Chapter 10 — The Path Begins

The courtyard was alive with the sound of steel striking steel. Sparks flew from Kaelen’s Morphblade as he moved with the fluid precision of a master. Across from him, Prince Aric lunged, parried, and swung with growing confidence, his movements sharper than the day before.

Kaelen watched intently, noting the subtle improvements in footwork, timing, and focus. Each strike Aric executed was no longer just a repetition; it was deliberate, intentional, a reflection of the lessons Kaelen had imparted.

“Better,” Kaelen said quietly, stepping back to allow Aric room to adjust. “Your timing has improved. Your guard is tighter. But remember—strength is meaningless without understanding. Read your opponent, anticipate their next move, and let the flow of combat guide you.”

Aric nodded, panting but determined. “I understand. I’ll keep training until I can match you.”

Kaelen’s golden eyes softened beneath the hood. “Matching me is not the goal. Surpassing yourself is. Every opponent you face is a teacher. Learn from them, absorb their strength, and refine it into your own style. That is the path of a true swordsman.”

Hours passed. Sunlight shifted across the courtyard, the shadows lengthening and shrinking as the day wore on. Aric stumbled, fell, rose again—each mistake a lesson, each success a spark of progress. Kaelen did not offer praise lightly, but with every small improvement, a faint smile appeared beneath his mask.

“You have potential,” Kaelen said, sheathing the Morphblade. “But potential alone is not enough. You must train harder, push past your limits, and understand that every victory and defeat is part of your growth.”

Aric straightened, determination blazing in his eyes. “I will. I promise. I’ll become strong enough to defend the kingdom and fight anyone worthy.”

Kaelen’s thoughts drifted briefly to the shadows beyond the kingdom, where monsters and demons stirred, unseen by those who lived in peace. He knew that one day, Aric’s strength would be tested in ways neither of them could yet imagine.

For now, though, progress mattered. Kaelen had chosen this path not for glory, but for purpose. And in training the prince, he began to feel a spark of something he had not experienced in years: hope.

“Rest for now,” Kaelen said, stepping back. “Tomorrow, we begin again. The path is long, and it will not be easy—but if you follow it faithfully, you will grow beyond what you think possible.”

Aric bowed deeply. “I will follow, Master Kaelen.”

Kaelen nodded, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in crimson and gold. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges both human and inhuman. Yet for the first time in years, Kaelen felt ready to face it—not alone, but with a student who could one day carry forward the lessons of the Mirrorblade.

The journey had begun.