Chapter 20 — Early Monster Threats

The sun had barely risen over the northern woods when Kaelen and Aric arrived at the village outskirts. Smoke curled into the sky from burnt rooftops, and the distant sounds of frightened villagers echoed through the trees. Kaelen’s golden eyes scanned the surroundings, alert to the slightest movement, the faintest sound.

“Master Kaelen,” Aric said, tightening his grip on his sword, “are we too late?”

Kaelen shook his head slightly. “No. But we must act carefully. These are not ordinary beasts—they are Abyssal creatures. Strong, cunning, and relentless. One misstep could cost lives.”

From the treeline, shadows shifted. Dark forms darted between the trees, their eyes glowing red with unnatural hunger. The monsters had come in small packs, coordinating their attacks with eerie intelligence.

Aric’s pulse quickened, but Kaelen remained calm. “Observe first. Understand their patterns. Do not strike until you see the opening.”

The creatures lunged suddenly, claws and teeth aiming for the unarmed villagers. Kaelen moved with blinding speed, intercepting a monster mid-leap, parrying its attack effortlessly with the Morphblade. The weapon shimmered as it shifted briefly into a spear form, then back into a sword, matching every attack with perfect precision.

Aric followed Kaelen’s lead, blocking and countering where he could. The prince’s strikes were precise, but Kaelen’s speed and adaptability made the difference, keeping the monsters at bay while protecting the villagers.

“You’re improving,” Kaelen said calmly as he disarmed a particularly aggressive creature, sending it sprawling. “But remember—fighting is not just about striking. It is about understanding the enemy. Predict their moves, anticipate their attacks, and exploit their weaknesses.”

Aric’s eyes glowed with determination. “I understand, Master Kaelen. I’ll keep watching, keep learning!”

The fight intensified as more creatures emerged from the forest. Shadows flitted between trees, their claws scratching the ground. Kaelen moved fluidly, copying the most aggressive attacks, countering them perfectly, and redirecting the force to protect Aric and the villagers.

One monster lunged at a terrified child, but Kaelen intercepted with a flash of steel, sending it crashing into a tree. Aric’s eyes widened, a mixture of awe and respect. He realized that the Mirrorblade’s mastery was not just speed—it was observation, understanding, and adaptation all in one.

As the last monster fell, the village lay in ruins but the people were safe. Aric lowered his sword, chest heaving, sweat and dirt covering him. “Master Kaelen… that was… incredible.”

Kaelen sheathed the Morphblade and looked at the young prince. “This is only the beginning. Monsters and demons are moving closer to the kingdom. You will face many battles that will test everything I’ve taught you. And one day, these lessons will be the difference between life and death.”

Aric nodded solemnly. “I won’t fail. I’ll keep training… and I’ll protect everyone.”

Kaelen’s golden eyes flickered with approval. “Good. Remember, strength alone is meaningless. Observation, adaptation, and understanding will guide you through the darkness. And soon, you will need every ounce of it.”

As the sun climbed higher, shadows retreated into the forests, leaving behind the aftermath of the attack. But Kaelen knew that this was only the first wave. The kingdom’s real challenges had yet to arrive—and the Mirrorblade and his students would need all their skill, courage, and wisdom to face what was coming.