Chapter 3: The First Sparks

Day after day, the five friends trained together under Captain Gerald. Wooden swords clashed, sweat fell, and laughter echoed. Slowly, they grew stronger, their skill of affinities sharpening with each strike.

But Kian’s will burned brighter than the rest. His desire to grow stronger had deepened.

That morning, he faced Daichi in a duel. Their wooden swords struck again and again, sparks of effort flying between them. Kian’s grip tightened, his chest burning with determination.

At first, their blades were plain, ordinary wood clashing in rhythm. But then—Daichi’s strikes began to shimmer faintly. Each swing left behind the slightest trail, like water rippling in the air. Kian’s eyes widened as droplets scattered with every collision.

When his own blade met Daichi’s, faint sparks of flame flickered at the edges. Not continuous, not controlled—just small bursts, like embers breaking free. Water and fire mingled in the air, scattering with each clash.

Daichi moved faster, weaving past Kian’s guard. His footwork was light, his body flowing like a stream. Kian’s strikes grew heavier, more desperate, but Daichi slipped past them with ease.

It feels as if he’s gotten faster… no… he’s gotten more flexible, Kian thought, his teeth clenched. He’s flowing past my attacks like water.

Daichi smirked, his sabers twisting in a smooth arc. “Huh? Are you getting weak, Kian?”

The words stung. Kian’s chest flared with heat. His grip tightened, and he shouted, “Haaaaaa!!”

His desire to grow stronger surged. His swings grew faster, heavier, each strike chasing Daichi relentlessly. The rhythm of their duel shifted—Daichi moving, dodging, bending like water, while Kian pressed forward, attacking without pause, his blade sparking with scattered embers.

The speed of their swords increased, the sound of clashing wood echoing like thunder. Daichi’s movements were fluid, slipping past every strike, while Kian chased him with unyielding fire. Water trails curved through the air, flames burst in small sparks, and the training yard filled with the raw clash of two wills.

And then—

In the blink of an eye, the world shifted. Everything turned black. Daichi, his friends, the training yard—all vanished. Flames rose around him, but they did not hurt.

Shadowy figures appeared in the firelight—blurred, faceless. Kian’s breath caught. Two children… one woman… one man… Is this… a family?

The figures sat together, eating food. The man turned, his gaze piercing through the shadows, as if he knew Kian was there.

He smiled gently.

“So… you are the one.”

For an instant, Kian saw his face clearly—golden eyes, a pleasant smile, and long brown hair flowing like firelight.

The scenery cracked as if it were glass. Shards of the vision shattered all around him, and in the blink of an eye, Kian was back in the original world—his sword in hand, locked in a duel with Daichi.

His breath caught. What is this…? What is this feeling?

The flames inside him roared, not painful, but overwhelming. I feel the fire… it’s rising, flowing through me… stronger than before.

His grip tightened. This power… it’s mine. I can’t hold it back anymore.

Magic surged violently from his body into the wooden blade. Cracks spread across its surface, flames bursting from within. Daichi stumbled back, eyes wide, as the sword glowed red, then crumbled into ashes in Kian’s grip.

Gerald’s eyes widened, then narrowed with understanding. He stepped forward, voice steady.

“So… the wooden swords can no longer contain your power. The time has come.”

He looked at all five of them, his tone firm but proud.

“From tomorrow, you will wield real blades—stronger weapons, forged to channel your affinities. Your true training begins now.”

“Tomorrow,” Captain Gerald’s voice rang out across the training yard, firm and commanding, “we go to the blacksmith. Franco will forge your first weapons. Be ready.”

For a moment, silence. Then—

“Woooah!” Ren leapt into the air, fists pumping, his voice echoing across the yard.

“Finally!” Daichi grinned wide, practically bouncing on his heels.

Aisha clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Kian twirled his shard between his fingers, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “About time. I was getting bored swinging sticks.”

The four of them jumped and cheered, their eyes glittering like anime loli figures—big, round, shining with pure joy. Their laughter rang out, filling the air with youthful energy.

Gerald sighed, rubbing his forehead, though the corner of his mouth betrayed a twitch upward. Kids…

“…Kids.”

The word was repeated softly, almost like an echo. Gerald blinked, turning his head. Haruto was standing right beside him, quiet and reserved, his expression unreadable. While the others sparkled with excitement, Haruto’s presence was like a soft breeze—subtle, steady, and close at hand.

Gerald’s eyes lingered on him for a moment. Even the quiet ones… they’re looking forward to it.