19 - The Blue of the Night and the Blade's Shine

The rain, which had poured over the Great Forest for months, was finally taking its last breaths. The gray clouds still lingered above the treetops, but the air was lighter, the raindrops falling sporadically, and the fresh scent of the earth mixed with the soft aroma of the leaves. Rygar was perched on one of the massive trees, his eyes closed and his mind calm. He focused on the sounds around him, letting the forest speak to him.

He could hear the small animals moving through the leaves, the cautious steps of a deer in the distance, the soft sound of a squirrel digging the ground, and even the distant flight of a bird. But what caught his attention the most was the sound of the wind, carrying with it the scents of plants and wildlife, whispering secrets that only he could perceive with his sharp senses. As his ears filtered the environment, he could smell a nearby stream, the damp touch of a tree, and the fragrance of flowers that were just beginning to bloom.

(The end of the rainy season always brings a sense of renewal... How the forest breathes and prepares for the next season. It's curious how everything in the world seems to follow a cycle. I will miss this.)

Lost in thought, Rygar reflected on the life he had lived so far—the relentless training, his journey with the Doldia tribe, and the bonds he had forged with friends and mentors along the way. Although only eight years old in this world, he already carried the experience of 28 years, shaped by the memories of his two lives.

In such a short time, Rygar had already begun to distance himself from the person he once was in his previous world. He was maturing rapidly, not only physically but also in spirit, gradually adapting to the harsh realities of his new existence. Despite his young age, his appearance told a different story. His still-developing frame already resembled that of a 10 or 11-year-old, marked by firm muscles, a piercing gaze, and the posture of a seasoned warrior—someone who had faced battles far beyond his years.

Opening his eyes, Rygar activated his magical vision. His eyes gleamed with an unusual intensity, and for a moment, the world around him expanded. The forest stretched before him like a detailed painting, the mana surrounding all the vegetation, and he could see hundreds of meters with astonishing clarity. The trees, the animals, even the small details of fallen leaves on the ground—all became visible, as if reality itself was unfolding before his senses. He felt a surge of energy, as though he were at the peak of his growth spurt.

With a swift motion, he activated Flash Step, and his body was enveloped in an explosion of energy, instantly vanishing from the top of the tree and darting toward the tribe. He could feel the strength in his muscles, his incredible speed, and the wind slicing across his face as he covered the kilometers in the blink of an eye.

---

Rygar landed nimbly in the center of the village, his feet making a faint sound as they touched the ground. Around him, the atmosphere was completely different from usual. The smell of food in the air, the laughter, and the shouts of excitement gave the impression that the entire tribe was in a joyous frenzy. The rainy season, which had made their lives so difficult, had finally ended, and everyone was ready to celebrate the almost nonexistent casualties that season. No great battles, no disasters. A reason to celebrate.

This was mainly due to Rygar testing his techniques, but also thanks to the focused training done in the Iron Legion, in addition to the 7 young warriors who could use magic without incantations, making things much more convenient in battles.

He watched the frantic movement of people around him. Some warriors were preparing the meat for the feast, using large knives to cut pieces, others were setting up tents and tables, and a few more distracted ones were sparring in friendly duels, using wooden swords. It was a spectacle of simple fun but full of energy.

"Rygar!" Verdia appeared from afar, her face with a smile that he could swear was a magical effect that made her glow. Her golden hair was loose and swaying hypnotically. She wore a simple dress, different from her occasional mage cloak, making her look like an angel among mortals. When she saw him, she gestured for him to come closer. Rygar stood in awe for a moment before walking toward her.

"You're getting tall, little Rygar," she said, her voice full of pride. "Soon I won't be able to call you little anymore."

Rygar laughed, looking at his master. He felt immense affection for her, a mix of deep respect and a bond that transcended just the master-student relationship. He knew that she had been instrumental in his development, both in magic and in mindset. Amid his confusion on how to handle the new truths of his society, she had been his guide, teaching him so much about life with her experiences and patiently listening to all his doubts.

