Chapter 22 — Aric Grows Suspicious

The evening sun bathed the castle in a golden glow, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Aric wiped sweat from his brow, still breathing heavily from a day of rigorous drills under Kaelen’s watchful eye.

Something nagged at him. Over the past weeks, he had witnessed Kaelen’s abilities in combat—speed, precision, insight that no ordinary master possessed. He had seen the way Kaelen could anticipate every move, deflect every attack, and replicate any technique with flawless execution.

“Master Kaelen,” Aric said cautiously, lowering his sword. “I… I don’t mean to be rude, but… how are you so skilled? You move like… like no one I’ve ever seen. It’s as if you know what I’m going to do before I do it.”

Kaelen remained calm, expression unreadable beneath his hood. “Years of training, observation, and study. Skill comes from understanding your opponent, not just from strength.”

Aric frowned, unconvinced. “I’ve trained my whole life, studied countless techniques, and yet… I can’t even predict your moves. How is that possible? You’re… too perfect. It doesn’t seem human.”

Kaelen’s eyes flickered briefly, a faint shadow of amusement. “Perfection is a matter of perspective, Prince Aric. My role is to guide you, to teach you how to become stronger. Focus on that, not on comparing yourself to me.”

Aric nodded slowly, but doubt lingered in his mind. There was something about Kaelen—something he wasn’t telling. The way he moved, the way he fought, the quiet confidence… it all seemed too extraordinary for a mere teacher.

Later that night, Aric lay in his chamber, replaying the day’s training in his mind. Every move Kaelen had demonstrated, every counter and strike, kept returning to him. He remembered the stories of the colosseum champion—the Masked Fighter known as the Mirrorblade. The undefeated champion who had disappeared years ago.

A shiver ran down his spine. Could… could Kaelen really be…?

He pushed the thought away, shaking his head. “No… it can’t be. That’s impossible. He’s my mentor… just a teacher.”

Yet doubt gnawed at him. Kaelen’s calm, precise movements, his uncanny ability to replicate techniques flawlessly… it was all too familiar. The prince couldn’t deny the possibility, even if his heart tried to convince him otherwise.

Meanwhile, Kaelen observed silently from the shadows, aware of Aric’s growing suspicion. He said nothing, knowing the truth would reveal itself in time. Trust, skill, and understanding needed to be earned, not forced.

Outside the castle walls, the wind carried distant roars and the rustle of unseen threats. The kingdom was far from safe, and the lessons Aric learned now would be crucial in the trials ahead.

But for tonight, Kaelen allowed the prince’s suspicion to linger, a seed planted that would eventually lead to revelation, trust, and the bond that would change both their fates.