The training ground was silent, save for the soft whisper of the wind through the grass. A six-year-old boy lay flat on the dirt, arms stretched above his head, a wooden sword discarded beside him. His small chest rose and fell steadily, sweat glistening on his brow, and dust clung to his clothes from hours of practice. Around him, the targets bore the scars of his effort—splintered wood, dented armor, and more.
Kael's POV
Six years passed.
The first two years were the worst. You can only lie down, only cry, only eat, and only… relieve yourself. After the age of two, you can walk by yourself, even if it's clumsy, but you are locked in your room until age four. After turning five, I ran to every corner of the castle, taking my revenge by playing many pranks on everybody. Very childish, but I was bored.
After hours of begging, they finally agreed to let me train. By now, I knew every corner of Ravenhold Castle like the back of my hand.
My swordsmanship had reached the novice level—probably the lowest rank a person can have and still be called a swordsman—but considering I'm only six, it's not a small achievement.
Of course, after causing so many problems for my parents and the castle staff, I was no longer allowed to wander freely. There were always two Blade-Rank soldiers stationed beside me. Officially, they were there to "stop me from making trouble."
But I'm not stupid.
I know exactly why they're really here. They're protecting me—from assassins who can't stand the idea of House Ravenor growing stronger. Because of my family's influence in the empire, our enemies cannot pressure us politically or weaken our power openly. After all, we protect the western border of the empire from yearly monster hordes and demon attacks. Our duchy is like a guardian to the empire and its people, and we do our job very well.
So they've chosen the only path left to them:
Kill the future duke and replace Ravenor with themselves. Even though Ravenor borders the Demon Lands, those lands are rich in magic and core crystals.
Ah, I nearly forgot. Today was supposed to be the day Father would depart for the border to face this year's monster horde—and the meeting with the family of the girl who had caused so much trouble for Kael in the original story. I sighed slowly, bracing myself for what promised to be a long, difficult day.
General POV
As young Kael was lost in thoughts about the difficult day ahead, a presence approached from behind. He snapped out of his reverie but did not rise, only turning his head slightly toward the newcomer. Kael knew immediately who it was—only Master Joren, his sword instructor, could move through the training grounds this close without announcing his presence.
Master Joren: "Young master, what are you doing? The Master and Madam are waiting for you in the Great Hall. The Valemont Duchess and her youngest child—probably around your age—have arrived. Perhaps you can be friends with the girl."
At the mention of the girl, a chill crept through Kael, his mind flickering to the grim future he knew. Still, he pushed the thought aside—after all, what could a six-year-old girl possibly do? But why are they here?
Kael: Who wants to be friends with a girl? I… I don't care about the Valemont Duchess! Father and Mother are there to welcome them—I don't need to be part of it.
Master Joren (kneeling slightly to meet Kael's eyes, voice firm): True, they don't need you to greet the Valemonts. But… you must say goodbye to your father before he leaves the castle.
Kael (frowning, arms crossed, voice rising slightly): Why must Father go to the border for the monster horde? There are so many strong soldiers here. Why can't they go instead of him? Kael knew he must go, but he needed to act like a child for some time.
Master Joren (sighing softly, a shadow of worry crossing his face): He… he wishes he could. But ten years ago, he didn't go, and an A-Rank monster led the horde that year. So many soldiers were lost… it nearly broke the duchy.
Kael (eyes widening): All… all because he stayed?
Master Joren (nodding, voice low, heavy with regret): Yes. Since then, he has gone every year himself. There could be another A-Rank monster this year… and only he has the A-Rank skill to stop it. His strength… it's the only thing that can protect everyone if the worst happens.
Kael: But… what if something happens to him?
Master Joren (placing a careful hand on Kael's shoulder, voice soft): That is why you must see him off. Because a son must watch over his father in spirit, even when he cannot protect him with his sword… yet.
Kael's POV
Father's A-Rank skill protected not just the Duchy, but the entire Empire from the monsters that emerged from the lands known as the Demon Lands.
In this world, every individual is born with a unique skill, a manifestation of their innate power. There exists a system that reveals the size of a person's mana pool and the capabilities of their skills. Every being has ten slots in this system interface—but at first, nine remain empty. Only at the age of ten does one awaken their unique skill and begin to perceive the system before them.
Learning additional skills is possible, but it requires crystallized stones called Core Stones. These stones come in a variety of shapes and colors, each representing a rank. The higher the rank, the rarer the stone—and the greater the power it grants.
I am very curious… what rank skill will I awaken in the future?
In the original story, I awaken an A-Rank skill called Sword Master. It's… incredible. Among humans in this world, it makes me stronger, faster, and more precise than almost anyone else. I can wield blades as if they are part of my body. I can read an opponent's moves before they even act.
But then… I remember the Summons from another world. Humans with power beyond imagination. Every one of them has at least one S-Rank skill. Compared to them, my A-Rank Sword Master is just… a soldier holding a wooden sword while the enemy carries a holy weapon.
The corridors of Ravenhold Castle were quiet as Kael followed Master Joren's steady pace. Every step echoed softly against the polished stone floors, yet Kael's mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts. He didn't want to meet the Valemont girl, Lyric Valemont. He didn't want to smile politely or exchange pleasantries. And yet… he knew refusing wasn't an option.
The doors opened, revealing a hall bathed in soft sunlight. Across the polished floor stood the Valemont Duchess, her youngest child beside her—a girl no older than Kael, watching with wide, curious eyes.
Selara guided him forward."Kael," she said, "this is the Valemont family. Show them courtesy."
Kael squared his shoulders, his voice firm and formal."Hello. Welcome to Ravenhold."
The Valemont Duchess inclined her head gracefully."Thank you, Lady Selara. And we are honored to meet your son." Her eyes lingered on Kael's small frame. "I hear he is quite skilled with a sword."
Kael ducked his head slightly, cheeks burning. I'm just six… a wooden sword doesn't make me great.
Selara gave a subtle nod, encouraging him to lift his chin."Thank you," he murmured.
The little girl stepped closer, tilting her head. Kael froze and swallowed, violet eyes flicking between the girl and his mother. Slowly, he gave the smallest nod. The girl returned it.
"Perhaps… we can be friends," the girl said softly.
He forced a small, polite smile."Maybe," he murmured, letting the word hang between them.
Selara guided Kael to stand beside Darian. His father's armor gleamed faintly in the light. Despite the unspoken weight of the coming journey, Darian bent slightly and brushed Kael's hair back.
"Kael," he said quietly, "today I leave for the border. Watch over me in spirit. Protect our home in your thoughts while I am away."
Kael's voice shook but carried determination."Farewell, Father… Be safe!"
Darian stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the Valemont family."Duchess Valemont, and to your daughter," he said, voice deep and steady, "thank you for visiting Ravenhold. It is a rare honor to meet you, even for a brief moment."
"The honor is ours, Duke Ravenor," the Duchess replied.
"I must leave for the border shortly," Darian continued. "Before I go, I wished to personally convey my respect to your House. May this meeting mark continued friendship between our families."
With a final bow, he left.
Selara placed a hand on Kael's shoulder."See, Kael? That is how to be courteous. Learn from your father."
Kael exhaled slowly as he followed Selara toward the doors. Outside, sunlight touched his face, and the wind carried the scent of Ravenhold's gardens.
Father is leaving… and I have to stay behind.
I must be strong, Kael thought.