Warhammer: Dark Knights

"Now, all of you, run 50 laps around the training ground to test your endurance," Chief Instructor Alaric ordered.

'This is simple enough. I just need to make sure I'm not the first to stop, and I don't need to run too much. Once about half of them stop, I can quit too,' you thought, positioning yourself in the middle of the group as you began running.

After 27 laps, almost half the people had stopped. 'I'll stop after this lap; it shouldn't raise any suspicion.' After finishing the 28th lap, you pretended to be out of energy and went to rest on the side of the training ground.

"It seems the reports about Master Richard weren't false. His stamina has reached the basic requirement," Chief Instructor Alaric remarked to the other instructors.

"Of course, Chief Instructor Alaric, we wouldn't falsify a report about Master Richard," one of the instructors replied.

'Now, it's time to test Richard's swordsmanship,' Alaric thought. Fifteen minutes later, after everyone had finished their laps, he announced, "Now, I'll be testing your sword skills to see if any of you are fit to appear on the battlefield. I'll pair you up, and the other instructors and I will supervise the process."

As the eldest, Cassius was naturally the first to be chosen, and he quickly defeated his opponent, proving himself to be a competent heir to the family. Marcellus went up second and won his match, just slightly slower than Cassius. After more than ten matches, it was finally your turn. Your opponent seemed to be around your age, but you couldn't underestimate him—he'd been training with a sword since he could hold one.

'I just need to avoid losing too quickly. Since Richard wasn't good with a sword, no one will suspect anything if I don't perform well. Based on what I've seen in videos, I should be able to handle this… right?' you thought.

As you and your opponent exchanged formal sword salutes and prepared to begin, a flood of knowledge about sword fighting and battle experience suddenly filled your mind. Everything appeared in first-person perspective, which left you puzzled as to where these memories came from and whose they were.

But these memories were certainly helpful, as you could use this duel to practice the techniques. 'As long as I don't stand out too much, showing some improvement will be enough.'

At that moment, your opponent launched his attack. With just a glance, you spotted his attack trajectory and the buildup of his strength. You easily raised your sword, accurately blocking his strike. The sound of clashing steel echoed in the air. Seizing the momentum, you twisted your wrist, deflecting his sword and following up with a leftward slash aimed at his body. However, your opponent reacted quickly, leaping back just in time to avoid your blow.

As you exchanged blows with your opponent, Chief Instructor Alaric commented to a nearby instructor, "It seems Master Richard have been training during his confinement. While still behind his peers, he shows potential for improvement."

"Yes, Chief Instructor Alaric," the instructor agreed. "Master Richard has indeed made noticeable progress. At least he no longer panics under attack."

The other instructors nodded in agreement, murmuring their approval.

'It seems Master Richard does have potential. If he starts training seriously now, he could become a competent swordsman for the family, and the family head need not worry about his reputation any longer,' Alaric thought.

You narrowly defeated your opponent, and the two of you saluted, swords held to your chests, blades slightly inclined, bowing to each other in respect. 'That should show them I'm improving. Father won't keep such a close eye on me now.'

As you finished and moved to the side to rest, Cassius smiled at you and said, "Richard, it seems you've really been practicing. You've improved so quickly. Keep it up, and you'll get even stronger."

"Thank you, Brother Cassius. I'll continue to work hard," you replied. Marcellus smiled and added, "That's right. If you keep practicing, you might even become like Kael."

"Haha, Brother Marcellus, don't joke like that. There's no way I could be like Brother Kael."

Kael, the sixth child of the Aurelian family, was the best fighter among all the brothers and a highly capable officer. People often said he might become a lieutenant colonel before turning 35, and he served in the regular army, not just the family's private forces, proving his exceptional talent.

"All right, today's training is over," Chief Instructor Alaric's voice rang out across the training ground, calm yet commanding, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Sunlight streamed through the tall training tower, illuminating the sweat and anticipation on everyone's faces.

"I've seen a few of you who are ready to finish training and join the army, and some of you have potential. Just keep up the training," he said, scanning each trainee, his gaze filled with encouragement and expectation.

The trainees exchanged glances, and excited whispers gradually filled the air. Those who had been recognized beamed with confidence, while the others were filled with determination, vowing to work harder to earn the same recognition.

"Remember, today's effort is the foundation of tomorrow's success," Alaric added, his voice resonating like a drumbeat of motivation. "Now, you're dismissed. Go rest."

After Chief Instructor Alaric announced the dismissal, you said goodbye to your two brothers and decided to head to the library, where Richard had been most familiar. Perhaps there, you might uncover more information from the books.