A match could be held anytime, anywhere, with just two people. But that didn't mean it was always useful.
When the skill gap was too wide, no matter how many times the blades clashed, growth often came to a standstill.
That was exactly the problem between Leo and the other recruits.
Though they were of the same age and had trained for the same amount of time, their differences were stark—and undeniable.
If such differences didn't exist, what point was there in talent?
To Ray's experienced eyes, Leo's talent was far too brilliant to remain confined to the role of a common soldier.
Truthfully, Leo's abilities didn't fall short even when compared to some of the most promising knights Ray had seen.
He had wielded weapons for a long time—served briefly as a knight's squire, wandered as a mercenary for years, and spent over a decade as a seasoned soldier in the castle.
But in all that time, even the brightest talents seemed to fade in comparison to Leo's.
It was the kind of talent that stirred long-dormant sparks of competitiveness in Ray's chest.
Of course, Ray was neither immature nor foolish. He didn't allow such feelings to dictate his judgment.
To him, it was simple: this was luck.
Later that evening, after the recruits had finished their matches and returned to their barracks, Ray sat on the edge of his bed, deep in thought.
"Ray, what's got you so deep in thought?"
"Ah… Garrett."
The man who approached—Garrett—was known as one of the castle's strongest fighters. Towering and broad-shouldered, with years of hard-earned muscle and experience, he was a presence that demanded respect.
"Thinking about how to train the kids," Ray answered with a small smile.
"The kids? Why waste your time on that?" Garrett asked, stretching his arms.
It was a typical response—and one that made Ray chuckle.
Honestly, Garrett's reaction was common. Who cared about fresh recruits when survival and dinner were the priorities?
"Oh, there's one who's… different."
"Different? What kind of 'different' are we talking about?"
"Exceptionally talented. I've never seen anyone like him," Ray said with calm certainty.
Garrett's brow lifted. His eyes, usually lazy and indifferent, sharpened slightly.
"You? Saying that? You're not the type to exaggerate."
Ray smirked. "How about you spar with him? See for yourself."
"Me? With a recruit?" Garrett chuckled, flexing his arms. "Well, I am a bit of a legend around here."
Ray let the joke slide. Truth was, Garrett wasn't wrong. His massive frame and combat experience gave him a natural edge over most soldiers in the region.
But even so, Ray hesitated to say Garrett would win against Leo—at least, not for long.
Right now? Yes, Garrett's overwhelming size and power would probably secure him victory.
But give it time?
Leo was already catching up—and he was only thirteen.
In just a month, he handled a spear more skillfully than Ray had ever managed in years of training.
"What happens in two months? Or a year?"
Garrett caught Ray's thoughtful gaze and frowned. "Hey, don't look at me like that. Now I've got to see what all the fuss is about."
His interest was genuine now, his competitive spirit awakened.
Ray didn't hesitate. If Leo needed stronger opponents, who better than Garrett?
The next day came sooner than expected.
Though Ray had suggested the sparring take place tomorrow, Garrett showed up early, unable to hold back his curiosity.
When the recruits gathered at the training field after lunch, they found an unfamiliar giant waiting for them.
It was Garrett.
Their eyes widened at his size and presence—but they didn't yet know what was coming.
Ray stepped forward.
"This is Garrett. He'll be your sparring partner today."
"What!?"
The shock hit them like a punch to the gut.
Just yesterday they'd been bruised and battered from sparring alone. Now… this?
This wasn't training. This was punishment.
Still, there was no way out. Ray's tone made it clear—this was happening.
Garrett glanced around, searching for Leo, but held back his excitement. They'd meet soon enough.
The first recruit to step forward was Ort.
Average in every way, but one of the more promising students when it came to spearwork.
It didn't matter.
Two moves in, and Ort was on the ground.
"Argh…"
"Damn, this is bad…"
The others watched in dread.
Kenneth tried to slip away from the front of the line, but Alun shoved him back in place.
A few moments later, Kenneth joined Ort in the dirt.
One by one, the recruits fell like wheat under the scythe.
Finally, Leo stepped forward.
"So you're Leo," Garrett said, gripping his staff with anticipation. "Not bad. Good build."
Leo instantly understood what was happening.
"This is because of me."
The other recruits had been little more than warmups—for Garrett, this match was the real deal.
He didn't have time to feel guilt. Garrett was already lunging.
The strike came hard and fast, aimed straight at Leo's head.
Leo moved instinctively, tilting his staff to deflect the blow and stepping in to counter. His own strike aimed for the throat.
Garrett twisted, dodging cleanly, then swung for Leo's side.
Too fast to dodge.
Leo braced, absorbing the hit and returning it with a strike to the shoulder.
"Kuh!"
A sharp grunt escaped Garrett's mouth.
Leo pressed forward.
Blow after blow.
Each attack precise, relentless.
Garrett blocked where he could—but the pressure was real.
No room for a counter…
Garrett gritted his teeth, his hands trembling from the impact.
He had to end it.
He waited, gathering his strength for one powerful strike.
He overcommitted.
Leo caught the motion.
With perfect timing, he redirected the blow and brought the staff up sharply, landing a clean hit to Garrett's throat.
"Kuh…ack…"
Garrett collapsed.
Even with all his training, no warrior could fully guard his vitals.
He groaned on the ground.
Leo stood over him, breathing hard, every muscle aching.
I won…
The realization washed over him like a wave.
He hadn't even taken a direct hit—but his arms throbbed, his fingers were raw from gripping too tightly.
He had blocked everything, but he hadn't blocked the impact.
Still—he had overpowered someone twice his size.
Someone who had been undefeated until now.
Ray stood off to the side, stunned.
Garrett… lost?
He had expected a good match—but this?
Garrett was the castle's strongest soldier, aside from the knights.
And Leo, a thirteen-year-old boy from a country village, had defeated him.
What kind of monster is this kid…?
Now Ray faced a new dilemma: if even Garrett was beaten, who would dare spar with Leo next?
No soldier wanted to risk defeat—and certainly not to a boy.
While Ray pondered the future, Leo steadied himself and offered Garrett a hand.
"You okay?"
Garrett groaned, still rubbing his throat. "Y-Yeah… just need a minute. Damn, kid… you're something else. At your age…"
There was no jealousy, no bitterness—only respect.
Leo smiled faintly, showing his trembling hands.
"I got lucky. My arms are still shaking."
Garrett chuckled despite the pain.
The loss still stung—but he understood.
Leo wasn't just strong.
He was something more.
A true comrade has arrived.
And with Leo around…
There would be no such thing as a dull day ever again.