The Memory of the Past

In the chaotic years following the Great War, the once-prosperous land of Eldoria was ravaged by marauding bands of mercenaries and rogue knights. Villages were reduced to ashes, and the cries of the innocent echoed across the valleys. It was in these dark times that Rodrick, known as the Silent Knight, embarked on a mission that would change the fate of fifty-one children and lay the foundation for the Living Squad.

The Ruined Village

The sun had barely risen when Rodrick arrived at the smouldering remains of a village. The scent of burnt wood and flesh hung heavy in the air. Houses were reduced to rubble, and the ground was littered with the bodies of the fallen. Rodrick's sharp eyes scanned the devastation, seeking any sign of life.

It was then he heard a faint whimper from beneath a collapsed hut. With swift and silent movements, Rodrick cleared the debris, revealing a terrified young girl, barely five years old, clutching a charred doll. Her eyes, wide with fear, met his, and for a moment, they were the only two souls in the world.

"You're safe now," Rodrick whispered, his voice soothing and calm. He lifted the girl gently, cradling her in his arms. She was India, who would one day become a key member of the Living Squad. For now, she was a child in desperate need of hope and protection.

Rodrick sensed movement behind him. Without turning, he drew his sword and dispatched three marauders who had crept up on him. His blade flashed once, twice, thrice, and the attackers fell, lifeless, their intentions thwarted without Rodrick breaking a sweat.

The Forest Encounter

Several weeks later, Rodrick was deep in the forest, tracking a group of marauders. He had heard rumours of children being abducted and sold into slavery, and his heart burned with a fierce determination to save them. As he moved through the dense underbrush, he heard the unmistakable sound of a struggle.

Bursting into a small clearing, Rodrick saw two boys fighting off a group of bandits. Despite their young age, their spirit was unyielding. The taller boy, later known as Gunther, wielded a broken branch with surprising skill, while the younger one, Clarke, threw stones with deadly accuracy.

With a swift motion, Rodrick drew his sword, the Flareion God Sword Technique blazing to life. The marauders barely had time to react before the fiery wrath of his blade consumed them. In moments, the danger was eliminated.

The boys stared at him in awe and fear. "Are you here to help us?" Gunther asked, his voice trembling but defiant.

Rodrick sheathed his sword and nodded. "Yes. You're safe now. Come with me."

The Siege of the Fortress

Rodrick's mission continued to take him to the most perilous places. Rodrick infiltrated the heavily guarded structure under the cover of darkness in a forgotten fortress, used as a base by a ruthless warlord. Inside, he found a group of children huddled together in a cold, damp cell. Their eyes were hollow with despair.

One of the children, a girl with fiery red hair, stood up. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice filled with a mix of hope and suspicion.

"I am here to free you," Rodrick replied. "Follow me if you want to live."

He led them through the labyrinthine passages, avoiding patrols and neutralizing guards with silent efficiency. The girl's name was Sylvia, and she would grow to be a fierce warrior, her spirit forged in the fires of that rescue.

At one point, a squad of heavily armed guards blocked their path. Rodrick's eyes narrowed. Without a word, he stepped forward. The guards lunged, but they were no match for his skill. Rodrick's sword danced through the air, each movement precise and deadly. In mere moments, the guards lay defeated, and Rodrick had not even broken an effort.

The Deserted Monastery

In the ruins of an old monastery, Rodrick found two more children. They were alone, surrounded by the bodies of monks who had tried to protect them. The older of the two, a boy named Romulus, held a wooden training sword, his eyes filled with tears and fury.

"They killed everyone," Romulus said, his voice breaking. "We were hiding, but they found us."

Rodrick knelt before him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well to survive. Your bravery honours them. Come with me. I will keep you safe."

The younger child, a boy named Arthur, clung to Rodrick's cloak. His silent strength and determination would later make him a cornerstone of the Living Squad.

As they made their way out, a group of mercenaries ambushed them. Rodrick's movements were a blur. He dispatched each attacker with a single, fluid strike, his face remaining calm and composed throughout the skirmish. The children watched in awe as he effortlessly protected them from harm.

The Bond of Survivors

With each rescue, Rodrick brought the children back to a haven he had established—a hidden enclave deep within the forest, protected by natural barriers and enchanted wards. There, he trained them, not just in the art of combat but in the values of honor, loyalty, and resilience.

India, became the leader of the group, her courage and determination inspiring the others. Gunther, with his unyielding spirit, became her second-in-command. Sylvia's fiery spirit and fierce independence made her a skilled and fearless warrior. Romulus and Arthur, disciplined from their time in the monastery, brought a unique blend of discipline and resolve.

The Struggle of Training

Rodrick's training was rigorous and comprehensive, pushing the children to their limits. Each day began at dawn with intense physical conditioning. They ran through obstacle courses, climbed trees, and swam across rivers to build their endurance and strength. Rodrick was relentless, demanding nothing less than their best.

India struggled with the physical demands but never gave up, her determination inspiring the others. Gunther's strength was an advantage, but he had to learn control and precision. Sylvia's fiery spirit often got her into trouble, but Rodrick's firm guidance helped her channel her energy productively.

Romulus and Arthur, disciplined from their time in the monastery, excelled in the structured training but had to learn to adapt to the unpredictable nature of real combat.

Mastering Sword Techniques

Rodrick taught them various sword techniques tailored to their strengths and natures. Each child struggled initially, but through perseverance and Rodrick's expert guidance, they began to master their skills.

Swift Strike: Focusing on rapid, precise movements, India struggled with the speed and accuracy required. Rodrick had her practice with lighter blades and move through intricate obstacle courses to enhance her agility. Over time, she became a blur on the battlefield, her strikes swift and deadly.

Earth Shatter (Gunther): Combining strength with devastating force, Gunther had to learn control to avoid overexerting himself. Rodrick had him practice breaking through solid objects with measured force, teaching him to harness his power effectively.

Inferno Dance (Sylvia): A relentless, aggressive style that overwhelmed opponents, Sylvia had to temper her fiery nature with discipline. Rodrick trained her in controlled bursts of energy, ensuring her attacks were powerful yet precise.

Guardian's Aegis (Romulus): A defensive technique that protected and counterattacked with precision, Romulus had to balance his offensive instincts with patience. Rodrick's drills focused on defensive maneuvers and counterattacks, honing Romulus's ability to protect his allies.

Silent Storm (Arthur): Combining stealth with sudden, explosive power, Arthur's quiet strength was his greatest asset. Rodrick taught him to use the element of surprise, striking swiftly and silently to disable opponents before they could react.

The Adoption of the Others

Out of the fifty-one children Rodrick saved, forty-six eventually found homes with kind-hearted families. These children, though grateful for Rodrick's rescue and training, yearned for a life of normalcy and peace. They left the enclave, carrying with them the lessons and skills imparted by the Silent Knight.

The Living Squad

India, Gunther, Sylvia, Romulus, and Arthur, however, chose to stay with Rodrick. They had formed a deep bond with him and with each other, finding a sense of purpose and family amid their shared struggles. Under Rodrick's continued tutelage, they honed their skills and grew stronger, preparing themselves to face the world's dangers as the Living Squad.

Together, they vowed to uphold the values Rodrick had instilled in them: honour, loyalty, and resilience. They became a beacon of hope and justice in the face of darkness, carrying forward the legacy of the Silent Knight.