Opening his eyes, Nero felt both familiar and pleasant feelings which he already passed through. Indeed, now he was swimming inside the familiar and green liquid, the same as it was during the alchemic procedure before his intensive training with Primus.

The last thing he remembered was strong fatigue and huge pain, especially in his right leg, before the small female fist blacked him out. So, Nero moved his limbs, checking for his senses.

“Welcome back, Young Master,” said a female voice, interrupting his research. “Don’t worry, alchemists told that liquid healed your broken bone and many bruises. You are healthy now.”

Nero only turned and saw how his maid, Clara, looked at him with a smile and a clear relief on her face.

“How long have I been out?” asked Nero, raising from the pool. Right now, he felt easiness and energy hidden inside his body. But, there was a factor that spoiled his mood, the hunger. As soon as Nero stood on his legs, a stomachache appeared, reminding him about needs.

“This is your third day after the tournament,” said Clara.

“Your wounds healed right as we placed you into this pool. But you overextended yourself both physically and energetically. Our physicians told us it’s a norm in such situations. But, if you didn’t wake up today, that girl who sent you here would have encountered several serious problems right after winning in the tournament. A journey to the swamps can be very dangerous.

“Fortunately, you are alright, Young Master,” said Clara, smiling and quickly informing Nero about events that happened after his defeat.

Even though his defeat went according to his expectations, it was the first time Nero lost to anyone around his age. It was both an unpleasant and motivating feeling. But doubts regarding his talent and capabilities appeared anyway, as several scenes regarding his opponent’s skills and mastery flashed through his eyes.

“Was it pathetic?” asked Nero as he dressed his clothes with Clara’s help.

His maid paused for a moment before looking at him with a serious expression on her face.

“No, Young Master. You were just unlucky. You met a stronger opponent. But, even in such a precarious situation, you used everything you had to fight for victory. Just that sudden all-out attack is worthy-praising,” said Clara as a proud smile appeared on her lips.

“You might not notice. But, many experienced spectators on the tribunes also noticed that maneuver and already noted you. For them, the skills shown by the fighter are more important than the result. I have no doubts they will bet on you the next time you enter the youth tournament. It was a good debut.

“So, please, don’t worry, Young Master. Work hard and it won’t take long for you to kick the ass of that girl,” said Clara with a smile as she narrowed her eyes.

Thanks to her words, Nero threw all the unneeded thoughts about his current strength and smiled.

“You are right, Clara,” said Nero, as his blue eyes once again gained confidence. “What about other news?”

...

..

.

After a short time, spent on his brief conversation with his maid, another familiar person appeared to retrieve him from the alchemical structure. It was Stein, and right now Nero followed him as they long ago passed through the central part of the complex and entered the western one, passing through the several saluting knights in the heavy armor and big broad swords.

“I hope your opponent was a good eye-opener for you, boy,” said Stein, as he continued to move further.

“That girl was just an ordinary noble scion and not even the strongest one among them. The difference between yours and her abilities was crystal. Such a huge gap can be fatal in real combat.

“If you become an heir, get ready to encounter other scions just like that girl,” said Stein as they approached an old-looking manor.

Nero just nodded and kept following his instructor as they approached that structure, passing by many heavy-armored knights guarding this place.

“Starting from this moment, your words and actions will decide your fate,” said Stein as he paused and looked at Nero with a familiar slight smile on his lips.

...

..

.

The Claus household family nest was just an old-looking manor, built by the founding ancestor when he got this domain. Even though it might look vulnerable, all the materials used in the construction were enchanted and fortified. There were many rooms for different goals and options. Right now, only Baron Claus lived here.

Right now, both Nero and the Baron were sitting in front of each other, inside the big hall with a huge table and several meals placed on them. The furniture and decorations looked old, and a glance was enough to realize these objects saw many things and people who lived here.

“Relax and forget about manners. I know how it feels to wake up with an empty stomach or it will take hours for you to fill yours with such small bites,” said Baron Claus, taking another piece of meat and swallowing it.

Thanks to his words, Nero eased up, putting away his fork and knife before taking a huge piece of meat into his hands.

In such a manner, while the boy greedily filled his stomach, sipping and swallowing, Baron just kept watching after him without comments. Only after half an hour, when Nero inclined on his seat with a satisfied expression, the old man cleared his throat, attracting attention.

“Take it. It’s yours now,” said Baron Claus, sending a small bell, using his inner energy right to Nero. “You deserved it.”

Nero just threw a glance at the bell before standing and bowing to his grandfather.

“Thank you, my Lord,” said Nero with a clear sincerity in his voice.

“That was a part of the deal. No need to thank me,” said baron, sipping wine from his glass without taking his gaze off the boy.

They kept silent for several moments before the elder broke the silence.

“I would like to add you to the family tree. What do you think about that?” asked Baron Claus.

As soon as Nero heard his question, his heart skipped a beat. Of course, he knew he had illegitimate status in the Claus family right now because his grandfather knew nothing about his father, and could easily proclaim him as a bastard, creating many barriers and problems on his path.

Nero planned to prove his talent and ability through actions and deeds to earn a right to become officially the grandson of the baron William Claus. It was a necessity if he wanted to become an heir, the minimum foundation which he had to create to at least become a candidate for the heirdom.

So, his feelings became chaotic, fastening his beat before he calmed down and sighed.

“It is an honor for me,” said Nero, looking right into his grandfather’s eyes.

“Good,” said baron as he nodded and took a circular object from his space artifact and sent it to Nero.

“This is Claus household bloodline artifact,” said Baron.

“Imprint your blood, inner energy, and tell your name and birthday. It will record it and add you to the family tree,” said Baron Claus.

