Reborn as the Ancestor of Werewolves

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

In the private training grounds of Eagle Castle, Kain, Marcus, and Catherine clashed fiercely, their weapons glinting in the sunlight. The three sparred intensely, sometimes in pairs against Marcus, the only first-tier high-level extraordinary among them.

With fluid movements, Marcus sidestepped Catherine's thrust and parried Kain's strike with his longsword. After forcing Kain back with sheer strength, he turned to meet Catherine's renewed attack.

This time, Catherine infused her blade with a bright red glow—a swordsman's signature technique. The energy coursing through her sword left deep scars in its path, capable of cutting through metal like butter.

Unfazed, Marcus raised his own blade, channeling a silvery light that radiated power. With a swift motion, he unleashed a crescent of energy toward Catherine.

"Clang!"

Catherine strained against the sword energy, her feet skidding back. Despite her effort, the force overwhelmed her, disarming her and knocking her to the ground.

This left Kain as the sole challenger against Marcus. Using his family's swordsmanship and the latent power of his bloodline, Kain held his ground initially. But as the duel dragged on and his stamina waned, Marcus ultimately bested him as well.

Kain grasped Marcus's hand and rose to his feet, brushing off the dirt. "You've truly mastered the Gerald Swordsmanship, Marcus."

Marcus chuckled. "Your skill is impressive too, my lord. You've come far."

"How much longer do you think we need to train?" Kain asked.

Marcus considered this. "At least a month. Our coordination isn't seamless yet."

"We have time," Kain replied. Then, turning to Catherine as she approached, he asked, "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, my lord," she assured him.

Marcus looked apologetic. "Forgive me, Captain Catherine. I might have gone too hard."

Catherine waved off his concern with a grin. "Apologize? No need! Next time, hit me with the same strength. I wasn't satisfied with just this!"

Her unwavering enthusiasm for battle was unmistakable, earning a silent sigh from Marcus, who nonetheless smiled and said, "As long as you can handle it."

"Of course!" Catherine exclaimed, already eager for their next session.

Before leaving, Catherine shared a report. "My lord, the scouts have returned with news."

Kain's interest piqued. "What did they find?"

"Venlay Fortress was quiet at first, but yesterday, Horst's lieutenant, Sean, arrived with a group of knights."

"Sean? Do we know his rank?"

"Unclear, but the scouts estimate him to be no higher than a first-tier mid-level extraordinary."

Kain's expression darkened. "It seems my dear uncle is pulling out all the stops. Another extraordinary at his disposal..."

Marcus suggested, "We must intensify our training."

"Agreed," Kain replied. "He's likely planning another attack. Catherine, Marcus, that's enough training for today. Focus on preparing the soldiers and cavalry."

"Yes, my lord," they responded, heading off to execute his orders.

Once alone, Kain began his own training. He removed his leather armor and replaced his longsword with a wooden practice blade. Taking a deep breath, he assumed a unique stance: both hands gripping the sword forward, left leg advanced, and right leg withdrawn.

Knights, like mages and swordsmen, had their own unique methods of cultivation. Their extraordinary techniques required not only physical training but also rare and valuable resources, making knightly cultivation largely exclusive to the nobility.

The Gerald family's method, Converging Sky Technique, was a culmination of generations of refinement. This technique integrated breathing exercises with physical conditioning to enhance strength and spirit energy.

Kain practiced tirelessly, executing precise slashes and thrusts with his wooden sword. Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, his strikes so rapid and unpredictable that the blade seemed to multiply into three in mid-air.

"Phew..." Kain exhaled deeply, finishing a sequence of exercises. His body radiated warmth, a clear sign of progress.

While he still lagged behind Catherine in raw talent, his newfound werewolf bloodline had accelerated his training significantly. What might have taken years now required only months.

Bolstered by this newfound strength, Kain resumed his practice, fully committed to preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.