1 CHAPTER 1: I WILL GET MY FIRST WIN!

In this peaceful Cable country, the seasons are changing, the beginning of winter is about to begin. The ceiling is decorated with fireworks of various colors, rice fields are covered.

The peaceful country is divided into two big regions, the eastern side is the Revan region, the place where the country's economic power is located, not only that, the military forces there are the strongest, they account for 65 percent of the entire military force. The western part is the Fena territory, this western part is the support territory of the Revan territory.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of these two areas, teenagers are busy talking about the commemoration of the change of seasons.

The sound of swords being sharpened almost every day, especially in the area with the largest population of swordsmen, was Revan's territory. The noise of two swords clashing, the cheers of aspiring swordsmen.

The melodious sound of the two spears had also been heard from the greenest region of the country, the Fena region.

"What? They only used that spear? The one with only a little iron and steel..."

"I wonder.... wait a minute, but isn't it because of their poor territory?"

Slashing wood, I always do, my mother is not angry, she just asked me to tidy it up.

I went to get a sword sharpener and started sharpening my expensive sword.

I began to imagine, if I win later, in this arms race, will my father take me on patrol abroad according to his promise? I really want to see the outside world.

If so....., how about mother? Will he agree to it? Only three months in a year. My father always came home on time without the slightest injury.

"Okay, tomorrow is the last day of practice, I'll use it to train with dad"

I started to step up to clean up this exercise equipment. Suddenly a horse's footsteps were heard.

"Who rides on a night like this?

I stepped out. What? Turns out my parents came back from work. But why suddenly? Shouldn't father come during the day and mother in the afternoon?

"Raniko, mom and dad are going to investigate the northern region, further from the country's borders, we're leaving right now"

My eyes focused on seeing the father who was wearing white armor and a sharp sword.

"But why? Isn't mom and dad's job done, it should be time off"

I've never seen my father wear this dress before, he only wore it when he reached the border, while my mother, I also have never seen my mother wear a robe with such abundance.

"Father and mother must investigate and immediately arrest the killer gang, he just killed the representative from Fena, now they are heading north, we must not be late, but maybe we will stay for a while, because in two days there will be a season change anniversary match, we will see you soon"

So far, I feel there is no need to worry about my parents when they go to work, my father works on patrols abroad once every three months, the rest is in the country. My father always comes home safely and without the slightest injury. You only teach in domestic schools, but why should you join now? Especially to catch a gang of killers.

"Listen Raniko, there's no need to worry about us, you just need to focus on training for the match later, mom and dad will definitely see you again when this mission is over. I'll prepare your winning prize, even if you don't win"

My mother always gave me a prize every time she got paid for teaching, after all, I was sure I would win.

"Okay, then I want my winning prize is a sharp white sword that belongs to father from grandfather's gift, and if mother, whatever mother will give, I have accepted with all my heart even before mother gave it"

I had to change my training schedule because my dad wasn't with me. I'll do it later

Her parents hugged Raniko and immediately left with the dashing horses.

I practice, practice until it feels like my body is not strong for tomorrow's match. My training became unfocused because my parents weren't here. All-day I just swing my sword, my hands turn red. As a result, I had to bandage.

The sun rose, the blue sky stretched from east to west, the birds chirped, as if they were welcoming the potential winner with beautiful black hair in light blue clothes and his right hand always ready to raise his sword.

I went to the match venue. I didn't expect there to be more spearmen candidates than last year, even though I've never won in the previous two matches, but this time I'm going to win. After that, I was able to go on patrol with my father.

However, my mother always invited me to read, even though I didn't like it, it was very boring. Although a book about the sword.

"Hello! Aspiring swordsman with black hair with brown eyes, my name is Aniya"

"Hello Aniya, I'm Raniko"

I checked his luggage, I don't see him carrying a sword or shield, is he fighting or not?

Are you competing with Aniya?

"Sure!, I'll take the win"

She is very enthusiastic, indeed there are not a few female participants here.

"The match will start soon, please gather and line up, we will say your names when your turn has started"

Then I go to the men's line, I will see your spirit, Aniya

"Then let's go head-to-head in the final"

Aniya leave soon, fine I will wait for that

Why did Aniya's turn take so long, even though I had already fought three participants, did she really not participate? It seems impossible

I looked around, it turns out that many sword participants have lost, is this what is called spirit? Damn, I'll show you all how to use a sword!

Now it's Aniya's turn, will she be able to wield a sword as well as mine, its impossible.

I focused my eyes to see them competing. Where is Aniya's sword? What? As I thought..., it turns out that I am the greatest swordsman in this generation. Then, just past the other participants, and immediately shout, I am the greatest swordsman.

Uh? Aniya won? He wielded a spear and won? How could that be? Alright now it's my turn, I'll beat them all.

