The sun was dipping lower when Leo finally finished his daily quest, collapsing beside the training grounds wall with a sharp exhale. His muscles burned, sweat clung to his skin, and his pulse pounded—but the familiar chime of the system made him sit upright instantly.
Daily Quest Complete.
Reward Granted: 10 EXP + 1 Free Stat Point.
Leo checked his status—Energy surged lightly through his body, settling like a satisfied hum beneath his skin. He added the stat point to Agility, following the instinctive pull of the Battle Master skill.
Aliya jogged up to him, still energetic despite their long training. "You actually finished it? Five kilometers after all that sparring?"
Leo gave a tired smile. "…Barely."
Drex snorted. "Barely is still done."
He tossed Leo a water bottle. "Drink up before you die."
Mary rolled her eyes. "He's not dying. He's adapting."
Leo took a long sip. "I prefer that phrasing."
Before they could continue, a sharp whistle cut across the training grounds.
Students froze. Conversations halted.
A tall man walked across the sparring fields with the grounded stride of a seasoned warrior. His presence was heavy, carrying the quiet intimidation of someone who had faced—and defeated—monsters far beyond the students' comprehension.
His uniform bore one insignia:
Sword Division. Elite Instructor.
Aliya gasped quietly. "Instructor Kael… he's here."
Even Drex straightened. "The Sword Phantom?"
Mary whispered, "They say he once cut down a Tier-5 beast with a dull blade… while injured."
Leo blinked. "Is that even—"
"Yes," all three of his friends answered in unison.
Kael's voice carried effortlessly.
"First-years. Those who selected Weapons Theory, step forward."
Aliya grabbed Leo's wrist and dragged him into the forming crowd. The students gathered quickly—some eager, some nervous, all buzzing with anticipation.
Kael observed them with calm, sharp eyes.
"Your fundamentals are weak," he said bluntly. "Your posture lacks resolve. Your swings lack intent. And your energy control… nonexistent."
Several students winced.
Kael continued, "Weapons Theory is not about memorizing weapon types. It is about choosing the blade—or tool—that answers your instincts. Today, we determine whether your choices were correct."
He lifted a plain wooden sword.
"Those who selected swords, step into the first circle."
Leo's pulse quickened.
Aliya nudged him. "Go. You picked a sword for a reason." They say he always does this to pick a private student knowing only the dedicated would be at the training hall this early in the semester "
Leo nodded and entered the circle with eight others.
Kael's eyes swept over them. When his gaze landed on Leo, something flickered—curiosity? Recognition? He wasn't sure.
Kael spoke:
"Attack me."
The entire circle blinked.
Leo hesitated. "…One at a time?"
"No," Kael said. "All of you. At once."
The group traded horrified looks.
Kael raised the wooden sword lazily over his shoulder.
"Begin."
One student charged first, shouting as he swung.
Kael sidestepped, tapped the boy's wrist, and disarmed him in a single motion.
Another attacked from behind.
Kael shifted an inch—just an inch—and the student was suddenly flat on his back, staring at the sky.
Leo watched, stunned. This is swordsmanship?
Within seconds, only Leo remained unknocked.
Kael lowered his blade slightly. "You. Step forward."
Leo obeyed.
"Swing."
Leo swung.
Kael blocked the strike with effortless precision.
"Again."
Leo struck. Faster this time.
Kael parried without moving his feet.
"Again."
Leo attacked repeatedly, pushing himself, drawing on every correction Aliya had given him, every instinct the Battle Master fed him.
Kael finally nodded.
"Good. Your foundation is… natural."
Leo blinked. "Natural?"
Kael pointed at the wooden sword in Leo's hand. "That weapon chose you long before you picked it up."
Aliya, watching from the sidelines, beamed proudly.
Kael stepped away. "Your next task is simple. By the end of the month, you are to master three forms of the beginner sword style."
"It would be sent to your watches before the end of the day master it after that would I tutor you all"
He turned, cloak swaying behind him.
"Fail, and you will be transferred out of the Sword Division."
The entire circle stiffened.
Kael walked off without another word, leaving behind a trail of stunned students.
Leo stared at the wooden sword in his hand.
Suddenly…
it felt heavier.
Not physically—responsibility weighed on it now.
Aliya jogged up to him. "Leo! That was amazing."
Drex clapped his shoulder. "He didn't insult you. That's basically a medal."
Mary smirked. "Or a doom flag."
Leo let out a breath—but a smile tugged at his lips.
Swordsmanship wasn't just a choice anymore.
It was a path.
I'm
And he intended to walk it through
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