The morning sun cast a warm glow through the window as Arthur jolted awake, excitement buzzing through his veins. Without wasting a second, he jumped out of bed, rushed through his morning routine, scarfed down breakfast, and sprinted toward the forest. His heart pounded in anticipation. What kind of training would he go through? Would it be grueling? Would it be thrilling?
When he arrived at Kael's cottage, he knocked on the door. No answer. Arthur crossed his arms and smirked. "He's probably up in a tree spying again."
Rolling his eyes, he stomped off into the forest. Sure enough, perched on a high branch, Kael held his telescope up to his eye, observing something intently.
Arthur cupped his hands and shouted, "Oi! Get down from there, you old pervert!"
Kael glanced down, his expression nonchalant. "Oh, you're here already?" He tossed a telescope toward Arthur. "Here, have a look. You're missing out on a magnificent view."
Arthur caught the telescope but didn't even bother looking through it. His brows twitched in frustration. "I am NOT spying on girls in the river, you disgusting old man! Get down here!"
Kael chuckled, ignoring him. Arthur's patience snapped. He grabbed the tree trunk and shook it violently. Kael yelped as he lost his balance, tumbling down and landing with a hard thud.
"You damn brat!" he growled, rubbing his sore backside.
Arthur huffed. "Who are you calling a brat, huh?! You perverted old fossil!"
Kael opened his mouth to retort but thought better of it and sighed. "Fine, fine, let's get started. Since I promised to train you, I guess I have no choice." He patted Arthur on the head. "Tosh, let's head back."
Arthur's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, sir!" He practically skipped alongside Kael as they returned to the cottage.
Once back, Kael disappeared inside while Arthur, unable to sit still, started his usual exercise routine. He was mid-pushup when Kael reemerged, carrying two wooden swords. Arthur immediately jumped to his feet, already knowing what was coming.
Kael tossed one of the swords at him. "Take a stance."
Arthur tightened his grip and positioned himself. Kael wasted no time, swinging his sword at Arthur with impressive speed. Arthur, startled, barely blocked in time.
"You're open."
Before Arthur could react, Kael swept his leg, knocking him flat on his back. The impact sent a shock through his spine. He groaned, reaching for his sword, but before his fingers could wrap around it, Kael's wooden blade pressed against his throat.
"Dead."
Arthur clenched his jaw in frustration. "Damn it…"
Kael smirked. "Your stance is weak, and you're full of openings." He took a firm stance. "Watch."
Arthur sat up, studying every movement. Kael's stance was solid, his grip unwavering, his presence unshakable. Arthur scrambled to his feet and mimicked the position. Kael walked over and immediately smacked Arthur's hands with his wooden sword.
"Too stiff."
Arthur flinched. "Ow!"
Kael ignored him. "Again."
Arthur readjusted. Kael scrutinized him for a moment before nodding. "Swing."
Arthur lifted his sword and slashed down. Kael clicked his tongue. "Weak." He grabbed his own sword and demonstrated a powerful strike. "You have to put your whole body into it. Flow with the motion. Move in the direction of your strike."
Arthur exhaled sharply, tightening his grip. He swung again, this time with more force. He repeated it over and over, sweat dripping down his face, muscles burning.
Kael stretched his arms. "Alright, keep at it. I have important biological research to conduct."
Arthur paused. "You mean spying again?"
Kael scoffed. "It's research! Now stop talking and keep swinging."
Arthur rolled his eyes but continued his training, pushing through the exhaustion. He had one goal—get stronger. Hours passed. The sun dipped lower. His arms screamed in protest, but he refused to stop.
Kael eventually returned, yawning. "Oh? You're still at it? Totally forgot about you."
Arthur wiped sweat from his forehead. "I think I'm getting the hang of it."
Kael smirked. "Don't get cocky just because you can swing a stick now."
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Then let's test it!"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Arthur grabbed his wooden sword and took a stance. Kael chuckled, picking up his own weapon. "Alright, come at me."
Arthur charged, their swords clashing in a flurry of strikes. Kael tested him, swinging low—Arthur blocked it. Kael grinned. "Not bad. Your stance is better." But in an instant, Kael's sword flicked up, knocking Arthur's weapon out of his grip.
"It's over."
Arthur scowled but bowed his head in acknowledgment. Kael smirked and tossed him a rice ball. "Eat."
Arthur hesitated. "I can keep going."
Kael immediately smacked him on the head with his wooden sword. "Idiot. A sword mage needs to know when to rest."
Arthur rubbed his head and pouted. "Fine…" He sat down and wolfed down the rice ball.
Once he finished, he stood up, determination burning in his eyes. "I'm ready."
Kael nodded. "Summon your blade."
Arthur froze. "Uh…"
Kael frowned. "What are you waiting for?"
Arthur scratched the back of his head. "Umm… I can't."
Silence.
Kael's face twisted in shock. "YOU CAN'T?!" His expression was so exaggerated it was almost comical.
Arthur muttered, "I mean… I did before… but now, nothing."
Kael stared at him, deadpan. "You weren't chosen by a blade, were you?"
Arthur bit his lip. "No… but Felix told me I did summon one once… when my he was in danger."
Kael rubbed his chin. "So you did manifest a blade once." He narrowed his eyes. "Instead of training your sword skills, we'll focus on making you summon that blade again."
Arthur clenched his fists. "I'll do my best!"
Kael crossed his arms. "Tell me exactly what happened that day."
Arthur recounted the moment—his rage, his desperation, how his mind emptied yet overflowed with emotion.
Kael nodded. "Then that's where we'll start. Stand in position."
Arthur did as told. Kael's voice softened. "Remember that feeling. Relive it."
Arthur closed his eyes, focusing. He clenched his right hand, trying to feel the mana in his palm. A bright light burst forth, illuminating the forest.
Kael's eyes widened. "It's working!"
But when the light faded—
Arthur was holding nothing.
"…Huh?"
Arthur's shoulders sagged in disappointment. "I don't know what happened…"
Kael sighed but ruffled Arthur's hair. "Didn't think it'd be that easy. Go home. Rest. We'll try again tomorrow."
Arthur exhaled deeply but smiled. "Alright."
As he walked home, exhausted but motivated, he clenched his fist. Tomorrow, he'd try again. No matter what, he would summon his blade.