The opportunity arrived during the academy's practical training session.
Students were divided into pairs for basic combat exercises.
Adrian found himself standing opposite Gareth Voss.
Gareth smiled.
"Looks like we finally get our spar."
Adrian returned the smile.
"Apparently."
The instructor explained the rules.
Wooden weapons only.
No lethal attacks.
Victory would be determined by disarming an opponent or forcing them outside the marked area.
Gareth picked up a wooden spear.
Adrian chose a wooden sword.
The instructor raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Gareth moved first.
His spear shot forward.
Adrian stepped aside, barely avoiding the attack.
The second strike came immediately.
Adrian blocked it.
"You're stronger than I expected," Gareth said.
Adrian didn't answer.
He remembered Garrick's lessons.
Don't chase the weapon.
Watch the shoulders.
Watch the feet.
Predict the movement.
Gareth attacked again.
Adrian retreated.
Then he noticed something.
Gareth's hearing was extraordinary.
Even when Adrian shifted his feet quietly, Gareth reacted almost instantly.
The young adventurer's beastkin bloodline was clearly influencing his senses.
Adrian needed to win.
But he couldn't rely on strength.
He waited for Gareth to overextend.
The spear thrust forward.
Adrian stepped inside its effective range and struck the weapon near the shaft.
Gareth's grip loosened.
Adrian followed with a second strike.
The wooden spear fell.
"Victory. Adrian von Valen."
Gareth stared at his empty hands.
Then he laughed.
"Well, I didn't expect that."
Adrian lowered his sword.
"Your reach is troublesome."
Gareth retrieved his spear.
"Rematch next time."
Adrian nodded.
But his attention had shifted.
A notification appeared.
[Victory recognized.]
[Target: Gareth Voss]
[Inheritable bloodline detected.]
[Minor Beastkin Bloodline]
[Inheritance conditions satisfied.]
[Would the host like to proceed?]
Adrian stared at the screen.
For the first time, he had a genuine opportunity to change his fate.
He selected:
[Confirm.]