The sky was painted in gold and crimson as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the dense forest. Birds returned to their nests, and the air was crisp with the cool scent of pine. Zen stood still at the edge of the woods, clutching a wooden sword in his hands. His eyes, once filled with fear and confusion, now gleamed with quiet determination.
After years of relentless training, Zen had changed.
He was no longer the fragile child who wandered into the forest. He was now ten years old, standing tall with calloused hands, hardened muscles, and a burning spirit. Kael, the hot-tempered swordsman who had once dismissed Zen, now stood beside him with a rare look of pride on his face.
"You're ready," Kael said, nodding toward the deeper part of the forest. "Today, you'll hunt your first monster."
Zen's heart raced. His fingers gripped the hilt tighter. He had waited years for this moment.
They entered the thick forest together, and it wasn't long before they encountered a lone goblin prowling through the undergrowth. It snarled as it spotted them, its jagged teeth glistening with saliva.
Kael stepped back. "Your fight. Show me everything I've taught you."
Zen took a deep breath and charged. The goblin slashed with its rusted dagger, but Zen ducked and pivoted, just like Kael taught him. With a swift swing of his blade, he struck the goblin's leg, then rolled to avoid its counter. The wooden sword cracked over the monster's head, and it collapsed.
His chest heaved. He'd done it.
Kael gave a slight smirk. "Not bad for your first time."
Over the next few days, Zen hunted more small beasts and goblins, slowly learning how to track, attack, and survive. Kael continued to watch and guide, though his sharp criticism had softened.
Zen had earned his respect.
Training over the years had not only sharpened Zen's blade but taught him how to live in the wild. Kael showed him how to camp, catch fish with sharpened sticks, and cook stew using herbs and roasted meat. One evening, Zen laughed as he accidentally burned the fish they caught together.
"You call that cooking?" Kael teased.
"I didn't mean to!" Zen laughed, fanning the smoke.
Despite his usual grumpiness, Kael found himself enjoying the boy's company. They shared stories over crackling fires, trained till dusk, and sometimes Zen would try archery while Kael watched with half-hidden amusement.
One clear night, while they rested near a lake, Zen looked up at the stars and asked, "Kael… what about magic?"
Kael raised an eyebrow. "What about it?"
"I want to learn it."
Kael sighed. "That's not so simple."
"Why?" Zen's eyes didn't waver.
Kael stared into the fire for a moment before answering. "Magic isn't something just anyone can learn. Only nobles have access to it. They're the ones taught in prestigious academies. It's not like swordsmanship. It takes mana, control, and years of training under masters who charge a fortune."
Zen's gaze didn't falter. "Is there such a place?"
Kael hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. The best magic and sword academy in the world. It's called Eboncrest Arcanist's Academy. It's located in the grand city of Velaria, in the nation of Grandovale. That city… it's enormous, and the academy is protected by royal decree. Only the most elite nobles send their children there. The tuition alone would make a merchant cry."
"Grandovale…" Zen repeated the name softly, like a secret dream taking shape.
Kael shook his head. "It's not for someone like you, Zen. You're not a noble. You have no money, no name, no backing. They won't even let you through the gates."
"I don't care," Zen said firmly. "I want to go. I want to try. Even if they throw me out, I want to at least stand in front of that gate."
Kael was silent for a long time. The fire cracked.
"…You're stubborn, you know that?"
Zen smiled.
Kael stood up and looked toward the northern sky. "Fine. I'll tell you the way. Head northeast for three days until you reach the riverland trails. Follow the merchant path. It'll take you to Grandovale."
Zen nodded. "I want to go tomorrow."
Kael sighed again but gave a small smile. "Alright. I'll prepare supplies."
Zen hesitated, then asked, "You're not coming?"
Kael's face turned serious. "There's something I still have to do in this forest. But when it's done… I'll come find you. Until then, keep swinging that sword. And don't die."
Zen nodded, heart pounding with purpose.
He didn't have a noble name. He didn't have wealth. But he had something else.
A dream. A will to protect. And a fire that refused to go out.