The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family

Chapter 96 - 96

It was an unusually quiet morning at the Lionhart Youth Training Ground. The trainees were immersed in their rigorous routines, pushing their bodies to the limit as they worked to master the techniques their instructors drilled into them. Klaus, now a figure of respect and quiet awe among the others, had become fully engrossed in his training, focusing on refining his swordsmanship and footwork. The air was thick with concentration and the rhythmic sounds of clashing swords, heavy breaths, and the dull thud of feet against the ground.

But the silence was soon disrupted by the sound of footsteps—footsteps that carried an air of authority. Heads turned, whispers spread among the trainees as they saw the source of the disturbance. A woman, flanked by two imposing men who looked every bit like seasoned warriors, was making her way toward the training ground. The woman moved with a confidence that suggested she was no stranger to command, and it didn’t take long for the trainees to recognize her.

Yenova Lionhart, daughter of Roman Lionhart and one of the most famous figures within the Lionhart family, had arrived. She was not just any Lionhart; she was the captain of the First Army, known to the world as "Eclair." The First Army held a prestigious place in the Rikxia Empire, often being the first to respond to threats both within and beyond the empire’s borders. Yenova’s presence here was a rare event, and the significance of it was not lost on anyone.

Yenova was a striking figure, standing at 1.73 meters tall with short, golden hair that framed her face and sharp, blue eyes that seemed to carry the weight of her experiences. Those eyes, so much like Klaus’s, scanned the training ground with a mixture of warmth and assessment. She exuded a presence that commanded respect, her reputation as a formidable warrior preceding her.

The trainees, unsure of what to expect, began to murmur amongst themselves, the training ground buzzing with speculation. Why was she here? What did this visit mean for them?

Without hesitation, Yenova made her way directly to Klaus, her face breaking into a wide smile. Her approach was swift, and before Klaus could fully register her presence, she pulled him into a warm hug.

"Oh, my dear God, my nephews look so dashing," Yenova exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection as she pulled back to take a good look at Klaus and then Alex, who stood nearby. Her smile only widened as she looked at them, pride evident in her eyes.

She turned to Klaus, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Congratulations, my nephew. I’ve heard you became a Swordmaster and at such a young age. The youngest in the entire continent! That’s very, very, very impressive. As your aunt, I’m so proud of you."

Klaus, though slightly taken aback by the sudden affection, smiled in return. Yenova’s energy was infectious, and her praise meant a lot, especially coming from someone of her stature within the family.

Yenova stepped back, her demeanor shifting slightly from familial warmth to the authority she carried as the captain of the First Army. She looked at the gathered trainees, her voice carrying across the training ground with ease.

"Thanks to my nephew Klaus Lionhart, the First Army, or as we’re truly known, Eclair, will extend an invitation to each and every one of you. You will have one month to prepare, and then those willing will be able to challenge our test. The lucky ones who are chosen will have to drop out of the Lionhart Youth Training Ground and fully become a swordsman of our Great Rikxia Empire. So, choose carefully, as your future hangs on this decision."

The announcement sent a wave of shock and excitement through the trainees. The First Army, the most elite and revered armed group in the Rikxia Empire, was offering them a chance to join their ranks. It was an opportunity that most could only dream of—a chance to prove themselves among the best of the best. The First Army was legendary, responsible for handling the most dangerous missions and guarding the empire against threats that could bring even the strongest kingdoms to their knees. The chance to be a part of such a prestigious group was not something to be taken lightly.

As Yenova finished speaking, the trainees were left deep in thought, contemplating the decision that lay ahead. Joining the First Army would mean leaving behind the safety and structured training of the Lionhart Youth Training Ground for a life of constant danger and high stakes. Yet, the allure of such an opportunity was undeniable.

***

The First Army, known as Eclair, was not just the strongest armed group in the Rikxia Empire; it was the empire’s shield and sword. They were the ones who dealt with the empire’s most severe problems, whether it was suppressing internal revolts, eliminating external threats, or dealing with the countless rifts that periodically opened across the land. These rifts were tears in reality, gateways from which monsters poured into the world. The color of the rift determined the strength of the creatures that emerged, with red being the weakest and white the strongest. A single white rift had nearly destroyed the continent centuries ago, a disaster averted only by the united efforts of all the kingdoms and empires. It was Eclair that often found themselves at the forefront of such battles, tasked with closing these rifts before they could unleash their horrors upon the world.

To join Eclair was to take on the responsibility of defending the empire against these threats, a duty that was as perilous as it was prestigious. The trainees understood this, and it only made the prospect of joining the First Army more tantalizing.

After Yenova’s departure, the atmosphere in the training ground changed. The trainees, previously content with their rigorous routine, now approached their training with renewed vigor. They knew that in a month’s time, they would have to prove themselves worthy of the opportunity that had been presented to them. Every swing of the sword, every step in their footwork, every drop of sweat now carried the weight of that looming test.

Klaus, though already advanced, found himself pushing even harder. He practiced his swordsmanship and footwork with an intensity that surpassed even his previous efforts. His movements were sharp and precise, his focus unwavering. He knew that being a Swordmaster was just the beginning. To be worthy of joining Eclair, he had to be more than just a prodigy; he had to be the best.

The other trainees, inspired by Klaus’s example and driven by their own ambitions, began to spend every spare moment in practice. After dinner, when they would usually relax or converse, they now returned to the training grounds, practicing their swordsmanship and footwork under the dimming light of the evening. The sound of swords clashing and feet shuffling against the ground became a constant backdrop, even as the day drew to a close.

***

As the days passed, the training grew even more intense. Rick and Erina, recognizing the trainees’ heightened motivation, began introducing them to more advanced sword techniques and footwork. These new techniques were far more complex, requiring not just physical strength but also precise control and quick reflexes. The trainees were taught how to transition smoothly between different stances, how to incorporate feints and misdirections into their attacks, and how to read their opponents’ movements to anticipate their next move.

The training sessions were grueling, pushing each trainee to their limits. Yet, there was a noticeable improvement in everyone’s skills. They began to move with more confidence, their strikes more deliberate, their footwork more refined. The bond between them also grew stronger as they supported and encouraged each other through the challenges.

Klaus, Alex, and Nicholas continued to lead by example, each excelling in their own way. Klaus’s movements were fluid and powerful, his mastery of the sword evident in every strike. Alex’s precision and technique were unmatched, his footwork light and swift. Nicholas, though slightly behind the other two, showed remarkable adaptability, quickly learning and applying new techniques.

By the end of the month, it was clear that the trainees had grown significantly stronger. Their bodies were leaner, their muscles more defined, and their endurance had increased tenfold. But more than the physical changes, there was a new sense of purpose in each of them. They were no longer just trainees; they were warriors in the making, each with the potential to join the most elite force in the Rikxia Empire.

The decision loomed before them: to stay and continue their training or to step into the unknown and challenge the test for a chance to join Eclair. The choice was not an easy one, but whatever path they chose, they knew they would never be the same again.

And as they prepared for that fateful day, the trainees couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. The future was uncertain, but it was also full of possibilities. The road ahead would be difficult, but for those who succeeded, it would be the beginning of a life of greatness—a life that few could even dream of.