Ultimately, the mansion came into view as the last glimpses of the sun vanished behind the horizon.

Vern finished the day with a lavish dinner.

Early in the morning, he rose from the bed, spending the day preparing for his departure and doing some training exercises.

Then, as he entered the carriage, he took one last look at the luxurious mansion that was about to be traded in for a much less comforting environment.

But all Vern felt was excitement. He knew it was finally time to make some progress and becoming a better fighter was one of his objectives, after all.

When he arrived at the fort, a man waiting at the gate took him inside.

»I am Marlow, your instructor. You may refer to me as 'sir' or 'instructor'.« He brushed his blonde hair back in a dignified manner. »Any lineage or status is nonexistent during training, so don't expect special treatment. I will now guide you to your lodgings. If you have any questions, please ask your comrades before you come to me, understand?«

Vern nodded and followed along. They crossed the courtyard he had fought on and entered the interior.

All the walls were simply grey, plain stone, highly functional, with no frills.

After a few corridors and stairs, they reached a door. Marlow beat the metal ring attached against the wood, and when he received permission, he stepped inside.

The room was equally as bare as the rest Vern had seen.

Two beds and a cupboard, all cramped in a small space. That was it. However, on one of the beds, a young man was seated, polishing leather gear.

»Well, I'll let you two go at it now«, said Marlow and just left.

»Come in«, the young man said. »I am Mantel. Looks like we are going to be roommates.«

Vern stepped inside. »I am Vern. Nice to meet you.«

»You too. Don't take it personally, by the way. Marlow just really doesn't want to be here. He's been our instructor for like two days, and rumor is that he already begged his superior to let him leave.«

»Well«, Vern dropped himself on the empty bed. »Sounds like he's going to be lots of fun.«

»Yes. And for a while, unfortunately. Our previous instructor broke some of his rips in a recent mock fight, so he won't return for some time.«

»Ha«, Vern uttered, inwardly hoping that Stane wasn't going to hold a grudge against him.

Mantel put the leather aside. »Since I'm finished here, I'll give you a quick tour of the place. Firstly, you should know that we take care of everything ourselves in our free time. With 'us' I mean the 25, no now 26 recruits. And with 'everything' I mean laundry, cooking, and such.«

Vern listened closely and nodded.

»Equipment is in the cupboard. Make sure to clean it after use, as the instructors generally pay a lot of attention to appearance. Now let's have a look around.«

They left the room, and Mantel showed him the places of the fort they were going to use most frequently.

»We'll start cooking dinner soon, so you can make yourself acquainted with the other's there«, said Mantel after their tour had concluded. »Just ask me. If anything comes up.«

Vern smiled gratefully, and while waiting, he tried on the things he had received.

Eventually, the 26 recruits gathered in the kitchen and after distributing the tasks, started working on dinner. Vern noticed that a few of the others whispered behind his back, which didn't surprise him since he recognized some of them as spectators from the mock fight. But he didn't feel any hostility directed toward him. Yet.

After dinner, the group chatted for a while and removed the mess they had made in the kitchen.

»So, one more thing«, said Mantel as he and Vern went back to their rooms. »There aren't any rules regarding nighttime, but I advise you to not disturb anybody and go to sleep early yourself. Otherwise, you won't be managing the training schedule for long.«

»I understand. Don't worry. I value sleep very much myself.«

As Vern lay in his bed staring at the ceiling, waiting to become sleepy, he started to converse with Velvet. ›So what do you think so far?‹

›Yeah doesn't look too bad. I am just worried that you're going to spend way too much time in the forest during training. It looks way too similar to my old place.‹

›Well, I think that will be the case. A forest is a forest, after all. At least it feels like coming home for you, won't it?‹

›I would prefer, it wouldn't …‹

Vern took a deep breath and actively relaxed his muscles. ›Visiting home can be nice … sometimes …‹

His thoughts faded as he slowly drifted into the realm of dreams.

The next morning, a loud voice roared through the corridor the recruits were sleeping next to. Vern opened his eyes, and his heart pounded. He needed a moment to realize where he was and what was going on, and relaxed a little.

