The morning dawned gently in Arlen Town. Golden light covered the rooftops, and slowly the town began to awaken as traders opened their shops and citizens commenced their daily routines. Reconstruction was already underway where the town had been ravaged by the tainted beast. Workers lugged timber and stone about in the streets while the guards restored order.
In the inn, Kael awakened early that day. For a few moments he just lay staring up at the ceiling. The previous day seemed like a dream. Just a short while ago he was a weak child ridiculed by all. Now everyone knew who Kael was.
Kael lifted himself up and turned his gaze towards the chair by his bedside. Umbra and Lux lay silently next to each other against the wall. The black sword appeared to be absorbing the morning sun while the white sword reflected it gently. Even now, he found himself constantly surprised every time he saw them.
Knock, knock, knock.
"You're awake."
Kael knew the voice instantly.
"Come in."
The old man came inside the room, carrying a little bag.
"We leave in an hour."
Kael raised both his arms and stretched them out.
"Why?"
The old man put the bag down onto the table.
"We'll head east."
Kael opened his eyes widely.
"That wasn't very informative."
The old man chose to ignore Kael's comment.
"A city named Ravenfall."
Kael never heard of the city before.
"Why?"
The old man looked more serious than before.
"To find answers."
Kael was immediately intrigued.
"Answers for what?"
"Noke."
Sudden silence filled the room. Ever since knowing about the seal within him, Kael wondered about it all the more.
"Would there be someone there that knows about it?"
The old man nodded.
"Maybe."
Without hesitation, Kael stood up.
"Then let's get going."
It was the first time that the old man showed the tiniest of smiles.
Another hour passed, and then they exited from the inn and made their way towards the gates of the town. The town streets were alive with activity. The people acknowledged their presence as they went by some waving, others thanking Kael for killing that evil beast once again.Kael felt embarrassed whenever this occurred.
It was close to the gates when he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
"Wait!"
Kael stopped and saw that same little girl who he had saved from that attack run up to him with something in hand.
She came to stop in front of him holding something in front of his face.
"This is for you."
Looking down, Kael noticed it was a wooden carvings of a sword.
"I made it myself."
Accepting the present with gratitude, Kael was at a loss for words for a moment.
"Thank you."
A smile spread across the girl's face.
"You will come back someday, won't you?"
Kael smiled at her.
"Of course."
The girl nodded happily before running back to her family. Kael put the wooden sword neatly into his pack.
The old man looked at him.
"You're smiling."
Kael looked away.
"I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
Kael did not feel like arguing.
They went out the town gates together and started following the eastward path. The walls of Arlen Town gradually disappeared behind them. Before them lay hills, forests, and the endless horizon.
For some time, they journeyed in silence. The weather was good. There were birds flying high in the sky.A cool breeze was blowing the grass.
Silent for a few hours did they travel. The climate was favorable. There were birds flying high in the sky. A gentle wind blew through the grasses, creating a peaceful scene, unlike the days before.
However, then Kael noticed something strange.The old man appeared more alert than usual.His eyes were always scanning the surroundings.
"Is anything wrong?"
The old man remained quiet for a second before replying.
"We're being followed."
Immediately, Kael grew more serious.
"By whom?"
"I don't know."
Instantly, Kael's hand reached for Umbra.
The old man,"Not yet."
Their adventure went on.The hours ticked by nothing seemed to happen.But Kael knew too.Knowing there was something there.Watching over them at all times.
As evening began to draw closer, they came into the forest.Large trees were shading off the sun and making long shadows.
And then, the old man stopped.
Kael stopped along with him.
"What's wrong?"
The old man glared through his eyes and said,"They are here."
Before Kael could ask another question, movement started occurring in the woods.Several individuals started coming towards Kael, one by one.
In no time, there was a group of six individuals surrounding the path.They all had their faces covered up in masks and were wearing dark colored cloaks.
Kael's grip on the swords tightened.
One individual from that crowd came forward and said,"Give me the kid."
The old man remained cool.
"No."
The masked man let out a sigh.
"It's unfortunate."
Dark energy started to form in his hands. They were reaching for their weapons.
Kael sensed that his heartbeats had sped up. They were not like common bandits. Unlike common monsters. Unrecognizable to him.
The leader pointed right at him.
"Kael,"
Kael held his breath.
The masked one continued.
"We have been looking for you."
Coldness seeped into his chest.
"And who are you?"
He smiled slightly.
"The answer shall come to you soon enough."
Dark energy pervaded the forest.The trees shook.A heaviness settled into the air.
The older man unsheathed his sword.For the first time, Kael saw real intent in his eyes.
"Stay behind me."
Kael scowled.
"You told me I had to get stronger."
"I did."
"So let me fight."
The older man stared at him for a few seconds.Then he gave a nod.
"Alright."
Kael stepped forward.Umbra and Lux were drawn from their scabbards.Darkness swirled around one sword while light danced off the other.
The masked figures instantly grew tense.One of them murmured apprehensively,
"Those swords..."
The leader lifted his hand.
"Attack!"
All six of them charged forward in a heartbeat.
Kael's blue eyes glinted.The next phase of his journey had just begun.For the first time in his life, his enemies knew who he was.