[Seven Years Later] The Royal Chamber of Nebura Palace
Queen Marie Noether closed the history book with a gentle smile, the tales of King Artha still echoing in her mind like an unforgettable melody. Her violet eyes shimmered with the beauty of the Noether family, while her long black hair framed her striking face. She wore a flowing purple gown.
At her side sat Prince Nexa Starfall, only nine years old, yet already brimming with a restless spirit. His violet eyes gleamed with boundless curiosity, and his neatly kept black hair lent an elegant touch to his charming features.
Though still a child, Nexa displayed a rare intelligence and a profound love for books and stories. He admired King Artha Starfall with all his heart and often dreamed of becoming a hero as legendary as him.
Nexa leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity.
"Mother, do demons still wander in our world? Could they be hiding somewhere, waiting for the right time to strike?"
Before the queen could respond, the chamber door creaked open. Princess Rhea Starfall, Nexa's elder sister, entered. At eleven, the firstborn of the royal family was already showing signs of her beauty. Like her mother and brother, she also had violet eyes. Her black hair, styled in French braids, added elegance to her appearance. She wore a golden gown that reflected her royal status, yet her warmth and humility shone through, beloved by nobles and commoners alike. Known for her wit and playful teasing, Rhea carried herself with a lively charm.
Rhea lounged against the doorway, arms crossed, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips.
"Afraid of demons, little brother?" she drawled.
"Demons are long gone. Everyone knows that."
Nexa's cheeks flared pink, but he straightened his back.
"I'm not afraid!" he shot back.
"I'm gonna become a Stellar Knight one day, and the greatest knight Nebura's ever seen! I'll be as great as King Artha himself!"
Rhea raised an eyebrow, letting out a quiet laugh.
"You? A knight?" she said, grinning.
"You wouldn't even survive the knight's trial."
She glanced toward their mother with a sly curve to her smile.
"Right, Mother? Hardly anyone passes the trial these days."
Queen Marie placed a tender yet firm hand on Nexa's shoulder.
"Yes, the trial is difficult, Rhea," she said calmly.
"But your brother has a strong resolve. If he works hard and truly believes in himself, he can reach that dream… and he might even surpass King Artha one day."
Her gentle smile filled Nexa with renewed determination.
Rhea gave a soft, dismissive sigh but chose not to continue her teasing.
Nexa, emboldened by his mother's words, stood tall and declared with bright conviction.
"You'll see, Rhea," he declared, bright with conviction.
"One day, I'll prove you wrong."
Meanwhile…
Key Garcia had grown into a bright and lively seven years old boy. Often helping his parents at their small tavern, his laughter was a sound that filled the place with warmth. On that day, he wore a loose white shirt, brown shorts, and sandals.
That warm afternoon, his family rested beneath the wide branches of a great tree outside Starhaven, at the edge of the forest that circled the town. Its thick canopy offered a peaceful shelter, away from the bustle of town.
Suddenly, a tiger emerged from the brush, its golden eyes locked on them with a predatory glare.
Hans immediately stepped forward, gripping a sickle in his hand to protect his family. But before he could act, the beast lunged, sinking its fangs into his arm. Hans cried out in pain. Laura screamed in panic, hurling whatever she could find at the tiger.
But Key moved faster.
With speed and strength no child his age should possess, he swung his left arm with devastating force.
CRACK!
The blow sent the tiger hurtling against the tree trunk, killing it instantly.
Hans and Laura froze, their eyes wide in shock at what their son had just done.
Veins along Key's left arm glowed a bright crimson, while his left eye blazed with the same fiery light, burning with strange energy.
The parents stared at their child, a storm of awe and fear tightening in their chests.
"What… what just happened?" Hans asked, the words trembling out of him.
Key looked at his trembling hand, confusion written all over his face.
"I... I don't know." he murmured, his voice barely steady.
Laura rushed to him, pulling him close into her arms. Her voice was tender, overflowing with love.
"It's okay, Key," she murmured, brushing a trembling hand across his back.
"You saved us. That's what matters."
Behind her, Hans let out a long breath. When Key looked up, he found his father watching him with a pride so deep it almost startled him.
Hans crouched beside them, a faint, awed smile tugging at his lips.
"What you just did… that was incredible, Key."
The door of the Garcia household closed gently behind them. Laura carefully tended to Hans's wounded arm, the marks of the tiger's fangs still raw upon his skin. Meanwhile, Key felt the warmth of their home wrapping around him like a comforting embrace, easing the weight of the day's harrowing ordeal. Though simple, the house glowed with love and belonging, bathed in the golden light of twilight. Shadows danced across the walls as the orange rays of the setting sun streamed through the windows, filling the air with a quiet peace.
Key's footsteps echoed softly along the wide corridor, each step beating in time with his heart. His eyes found his father standing firm at the end of the hallway, the figure of Hans Garcia etched in the glow of fading daylight.
Hans (with a calm voice as he stepped forward):
"Key, I have long been thinking about your future."
