Lian and Eldric commenced their training in earnest. The early morning sun cast long shadows over their secluded training area. Eldric, holding a sword with precision, demonstrated a technique that made Lian feel uneasy.

"I don’t want to look like a mountain of muscle, Grandpa," Lian remarked, his tone light but his mind apprehensive about the day's challenges.

Eldric’s expression turned serious as he pointed to his own well-defined muscles. “Speaking of muscle, our training today will focus on building it. With your current frame, how could you ever wield a real sword? Strength is crucial for swordplay.”

Lian’s confidence, which had seemed unshakeable before, now wavered. He tried to reassure himself, “I doubt it will be anything hard. I can handle some sit-ups.”

The day’s exercises were far from easy. Lian struggled to carry heavy logs and walk up the nearby mountain. Exhaustion etched across his face, he could hardly keep up with the relentless demands.

“Lian’s confidence quickly fades as he faces the grueling training exercises,” the narrator’s voice seemed to echo in his mind.

Eldric, on the other hand, demonstrated a level of skill and strength that was both awe-inspiring and daunting. With a single, fluid motion, he cut down a thick tree. As it fell with a thunderous crash, Eldric’s voice cut through the air. “By the time you finish your training, this level of skill will be the bare minimum you can achieve.”

As evening approached, Lian, utterly exhausted, made the decision to skip dinner and head to bed. Eldric, with a knowing smile, sat down to enjoy his meal. “Suit yourself then! More for me,” he said with a chuckle.

Lian muttered in despair, “How could anyone want to eat after such a torturous day of training?”

Eldric overheard him and replied with a serious tone. “It’s only going to get harder from today.”

Lian’s face reflected a mix of despair and sadness as he contemplated the grueling days ahead. The reality of their situation was starting to sink in.

The following morning, Lian woke before the crack of dawn. He rushed to the door, trying to avoid Eldric’s inevitable loud wake-up call. But as Eldric approached, his footsteps heavy and determined, Lian opened the door just in time.

“Please, no yelling…” Lian said, looking tired and slightly annoyed.

Eldric, with a smirk and an annoyed but amused glance, responded, “I’ll be outside in five minutes.”

When Lian stood outside, five minutes later, he was met with the list of the day’s brutal exercises. Eldric, unwavering, detailed the tasks. “Today’s training will include lifting these enormous rocks over your head, carrying massive logs up and down the mountain, and dragging a cart filled with boulders through the forest. Expect the exercises to be even tougher than yesterday.”

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Despite his exhaustion, Lian pushed through the demanding regimen. Sweat poured down his face as he labored with the heavy rocks and logs, determined to keep up with Eldric’s rigorous pace.

After the physical trials, Eldric shifted the focus to sword training. He taught Lian basic sword techniques, demonstrating the correct form and movements. Lian followed along, trying his best to mimic Eldric’s expert techniques.

The lesson progressed to more advanced skills. Eldric now focused on teaching Lian how to parry, counterattack, and dodge sword strikes. The training was intense, with Lian’s skills improving gradually under Eldric’s watchful eye. Despite the grueling nature of the lessons, Eldric’s encouragement and feedback helped Lian stay motivated.

After a particularly grueling session, Lian and Eldric sat down for dinner. Lian, still trying to process the day’s events, decided to ask Eldric about the bloodlust and anger he had noticed during their previous training.

“Grandpa, I’ve been meaning to ask… what was that about the bloodlust and anger you showed during training?” Lian inquired with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Eldric’s face darkened slightly as he put down his spoon. He looked at Lian with a thoughtful expression. “It’s not a pleasant story, but you have a right to know.”

As Eldric began to recount the past, his face was marked with a mix of sadness and gravity. “Your parents were exceptional adventurers. They were on the verge of being promoted to A-rank when everything went wrong.”

In Lian’s mind, a flashback unfolded, showing his parents in heroic poses against the backdrop of the king’s palace, admired and celebrated.

Eldric continued, his voice tense. “The king offered them a position in his service, but they refused. When the king didn’t get his way, he orchestrated their downfall.”

Another flashback revealed a shadowy figure handing a pouch of coins to a group of adventurers, with Lian’s parents in chains in the background. The betrayal was clear.

“The king bribed your parents’ party members to falsely accuse them of plotting to kill him,” Eldric explained. “Their own allies turned against them. Your parents were sentenced to death, and I arrived too late to save them. I spoke out against the king’s actions, and for that, I was marked with a bounty.”

Lian’s eyes widened in shock and sadness. “So, that’s why we’re hiding here…?”

Eldric nodded solemnly. “Yes. To ensure your safety, we moved deep into this forest and set up a magical barrier. It hides us from detection, though we can still see outside.”

In Lian’s mind, another flashback depicted Eldric and Lian setting up the barrier in the forest, the magical barrier shimmering with protective energy.

Back in the present, Lian looked thoughtful, absorbing the gravity of the situation. “I had no idea… Thank you for telling me, Grandpa.”

Eldric placed a reassuring hand on Lian’s shoulder. “You deserve to know the truth. Your parents were brave and honorable. We must honor their memory by staying strong.”

Lian nodded, a look of resolve on his face. He took a deep breath and met Eldric’s gaze with newfound determination. “I’ll do my best. I won’t let their legacy be in vain.”

Eldric smiled, a mixture of pride and relief in his expression. “That’s the spirit. Now, let’s get some rest. Tomorrow, we continue our training.”

As the cabin’s cozy interior settled into nighttime calm, Lian and Eldric prepared for bed. Lian lay in bed, reflecting on the day’s revelations, the weight of their past now clear in his mind.

Outside, the forest was peaceful under the moonlight. The magical barrier glowed faintly, a silent sentinel against the dangers that lay beyond. In the stillness of the night, Lian and Eldric’s journey continued—driven by their strength, their bond, and the promise of a better future.