A weapon to guide

"I'm done" Alogra said calmly, flipping the grilled meat in the pan one last time, then he arranged the plates and dished out some for himself and Jack.

Jack's stomach grumbled as he watched Alogra walk up to the table with a plate of grilled meat and vegetables, the aroma filling the small room. After hours of labor, the sight made his mouth water, but he was wary. He'd gone to bed hungry last night, all because he'd been a few minutes late finishing his chores.

'He 'helped' himself to my food last time,' Jack thought, eyeing Alogra with distrust as he set the dishes down with an all-too-innocent smile.

Jack had fallen for that smile too many times. But this time, he was prepared.

Without hesitation, he dug in, devouring each bite of meat as if he hadn't eaten in days, not that he did anyway. He barely noticed the faint ping from the system:

[MP: +10]

Jack didn't look up. He had no intention of sharing, not this time. From the corner of his eye, he saw Alogra eating just as steadily, only with a surprising speed for someone who seemed to take his time.

'Why does he keep beating me to the food? It's like he's got some advantage,' Jack thought, watching Alogra's hands move at an unnerving pace.

But Jack didn't let up. When Alogra finished his plate, Jack braced himself, expecting the usual question.

"You're not done with yours? Why don't I help you with that," Alogra asked, already reaching across the table.

'Now!' Jack thought, pulling his plate away with practiced speed. This time, he'd beat Alogra to it.

"I win this time!" Jack said triumphantly, his plate secure.

He was already well aware of Alogra's scheme, he had already tolerated it for more than six times. Today was the seventh day and he wasn't going to let the food go just like that.

He barely savored his victory before realizing something was wrong. His plate was... empty. Confused, he looked around. Had the food fallen off?

Alogra leaned back with a faint smirk. "Sorry, you should've said something sooner. I thought you were full. You were so 'slow' I couldn't tell if you were interested."

Jack's jaw clenched as Alogra's mocking tone hit home. The old man had been toying with him all along. Alogra never gave him a full meal, somehow managing to swipe Jack's food every time they ate. Jack forced a smile, trying to ignore the gnawing hunger as his stomach let out a low growl.

"Guess that's lunch, then," Alogra said, patting his stomach. "Now that we're both full, it's time to start your training." Alogra's expression turned serious. "Today, we'll be using a proper sword. No more wood. Let's find the one that suits you best."

Jack clenched his fists, glaring at Alogra's back as they walked out of the dining area. 'I'll get him back someday, just wait...' he vowed silently.

As they reached Alogra's room, Jack was surprised when the old man led him inside. He had never entered this room before, and the moment he did, he froze in awe. The walls were lined with weapons of every shape and size, mostly swords, each radiating a unique aura. The dim candlelight flickered against polished steel, casting a golden glow over the room.

The room itself was far larger than Jack had expected. Compared to its modest exterior, the space inside was nearly as large as his quarters back in the palace. 'It has to be some kind of expansion arrays' he thought, glancing around in wonder.

He didn't know much about the Alchemist but from the kuch he knew. He could tell how very crucial and important their role was. They helped both in building outstanding structures and as well, crafting powerful weapons and accessories.

They didn't appear to have much strength, but they were indeed a force to be reckoned with. He wasn't certain, but he had the feeling that Alogra's house had to be built with some kind of mechanism.

"This is where I keep my collection," Alogra said, gesturing to the gleaming blades. His voice was quieter than usual, almost reverent. "You see, swords aren't just weapons. Each one has its own spirit, its own purpose."

Jack looked up at him, caught off guard by the somber tone.

"The sword stands apart from other weapons," Alogra continued. "Axes, spears, hammers—they all serve one purpose, maybe two. But the sword is versatile, adaptable. It becomes part of the wielder, a guide. That's why our first king, despite being a man of the axe, named this land the Kingdom of Swords."

Jack listened, captivated. This was the first time Alogra had spoken to him this way, like a real mentor. Alogra gestured to the wall, his fingers trailing across the intricate blades.

"Today, you'll choose your sword," Alogra said softly. "One that matches your spirit, that will guide you on your path."

Jack stepped forward, drawn to the weapons that gleamed with an almost magnetic pull. Each one seemed to whisper, promising power, skill, and perhaps even a measure of the respect he'd lost over these grueling days of training.

"Don't get me wrong," Alogra said, watching him closely. "A true warrior can wield any weapon well. But the sword you choose now will serve as your guide through the trials ahead."

Alogra lifted a blade from the wall. Its polished steel shone as he unsheathed it, casting a warm glow over the room. His gray eyes met Jack's, steely and fierce. "A sword that can put all your enemies down."

As he made this statement, a strong pressure poured out of him, it was strong.

Powerful!

Jack could see it, the true man, the true Alogra that was painted to be the greatest swordsman.

Jack held his breath, feeling a thrill run through him. This was what he had been waiting for—a real step forward, a glimpse of what true training would be like.

[A/N: please support with powerstones and Goldentickets, your support is invaluable.... We are winning together!]