“But, how will it identify whose son I am?” asked Nero with a clear curiosity in his voice as he captured the artifact into his hands while baron only smiled. “This results from the united work of alchemists, enchanters, and dwarf blacksmiths. Don’t even doubt, it never made a singular mistake since the Founding Ancestor.”

Nero followed his grandfather’s commands and finished the procedure when the artifact glowed and flew back to the baron.

“You are officially Claus now. My grandson,” said Baron Claus with a slight smile on his lips. “Live following the rules of the household. Resources and training materials, be it alchemic or magic ones, will be also provided to you if you continue to show potential and growth. You will also get your pocket money.”

“Besides, I will also introduce you to the public in the nearest time possible. So, be ready for that and don’t make mistakes. From now on, many people will monitor you, Nero Claus,” said Baron Claus while Nero nodded and once again bowed to him.

“Thank you, my Lord. I won’t disappoint you,” said Nero, while the man nodded.

“Visit Wagner. I left several things in his hands for you. I hope you will like his creations,” said Baron Claus while Nero rose his brows in surprise and already wanted to say something, but the baron’s voice was faster.

“Stein, please keep him a company before he leaves this part of the complex,” said Baron Claus while the door opened and a familiar figure appeared.

“Alright, follow me, boy,” said Stein with the same slight smile on his lips as he threw an understanding glance at the baron.

...

..

.

“Congratulations, boy. This is a right step for beginning,” said Stein while they moved to leave the western part of the complex.

“Thank you, elder Stein,” said Nero as the baron’s last words kept flashing through his eyes. “Who is Wagner, and where can I find him?”

“Huh...” said Stein as he widened his smile. “A blacksmith, and a talented one.”

“You will find him in the main smithy, just ask about him there,” said Stein as they approached the gates leading to the central part of the manor. The Grey elder stopped and turned to look at Nero.

“You have officially joined the game. There will be only two ways ahead of you now. A death or a triumph,” said Stein with a serious expression on his face. “First, use this time to get stronger and learn as many things as you can. Try to catch up with that girl who smashed you in the arena. I have a hutch, it won’t take long before Lord will introduce you to the public, make preparations. The event’s results will affect your future.”

“Thank you, instructor. I will work hard,” said Nero with a burning resolve in his eyes as he clenched his fists.

“Good, see you on our lessons,” said Stein before turning and leaving towards the old-looking manor.

Nero spent several moments watching after the back of his instructor, making several conclusions about him.

‘Looks like elders in the Claus family play a very important role. I doubt my grandfather would let anyone talk to him in such a carefree manner.’

A moment later, Nero turned and passed by two heavily armored knights, returning to the central part of the complex.

...

..

.

Thanks to the tours Clara made for him, showing the territory and a clear sound of the gnashing metal, it wasn’t hard for Nero to arrive at the area at the complex dedicated for blacksmiths.

So, after several short dialogues with local personnel, Nero already stood inside the hot room, watching after the bold man who was now hitting hot iron with his sledgehammer. Each new hit helped to strengthen the iron, aligning the metal. From one side, his sledgehammer worked while inner energy helped from another. In such a manner, it didn’t take long for the blacksmith to finish his creation, a sword which he took into his hands and played with him.

“Another rare one,” said Wagner, throwing the sword towards the pile of swords nearby, when he noticed Nero watching after him.

“Are you Wagner?” asked Nero, while the bald man looked at him.

“Yes, and you...” said Wagner, stretching his head when he realized who he was. “Ahh, I remember. Lord asked to make something for you as a birthday gift. He gave me several unique ores to work with. You added quite a lot of work for me here.”

When Nero heard him, he raised his brows in surprise. He didn’t expect to get anything from his grandfather for his upcoming birthday. He didn’t even tell about such a date to anyone here, even to Clara. So, baron could only guess or prepare beforehand, anticipating such a situation. A warm feeling appeared in his heart, and his opinion about his grandfather slightly improved.

“Hey! I don’t have tons of free time to wait for your answer. I need to practice as much as possible not to waste those ores. Come on, tell me what you want. Every wasted moment might cause a potential failure,” said Wagner, furrowing his brows as he threw a worried glance at the metallic alloy which was almost ready, approaching the ideal condition.

“What can you make?” asked Nero.

“Anything. Weapons, armor, bijouterie, or other metallic things,” said Wagner.

When Nero heard him, a smile appeared on his lips as he instinctually touched his wooden sword.

“I want a sword,” said Nero, throwing a glance at one of them at the pile while Wagner smiled.

“Hmm... Looks like I guessed right. Forget about them,” said Wagner as he kicked the pile of swords before he returned his attention to Nero. “I am confident that I can make a legendary sword with such materials. No need to look at these rare ones.”

Nero was glad to hear such an answer, and a smile appeared on his lips while the professional continued questioning.

“Do you have any preferences?” asked Wagner.

After pondering for a bit, Nero knew what to ask for. Thanks to the legends and tales he read and heard in the village, he knew very well about the danger of traveling with a rare and attention-attracting thing. There were many times when nobles, bandits, or others targeted heroes just to get their property. So, Nero preferred to get a sword that won’t cause problems if he ever leaves to travel.

“A light, but a durable sword. The one which won’t attract too much attention. The more ordinary it looks, the better,” said Nero.

“I see. Good choice, boy,” said Wagner, nodding in approval. “Quality is more important than appearance. No need to waste it on that stupid thing to make women look at you as a brave knight. If only my other customers asked the same thing.”

Following his words, they spent some more time discussing the sword and Wagner learned other details like where to deliver or who can come to retrieve it, while Nero learned some stories about those who ordered decorative swords just to show off.

As a result, when Nero left the smithy, he could add another pal to his connections here.