Arthur walked through the dense forest, following the familiar dirt path to Kael's house. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows along the trail. The sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves filled the air as he trudged forward, hands resting on the hilt of his sword.
When he finally arrived, he paused at the small wooden house nestled among the trees. Something felt off. The place was quiet—too quiet. He stepped closer and knocked on the door. No answer.
"Not home?" he muttered, raising an eyebrow.
As he turned to leave, movement in the distance caught his eye. A figure was sprinting toward him, kicking up dust with every frantic step. It was Kael. And in his hands—was that a telescope?
Arthur's brows knitted in confusion. "What in the—Kael, what's chasing you? Is it a bear again?" His instincts screamed at him to run.
But before he could bolt inside, Kael skidded to a stop, panting. Without explanation, he shoved the telescope into Arthur's hands. "Hold this," he said between breaths, already walking toward the house. "I need to freshen up."
Arthur barely had time to process before Kael slammed the door behind him, leaving him standing there, baffled. He looked down at the telescope, turning it over in his hands.
"What the hell was that about?"
Then—footsteps.
Loud, hurried footsteps.
Arthur turned to see a group of people running straight toward him. The leader, a burly man with a thick mustache, was flanked by a few red-faced girls. The moment they spotted him, the man called out, "Is this the guy?"
Arthur blinked. "Huh?"
One of the girls squinted. "I don't know… but he's holding the telescope."
The entire group turned to him.
Arthur felt the hairs on his neck rise. He looked at the telescope in his hands, then back at their suspicious glares.
The burly man stepped forward. "Boy, were you spying on these young ladies?"
Arthur nearly dropped the telescope. His eyes widened in disbelief. "WHAT? NO!" He raised both hands in surrender, still gripping the damn thing.
The man folded his arms. "Then explain why you're holding a telescope."
Arthur opened his mouth, only to stop. Slowly, realization dawned on him. His expression darkened. He gritted his teeth, muttering under his breath. "…That old perv."
Right on cue, Kael stepped out of the house, stretching his arms lazily. "What's all the noise about?"
The burly man turned to him. "We caught this boy red-handed! He was peeping at the girls!"
Arthur shot Kael a murderous glare. If looks could kill, Kael would be six feet under.
"Kael," Arthur growled through clenched teeth. "Tell them the truth."
Kael tilted his head, feigning innocence. Then, with an exaggerated gasp, he clutched his chest. "Arthur! Why would you pry into these innocent girls' lives?"
Arthur twitched. "YOU'RE the one who did it, YOU OLD PERV!"
Kael turned to the crowd, shaking his head in disappointment. "Do you see? He's violent. His behavior speaks for itself."
Arthur threw his hands up. "W-Wait! Let me explain!"
But the burly man wasn't having it. "Enough! GET HIM!"
Arthur's pupils shrank. "HUH?!"
The crowd surged forward.
Arthur turned on his heel and RAN for his life. "I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING!"
Branches whipped against his face as he dashed deeper into the forest, a mob hot on his heels. "I'VE BEEN FRAMED!"
Back at the house, Kael exhaled in relief, rubbing the back of his head. "Whew… that was close. I'm safe."
Arthur eventually returned, panting, sweat dripping from his forehead. His clothes were covered in leaves, and he had the distinct look of a man who had just barely escaped death.
Kael sat outside, sipping tea like nothing had happened.
Arthur stomped up to him, seething. "YOU TRICKED ME!"
Kael glanced at him, unimpressed. "What are you talking about?"
Arthur clenched his fists. "DON'T PLAY DUMB! YOU OLD PERV!"
Kael sighed and smacked Arthur over the head. "Tsk. Just accept it. Isn't it embarrassing enough that you got caught?"
Arthur slapped his hand away, veins popping on his forehead. "I DIDN'T DO IT! AND YOU KNOW IT!"
Kael yawned. "Fine, fine. Let's move on. How was the exercise?"
Arthur twitched. "Exercise?! YOU FRAMED ME! I COULD HAVE DIED!"
Kael waved dismissively. "But you didn't. Be happy. It's an achievement."
Arthur's eye twitched. "WHAT KIND OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IS THAT?!"
Ignoring his rage, Kael peeked into the small bag he was holding. "By the way, where's your dragon?"
Arthur groaned. "Sleeping, as usual. It's lazy."
Kael smirked and pulled out the tiny dragon. It was curled up, breathing softly.
Arthur pointed at it. "SEE? LAZY!"
Kael chuckled. "Interesting."
Arthur snapped. "WHAT'S INTERESTING ABOUT THAT?!"
Kael simply patted his shoulder. "You'll find out soon."
Arthur grumbled but took a deep breath. His anger faded slightly as Kael clapped his hands.
"Alright. Time for training."
Arthur's mood instantly shifted. His eyes lit up. "Finally."
Training Begins
Kael stood up, his expression turning serious. "Listen up."
Arthur straightened, ready.
Kael began his explanation. "Blades are not just weapons. They are spiritual beings in the form of a blade. They are called…"Zeraphim".
Arthur listened carefully as Kael continued. "When a wielder first awakens their sword, it is weak and usually sleeps. However, some nobles, due to their high mana reservoir, can keep their swords potent even after awakening. But you…"
Kael eyed Arthur. "You're different."
Arthur clenched his fists. His mind flashed back to him.
Leo.
His grip tightened. "He…"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Arthur hesitated, then shook his head. "No one. Keep going."
Kael studied him for a moment before continuing. "To unlock your blade's true potential, you must form a bond with it. Only then will you wield its full power."
Arthur nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Got it."
Kael gestured. "Start by syncing your mana with your dragon."
Arthur placed the tiny dragon in front of him and closed his eyes. He focused, trying to feel something… anything.
Seconds passed. Nothing.
He opened one eye. "…I don't feel anything."
Kael sighed. "Try again."
Arthur tried. Again—nothing.
Kael's expression darkened.
Arthur shuddered. Something shifted in the air.
Kael turned away, stretching his hand forward. "Impale… Yaiba."
A violent storm of wind erupted around him.
Arthur staggered back, eyes widening. "What's going on?!"
Kael's blade gleamed as he turned—his eyes locked onto Arthur.
And then—he attacked.