Key halted, his curiosity sparking as he turned to look at his father.
Hans placed a gentle hand on his son's shoulder, his gaze deep and filled with pride.
Hans: "I saw what you did today. You've got a strength inside you, something rare. And I think it's time we helped you grow it. I want you to train, to become a knight of Nebura."
The words struck Key like lightning through the soul. A knight. The very thought made his heart race. Visions of armored warriors, their blades gleaming as they charged into battle, swirled through his imagination. Excitement rushed through him, yet doubt whispered quietly at the edges of his mind.
Hans lowered himself to one knee so that his eyes met his son's, soft with both gravity and tenderness.
Hans: "But what matters is what you want. Do you want this, Key? Do you wish to train and become a great knight?"
Without hesitation, Key straightened his back. The flame of resolve, long kindled in his heart, now blazed with new life. He met his father's eyes with newfound confidence.
Key (with a steady voice though his heart raced within him):
"Yes, Father. I want to become a knight."
A slow smile spread across Hans's face, mingling pride with relief. Rising once more to his full height, he spoke with certainty.
Hans: "Good. But you must understand this path will not be easy. You will have to fight with everything you have."
Later that night, as the family gathered around the dinner table, Hans revealed his plan to Laura. Key listened intently, every word sinking deep into him.
Hans (his tone firm, yet thoughtful):
"This training will be difficult beyond anything he has faced. I cannot do it alone. I must find someone who can shape him properly, someone greater than myself."
Laura, who had listened in silence until then, finally spoke. Her voice was calm yet carried an unshakable certainty.
Laura: "What about Guru?"
Hans froze, the name hanging heavy in the air. Guru. A man revered throughout Nebura, once his closest friend and a living legend.
Hans (murmuring to himself as old memories stirred):
"Guru... It has been many years since I last saw him. I do not even know if he still trains anyone."
Laura reached across the table, laying her hand gently upon Hans's arm, her touch steady and reassuring.
Laura: "If anyone can guide Key, it is him. You know this to be true."
Hans's eyes lingered on his son, searching, weighing the unspoken future that shimmered before them. At last, he nodded, his decision resolute.
Hans: "Then it is settled. We leave next week."
[One Week Later]
A week had passed. Hans brought Key to a temple where his old friend, Guru, had chosen to live. The temple loomed before them, ancient and solemn, like a forgotten monument to time itself. Its silence carried weight, as though the stones whispered secrets of ages long gone.
As they reached the great gates, Hans paused. He rested a hand on his son's shoulder, his expression calm but serious.
Hans: "Key, if you choose to train under Guru, you have to be ready. His methods aren't easy. He'll push you to your limits, maybe even beyond them. But if you're truly serious about becoming a knight, this is the path you'll need to walk."
Key clenched his fists, feeling the fire of determination burn hotter in his chest.
"I'm ready, Father."
Just then, two figures stepped out of the shadows. They were boys not much older than Key, each gripping a wooden training sword with sharp intent in their eyes.
Boy One (voice loud and commanding):
"Stop right there!"
Boy Two (tone colder, almost menacing):
"This temple belongs to us. You are not allowed to go any further."
Hans tilted his head slightly, a spark of amusement flickering in his eyes as he studied the boys. Key, however, felt a shiver crawl down his spine. The air itself seemed heavier here, as if the temple carried a presence too ancient to be disturbed.
Hans (calmly):
"Listen, we mean no harm. We're here for Guru. He taught me much in the past, and now I've come to see him again."
The boys exchanged uneasy glances. After a long pause, they lowered their swords and stepped aside.
Boy One: "Follow us."
By the time they crossed the temple courtyard, the sun had begun to sink, painting the grounds with deep strokes of red and gold. The air grew quiet, heavy with a peace that bordered on sacred.
In the center of the courtyard sat Guru. He was perfectly still, his presence commanding even in silence, as if the entire world hushed to honor his meditation.
Hans's face lit up, his voice carrying unrestrained warmth.
Hans: "Guru!"
Slowly, Guru opened his eyes. His expression softened, and a gentle warmth touched his features when he recognized his old friend.
Guru: "Hans. At last, you have come. And I see you have brought someone with you."
Guru, fifty eight years old, a man revered across Nebura. His sharp green eyes carried the wisdom of countless battles, able to pierce through lies and hesitation alike. His long black hair, though slightly unkempt, framed a face that radiated authority. He wore black and white hakama robes, simple yet dignified, the attire of a master who had long transcended worldly vanity.
Hans placed a hand on Key's shoulder, pride shining through his smile.
Hans: "This is my son, Key Garcia."
Key lowered his head respectfully.
Key: "It's an honor to meet my father's friend."
Guru's gaze lingered on the boy, studying him quietly before a faint smile crossed his lips.
Guru: "Good to meet you, Key. I hope you will find this temple a place where you can grow."
For a moment, his expression softened further, and his tone carried a touch of warmth.
Guru: "From now on, call me Master."
