3 Preparations for the journey

For the last 21 months Samuel has been preparing his heart's out practicing and polishing his swordsmanship to the extreme while having a frequent sparing with his father . Thought Alex had a hectic schedule of his own in his estate but he gave in after seeing how much effort and determination his son is putting in. thought he has yet to reach three star Knight he can feel the difference is as thin as hair before he reaches his goal and he was confident enough he would reach it before the entrance exam.

he started preparing for his departure as it would take him approximately two weeks to reach as the examination destination it's located in the neighbouring kingdom. There are ways to complete the journey faster to approximately 3-4 days using magic carriages but that's something Samuel and his family couldn't afford. While packing for all the daily necessaries and ample amount of money he prepared for his departure.

"Wait Samuel come with me for a while" Alex called him just before he was about to depart

"What is it Father ?" Samuel asked waiting for his father to respond

"Are you gonna keep using that wooden training sword while travelling outside "Alex asked while pointing at a sorry looking worn out wooden sword

"yes ! is something wrong with that ?"

"Listen son world is more cruel that you think, you need to be thoroughly prepared, forget it you will soon understand what I mean for now come with me"

"Yes father"

Samuel replied and followed his father obediently. Alex took his to an old haggard looking house while watching this Samuel could help but ask.

"Father why are we here"

"Just wait you'll know"

Saying so Alex knocked the door twice and gently opened the door and said

"Hello miester Edwin, Sorry to disturb you but I would like to request you to craft a sword for my son"

A Middle aged man with a firm physic and fiery gaze which doesn't match his gentle smile on his face came in and greeted them both.

"Ahh!!! Sir Martin its been a while. A sword ehh ! does that have to bear resemblance with that wooden sword in his waist"

Samuel looked at his haggard sword with a flustered face and replied

"No I..I would prefer something similar to a long sword and something I can carry around my waist "

"I see a One handed Long sword I Guess I do have something for you wait here for a second."

Edwin went inside and brought a sword in an obsidian black sheath and the shiny sharp blade with its edges coated in crimson blood colour no matter how he looked at it it was a beautiful sword which can make any swordsman's heart race.

"It's made of Crimson Black Steel and the sheath is made out of the skin of a 9 Star Monster. It is one of the finest piece available in my shop "

"I see how much is it" Alex asked while watching his son drool over the sword.

"5100 Gold Coins...No!! Give me 5000 Gold coins a Discount just for you Mr Martin " Edwin said with a sheepish smile on his face

After hearing the price all the excitement inside Samuel cooled and he came to his senses but he could help but hid the disappointed look in his face. His father earns about 200 gold coins per month to buy this sword his father has to cough up nearly 3 years worth of his salary which is quite preposterous. While watching his son's different face of emotions Alex couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"We will take it"

while exiting the shop Samuel was still in daze about what just happened while suddenly snapping out he exclaimed

"Dad !!! Did you....."

"It's Fine take it . it's the least I could do for my son " Alex said with a smile on his Face

"Dad I...I..." For the first time in his life Samuel felt out of words he just couldn't grasp what just happened as he wasn't used to depending on others he believed whatever you what has to be achieved through your own hard work. he couldn't grasp this surge of unfamiliar emotions and couldn't help but grasp the sword he has gotten from his father.

Watching his son's ridiculous expression Alex Martin couldn't help but laugh out loud

"Ha ha ha... You brat you are finally showing the expression a normal child should have ."

Alex couldn't help but let out a sign and said

"you were always a bit too mature for your age. I guess this would help you know that we are there for you "

Samuel was speechless during the entire incident and just nodded his head .watching his son's docile reaction smiled widely and said

"Remember Outside World is indeed Magnificent Beautiful and Bountiful But also Dark unforgiving and Cruel."

"So when Push comes to shove don't hesitate"

Samuel with a confused look on his face asked

"what does that mean?"

"you'll know when the time comes. Now then your carriage's here take care"

"you too Dad take care of yourself and mother and sis too. I will be back soon"

Samuel entered the carriage to began his new journey and new found determination as he grips the sword that's tightly laid around his waist as he looked at his father for one last time before starting his own long arduous Journey.