'Thanks for the encouragement, mom,' I thought sarcastically, though I maintained my neutral expression.

—There's a reason why I never told you this, and it was because I wanted you to live happily, without many worries —I saw her smile weakly, as if every muscle in her face fought against the sadness that invaded her—. The tower kidnaps young people, usually between twelve and eighteen years old.

I blinked, surprised by this revelation.

I saw her clench her teeth and bite her lower lip while her gaze got lost in memories as she abruptly changed the subject.

—I started training with the spear at six years old and learned hand-to-hand combat at ten. Ars, do you know why I started training in hand-to-hand combat at such an advanced age?

'Advanced age? Ten years old?' I wanted to ask how someone could consider ten years as "an advanced age," but I contained my curiosity. Instead, I immersed myself in a deep analysis of her words.

Although I didn't know the answer to my mother's question, I decided to share the first thing that crossed my mind: —Why did you think it could be useful for your spear ability?

I saw how she raised an eyebrow at my response.

—Really? —I asked, seeking confirmation.

—Yes, you're right —She gave me a smile before continuing—. In fact, I don't know complicated and deep spear skills. I only know the most basic techniques that everyone can do, like piercing, cutting, and pushing. The same goes for hand-to-hand combat.

Interesting, I thought. It seems my mother focuses on the fundamentals instead of complex techniques.

For that, throughout her years, she had basically been practicing the three most basic movements an infernal number of times.

—I did that because I only knew the spear as a weapon to kill others and nothing more. I couldn't find any other purpose for it.

Just for killing? The idea disturbed me. Wasn't there any other purpose than that?

Since she said "wasn't," she must have had some kind of change of opinion.

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—That belief stayed with me until one day a different thought came to my mind. No, it would be more accurate to say that I felt something.

Mom had been talking without pause, but suddenly clicked her tongue as if struggling to find the right words.

—I don't know how to describe it, but... I felt the spear becoming part of my body, like an extension of my arm.

An extension of the body... The idea resonated with me. It must be an incredible sensation.

—After a great amount of effort and time, I was able to grasp this sensation, but as a result, I felt regretful.

Spear techniques were based on a person's will and physical capabilities. My mother had considered a spear simply as a tool for murder, so it had been difficult for her to reach this level of mastery.

She continued with a melancholic voice as if remembering her past. —If I had trained my body first before the spear... I could have taken much less time to get there...

She smiled cheerfully at me. —Isn't it right that as a mother, I try to prevent you from making the same mistakes I did?

I returned her smile. I felt grateful that mom had generously shared her secrets and methods with me.

—I understand. What should I do first?

My proactivity increased her enthusiasm. I clenched my fists, motivated.

—Hmm, I have a clear idea of what you should do first for now.

—Ohh, what is it?

She smiled instead of answering, walked and took me out of the castle's training field.

The Royal Capital, Danafor, was filled with numerous floating orbs of light that surrounded the city, creating a warm and luminescent glow.

The buildings were made of a jade-like material intertwined with large, tall trees, while the houses were built on unnaturally thick branches that extended from enormous trunks.

The city was covered by a lush field of soft moss, with narrow sidewalks, and the main road was paved with smooth stone.

There were squadrons of elegantly dressed elf soldiers who bowed to my mother after seeing her.

Although elves loved peace and beautiful things, they knew that harmony was maintained when you had the power to protect it.

I looked at these soldiers and through my eyes, I knew they were an elite force.

Even the most ordinary elf soldier was a true Ascendant, grade C elves. The captains were Rankers.

I couldn't help but make a face of amazement. An ordinary soldier here was stronger than most humans.

After passing the entrance and the stone bridge, Adelaide took a drink of water from the river called Bladeheart —a surname associated with one of the five Primordial Clans of the elves— with a look of satisfaction on her face.

I were confused, this was different from what I expected.

What is she planning? I wondered, intrigued by the sudden change.

Although my mother had told me she was going to teach me combat as she used to do in the past, she had suddenly taken me outside.

Is she planning to have a practice combat with me?

However, contrary to what I thought, Adelaide stretched her arms and said: —It turns out my body also feels stiff because I haven't warmed up. We can warm up together.

—What?

—Hmm? Ah, we're going to run for now. —With a smile, my mother explained that we will run through the Sunlight Corridor.

It was a huge road that stretched for tens and tens of kilometers. I had no idea where it ended, but just thinking about it made my head hurt.