treacherous body had its own agenda.

Darkness enveloped Kirin's vision. His final thought lingered on failure, on proving his unworthiness once more, before the void swallowed him whole.

When consciousness returned, Kaito's stern countenance loomed above. "Fainted at the first attempt, eh? We have much work ahead, grandson. Your journey of training has only just begun."

Kirin gradually regained awareness, finding himself reclined on a plush sofa. Kaito sat by his side, his concerned expression giving way to a contemplative smile.

"How do you fare, my grandson?" he inquired gently.

Kirin touched his head gingerly. "Utterly mortified."

Kaito patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Nonsense. You have learned a crucial lesson—public speaking does not come effortlessly. But you possess the strength to overcome."

Kirin met his grandfather's gaze, uncertainty etched in his features. "What comes next, Grandfather? You mentioned that embarrassment nurtures confidence, yet a single speech nearly incapacitated me."

Chuckling softly, Kaito explained, "We shall subject you to gradual discomforts, to desensitize you. Consider it a process of building resilience—through endurance, future embarrassments will lose their power over you."

Kirin grimaced in response. "So, you aim to humble me into boldness, is that the plan?"

"Not humiliation, merely embracing mild awkwardness," Kaito replied, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Trust me, after our lessons, you shall confront any audience without a flinch!"

Kaito helped Kirin stand after he fainted on stage. Smiling reassuringly, he said, "Come, let's take a moment to rest. I know a good place."

They left the auditorium and entered a large training hall. The sound of clashing weapons and voices practicing filled the air. Walls displayed shelves of weapons, each with its own purpose.

Kirin looked around in awe. Longswords gleamed, polished to perfection. Bows leaned against the walls next to full quivers. Daggers, staffs and shields were scattered throughout, waiting to be used.

Kaito led Kirin past rows of weapons, speaking with respect. "These are the tools of our work. Each requires different skills to master and represents choices we make."

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Kirin's eyes moved from weapon to weapon, curious. He asked Kaito, "Which should I choose?"

Kaito smiled knowingly. "That is for you alone to decide. The weapon reflects who you are as a fighter and the path you wish to walk."

Kirin thought hard. He admired archery's grace but swords' raw power also appealed. Staffs' versatility and energy-channeling interested him too. So many options promised different experiences.

As Kirin pondered, Kaito continued, "Your choice today does not need to be permanent. It is a starting point to explore abilities and find strengths. You can learn and adapt as you progress though you have to choose one by the end of the month, so you can develop basics for a weapon of choice before your enrollment."

Kirin chose the elegant katana. Kaito nodded approvingly. "An excellent selection. Come, let us begin."

Kirin wrapped his fingers tighter around the katana's hilt. The weight felt solid and grounding in his grasp. He ran his thumb along the pristine blade, admiring its graceful taper and keen edge.

They walked to the sprawling training grounds. Kirin greedily gripped a practice sword, anticipating training.

The air was fragrant with pine and leftover scents of morning practice - sweat, grass, steel.

Just then, a cloaked mage entered and knelt before Kaito, beads in her hair tinkling softly. "My lord, it is ready as requested."

"Lead the way," Kaito commanded.

As they followed the mage, two maids intercepted Kaito. "Pardon, but you requested an outfit be prepared."

They dressed him in elegant white robes tailored in the traditional Japanese style, befitting his status. An ornate family crest decorated the back in shimmering gold thread.

Once satisfied, the maids turned to Kirin. "You as well, young master." They dressed him similarly, though with simpler adornments befitting a learner.

Emerging into a grassy clearing, Kirin gasped. Before him stretched a crystal-clear lake, waters glimmering under the noon sun. Tall trees swayed soothingly around the shore, their leaves whispering mysteries on the breeze. Wildflowers dotted the grass in vibrant splashes of color.

The mage bowed. "All is prepared as you wished, Master Kaito." He gestured to a small dock upon the lake.

"Enter the waters, grandson."

Kirin's confusion grew as Kaito instructed him to enter the serene lake. Though unsure, he trusted his grandfather. He stepped forward slowly, feet sinking into the cool, clear water. A shiver travelled up his body at the unfamiliar sensation, but he steeled his nerves and continued deeper. 'It's just water, why am I feeling so tensed?

As Kirin waded further, a strange transformation began. The once crystal waters shifted, deepening to a crimson hue that spread outwards in branching tendrils. The color resembled blood - an unsettling sight that sparked panic within Kirin.

Fear gripped him tightly, instinctively urging retreat. But Kaito's reassuring voice cut through, calming yet firm. "Do not be alarmed, Kirin. This is merely a ritual."

Even so, concern and confusion remained etched on Kirin's face. His mind whirled with questions as he found his voice amidst the turmoil. "But how? Why is the lake turning red?"

Kirin's eyes widened with horror as Kaito revealed the true nature of the liquid surrounding him. It was the blood of demons, a substance that made his skin crawl and his instincts scream for escape. He desperately tried to move, but an invisible force held him in place, rendering his body immobile.

Kaito, observing Kirin's struggle, approached him with a calm demeanor, his voice resonating with a mixture of authority and explanation. "It is common among the wealthy nobles to bathe in the blood of demons for the purpose of awakening," he began, his words sending a shiver down Kirin's spine. "And for you, Kirin, this blood is particularly fresh."

Fear and confusion gripped Kirin as he mustered the strength to ask, "Why? Why do I need to undergo this... this horrifying ritual?"

Kaito's eyes bore into Kirin's, his gaze unwavering. "Because, my dear Kirin, this ritual will activate your dormant bloodline element while simultaneously creating a mana core within you," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "It is the fastest way to modify your body and grant you immense strength."

Kirin's body trembled as he absorbed the weight of Kaito's words. The realization that his very essence would be altered, his body and soul forever connected to the blood of demons, filled him with a mix of fear and unease. Yet, amidst the rising panic, he couldn't help but notice that he didn't feel any immediate changes.

Sensing Kirin's apprehension, Kaito sighed heavily. "It will take time, Kirin. The first hour is relatively painless as the blood begins to purify your being," he explained, a tinge of concern lacing his words. "But I must admit, I cannot bear to watch this transformation unfold. It is a trial you must face alone."

Kirin's heart raced with a newfound sense of unease. The castle, his only sanctuary, stood a kilometer away from the lake where this ritual was taking place. The thought of his screams echoing through the distance, reaching the ears of his family, sent a chill down his spine.

Feeling a wave of fear wash over him, Kirin stammered, "Is... is it truly that bad? Will the pain be unbearable?"

Kaito's expression darkened, his voice laced with a solemn truth. "Bad doesn't even come close to describing it, Kirin," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "We will have our talk after three days. Mages will activate a soundproof barrier, shielding the castle from the agonizing screams that may escape your lips."