I clenched my jaw, unable to deny any of it.
I knew this weakness would catch up to me someday.
And today, it finally did.
"But I'll commend you for not letting go of your sword until the end."
Julian's voice sounded oddly distant.
Praise, comfort—none of it reached me.
My first defeat.
It stung far deeper than I'd imagined.
A sharp, heavy ache settled in my chest, bruising my pride more than my body.
I realized my hand was still gripping the sword so tightly my knuckles had gone white.
But then—
"Congratulations."
Julian's voice changed—lighter, almost pleased.
I slowly opened my eyes and followed his gaze down to my sword.
Zzzzzz—crackle…
A faint vibration ran through the blade.
A soft shimmer, subtle yet unmistakable, began forming along its edge.
A faint aura, barely visible—but undeniably there.
"You've become a Aura Sword User," he said quietly, almost reverently.
I stared at the glowing line along my blade, breath caught in my throat.
I can…
