The Parting at the Gate
Two months into his training, the reality of the "War of the Realms" finally breached the walls of the Assaroth manor. Rune stood stunned as he watched his father don a heavy traveling cloak. He had always known his father was a warrior, but he hadn't truly understood what that meant until now.
"Dad... do you really have to go?"
Rune asked during their final supper, the usual warmth of the room replaced by a heavy, quiet tension.
"It is a Royal Order, Rune,"
Froyd said, his voice steady but soft.
"My commander granted me leave to watch you grow these last few years, but the front lines are calling. While I'm away, I've entrusted your training to Erik. He is a man of honor; he will not let you slacken."
Rune turned his eyes toward his mother, hope flickering.
"Mom? Will you be called away too?"
Ravina reached across the table, squeezing his hand. "No, my love. My duties are different from your father's. I will remain here to guide you."
"That's right,"
Froyd added, a hint of steel entering his tone.
"I come from a Warrior Family. It is our blood-oath to assist the realm. It is my sworn duty as an Earl."
At dawn the next morning, Rune stood at the iron gates. He watched the soldiers mounting their horses, their armor glinting in the pale light.
"Rune,"
Froyd said, looking down from his saddle.
"Take care of your mother. And remember your promise: protect your sibling. Understood?"
With tears blurring his vision, Rune snapped into a sharp salute.
"Yes, Father! I'll be the best big brother you've ever seen. Pinky promise!"
Froyd smiled, gave a sharp tug on the reins, and galloped toward the military hub. Rune watched until the dust from the horses settled, finally letting the tears fall as he leaned against Hilda and his mother.
"Hush now, Rune,"
Ravina whispered, stroking his hair.
"A year passes quickly. We will see him again."
The Lesson of Ether
His father's departure lit a new fire in Rune's soul. He was no longer just training to be a "big brother"—he was training to be a man his father would be proud of on the battlefield.
Recognizing this shift, Erik approached him during their next session. "Young Master, sit. It is time you learned how this world truly functions. Take note, for this is the ladder of power in Yggdrasil."
Erik traced four tiers into the dirt with the tip of his scabbard:
The Lower Class: Apprentices, Squires, Knights, and Barons.
The Middle Class: Earls, Viscounts, Counts, and Marquesses.
The Upper Class: Dukes, Archdukes, and Grand Dukes.
The Royal Class: The Throne Bearers—Kings, Queens, and Emperors.
"We will focus on the ranks up to Viscount,"
Erik explained.
"That is the rank your mother holds."
Rune's jaw dropped.
"Mom's rank... is higher than Dad's?"
So that's why Dad always loses the arguments, Rune realized, a look of pure awe crossing his face.
"Focus, trainee!"
Erik barked, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
"To climb these ranks, you must master Ether—the energy of life. While it is all around us, the nobility and high-ranking knights use Ether Crystals to fuel their ascension. Here is how the stages unfold:"
Apprentice: You develop Ether Sensing. You feel the particles around you and form a faint connection.
Squire: You learn to focus those particles into your hands or feet to empower your physical strikes.
Knight: A major milestone. You forge an Ether Heart to store energy internally. At this stage, the environment isn't enough; you must have crystals to progress.
Baron: Your blood vessels adapt to carry Ether directly. Your strength and speed become superhuman.
Earl: The Ether becomes too great for your veins to contain. It leaks out, forming a protective Spirit Membrane around your skin.
Viscount: You manifest a Domain. Within a few meters of your body, every particle of Ether obeys your absolute command.
Erik handed Rune a small scroll.
"This contains meditation techniques. To enter the Apprentice Class, you must feel the 'Damp Chill.' It starts in your arms and moves to your spine. When it feels like your skin is coated in water, you have arrived."
He stood up, looking at the boy's determined face.
"Perform one set of your sword stances so you don't forget the forms. Then, spend the rest of your time in silence. Sense the world, Rune. Find the Ether."
And so began the true trial of Rune's spirit—seeking the invisible heartbeat of the world.