Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

It was yet another day and Alex was going to the indoor gym to practice the Sword Dance he learned from the book.

He was only able to practice for five days in total after learning it, given he was more focused on the assessment. And then after the battle with Edric, he was told to rest for a few days.

Back in the gym, unlike the first day he came here, the other students were looking at him with a peculiar gaze. They were looking at him....admiringly.

The whole school watched his battle against Edric, which proved that Alex was far not what they assumed, and all the rumours of him beating Aiden as a fluke died down. Rather, new rumours flared up stating that Alex was the new champion of the Soulforge.

People believed, most of them, that since Alex's attack power was greater compared to Edric's, the silver head was stronger. And being stronger than Edric meant he was strongest in the academy. However, some believed that since Edric retained his consciousness after the battle, he still is the strongest one around.

Alex didn't mind what they believed since his goal was to get stronger rather than get recognition from these teenagers. Those who should have been aware of his strength already know that Alex is no longer just a bookworm. And when the time comes, which surely would, then they can count on him.

However, this wasn't enough. Far from it. Neither Alex nor Edric was prepared for what was to come. The catastrophe behind anyone's control or command. The war between universes where only one team would prevail. And those champions that would be participating were going to be nothing like the wolf they fought back in the labyrinth.

Soon an arc is about to begin with Edric being under Aborne's command. That arc would allow the Protagonist to become stronger. And while Alex would be training under Steelhounds, he has to make sure that he doesn't allow his growth to get stagnant as well.

*Dhak*

Following the same procedure, he allowed his muscles to relax as much as he could before hitting the wooden doll. His precision and control have elevated thanks to Edric's feedback in those days.

Alex now knows what part of him mostly gets triggered when he tries to hit someone. Once he masters this method, he will move on to the pattern of the dance.

"Senior." Suddenly someone interrupted Alex, urging the silver head to turn and look at the person who had familiar features as a certain swordsman.

"What?" Alex asked in a stern tone, slightly displeased being interrupted while training.

The boy flinched but didn't back off from saying what was on his mind, "Please make me your student!"

His words made many others gasp in astonishment as they began whispering about how absurd it was for the boy to request Alex to train him when he had his elder brother.

Alex narrowed his eyes at the boy before asking, "Your name is Rein, right? Why do you want to get trained by me when your brother is such a brilliant warrior?"

Rein clenched his fist, his eyes still drawn to the ground as he muttered under his breath, "I want to surpass him...and I can only do that if I get trained by someone far stronger than him." Experience tales with empire

"I want to learn from the strongest swordsman!" He finished with a strong declaration. Fierce embers of determination could be seen in his eyes as he stared at Alex.

Alex rolled his eyes, "Seriously Kid, if you couldn't discern who is the real swordsman between me and your brother, you better surrender your sword right away."

Rein's eyes widened and before Alex could have turned away, he again asked, "You defeated him! Of course, you are stronger."

Alex heaved a sigh. He didn't want to smack a young boy early in the morning, but his tone was pushing him there.

With the last bit of tolerance he has left in him, Alex told him, "On the ground of pure swordsmanship, your brother can rip anyone in this school, into two. So think carefully before making any decision."

Alex no longer remained there to hear any more of it, or he might as well have made a training doll out of Rein.

Left alone, Rein remained frozen at his spot, still unable to believe that Alex just declared Aiden to be better than him.

Everyone saw at what scale Alex fought, yet when it comes to swordsmanship, Aiden is superior.

The boy had a lot to consider and contemplate.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

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Since his training was ruined, Alex decided to just go for a run.

He placed the wooden sword back on the shelf and slowly jogged his way out of the fort to get himself a fresh breath of air.

Celestria sent the design and other details of his spear to the capital and requested it to be made as soon as possible. Well, Alex doesn't need it instantly and since there is a courier service that sends things over a large distance, he could receive it while doing his internship at Steelhound.

He was moving aimlessly when suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he found two figures currently standing under a tree, one of them being pushed back by the other.

Alex narrowed his eyes and found it was Celestria, looking unwell, while she was pinned to the tree by a certain third year. He was holding her wrist and saying something with a smirk. From what Alex could see, Celestria looked uncomfortable and tried to push him away, but she was looking severely weak to make any difference.

"Hey," Alex called out and instantly, the raven-haired boy released Celestria's hand.

Approaching the duo, Alex asked, "Are you planning to assault the Princess in daylight, you idiot?"

The boy seemed flustered, "I-I wasn't, I was just asking if she was alright..."

"By pinning her against the tree? You got some gall to do that to a royalty."

The boy now looked pale as he tried to run away, only to find his eyes turning blank and the boy dropping to the ground after receiving a hard chop at the side of his neck.

Alex decided to tell the authority about the dude once he reached back, but before that, he turned toward Celestria and asked, "Why did you come out when you are unwell?"

A smile bloomed on the girl's face as she heard that voice. Stepping forward she dropped herself into his arms and sniffed his shirt.

"Alex....it's really you...." She muttered in a relieved tone as she closed her eyes and relished the sensation of being near her favourite person.

It didn't take long for Alex to discern that the Princess had a high fever, and in her current condition, it was impossible for her to walk.

As such, he lifted her in a princess carry and took her to the infirmary.

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A/N:- I think there will be two heroines. Nothing is certain as of now, tho.