Chapter 1 Orpheus

At a large estate within a land known for its constant eclipses, a young man of about 16 engaged in rigorous sword practice. the platinum white strands of his short hair fluttered against the breeze, gently grazing his ears. Uttering Chants under his breath, he moved with fluid grace, his wooden katana cutting through the air at a quick pace.

"Faster I must be faster." his deep raspy voice, laden with exhaustion, resounded in labored breaths.

Pausing for a break, the young man swiftly resumed his stance, bearing a resemblance with the iaijutsu stance of tachiai*. Taking a final breath to steady his nerves. He closes his eyes attuning himself to the surrounding quiet trees. His ears twitched ever so slightly, Following the quick movements of the oncoming wind. with a deft switch to kiritsuke*, he stepped forth with his left leg moving in harmony with the wind.

"Hah hah." Exhausted breaths escaped as the young man fell onto the ground, attempting to steady his breathing. Frustration etched his face. 'Damn it, that wasn't it. It was supposed to be a quick strike but it's still too slow."

While he rested, a shaky rustle of thick bushes signaled the arrival of a shadowy figure.

'Whoosh'

"Who's there!" jumping to his feet with raised guard, eyes fixated to the bushes, he shouted. His gaze then shifts towards a dark haired maid, whose expression remained impassive.

"Oh it's just you Aunt Mell." the young man relaxes recognizing his personal maid.

"Young Master, you are needed per master and madam request." 

 Nodding slowly, he walks closer towards her. "I will have a pair of clothes ready for you when you leave the bath." Mell finished, offering a towel.

Taking the towel to wipe his sweat, the young man turned to walk back home, "Thank you, Aunt Mell," He replied, Making Mell shift and bow.

"I will inform the master and madam." she said disappearing into the shadows With those last words.

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Pov: Unknown Young man

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Leaving the shower I turn towards the mirror to fix my hair and inspect my appearance. The reflection revealed a young man with medium brown skin tone, glossy platinum white hair, gray eyes and a somewhat handsome visage. His physique boasted a skinny but lean muscular build, marked by a single large scar slicing diagonally across the center of his chest.

"I wonder what Mother and Father wish to speak about."

I thought as I dressed myself. A black T-shirt covered by a matching black jacket with a white Sun emblem on the sleeve adorned my upper half, paired with dark blue jeans to complete the ensemble.

Exiting the training room bathroom, I strolled into the hallway, making my way toward the main hall. En route, I encountered a young woman with dark gray hair of significant length, in the hall leading to the main estate stairs.

"Hey Lilith." I call out recognizing her.

"Jaylen." she responds, her feet halting as she turned slightly to look in my direction.

"Are you also heading towards the main hall as well?" She asked, confirming our shared destination.

Reaching her side I answer, "Yeah I am."

Lilith standing at an impressive 175 cm or 5 '8.8 feet, exhibited a tall stature uncommon for her age of 17. Her curvy figure was accented by her pearly white skin, which glowed with a healthy radiance. clad in blue shorts that showcased her long legs, she carried herself with confidence. A black compression shirt tightly embraced her sides and chest, revealing a moderate but well-defined muscular build. Each curve displayed for any onlookers to see. Her dark gray hair framed her face, contrasting against Radiant violet irises that shimmered with a captivating allure.

"Do you know what they called us for?" I asked her as we continued towards the main hall.

"No, I don't. I was hoping to ask you that," she responded as we turned the corner into the lobby and walked down the main flight of stairs to the 1st floor.

"Hmm, so even you don't know." I mutter, offering my own response. The mystery of summons lingered, adding an air of anticipation to our journey.

Sighing softly, Lilith changed the topic, asking "So, how's your training going?" .

It's going well but I haven't made much progress. I'm still only in the first stage of Elemental Attunement," I responded, my frustration evident.

"What, really? That's amazing. Not everyone can reach that realm before enrolling at the academy," Lilith exclaimed, her joy and amazement palpable.

"Yeah, it's great and all, but I bear the mark of the paragon on my crystal tree sapling," I clarified, frustration clear in my voice.

hearing the frustration in my voice, Lilith tries to cheer me up. "Well it's not all so bad. At least you can follow any path, which means you would have fewer weaknesses."

"Lilith, ever heard the statement 'jack of all trades, master of none'?" I used the statement to highlight the challenge of having access to all paths.

"Yes, I have, and the full statement is a 'jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one," she corrected me.

As she opened her mouth to say something else I cut in, "We arrived. let's not keep them waiting any longer." I grabbed hold of the handle, opened the Door made of solitude wood, and gestured for her to enter before me.

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-Chapter End

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{A/N} I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Here is a bit of meaning of some of the words I used.

*Tachiai- The second standing posture in Iaijutsu

*Kiritsuke- Second major iaido component. Can be one strike or a series of strikes