I put my sword beside me and started to sigh, it's really tiring, but it's nothing compared to my training at the foot of the mountain, my body feels like it's about to crumble.

I looked around. The number of participants was low, the girl had beaten many participants. I never thought that.

"So, we're having a one-on-one match now, there's something you want to say beforehand"

"No miss, except for one, I'm the winner"

Battle begins. I showed my riding speed. I launched a barrage of attacks at him, he was able to parry everything. Was this the ability of a spear expert?

"Alright, now it's my turn to attack"

Its attacks are not as fast as mine, but its power is very strong. But it's still way below me

"As I thought, you are great"

Did he just notice? Then I will swing this sword more strongly. I urged him. The defense is very strong, I can't just rely on speed. I'm not strong enough.

Is he really this strong? There's no way I can lose to a spear wielder, the sword is the strongest weapon, let alone a girl

"I admit that you are indeed strong and talented. Now is my time to win

The sound of my footsteps will not be heard by him. When the horses are about to change, that's when I will attack him. This will be my win

I move fast, occasionally I attack him. Wait for the right time and get this done.

"...."

Finally, this is the right time. This sword will bring victory!

"...?"

Did he stop my hand? My sword fell. My right hand is injured. It doesn't hurt, but I can't swing a sword with this hand

"In that case, I will give all my training results, I originally wanted to end this with only minor injuries to you. However, I need a win.

Is he getting serious? Then I'll show you that the spearman from Fena isn't weak!

We fought fiercely. We took each other seriously.

I will hit it

"..."

His defense started to slow down, as did my speed.

"You really want to win huh?"

I don't mind it, I keep swinging my sword

"...!"

I'll swing this spear with all my might, can't I just hold on

The defense! Now!

"..."

I managed to drop it.

This is enough to make me win this match.

"Congrats!"

"If you don't attack me vigorously with that spear of yours, I'll probably be out of breath just looking for an opening."

I admit it. His spear ability is amazing

Everyone congratulates me. Winning this match was a graduation to reach a mature swordsman. After passing the lower stage by winning the match against fellow sword users.

"This is a present for you, Raniko"

"Thank you"

"...."

I pay attention to this gift. It's not big, it's just very long. I thought it was a pair of swords.

"Open it, Raniko"

"Okay"

Why is Aniya's face so curious...? Did he really want this gift? He should have gotten a prize too since we both made it to the final stage. Only two people get prizes. The others only got their wounds.

"..."

"Spear!? Seriously!"

"So you don't like it? Just for me!"

I never thought that the prize would be a spear. I've never used a spear though.

"Your face looks very disappointed, I also got this sword as a gift, and I am very happy"

I'm tired of fighting, my body aches all over, and this spear...

"Hey, that's a sign you have to practice spear, you can train with me"

What did he say, I just want to use the sword

"Then, are you also going to practice swordsmanship?"

He smiled at me

"No, I will give this sword to my sister"

So that's the reason.

"You're too busy practicing, to not know that the prize for first place is a spear and a war for second place."

I closed my eyes, sighed. So he purposely lost to me

"Then, I will challenge you one more time, Aniya!"

"Okay"

The deputy chief organizer, Liow, came towards me. Looks like he's about to congratulate him. I haven't met him before

"Congratulations on your victory Raniko!"

"Thank you Deputy head Liow"

Uncle Liow was one of the greatest spear wielders of my father's contemporaries. But my father said he lost to uncle Liow. I'm curious as to how strong Uncle Liow was

"Father, it seems our champion doesn't like the prize"

"Is it true?"

He was so confident he called Liow's uncle by the name of the father.

"Raniko, is what my daughter said true?

And it turned out to be true. No wonder his ability is extraordinary. Uncle Liow is also busy like my father, but this Aniya is beyond my expectation

"Yes uncle, I really want a sword or shield"

"Raniko!"

Genre called out to me loudly. He was seen with a group of patrol troops. Is my father home yet? Genre come to me soon

"Your parents want you to meet him now, they are at patrol squad C headquarters now"

"I'll be there soon"

I immediately left Aniya and uncle Liwo. Alright, this must be a surprise for me. I just won this match.

I arrived at this base, yet why is no one congratulating me? They just lowered their heads? That's enough

"......."

What is....

"Raniko, come here"

This room was full of blood everywhere like it was made of bloodstained walls. Deep red. My head was suddenly dizzy. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes focused on seeing my mother lying bloodied all over her body. I approached him

I don't know what to say. My body is weak and cold.

"Come close, Raniko"

"Mom why mom? Where are the medics?

I shouted to call the medics and doctors. None of them answered me. What really happened. I look around

Who's this? I opened the cover, I peeked at his face. That is my father.

"Raniko, our group was attacked, father and mother blocked them all to save the residents and injured troops"

"But why? Isn't father very strong, and mother can't fight why should you come too?"

