Alchred was bruised all over as he walked through the village, it was shortly before midnight when Herbeorht let him leave. The training Alchred had to go through was brutal, he had to run until his legs gave up, after a couple of hours of sprinting his legs finally crumpled, and he slumped on the ground. After 10 seconds, he was forced back onto his feet and forced to draw his sword. Then they sparred until Alchred was allowed to leave shortly before midnight. Saying that he sparred with his teacher was generous, it was much more akin to a beating. His teacher already having awakened his magic power had a much more physical power compared to a mundane body, even if it was a well maintained body like Alchred's.
His teacher hit him with enough power to leave a mark and cause considerable pain, but not strong enough that it would cause any permeant damage. That was also without imbuing his wooden blade with any magical power, only using his vastly enhanced body to overpower Alchred. Of course his swordsmanship was much more advanced than Alchred's but considering the battle was over after approximately 3 swings that became 2 swings after Alchred grew tired made swordsmanship negligible.
As he walked through the dimly lit streets of Cawic he felt the like he was on the verge of death, however he would not allow Herbeorht to have the satisfaction of seeing him limp. So he kept a straight back, however that was causing his a lot of pain. Soon he reached the small stone manor where he lived. He saw a dim light shining through the windows, Alchred sighed. He was hoping to be able to sneak into his room and sleep, however it seemed his dad was awake and waiting for him.
Alchred pulled the dark copper like wood door open, and shut it behind him as quietly as possible. He took off his shoes and placed them neatly next to the door. He snuck into the armory to dump his equipment before talking to his father. Once he was done neatly, returning his gear to the correct drawers, he went out to face his father.
His father was reading a scroll with the help of a small oil lantern, which illuminated the whole room. The lantern was enchanted with runic sorcery that made it extremely luminous, lighting up the entire living room area of the manor. When Alchred entered the area, his dad put the scroll down and looked at him. His facial expression made it seem like he expected Alchred to say something. But Alchred didn't have anything genuine to say other than the fact that he hates his guts for making him suffer in the sweltering heat and receive a beating from Herbeorht. But of course that would result in a beating from his father, so he had to concede.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lazed away while you were gone, I won't do it again".
His father sighed, "Don't make promises you don't intend to keep, but I do want you to think about your future. I know you possess this delusional mindset that you can just become a lord and hire a knight to guard this village. But that won't work, that knight will betray you one day and usurp your lordship and your citizens will not bat an eye because they have no respect for you. Of course, by then I will have no say in the matter, but I want you to reconsider your stance."
Alchred was about to protest, but just like earlier in the day, his father silenced him. "Times are changing Alchred, tension between the nations in Nevriene are rising and war seems all but imminent. This scroll I got proves that I am supposed to report to Minas Sula to pledge my allegiance again, and swear an oath that I will serve this nation if war arrives. Perhaps even receive a promotion because of it. But one thing is for sure, I have been offered to send my next of kin to the magical school in Pafel, the most prestigious magical school in the world. You are turning 18 soon and the new year is less than 6 months away. This is a great honor, however I cannot force you to go, that is your own decision to make."
"What if I decide not to go? What if I would prefer to learn magic here in the village and go down the path that you said yourself I want to follow?" retorted Alchred.
"That would be your choice to make, and I would have to come to terms with it, however I can see something in you. I can see that you are destined to become great, but you are being held back by this laziness that has you in a chokehold. The world is changing and those who don't adapt to match the needs of those times are left to die, and I would rather not see my son perish due to his laziness. I will be heading to Minas Tula tomorrow early in the morning, I will be gone for around a week. During that time, I want you to make up your mind, are you going to break free of your chains?" asked his father.
"What if I decide that I won't break free from these so-called chains that I have? What if I follow this path and all your predictions prove to be wrong, and I survive and stay a lord?" asked Alchred
"Then I will hear you say I told you so, but what if I am right Alchred? Anyway that is enough for one night, there is some bread and sausage in the kitchen if you are hungry, you also have a session with Herbeorht tomorrow so make sure to not be late if you decide to break free of your chains. Goodnight Alchred and I hope you make the right decision, no matter which of the options you decide to take." with that his dad walked out of the room and stopped supplying mana to the lamp, filling the room with darkness.