"What the hell… why is my whole body aching? I can't even move my arms or legs…" Sanato groaned as he blinked his eyes open the next morning.
Memories of the previous day's training came flooding back — Galhaan's relentless training, the punishing pace, the brutal sparring.
"Oh right... that muscle-headed beast beat me into the ground yesterday," Sanato muttered, his inner thoughts hurling curses at Galhaan.
"Sanato? Are you awake?"
Lyra's soft voice broke through the fog in his mind.
"Yeah… you can come in," Sanato replied, struggling to sit up, wincing with every slight movement.
The door opened, and Lyra walked in gracefully, carrying a food tray. "Good morning, Sanato. I brought you breakfast," she said sweetly, placing it on the nearby table.
"Good morning to you too, Lyra. You're a lifesaver," Sanato mumbled as his stomach grumbled. In that moment, Lyra seemed like a literal angel sent to rescue him from hunger.
After devouring the meal like a starved beast, Lyra reminded him gently, "It's time for your training."
Sanato's soul left his body for a brief second. "Nooo… I don't want to go back there… he's going to kill me again. My whole body still feels like I got trampled by a stampede." He wiped away imaginary tears with exaggerated drama.
Lyra tilted her head, a look of concern painting her face. "Do you need help changing into your training clothes? I can assist—"
"Wha—?! No, no! I can manage!" Sanato waved his arms defensively, blushing furiously.
"You sure? I don't mind," Lyra insisted playfully.
"No, seriously! I'm good! What's next, you going to carry me like a princess to the training grounds?" he chuckled.
"If that's your wish, I'll make it happen," she said with a faint blush.
"N-No thanks! I'll walk. Slowly. With pride," Sanato muttered, knowing that if he pushed her, she might actually do it.
---
By the time he arrived at the training grounds, Galhaan was already waiting with that wicked grin of his.
"Morning, little hero. Ready for round two?"
Sanato sighed. "Let's just get it over with…"
"Good. Then put these on." Galhaan handed him ankle and wrist weights.
"Wait—why?"
Galhaan narrowed his eyes. "No questions. Just do it."
With a heavy sigh, Sanato strapped on the weights. This was going to be painful.
"Run," Galhaan ordered, like a true villain from a movie.
Sanato began jogging, but within just 30 minutes, his legs gave out and he collapsed.
"That's it?" Galhaan barked. "You're giving up already?"
Sanato's hands clenched into fists. The words stung. He remembered yesterday—how he pushed himself beyond exhaustion. Not again. Not today.
With gritted teeth, he forced himself up and started running again.
And something changed.
His feet felt lighter. His breath steadied. His speed exploded.
Suddenly, a glowing blue system message appeared before his eyes:
**[You have learned: Dash – Rank C]**
"What…?" Sanato blinked in disbelief.
_Eurieal said it would take months to learn a skill. It's only been two days…_
Galhaan's eyes widened as he observed from afar. "Already? That fast? He's not just a hard worker—he's something else entirely…"
Excitement filled Galhaan's voice. "Impressive, Sanato. That's enough running. Let's spar."
"What? You'll just beat me into the dirt again!"
"It'll be different this time," Galhaan promised with a grin.
Wooden swords in hand, they faced each other.
"Try using the skill you just learned. Just say its name."
"Alright… Dash!"
In a blink, Sanato vanished from Galhaan's line of sight and appeared at his flank. When Galhaan struck, Sanato managed to dodge. For the first time, he could _see_ the attack coming.
"Incredible," Galhaan muttered. "Let's turn it up a notch."
The pace intensified. Galhaan's swings were heavier, faster. Sanato barely kept up, but something within him was awakening — a growing strength.
---
Meanwhile, from a balcony above, Meharu and Eurieal watched quietly.
"He's really giving it his all," Eurieal said softly.
Meharu smiled. "Well, he's my brother. Of course he is."
Eurieal crossed her arms dramatically. "It's good to have multiple heroes. I _am_ the almighty queen who will rule everything, after all."
Meharu chuckled. "You're actually a good leader, Eurieal. If anyone can guide this world to victory… it's you."
"W-What are you saying… idiot." Eurieal's voice grew faint as she turned away, face flushed red like a tomato.
---
After training, Sanato dragged his aching body to his room and showered. As he was settling down, a knock echoed at the door.
"Sanato, it's time for dinner."
Lyra entered again, this time with his evening meal. "How was training today? Still sore? Should I bring a healing potion?"
"No, it's fine. I actually learned a new skill today," he said proudly, smiling despite the pain.
"W-WHAT? A NEW SKILL?" Lyra almost dropped the tray. "It's only been _two_ days! That's supposed to be impossible!"
"I don't know how… it just… happened." Sanato rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Then maybe it's your hidden talent," she said, calming down with a smile.
Just then, the door burst open.
"Well, well, look who's turning into a hero." Eurieal strutted in.
"Have you ever heard of knocking?!"
"Am I interrupting something?" she said dramatically, hiding her mouth with her hand.
"Don't be ridiculous!"
"I just came to see if our 'little hero' was still alive." She walked over, peeking at his face.
"Well, I _am_ alive. And I learned a new skill!" Sanato smirked.
"A NEW SKILL?!" Eurieal repeated in shock, completely breaking her royal composure.
"You don't have to shout, you know…"
"But seriously… just two days?"
"Guess I'm a genius," Sanato teased. "By the way, how's Meharu doing? Haven't seen him around."
"H-He's fine!" Eurieal looked away, blushing.
"…Wait. Why are you blushing? Don't tell me… you're in love!"
"W-WHAT?! N-No! I… I'm leaving! Good night!" Eurieal stormed out, her face red as fire.
Sanato watched her go, grinning. "She's definitely in love."
Lyra, who had quietly observed the chaos, finally spoke. "Then… I'll be going too. Good night, Sanato."
"Good night, Lyra. See you tomorrow."