Chapter 5: First Meeting

With the successful conclusion of the ceremony, the 1st and 2nd princes approached the newly appointed 3rd prince with warm greetings.

"James, look over here!" called out Renald Vi Heisenberg, the 1st prince of the kingdom and the youngest General, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and pride.

Turning swiftly, James locked eyes with Renald, taking in his imposing figure adorned with the symbols of royalty. Beside him stood Leomord Vi Heisenberg, the 2nd prince and Governor of Heisenwood, his demeanor exuding a sense of quiet strength.

"Elder brothers!" James exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and joy coloring his voice as he greeted them for the first time in 14 years. Though he had only heard tales of them from his mother, the familial resemblance was unmistakable.

In their reunion, Renald presented James with a formidable gift—a double-edged sword forged from meteorites, its weight belying its incredible cutting power. "James, I brought you a meeting gift," Renald announced, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "This is something I've always dreamed of wielding, but it's pretty picky about its owner. I'll give this to you. By the way, after the party, come to the training grounds."

Moved by his brother's gesture, James accepted the sword with gratitude, promising to wield it with honor. Leomord, not to be outdone, offered James a book he had penned himself, titled "Basics of Governing a Territory." "Here, 3rd brother," Leomord said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "This may not be as special as Renald's gift, but it's something I've learned from my own experiences. I wish you luck, brother."

Touched by their generosity, James offered each of his brothers a heartfelt toast, expressing his gratitude for their support.

After the festivities, as the nobles and guests departed, James wasted no time and headed straight to the training grounds.

In the midst of the training grounds, Renald's movements were swift and precise as he sparred with a wooden sword, each strike landing with calculated force upon a wooden dummy. James observed in awe, marveling at his brother's skill and determination.

"Ahh, brother," James interjected, catching Renald's attention. "I am here."

Renald paused, his gaze meeting James's, and with a nod, he beckoned James to join him.

"James, I know you are smarter than us, your elder brothers," Renald began, his tone serious. "But it's useless if you can't protect yourself. Go and fetch a wooden sword. I will teach you moves that could save your life."

With a determined nod, James accepted the challenge, ready to learn from his brother's expertise.

Set 1;

James stood poised, holding the wooden sword in both hands, his grip tense with anticipation. "Brother, I'm in your care! Please teach me a lot," he said earnestly, his voice tinged with determination.

"Certainly," Renald replied, his expression firm yet encouraging. "Try your best to defend my strikes, brother. I won't go easy on you," he added with a smirk, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

With a nod, James squared his shoulders, his resolve steeling. "Go on, Brother!" he exclaimed, summoning his confidence as he tightened his grip on the sword.

Renald wasted no time, launching into the offensive with calculated precision. Stepping forward three times, he delivered a series of swift strikes aimed at James's defenses.

James reacted instinctively, attempting to parry each blow, but the force behind Renald's strikes proved formidable. With each clash, James was pushed back, his arms straining under the impact.

As Renald's wooden sword connected with James's, the impact sent a jolt of pain through James's hands, causing his grip to falter. With a sudden force, James's sword flew from his grasp, clattering to the ground.

"Ack!" James grimaced, though he fought to conceal the pain that shot through him. Gritting his teeth, he braced himself, determined to push through the discomfort and continue the training.

Renald's concern was evident in his tone as he addressed James. "That one is good, brother, but you won't be able to protect anyone with that strength of yours," he remarked solemnly, his gaze piercing yet compassionate. "I have seen your level, and for today, I suggest that we end it for now."

James nodded, accepting Renald's assessment with humility. "Yes, Brother," he replied, his voice tinged with determination despite the hint of disappointment. "Thanks for today."

With a final nod, Renald turned on his heel, his movements purposeful as he exited the training grounds. His back remained straight, a reflection of his unwavering resolve to guide and protect his younger brother.

Left alone on the training grounds, James took a moment to gather his thoughts. He remained sprawled on the ground, his gaze fixed on the expanse of the sky above. Memories of his past and contemplations of his present intertwined, weaving a tapestry of introspection in his mind.

As he lay there, James reflected on his journey thus far, pondering the trials and triumphs that had shaped him into the person he was today. With each passing moment, his determination to improve and learn only grew stronger, fueled by the unwavering support and guidance of his elder brother.

In the tranquil solitude of the training grounds, James found solace in the embrace of the evening sky, drawing strength from the vastness of the world around him as he prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead.