Chapter 17 Wake-up Call

Rein looked up at his grandfather.

“Even if I’m not chosen to be the Hero… I want to train. I want to become stronger. Stronger than I ever was. I wasted too much time playing, dreaming, thinking someone else would always be there to protect everyone. But now I know better. I couldn't protect my parents. I couldn't protect my village. I don't ever want to feel that helpless again. I want to stand beside Aura — not just watch her. I want to fight for this kingdom too. Even if I don’t become the Hero, I’ll give it everything I have.”

The King was quiet. Then, slowly, his mouth curved into a small, almost tired smile.

“So stubborn. Just like your father. Very well, Rein. If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you. You’ll be added to the Hero Candidate roster — though don’t expect special treatment just because of your blood.”

"I don't need special treatment, I want the same training Aura gets, no, even harder." 

“So be it, my dear boy. I’ll have Liora oversee your integration. She’ll see that you’re properly outfitted — sword, spellbooks, schedule, tutors… whatever you need, she’ll arrange it. You can meet her tomorrow in the morning, your training will begin soon after. But promise me this: don’t forget who you are. You're not just another candidate. You are the future of this kingdom.”

He stepped forward and placed a hand on Rein’s shoulder.

“Train. Fight. Grow strong. But come back alive, Rein. I already lost my son. I won’t lose my grandson too.”

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Next morning.

Liora stood in the middle of Rein’s assigned room. Laid out neatly on the cot behind her were Rein’s new things: a finely crafted cadet’s armor set, and a standard-issue longsword made of hardened alloy.

She turned to him with her usual calm expression, arms crossed.

“Well, since you insisted on staying here instead of your marble-coated royal suite… here you are.”

Rein glanced around the room. It was quiet. No servants, no gold, no over-polished floors. Just the faint echo of drills being run outside. 

“This is better, thank you, Miss Liora.”

 “Suit yourself. But just so you know — you’re the prince. You can do whatever you please. Sleep in the training yard, eat with the squires, throw out all this regulation gear and swing a tree branch if it makes you feel better. No one here will stop you. Still, I suggest you use what’s given. This gear is standard for Hero candidates, and it’s far better than what most outside this place can afford. It’ll keep you alive longer. Now… you’ll have a bit of a problem.”

 “Problem?”

 “Sparring partners.”

“Why?”

“Because nobody wants to be the one who accidentally injures the King’s only grandson. Even the instructors will be hesitant. One wrong hit, one scratch, God forbids one broken bone — they might just lose their heads. Literally. So. Don’t take it personally if people avoid getting near you for a while. If you want to train properly, you’ll need to make your own routine. Push yourself. No one else will do it for you.”

Rein glanced at the sword, then to the armor.

“That won’t be a problem.”

“I don’t think so either. You’re not weak, Rein. If anything, you're already close to catching up to Aura. She’s special — but so are you. And remember: the King only extends forgiveness so far — and only for you. The rest of us? We don’t get that luxury. I don't want trouble. So please, don't create it.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Your first training block starts tomorrow morning at dawn. Don't be late. Hero cadets don’t sleep in.”

With that, she stepped out, leaving Rein alone with his new tools.

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The next morning, Rein stepped into the training grounds dressed in his new cadet armor. His presence didn’t go unnoticed. Cadets nearby glanced his way, then turned quickly to whisper among themselves.

“Is that… the prince?”

“Why’s he here?”

“Is he really going to train with us?”

“No way I’m getting near him. What if he trips and bruises? I’m not losing my head over it.”

They didn’t even try to hide the fact that they were keeping distance. A wide, invisible circle formed around him.

Aura broke through the crowd, half-jogging toward him with a shy smile.

“You’re really here.” 

 “Yeah… I am.”

Her eyes flicked to the gear he wore.

 “Full cadet armor and all. You joined the Hero candidates?”

 “Can’t drown in my own despair forever. It’s time I got back on my feet. It’s time I got strong enough to kill the Demon Lord.”

 Rein stepped forward, eyes locked with hers.

“I want to spar with you.”

“What?”

“I need a wake-up call. I want to see where I stand. Where my strength is now… and how far I need to go. Go all out. Don’t hold back. I’m not asking for a lesson, Aura. I’m asking you to hit me like you mean it. As hard as you can.”

The cadets around them tensed. Even the instructors nearby turned to watch. Whispers picked up again, louder now.

“Oh-dayum! She’s going to destroy him.”

“Wait—he wants to spar her? Is he insane? King will hang her and us for not stopping them if she injures him.”

But Aura didn’t hesitate. She smiled.

“Alright. I’ll give you what you’re asking for. No holding back.”

She stepped into the ring, Rein followed her in, drawing his wooden training blade.

The instructors gave a nod from the side. The ring cleared.

Aura raised her blade.

Rein mirrored her stance.