»Outside in the yard in 15 minutes!«, Marlow shouted and banged against every single door as he walked past.

14 minutes later, 26 young men stood in line divided into two rows outside. The sun had just made its appearance, and the air was still chilly from the night.

»Very well, it seems like all of you are in time for once. We will do the same as one Saturday's training. If you beat me, you get a day off. If I win, you'll handle all the housework for me.

The group groaned, but nobody objected.

»Yeah, and one more thing, since you're all so motivated. The winner also decides what's for dinner, so I never have to taste that stew again. It was so disgusting.«

As the group started with some lapse to warm up, Vern asked Mantel what this was all about.

»Well, on his first day, instructor Marlow wanted to race against us, and as he won, wanted us to take care of him. Like preparing his food and doing his laundry. At first, we were excited by the prospect of getting a day off, but we quickly realized that there was no chance of beating him.

It seems he's planning on doing it every day so that he never has to take care of things himself.«

Mantel fell quiet as they passed by Marlow.

»I see. Looks like someone needs a lesson.«

»Well, you can try. But I don't think you'll stand a chance.«

After they had finished warming up, they gathered outside the fort.

»So I'll explain the rules again since a new recruit has joined our ranks.« Marlow looked at Vern. »We will run across this meadow to the tree line, but also the way back, so don't go all out immediately. I don't want to wait ten minutes again for all of you to trudge yourself back. And don't trip because that can easily break your leg at those speeds, and I don't want to have to deal with that either.«

As they formed the starting line, Vern noticed that all of the other recruit's faces were grim.

Were their chances of winning against Marlow really that slim?

He wanted to find out for himself for sure, as someone that strong could greatly help him improve.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

The meadow ahead was vast, a couple of kilometers of flat terrain, for sure.

»Ready!«, Marlow shouted, and everyone started to channel their mana to legs and feet. »Set! Go!«

In one moment, 27 figures rushed forward, only leaving dispursed blades of grass behind.

As Marlow had recommended, Vern hadn't gone all out from the start, but he still left most of the other recruits behind. However, he was pretty sure that it was less thanks to his superior abilities and more due to them not even really trying.

Marlow ran several meters ahead, and every time Vern tried to overtake him, he noticed and went just fast enough to be a few meters ahead again.

When they passed half the meadow, Vern and Marlow had left the others far behind.

Vern focused most of his attention on the ground before him, making sure to dodge any obstacles and holes. Only sparsely, he took a glance at Marlow, who seemed to have enormous mana amounts, as he didn't even break a sweat.

On the other hand, Verm burned through his mana and an increasing rate, which he couldn't hold up for much longer.

As he slowed down, essentially admitting his defeat, Marlow did so as well, staying just a few meters in front.

They had reached the turn, and Vern had grown increasingly frustrated. Every time he decelerated, Marlow did so too, and every time he tried to overtake him, he just went a little faster again.

Now Vern understood why the others didn't even try at this point. Their instructor was clearly toying with them.

But Vern didn't want to give up just yet. There was one more thing he wanted to try before conceding.

When they passed by the other recruits again, Vern slowed down more and more. He pretended to be drained of mana, and as expected, Marlow adjusted his speed accordingly.

At this point, Vern was merely jogging along, and Marlow came over to him.

»Not bad. Now I see how you beat that old geezer in the mock battle. But you know, I am not like him. So you better believe it when I say you'll never beat me.

He smiled derisively, and now Vern was sure that this man was cheating somehow.

There was no way that someone with that attitude would ever reach these heights of mana control. Vern only knew too well from experience how much work you had to put in.

The finishing was about a kilometer away, and the others started to close in on Vern and Marlow.

So Vern decided it was time. All at once, he released the mana he had saved up and flew forward like a bullet.

He heard traces of Marlow's groan as he tried to catch up to him. But all of Vern's attention was on his body and its movements. One wrong step would certainly break all his bones.

500 meters, 300 meters, 100 meters. The finish came closer and closer, and Vern had used everything he had to get this far.

