The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

Aeric left Melina and the Royal Institution's building with his royal companion by his side.

The journey back to Starlight Castle was quiet. As usual, Aeric rode Sylver, and Delva followed on her brown mare, the rhythmic clatter of hooves filling the silence between them.

More than once, Delva's green eyes darted toward her master, who for the most of the ride had been quiet and carried an expression that was fixed and unreadable.

His head was even slightly lowered, not looking at where he was going, clearly showing that he was deep in thought.

After contemplating whether to speak. "You're awfully quiet today, Master Aeric," she said, breaking the silence.

Aeric didn't respond immediately, tightening his grip slightly on Sylver's reins. His gaze stayed focused on the horizon, and even after she waited, he ended up not replying at all.

Delva tilted her head, studying him. "Hmm. Suit yourself," she murmured, urging her mare to keep pace.

Minutes later, they approached the Castle of Starlight, the silhouette of its spires pierced the twilight sky, their silver and gold accents gleaming under the afternoon sun.

Knightguards yelled their presence and the tall gates swung open as they neared, showing the bustling courtyard Aeric had grown to call home over the past years.

Quickly, Aeric's moved towards the entrance of the Castle building where he knew one person would be waiting. Alzera the Fierce.

He hadn't forgotten. Today was the start of his training.

The famous Dungeon Clearer stood in the courtyard, her posture firm, her sword gleaming in its scabbard.

She had her dark hair tied back in a ponytail, fully showing all sides of her chiseled, fierce and fairly composed face.

The leather of her combat gear hugged her athletic frame, which included a brown tight corset over a black fitted shirt. An shoulder pad and arm guards on both hands.

Even with the pads, her shoulders were still clearly broad and her strong arms testified to her prowess in battle.

Alzera was very well known in Starlight for her fighting skill and her success in Dungeons, so just a look at her and one would see the aura of dominance she exuded.

Yet, this very same dominance seemed to diminish the moment she saw the Son of Starlight.

Once Aeric dismounted Sylver, her resolve wavered.

Her breath hitched. 'Comport yourself, Alzera. He's not Dagwood the courier anymore. He's the Prince. Your prince. The Son of Starlight. You can do this.'

But she wasn't really sure she could.

Taking a very deep breath, Alzera stepped forward, the weight of her blade suddenly feeling heavier. She saw Aeric dust his hands, take off his gloves and handed it to a maid. Continue your journey on empire

Then, the beast handler came and took his Silverwolf away.

"Prince Aeric," she greeted with a bow, once she was close enough. She had managed to keep her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart.

Aeric's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Alzera. Stand up. It feels odd when you bow. Honestly, I wish we just remained the same way we were. Act as though I'm still Dagwood, but... you know, slightly richer."

Alzera's cheeks flushed as she lifted her head to look at him. "I don't know if that's a good idea, my Prince. Seeing what happened then…"

"Oh." Aeric's expression shifted as realization dawned on him. Alzera pinned against the wall, legs up, his waist thrusting into her. "I see. You're right."

"Who's Dagwood?" Delva's curious voice cut through the moment.

The two of them turned to her at the same time, seeing her still seated atop her mare, leaned forward, her chin resting on her palms as she observed them with a mischievous grin.

Aeric lifted one brow, and then waved his hand dismissively. "You've done enough today, Delva. Head home. I'd like to begin my training without your commentary or laughter."

Delva didn't move, she only moved her pupils from Aeric to Alzera, squinting her eyes. "Hmm. You two are acting weird. I noticed it the last time too."

Aeric pointed to the gate. "Go, Delva."

"Oh well," the girl smirked, sitting up and adjusting properly on her house. "Your wish is my command, Master Aeric. Do try to go easy on him, Lady Alzera. Our poor Prince doesn't know the first time when it comes to fighting."

Aeric facepalmed and watched as she turned her mare around and trotted away.

Then, he and Alzera were alone again, the air grew tense.

They looked at each other and for a moment, neither spoke.

"Let us begin the training?" Alzera finally said, breaking the silence.

"Indeed," Aeric replied, clapping both arms.

He suddenly removed his red-and-gold cape, followed by his shirt, handing them to a nearby maiden.

Alzera paused just as sudden, momentarily caught off guard as her eyes fell on him. His chest was lean and chiseled, showing his youth yet manliness in the way it was sculpted.

As he moved, his biceps flexed, his chest and his abs. Alzera didn't expect him to grow so chiseled in such a short time, he must had been training rigorously since they last met.

Before Aeric could catch her, Alzera quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks heating despite herself.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

'Focus, Alzera. You're his trainer, not some lovestruck girl reminiscing about the sex you had.'

"Come with me," she said when she finally regained herself.

"Yes, ma'am," Aeric replied. They looked at each other and smiled.

Together, they walked past the stables, passing the scent of hay and leather, and they continued through the outer fields of the castle.

Finally, they arrived at the training expanse. This place was a vast field enclosed by stone walls, there were yellow light scones mounted on metal poles in case it got dark and sprinkle devices as well to wet the ground.

The ground was a mix of enchanted soil and stone tiles, designed to absorb shock and simulate various terrains. Aeric had barely been to this part of the Castle. Not that he didn't wanted to, but for the first seventeen years of his life, only the Castle walls he had seen.

He saw intricate contraptions and mechanisms around them. These were products of engineering and magic combined, made to foster training.

"This," Alzera said, gesturing around them, "is where the best Knights are forged. The training ground is equipped with enchantments and devices tailored for Awakened Players like yourself."

She pointed to a large, rotating pillar studded with glowing runes. "That's the Precision Spinner. It releases random projectiles, forcing you to sharpen your reflexes. Next to it is the Adaptive Terrain, it looks complex yes, but what it does is that it shifts between sand, ice, and rock to challenge your adaptability."

Aeric lifted his brow, studying the Terrain.

"Over there," Alzera gestured to a towering construct, "That's one of my favorite. It's the Tactical Obelisk. It generates illusions of opponents, teaching strategy and decision-making under pressure."

Aeric's eyes roamed the expanse, his interest piqued. "Seems like you've been here before."

"Hah!" Alzera laughed. "I trained to be a Knight. Or did I not tell you? However, it was the Dungeons that called me not the war ground."

She then drew her sword as Aeric looked at her with intrigue. "Today, we begin with the fundamentals: advanced forms, defensive stances, and improvisational combat."

She leveled the blade at him, her eyes fierce. "Hope you're ready, Son Aeric, because I won't go easy on you."

Aeric smirked, rolling his shoulders and stepping into the field. "I wouldn't have it any other way."