My chest is tight, my breath is messy, the tears are unbearable. Why should it be me? Why should we suffer? Not just someone else?

"Ever since your father was young, he and his group and uncle Liow have faced him, he is the most successful and dangerous group of criminals, he doesn't want the next generation to have to face new enemies like them. So father decided to finish him off right away"

"But isn't their mother there?"

What do you think?

"Since you were born, mother suffered from a rare disease, every day mother always feels sick. Reading books and teaching still feels very painful, and mother also agrees to sacrifice her life for the freedom of this country, to eradicate this heinous crime"

My body trembled, my mother's pain was very severe it felt like I was feeling. What is this pain called? All this time my pain was only a small part

"Why is the world so cruel"

"Raniko, you won the match, right? Father conveyed a message, he gave you the sword left by your grandfather, sorry your father couldn't give it directly, but he was too late to be relieved because he was late in defeating his mortal enemy"

"I did win, but I don't want any sword anymore, I just want you to be safe now"

What do I not know about this world? So far all I know is how to hold and swing a sword well. I don't know other than that, my mother always invites me to read a book, but I always refuse. Once in a while, I've listened to my mother read a book to me, that's also when I was too tired to move, I gave up listening, and finally fell asleep

"I'm sure you will win, and that's the reality now, now it's mother's turn to give you the winning prize"

Mother asked me to open the bag beside her, it contained mostly books. Mother asked me to take a book with a brown cover. The name is that it's been open for a long time, but it's very clean, mom must take good care of it

"What is this one?"

"Yes, that's a gift for you, I'm sorry I didn't wrap it, I originally intended to give you a new sword, but you already asked for the sword left by your grandfather, so I have to find another gift, that's all I can give"

Mom started to close her eyes and didn't stop coughing. I promised my mother that I would read it to the end

"Thank you, Riko."

"I will also write a book for my mother, and I will pass it on to my son"

Mom smiled, but her eyes were still closed

"Thank you, it was the best parting gift mom got"

Mother's pulse has stopped, the mother is gone

I can only cry there. Everyone there is sad too

Days change, it's been a few days since my parents left me. Today I just relax looking at the sky, not practice.

From a distance came Aniya's voice. Looks like he came to visit me. I saw him together with uncle Liow and a horse.

"Hi Raniko"

"Hi Aniya, uncle Liow?

Uncle Liow gave the rope that was tied to the horse he was carrying, he gave it to me because I didn't want the gift of the spear, so he intended to give the horse to me.

"But uncle, now I have received the spear"

"Then this is an additional gift from me especially for you"

They both smiled at me. They both look so much alike, why didn't I notice it when I fought Aniya? After all, uncle never talked about Aniya

"Okay I accept"

Uncle Liow left immediately, saying that he had to go to work. While Aniya is still here, stroking the horse that Liow's uncle gave her

"You are very close to this horse, you are very close"

"Sure, I took care of him since he was little"

I didn't expect him to train and take care of the horses at the same time. It turns out that she is very diligent, and if you look again, Aniya is very beautiful. Long brown-black hair tied up, I like it. My black hair is the same as my mother's, my father's brown hair, only a little brown in my hair, if I cut this hair, the brown part will definitely disappear

"Aniya, take this"

I gave the heavy blue spear a prize from the match I won. It looks very happy. The old spear looks dull and old, especially with the scratches from my sword, I'm sure it will break easily

"My sister was very happy when I gave her the sword"

"Tell your sister, if she wants me to teach her, she must swing the sword 100 times a day"

"Are you serious?

"Too difficult for a child?"

Aniya laughs. The child can already do it 300 times a day. I've only done 100 times, but that's plus hard training

"Okay I'll say, that he has to add another 100"

"No it's not that, he has to run while swinging the sword 100 times, that's what I mean"

Aniya smiled again. I will tell him

"What's your next plan, Raniko?"

"I will travel while writing a book, I want to see the outside world as well as make my own book. I will also finish the books that my mother always reads, especially the book that my mother gave as a gift to me"

Aniya smiles. Say goodbye to me

"Then I will go, I will ride this horse immediately, I thought I would walk, but your father gave me this horse"

"Nox, that's the horse's name, I gave it a name"

"Since childhood"

"No, but just now"

He made me laugh Indeed, at Uncle Liow's place, there were many horses on the loose. Looks like it hasn't been given a name yet

"Then Nox and I will start the journey because I have now graduated, so I can patrol, but use it to wander, calm down, I will watch this country from afar, I will return"

I got on my horse and left immediately leaving Aniya there. I shouted at him

"After I come back I will challenge you to a match, you must bring out all your abilities, after that I will propose to you"

He smiled back, waving his hand.

I'm not sure he heard it

A black-haired swordsman riding this horse is about to begin his journey