Klause remains standing unarmed in the ring, one side aching from Jacob Larent’s counter. Jacob Larent waits nearby with his lowered practice sword, while dust settles around their feet.
Rebecca Larent crosses from the mansion grounds, her silver-blonde hair bright in the afternoon sun. She slows at the ring’s edge, taking in the fallen wooden sword and Klause’s uneven stance.
Rebecca Larent
The lesson is unfinished, but the answer from Elara has arrived. Their school will accept you for an advanced magical assessment at the start of next month.
Jacob Larent
His instincts are sharp, and his mana can compensate for much. His body, however, needs time before it can endure lessons designed for older students.
Rebecca Larent steps inside the ring and kneels to retrieve the wooden sword. She offers it back without pressing it into Klause’s hand, leaving the choice visible between them.
Rebecca Larent
The path is clear: one month of physical conditioning with your father, defensive practice with me, then travel to Elara for the assessment. You may enter if they judge you ready.
Jacob Larent
I will not call you unprepared because you were hurt. I will call you unprepared if you refuse to learn from it. Decide whether you can train patiently.
✓ Quest Accepted
Become physically ready for Elara’s advanced magical assessment
✓ Quest Accepted
Complete defensive training with Rebecca
“Ok, ill train harder for the next month then, in both magic and swordsmanship”
SUCCESS (Good Health, rolled +3)
Klause larent
“I’ll train harder for the next month, in both magic and swordsmanship.”
The month becomes a disciplined rhythm. Klause rises before sunrise for footwork and balance with Jacob, then practices layered wards, redirection, and controlled force with Rebecca.
Jacob’s corrections grow sharper as Klause learns to recover without surrendering his guard. By the final week, his wooden blade no longer leaves his defense open after a committed strike.
Jacob Larent
You are still young, but your stance now holds under pressure. You are ready to face the assessment without relying on talent alone.
Rebecca’s exercises produce an equally clear result. Klause sustains three defensive layers at once, redirects incoming force, and ends each spell precisely when its purpose is fulfilled.
Rebecca Larent
Your control has surpassed what I expected in a single month. I have sent word to Elara that you are prepared for their advanced assessment.
The extra training reveals an unexpected advantage: the threefold defensive mark in Klause’s palm now answers instinctively, forming a brief shield whenever his balance breaks. The road to Elara stands open.
Set out for Elara
Quest Complete
Become physically ready for Elara’s advanced magical assessment
Quest Complete
Complete defensive training with Rebecca