Clear, crisp applause sounded from one side of the training ground, followed by two people walking over, interrupting the training session.

"It's Viscount Xuefeng and Teacher Hyde," someone whispered.

The two approached the instructor at a measured pace. Viscount Xuefeng gave a slight nod to the assembled students, then turned to the instructor.

"You've worked hard, Burke. As for the remaining Miss Tia, there's no need to test her combat skills. Her situation is similar to Komea's." Viscount Xuefeng had learned the bespectacled girl's name and circumstances from Scholar Hyde as they walked over.

"Your will, Lord Xuefeng." Burke snapped to attention, responding respectfully.

"Alright, take a break for now. Old man Hyde and I have some words for these children."

"Yes." He immediately turned and left, yielding his position.

Viscount Xuefeng stepped onto the wooden platform. He didn't look old, probably in his forties, with a short black mustache and a sturdy build. His thick finger bones and wrists showed he regularly practiced swordsmanship and other combat skills—not some useless noble.

His gaze slowly swept over the group, and Viscount Xuefeng nodded slightly.

Talented individuals, especially those possessing supernatural Aspects, were in some sense the greatest wealth within a territory.

"Scholar Hyde is not only your teacher but also mine. When I was young, I studied under Scholar Hyde, and I still cherish memories of that time to this day."

"If you wish to be admired and respected, you must expend much sweat and effort. This principle, you should all understand. However, when I was young, I was just like you, distracted by various temptations and often wasted time."

"Considering you are still in your developmental stage and shouldn't be distracted by external matters, I've decided to offer some items as rewards to help you focus more on your studies." After speaking, he clapped his hands, and two attendants brought forward trays.

"If you can achieve first place in the assessment two months from now, I will award this 'Crimson-Dyed Cloak' as your prize." Saying this, he lifted the cover from the tray, revealing a cloak made of fiery red fur.

[Crimson-Dyed Cloak] (First-tier - Blazing Sun - Excellent): Crafted from the pelt of a wolf beast possessing the 'Blazing Sun' Aspect. It can 'enhance endurance' and resist slashes from ordinary blades. It provides warmth and water resistance. The pelt's color is bright and beautiful, considered a fine item even among nobility.

"Additionally, those who achieve second and third place in the assessment will also receive rewards from me." Afterwards, he had another cover removed, revealing two pairs of exquisitely crafted boots.

[Red Wolf Boots] (First-tier - Blazing Sun - Good): Crafted from the pelt of a wolf beast possessing the 'Blazing Sun' Aspect. They can 'slightly enhance endurance' and protect the feet. They provide warmth and water resistance, particularly useful in winter.

"Thank you, Lord Xuefeng." The group of students bowed in gratitude, many showing excitement on their faces.

...

Over the next several days, the students were filled with intense motivation, throwing themselves into various training sessions and studies. Even the three noble friends rarely caused trouble and no longer clashed with Solyn and the others.

Gradually, the students became more familiar with each other. Even the noble students remembered the names of all their commoner peers.

Another afternoon arrived.

"Mick, want to spar with me?" Solyn walked over from one side of the training ground holding a broad wooden practice sword. He wore a simple vest and had cloth strips wrapped around his wrists.

"Heh, bring it on."

The boy with the droopy triangular eyes readily agreed, picked up a nearby training wooden sword, and entered the practice area with him.

"Tia, they're going to practice swords again." Leaning against the wooden railing, Komea propped her cheek on her hand, speaking with a hint of boredom.

"It's supposed to be the midday break time."

"Diligence is good." Karen approved of this behavior. She glanced towards the archery range not far away and also prepared to go practice her bow skills.

"Ah, Karen's going too? Okay, Komea and I will follow along." Komea wore a loose dress today, shaped like an upside-down bellflower, without a corseted waist.

The three walked together, chatting about recent interesting happenings.

"Iona didn't come again this afternoon. She doesn't seem very interested in training classes, only showing up for riding practice." Komea continued talking.

"I heard Iona's family holds significant power in the military and possesses many combat techniques and related secret arts." Karen mentioned enviously.

"Ordinary people find it hard enough to learn advanced swordsmanship, let alone secret arts involving supernatural Aspects." Komea shook her head.

"Oh, Tia."

"Hmm?" The girl adjusted her glasses.

"Have you learned any special secret arts while studying with Scholar Hyde?"

"Not yet." The girl shook her head.

"Will Scholar Hyde teach such things?"

"He will, you know." Komea nodded.

"My dad told me; he heard it from an uncle."

"Although Scholar Hyde practices a profession of the 'Castle' Aspect, as a scholar, he masters much knowledge and skill. Not mentioning the high-level stuff, he definitely isn't lacking in secret methods below the first tier."

"For ordinary people wanting to learn these secret arts, the best way is to join a guild, like the 'Apothecary Guild' and such. However, the secret methods guilds teach externally are very limited, only a few basic ones. If you truly want to advance, you often need to find a mentor on that specific professional path."

"Although the secret methods taught by guilds already exceed the ordinary person's scope, their growth ceiling also exists. For example, the most skilled apothecary in a guild is only a 'third-tier' professional."

"Under Viscount Xuefeng's command, there are three 'third-tier - Castle' Aspect knights. The royal capital gathers even more formidable figures; it's said there are legendary characters above the 5th tier." Komea's voice was full of longing as she spoke.

"Such individuals probably can't be cultivated by guilds, right?" The girl remembered what the merchant Vanderhey had said.

"Yes, everyone knows nobles often have scholars as advisors, but few people know which organization these scholars belong to." Komea turned around, leaning close to Tia's ear to whisper.

"I heard in other countries, the advisors by a lord's side aren't scholars, but powerful witches. There are even immortal witches specifically guiding emperors."

Now she released her hand covering the girl's ear and continued speaking.

"In the past, there were many crones among the mountain tribes. Lord Viscount Xuefeng's ancestors were granted this territory by the king because they slew a powerful crone."

While the two were whispering, Karen ahead turned around.

"What are you two talking about?" She couldn't quite understand.

"Nothing, Karen. Have you ever hunted a beast possessing a complete Aspect power before?" Komea jogged a few steps to catch up, then waved to Sylutia behind them, indicating they'd talk more next time.

"A first-tier beast with a complete Aspect... that could be called a 'fanged beast,' right..." Karen walked along, recounting past experiences hunting in the mountains with her father.

On the training ground, young figures gathered in small groups. Some swung swords, sweating profusely. Others lounged under tree shade, chatting idly. Some chased each other, laughing and playing.

The afternoon sun fell upon the dry ground. Puffs of hot wind blew through, carrying a slight, youthful intoxication.