A Swordsman's Tale

"After hearing Rioran's story, Rodel was shocked and saddened. "So that's what happened. I never imagined my brother's death would be so brutal. Are you the lone survivor?"

"Yes, as you can see, my left leg is made of steel, crafted by me."

"I understand... sigh... It's been 16 years since the war ended. By the way, Rioran, I wanted to ask about your child."

"Oh sorry but, He was not really my child," Rioran confessed.

"What?!" Lord Rodel exclaimed in surprise.

"His mother died while holding him in her arms, I saw that the baby was good on condition, so i dont have any thought, so I adopted him"

"Can you also tell me on how you and Aelar survive"

"All right I tell you, The place where the war ended was the only place where we lived, there is destroyed house before that was a blacksmith store, on that place i make my on feet that made of steel and fit it on my feet, so train and i immediately get used to it, if you wanna know if me and Aelar can eat, the reason also the destroyed store where we can eat food the place is destroyed so we do need to do to survive on our own, that kid get used to it i allow him to explored him self to find useable for us to survive, i did teach him my little knowlegde to prepare ths journey for him self. "

"What a long story Isn't it"

"Yeah, those 16 years, i did not regret any of those years all those years spend time with him is precious, but now. So, It's time for Aelar to embark on a journey into the world, to confront potential dangers from lurking demons. I brought him here to prepare him," explained Rioran, a profound sense of sorrow infusing his every word.

"Chuckles So, that's where you reside, huh? Do you intend to disclose the truth to him?" inquired Rioran.

Rubbing his head "Sorry, that's the only solution I can think of at the moment. And yes, but not immediately," responded Rioran.

"It's your decision, but perhaps consider revealing it sooner rather than later," advised Lord Rodel.

"Can I entrust Aelar to you for guidance, to mold him into a skilled swordsman until he reaches maturity? I must journey to the Padayan country, my homeland," Rioran implored.

"Of course, my friend, if it's you. I'll ensure Aelar receives the necessary guidance," Lord Rodel agreed, his heart weighed down by the gravity of the situation.

"Thank you sincerely, my friend. I already owe you so much, someday I hope to repay you."

"Indeed, I'll be counting on it," replied Lord Rodel, as silence enveloped the surroundings. "Tomorrow, a ship will be ready to ferry you to your destination, Rieran."

"Thank you very much." Rioran rose to his feet. "I bid farewell now. Please also bid farewell to my son, as I cannot face him while saying goodbye."

"I'll handle it. Prepare yourself for tomorrow," assured Lord Rodel.

"I am truly grateful," Rioran expressed his gratitude. While they finished talking, we see Aelar diligently cleaning his room, spending the whole day tidying up his entire dormitory, using makeshift tools he made from wood he found lying around.

Brom rose with the first light of dawn, the cool morning air stirring as he stretched his muscles in preparation for the day ahead. With practiced ease, he went through a series of exercises, each movement fluid and precise. Afterward, he indulged in a refreshing shower, the warm water washing away the remnants of sleep.

As he sat down to breakfast, ready to savor his meal, a familiar voice shattered the quietude of the morning.

"Brother!!!!!"

Brom paused mid-bite, his spoon hovering in the air as he turned to face the source of the interruption. "What's the problem now, Vey?!" he responded, a hint of exasperation in his tone.

The sound of hurried footsteps heralded the arrival of his younger sister, Vey, her expression a mixture of frustration and urgency.

"Brother!!!" Vey exclaimed, wincing at the volume of her own voice. "Ouch..., that hurt my ears, what's going on?!"

"Where are my clothes??!" Brom demanded, his irritation growing with each passing moment.

"They're on the clothesline. I came home early in the morning and thought of doing the laundry right away," Vey explained, her tone defensive.

Brom's frustration simmered beneath the surface, but as he saw the distress in Vey's eyes, his heart softened.

"Don't be sad. You always know how to tug at my heartstrings. Here, use my clothes for now while yours dry," Brom relented, offering a small smile to his sister.

"Okay, brother..." Vey replied, her voice tinged with relief.

"And next time, learn to do your own laundry," Brom added, his tone firm but gentle.

"Alright, brother, I'll be the one to watch over the house while you're away cute smile," Vey responded, her expression brightening with a mischievous grin.

"Okay, just be careful. I'm off," Brom said, rising from his seat and preparing to depart.

"Okay, brother, take care~" Vey called after him, her voice echoing in the corridor as Brom made his way to Aelar's dormitory.

Standing before the closed door, Brom rapped impatiently, calling out to his young apprentice.

"Aelar!! It's time for your training to begin!!"

When no response came, Brom's irritation grew. Testing the door handle, he found it unlocked, and with caution born of years of training, he pushed it open, expecting the unexpected.

Inside, he was met not with chaos, but with order. Aelar's dormitory was impeccably clean, every surface gleaming in the morning light. Brom's gaze landed on Aelar's bag, curiosity compelling him to investigate its contents.

"Sir, may I inquire about your interest in my belongings?" Aelar's voice startled Brom, drawing his attention to the young man standing before him.

Brom glanced inside the bag, noting the assortment of swords nestled within. "Tell me, Aelar, what purpose do these serve?" he asked, his tone serious.

"These are the swords I've crafted. Each one holds a special meaning to me," Aelar explained, his voice calm and steady.

"I understand... but why so many?" Brom inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Those swords of mine, I've been making them year after year, ever since I was a child," Aelar replied, offering insight into his craft.

Brom nodded, a sense of understanding dawning within him. "Alright then, let's leave that for another time because it's time for you to prepare," he said, redirecting their focus to the task at hand.

"Understood, Sir Brom. I'll get ready now," Aelar responded, his demeanor poised and determined.

"Hurry up, and take this," Brom said, handing Aelar a uniform similar to his own.

"Sir, what's this?" Aelar asked, examining the garment with curiosity.

"It's a uniform. You'll need to wear it for training," Brom explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

"I see, Sir Brom. I'll accept it," Aelar replied, his resolve unwavering.

"Quickly now, I'll wait for you outside," Brom instructed, eager to begin their training.

Minutes later, Aelar emerged from his dormitory, clad in the uniform provided.

"Sir Brom, I'm ready," Aelar announced, his voice steady and determined.

Brom smiled, a sense of pride swelling within him. "Excellent, let's go," he said, leading the way to the training grounds.

"Yes!"