And just 10 meters before winning, he saw out of the corner of his eyes a figure passing by.

When Vern crossed the line they'd started from, he immediately collapsed on the ground, totally exhausted, trying to catch his breath.

Marlow walked up to him and looked down. »Well, you're certainly a cheeky little brat. Trying to pull something like that on me? I hope you've learned your lesson.«

Vern didn't answer, not that he could've at this point.

As the last of the recruits trickled in, Vern had recovered enough to stand on his own two feet again.

»Well, that was something!«, Marlow said. »I am very disappointed in almost all of you. This fresh recruit…« He put his hand on Vern's shoulder. »has beaten all of you. Yeah, I know that you all didn't even try, but this is an attitude I won't accept going forward. Only if you give it your all every day, continuously, you will grow stronger and maybe one day be worthy of competing with me. So tomorrow, I want to see better results from all of you.«

The other recruits didn't dare to say anything, but their faces showed everything one needed to know.

As they moved back to the fort, Mantel approached Vern. »That was some great running, really impressive. But as I told you, Marlow is just … Marlow … you can't beat him, and he doesn't hold back rubbing it in your face afterward.«

»Yeah, it is quite remarkable what he is capable of. One wouldn't suspect his skill from observing his day-to-day behavior and attitude.«

»Hahaha, true. But don't they such things out too loudly. The one in question is also known to have excellent hearing.«

When they reached the fort, they started training their sword technique in pairs.

Naturally, Vern teamed up with Mantel, and during this lighter session, he had plenty of time to recover.

›What's your angle on this?‹, he asked Velvet as he slowly played through a choreographed set of actions with Mantel.

›Hmm, I think I'm thinking what you're thinking‹, Velvet said.

›I see. Can you confirm for me if he is really wearing one? I can't see anything through his leather gloves.‹

›Well, how am I supposed to see through his gloves then? I don't have that kind of ability. I can only see souls through objects.‹

›I know, I know. I want you to just walk up to him and literally study his hand and fingers as long as you can from as close as you can. Then you should be able to tell if there is a ring under one of his gloves, no?‹

›Well … I don't know … there are so many people here … and–‹

›Please, can you just do that for me?‹, interjected Vern and blocked a strike. ›That would make you so useful. The greatest fox, or whatever species you actually are, ever. Please. Please!‹

›Okay, okay. I'll have a look when he passes by.‹

A few minutes later, when Marlow came to their corner of the yard, Velvet made his appearance.

As Marlow examined each pair's exercises, a big white fox stood directly in front, closely inspecting his hands.

Velvet took his time watching his hand movements but then jumped back immediately into Vern's body as soon as he was done.

›And? What do you think?‹

›Yes. He is definitely wearing a ring on his left hand, but I can't tell if it is a mana ring or not. Too hard to tell through the fabric.‹

›I think we can safely assume that it is one‹, said Vern concentrating more on his swordplay as Marlow started watching them now. ›Not only because of the abilities he has shown, but also because I didn't see him wear any ring when I arrived yesterday. So who would wear a ring only in training and not in his free time if it weren't to benefit him?‹

›That's a pretty sound conclusion. So what are you planning on doing with that information?‹

›Hmm … I don't know yet.‹ Vern hadn't thought about it in depth and hadn't the concentration necessary to do so at present.

A few minutes later, Marlow assembled the recruits and granted them time to eat breakfast.

As they headed inside, Mantel approached Vern. »Man, you're so good with the sword as well. Do you mind to keep training with me in the future? I still don't feel like I get the movements quite right …«

»Yeah, we can do that. And well, I have had a lot of training … you could say that. I guess? So don't feel too bad. You're doing fine.«

»Mhm, thanks. I've picked up some things. The others were talking about you.«

»Oh?«

»Yeah, they said that you had a private trainer, so I guess that explains you're skillfulness.«

»Yes. That's true. Anything else they mentioned?«

A smile appeared on Mantel's face. »Well, there was one more thing. They said that they were watching as you beat instructor Stane.«

Vern's face darkened. »Yeah, that's true as well. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to injure him …«

»Hahaha, don't worry. I and the others won't hold that against you. After all, you have to suffer the consequences just as much as we do.« He pointed his thumb behind to the outside, where they had last seen Marlow.

Vern smiled. »Yes, I guess I do.«

After they had finished their break, training resumed. They kept practicing the sword until lunch and then switched towards marching, and at the same time, Marlow lectured them on how to behave in certain settings.

Eventually, the sun started setting, and they wrapped up the day by making dinner. Marlow had told them exactly what he wanted to eat, and they diligently followed his instructions.

›So I've been contemplating for a while. I think for now we shouldn't do anything with the information we've gained‹, he said to Velvet while cutting carrots.

›Oh? I'm surprised. I thought you were for sure going to expose him for cheating or something like that.‹

›Well, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to do that. But I don't really know where that would lead. Besides, Marlow is definitely using the mana ring without permission since only a few royal guards wear them. And exclusively on duty in the palace at that. I could always snatch it … and maybe get away with it. Having one would sure be already amazing.‹

›Hahaha, you want to steal it instead? I like your thinking.‹

›Well, not right away. But maybe an opportunity will arise. If I did it right now, I could get caught up in the fallout.‹

›Oh, well, doing something like that would be exciting for sure. Secretly moving around the fort, I'll scout ahead, and we steal it without ever being seen …‹

›Yeah, well, we can do some reconnaissance nonetheless, and you can have some fun with that.‹

He looked for Mantel and asked him if he could be the one delivering the dinner to Marlow's living quarters and used the pretense of wanting to ask how Stane was doing.

Therefore, when they had finished making the meal, Vern took a plate and headed out. Mantel had described him the way, and a few minutes later, Vern arrived at a door.

›So hear is the plan‹, Vern said. ›You're going to look through the room and see if you can figure out where he put the mana ring, presuming he doesn't wear it. I'll try to stall a bit for time.‹

›Understand. I'll do my best.‹ Velvet jumped out and through the door.

Vern knocked immediately after, as he didn't want the food to get cold.

»Come in«, answered Marlow, and Vern opened the door.

Although Vern had expected his room to be a bit more luxurious, he was nonetheless a little surprised. The room was still the same as one of theirs with its cold, grey rock walls but at least three times as big.

However, the furniture was of that kind you would only see in a noble's mansion, and it didn't fit here at all.

Marlow looked up from the book he was reading. He slouched on a sofa, his feet resting on a table.

»Ah, it's you. Please put it down here«, he said and took his feet off the table he pointed to.

Vern did as he was told and glanced over to the cupboard Velvet currently had his head in.

»I was wondering«, Vern said as he put the plate down. »How instructor Stane is doing? Do you happen to know anything?«

»Ha«, Marlow exclaimed and took a closer look at the food. »I've heard he's doing alright. You didn't permanently maim him, so he should be back in a month or two, and I'll be off.«

He sighed and took a bite of the meat.

›I can't find anything‹, Velvet reported.

›Hmm, did you look under his bet? I would maybe hide it somewhere there. You know, keeping it close for emergencies and night.‹

›I'll have a look.‹ Velvet moved over to the double bed at the other end of the room.

»Yeah, the meat is … alright … cook it for a little longer next time, and it will be perfect«, said Marlow and tasted the side dishes next.

›Ah, I found it‹, Velvet declared proudly. ›It's hidden between the mattress and frame on the side close to the wall. It looks exactly like the ones in your memories, so it is definitely a mana ring.‹

›Execellent work.‹

At the same time, Marlow looked up and caught Vern staring at his bed.

»Everything is fine«, he said, and his eyes narrowed slightly. »You may go now if there is nothing else on your mind.«

Vern bowed his head respectfully and took his leave.

As he reached the door, Marlow added: »I'll put my plate outside in about half an hour. Make sure that someone takes it away. I don't want to stumble over it again like last time.«

Vern nodded and left to finally enjoy some dinner of his own.