’What was I even thinking? Of course, he wouldn’t feel sad or discouraged. He’s my father. If anything, he would only feel proud and motivated to grow even stronger.’
The realization hit him all at once, and before he could stop himself, a smile of his own formed on his lips.
Gracen, seeing the shift in Renan’s expression, smiled back.
And just like that, the tension that had once hung between them dissolved into nothing.
Just as they finished their talk, Namari spoke, bringing their attention back to her. "So now, since Renan’s training with you has been completed, Gracen, I will be the one training him from now on. And Renan, you will be training with your mother for the next two years. So, are you ready?" she said as she walked up to them. Then, without hesitation, she reached out and grabbed Renan’s wrist, holding it firmly. "Since it’s only two years of training with me, let’s not waste a single moment and go," she added, her tone decisive, leaving no room for argument.
Renan, who suddenly felt Namari’s grip tighten around his wrist, looked up at her with a slightly puzzled expression. Due to his height, standing at only five foot four, he had to tilt his head back slightly to meet her gaze, while Namari, standing tall at six feet, loomed over him with her usual commanding presence. "Okay, Mother. We can even start the training right now if you want," he said, completely unaware that the words he had just spoken would soon become the source of his regret.
Namari’s ears twitched at Renan’s words, a glint of amusement flashing in her eyes. She turned her head slightly toward him, a small but unmistakable smirk forming on her lips. "Oh? Really now? I was only planning to show you the training grounds where we would be training, but it looks like you’re already eager to start your next phase of training," she said, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.
Gracen, who had been watching silently until now, visibly paled upon hearing Namari’s words. His face slightly stiffened, and without wasting another second, he quickly interjected. "Wait, Renan! I think you should rest for today. You can start your training tomorrow, so there’s no need to rush. You still have plenty of time, so just go back and rest for now," Gracen said, his voice carrying an urgency that Renan completely misunderstood.
However, Renan simply tilted his head slightly, blinking in confusion. To him, it seemed like his father was merely worried about his health, which he believed was unnecessary. "It’s okay, Father. I feel completely fine. I can start training right away, so don’t worry," he replied casually, as if reassuring Gracen.
Gracen, upon hearing Renan’s response, stopped speaking entirely. He didn’t argue any further because he knew that nothing he said would change Renan’s mind. There was simply no point in trying. Instead, he just let out a deep sigh, shaking his head slightly before muttering under his breath, "Don’t come running to me later, saying I didn’t warn you." And with those words, he turned around and began walking out of the training ground, leaving Renan utterly confused.
"Huh?" Renan furrowed his brows slightly. ’What did he mean by that?’ he thought to himself. But before he could dwell on the thought for too long, he was abruptly pulled forward by Namari.
"Let’s go," she said in a firm tone, dragging Renan along without another word. Her grip on his wrist remained steady as she led him through the vast training ground, then through the castle halls, passing by numerous servants along the way.
The servants, who witnessed Namari dragging Renan, couldn’t help but exchange knowing glances. They all had the same thought running through their minds as they observed the scene. ’Young master is about to get his ass whooped by Lady Namari,’ they thought in silent amusement.
The journey through the halls continued for about five minutes, or perhaps even longer—it was hard to tell. To Renan, it felt more like he was being dragged than actually walking. Finally, they arrived at a massive door, which, at first glance, didn’t seem too different from the entrance to the training ground where he had trained with Gracen.
As Renan stood before the large door, he couldn’t help but scrutinize it. ’Hmm… it doesn’t look much different from the training ground I used to train in with Father,’ he mused inwardly.
Meanwhile, Namari, having reached their destination, released Renan’s wrist and took a step forward toward the massive door. Without any effort, she pushed it open with a single, fluid motion, revealing the area within.
The moment the door fully opened, Renan’s eyes were immediately drawn to one thing in particular—the arena.
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Everything else in the new training ground was nearly identical to the one he had trained in before, from the walls to the general structure. However, the one thing that stood out was the arena itself. Unlike the previous one, which was white, this one was completely golden.
’Huh? Why is it golden? Shouldn’t it be white, just like the other one?’ he thought, his brows furrowing slightly in curiosity. It was an unusual sight, and it made him question whether the material itself was actual gold or if it was merely coated in a golden color. Regardless, the sight was enough to surprise him.
Namari, who had just opened the door, turned her head to glance at Renan, taking note of his reaction before speaking. "Follow me," she instructed. Without hesitation, Renan stepped forward and followed her into the new training ground, though he still wasn’t entirely sure what to make of this new place.
As they walked further inside, Namari eventually came to a stop once they reached the edge of the golden arena. However, instead of stepping onto it, she turned around to face Renan directly.
Then, with a dramatic pause, she gestured toward the golden arena behind her and spoke in a bold, almost theatrical voice.
"This place… is called Solace Ground."