Key straightened his posture, his eyes gleaming with youthful reverence.
Key: "Yes, Master!"
But almost instantly, Guru's demeanor shifted. His eyes sharpened, and the air seemed to grow heavier, as if the ground itself recognized the weight of his authority.
Guru (firm and commanding):
"Then your training begins now!"
Calmness settled over the temple courtyard, yet the air brimmed with curiosity as Guru led Key into the center of the arena.
Two boys stepped forward: Renzo and Newth, disciples of Guru.
Renzo, ten years old, a boy with a kind face and black eyes, wore his long dark hair tied neatly behind his head. He wore an orange long–sleeved shirt, loose black trousers, and simple sandals. A katana hung at his waist, a clear sign of his growing mastery of swordsmanship. Renzo was talented, diligent, and serious in training, yet his playful humor and friendly nature made him well-liked by many. Above all, he was a dreamer, aspiring to one day become a knight as great as Guru.
Beside him stood Newth, eleven years old, with piercing blue eyes and neatly combed blond hair. His crisp white shirt and dark brown trousers gave him the air of nobility, enhanced by the polished black boots on his feet. He wielded two long swords, weapons that revealed his swift and precise fighting style. Newth was strict and hardworking, yet behind his sternness lay a kind heart. Smart and approachable, he shared the same dream as Renzo: to one day rise as a knight as great as Guru.
Guru (Explaining, his sharp gaze fixed on Key):
"They are my only disciples. They have trained here for nearly three years. Today, you will duel against Renzo."
Guru turned to both Key and Renzo.
Guru (Commanding, pointing toward the weapon rack at the side of the arena):
"Take your swords."
Key hesitated, his eyes lingering on the blades.
Key (Speaking quietly, with uncertainty in his voice):
"Master, I have never used a sword before."
A faint smile touched Guru's lips.
Guru (Gently):
"In that case, you need not use one if you are not ready."
Renzo's expression faltered, worry flickering across his face.
Renzo (Concerned, glancing at Guru):
"Master, does that mean I will not be using a sword either?"
Guru shook his head slowly.
Guru (Firmly, gesturing toward a smaller rack nearby):
"No. You will use a wooden sword from there."
Then his gaze softened as he turned back to Key.
Guru (Calm, reassuring):
"Do you mind, Key?"
Key shook his head, his resolve unwavering.
Key (With certainty):
"No, Master."
The duel began. Tension hung thick in the air as Key and Renzo faced each other in the center of the arena. Their eyes locked, each searching for the slightest opening.
Without warning, Renzo lunged forward.
SWOOSH! His wooden sword sliced through the air with blistering speed, striking from Key's left.
Key's reflexes sharpened in an instant. He raised his arm to block, but the force behind Renzo's strike was far greater than he had anticipated.
CRACK!
The impact pushed Key sideways, his balance wavering as his feet scraped across the ground.
Renzo refused to give him space. With a swift leap forward, he pressed the attack. Each swing grew sharper, faster, more relentless.
WHACK! CLACK! SWISH!
Key realized that blocking would only crush him further. Instead, he let his body flow like water, weaving and slipping through the barrage. His feet moved swiftly, his torso twisting, his breaths short and sharp as he tried to keep up with the storm raining down on him.
But Renzo's speed kept climbing. Strike after strike hammered down like thunder, leaving Key no chance to think. He was being cornered, the pressure mounting, his chest tightening as his breath grew ragged.
Then, in a fraction of a heartbeat, something changed.
BOOM!
A sudden burst of energy erupted between them.
Renzo's body was hurled backward, flung across the arena before crashing violently into the stone wall. THUD! Dust scattered as his body slumped down.
Newth, who had been watching the duel from the start, sprinted toward him. Dropping to his knees, his face tightened with concern.
Newth (Panicked):
"What just happened?"
Renzo (Gasping, eyes wide with confusion):
"I don't know… He moved so fast… I couldn't even see him…"
Key stood frozen in the center of the arena. His body was stiff, his mind struggling to grasp what had just occurred. Slowly, the realization struck him, and a heavy weight of guilt pressed against his chest.
Key (Voice trembling with regret):
"I'm sorry! Are you alright?"
The arena fell silent. Hans and Guru exchanged no words, yet the atmosphere around them felt heavier, saturated with unspoken questions.
Guru's gaze lingered on Key. His eyes narrowed as he studied the boy's left arm. Veins glowed faintly with a red light, pulsing unnaturally beneath the skin. Even his left eye shimmered with the same crimson radiance, exuding a strange and unsettling aura.
Slowly, Guru stepped closer to Hans. His face remained calm, yet his voice carried a whisper laced with deep curiosity.
Guru (Quietly, with intrigue):
"Where did you find this boy?"
Hans froze. It wasn't shock from seeing Key change, he had witnessed it before, when his son had hurled a tiger aside with unnatural strength. No, what stunned him were Guru's words.
Find him?
Hans turned to Guru, his eyes clouded with confusion. How could Guru know? He had never told him about that.