The sky had darkened, the faint glow of the moon casting long shadows over the empty training ground. Arthur let out a deep breath, his muscles aching, his hands trembling slightly as he looked at the ground covered in frost. He clenched his fists, frustration evident in his eyes. "Damn it... I still haven't mastered it."
Hyorinmaru, perched on Arthur's shoulder in his small dragon form, let out a sigh. "Why the long face? You've come so far. Are you really going to let one setback get to you?"
Arthur shook his head, his jaw tightening. "I wanted to master this today so we could move on to the next training."
"Tch, you're too stubborn," Hyorinmaru scoffed. "You can try again tomorrow, before the Sage Tournament. What's the big deal? Besides, the next phase of your training is about adapting in battle—learning to use your magic against moving targets. And knowing you, you'll figure it out." His tone softened slightly. "So, cheer up."
Arthur exhaled, a small smile forming on his lips. "Yeah... You're right." He raised his fist, and Hyorinmaru bumped it with his own tiny claw before they started their walk home.
---
By the time they reached home, dinner was already prepared. The table was lively with chatter, but Arthur was quiet. Even after finishing his meal, he sat there, lost in thought.
Liana, noticing his silence, reached out to him. "Arthur? You seem lost. What's wrong?"
Arthur hesitated before sighing. "I just feel like... I'm not good enough."
Liana tilted her head. "Not good enough? For what?"
"Hyorinmaru..." Arthur muttered, his eyes fixed on the table. "Kael once told me that a Zera'phim grows stronger alongside its wielder. But in my case, it feels like the opposite. What if Hyorinmaru starts regretting choosing me? What if I'm just not worthy of him?"
Liana let out a soft chuckle. "Arthur, you overthink too much." She placed a comforting hand on his. "I don't know much about sword spirits, but I do know that you and Hyorinmaru are perfect for each other."
Arthur looked up, uncertainty still lingering in his gaze. "And what makes you so sure?"
Liana smiled warmly. "The other day, when you returned home burning with a fever, I took care of you and put you to bed. But do you know what Hyorinmaru did? He refused to leave your side. He wrapped himself around you and stayed there all night."
Arthur's eyes widened. "He... did that?"
Liana nodded. "To me, that means he cares about you more than you think. He believes in you, Arthur. So, cherish him, care for him, and grow stronger—together."
Arthur felt his throat tighten as tears welled up in his eyes. He clenched his fists, then suddenly hugged Liana tightly. "Thank you..."
She simply smiled, patting his back. "Now, go get some rest."
Arthur wiped his eyes and stood up. He walked to his room, quietly pushing open the door. There, curled up on his bed, was Hyorinmaru in his dragon form, sound asleep.
Arthur approached slowly, hesitating before picking him up gently. He cradled the tiny dragon against his chest, holding him close.
"Thank you... for choosing me," Arthur whispered. "Let's win this tournament together."
Hyorinmaru stirred slightly but didn't wake. Arthur smiled softly before lying down, still holding his partner close, and soon, sleep took him.
---
At the Valtoria Mansion
The dim glow of a lamp flickered in the room as Verona glanced at Aldric, who was reading. She hesitated before speaking. "The Sage Tournament is tomorrow. Don't you think it's time he learned the truth?"
Aldric slowly closed his book. "I told you not to bring that up. And what truth are you talking about?"
Verona frowned. "You know exactly what I mean. You can't keep it hidden forever."
Aldric exhaled heavily, switching off the lamp. "I'm tired of this conversation. Stop bringing it up." He turned onto his side, pulling the blanket over him.
As the room fell into silence, Verona whispered to herself, "I know you're preparing for the day the truth comes out. But for how long can you keep it buried?"
She turned over, closing her eyes. "Arthur, my child... I wish you the best. Make your father proud."
Aldric, however, was still awake. He stared at the ceiling before reaching over to a small desk. From the drawer, he pulled out an old photograph—a man, a woman, and a young boy at the center. He traced a finger over the picture before muttering to himself, "The truth, huh..."
He placed the photo back and finally allowed sleep to take him.
---
At the Luminara Mansion
Seraphina stepped out into the night, a small glowing orb floating beside her—Tenmei.
"You're so cruel!" Tenmei whined. "Using me as a walking light source!"
Seraphina smirked. "What's the problem? You're all shiny and mighty. Might as well put you to good use."
"I HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO A MERE LANTERN! SUCH CRUELTY!"
"Shh," Seraphina whispered, stopping in front of a large steaming bath. "We're here."
Tenmei blinked. "Wait… are we on a secret mission? Who are we kidnapping for the kingdom's sake?!"
Seraphina rolled her eyes. "No one's getting kidnapped. It's just a hot spring. And what better way to relax after training than a bath?"
She quickly shed her clothes and slipped into the warm water. With a grin, she waved at Tenmei. "Are spirits even allowed to bathe?"
"That's absurd!" Tenmei huffed before dramatically tossing her robe aside and jumping in.
As they soaked in the warmth, Seraphina's expression turned thoughtful. "Tenmei, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"The first time you appeared to me… you called Arthur's name. Why? Why not someone else?"
Tenmei giggled. "Isn't it obvious? I've been with you this whole time. I've seen the way you look at him. And how your face gets red when he—"
"THAT'S ABSURD!" Seraphina shot up, her face steaming even more than the bath. "I was just keeping an eye on him! Nothing more!"
"Uh-huh. If you say so," Tenmei teased, floating lazily.
Seraphina sighed, sinking back into the water. "The tournament is tomorrow."
Tenmei grinned. "Let's kick Velundria's ass!"
Seraphina groaned. "It's a peace tournament."
"Who cares?! Let's destroy them!"
Seraphina shook her head, but laughter filled the air as the two continued to soak under the moonlight.
---
In the Velundria Kingdom
In the shadows, a deep voice chuckled. "The tournament is close. You know the plan?"
Another voice replied, "Yes. Everything is set."
The first voice smirked. "This is going to be interesting..."
A low, sinister laugh echoed in the darkness.