Soon, Selene approached, with a warm smile. "That warrior's body is already taking shape, isn't it?" she commented, looking at Rygar with a playful gaze.

What Rygar liked most about his mother was her laid-back nature, which, despite her difficult past, had allowed her to adjust to life in the tribe. Selene and Rygar shared a strong bond, as his mother had always treated him with unconditional love, regardless of his mistakes or difficulties.

Soon, they reached a campfire where Rygar's father, Hontar, was sitting. He was imposing, with powerful muscles and a posture that commanded respect. Despite the harsh way he treated others, Rygar thought of him as a classic tsundere.

"Hey, Dad, do you need help cooking the meat?" Rygar offered, wanting to be useful, but the air changed instantly when he heard three consecutive refusals.

"No need," Hontar said seriously.

"How about we go play darts instead, son?" his mother said, steering the conversation away.

"Yeah! We can talk while doing that, little Rygar," his master added.

The emotional blow was significant. Was my skill really that bad?!

Rygar forced a smile and agreed. "Sure, let's play darts..."

Meanwhile, Fendrel and Garu, his fencing instructors, were among the fighters dueling with wooden swords. Fendrel, always serious, was facing Garu, who had a more relaxed attitude but was equally skilled after Fendrel lost his arm. They exchanged quick, precise strikes, their swords clashing with force but leaving no marks. Rygar observed intently, absorbing every movement, every tactic used by the two.

Around them, other warriors were engaged in equally lively activities. A group of younger warriors was involved in a fist fight, laughing as they exchanged punches carelessly but with the contagious energy of youth. Nearby, some older members were playing a knife-throwing game, their expressions more serene, yet just as absorbed in the competition. The sound of laughter and celebration filled the air. The mating season was in full swing.

The Sacred Beast was also there, in a small sanctuary, visibly excited when it saw Rygar. Its white fur shone, and it watched him with glowing eyes, as if eager for Rygar's next move. Whenever he approached, it let out a small bark of approval.

Amid the celebration, some of the Iron Legion warriors started to chat eagerly about what was coming next. "The Chief is going to challenge an A-Rank Beast without magic, right?" one of the warriors commented quietly, but loud enough for Rygar to hear. "I heard it's in three days."

The news spread quickly, and the conversations grew more animated. "What madness! We'll need a group of the best warriors to kill one safely!"

In a corner, Gustav, the tribe's leader, climbed onto a small makeshift platform and raised a cup. All eyes turned to him. "Today is a day of celebration," he said in his strong, commanding voice. "We've overcome another rainy season, another tough time. And, more importantly, we came out of it stronger than ever. The Doldia tribe remains united, and for that, we must toast to our strength, our courage, and the future that awaits us."

The crowd applauded, clapping and shouting in approval. The atmosphere became even more vibrant, with everyone sharing the sense of unity. Rygar, observing his tribe members, felt a strong connection to them, something he hadn't felt in his previous life—a sense of belonging. Even knowing that he would leave soon, the feeling of being part of this tribe, this family, was something he would never forget.

As the feast continued, Rygar stepped aside to a quiet corner, chatting with friends and simply enjoying his rare moment of rest, soaking in the warmth of the night and the feeling of camaraderie.

The party raged on as the festive mood took over everyone.

He walked a little and saw Kilian, who was showing some of the tribe's children how to throw stones. His movements were quick and precise, the wind magic he used to control the stones' direction seemed magical to the children.

"Your control is great, Kilian," Rygar commented with a smile.

Kilian smiled back, his eyes shining with confidence. "I've been training a lot, Chief."

"Keep training, then. Being young, you need to at least be strong enough to lead the Iron Legion."

Rygar observed the young man, one of the most promising of his generation, with the ability to use advanced wind and earth magic. Kilian was still a child, but his determination was unwavering. Rygar had also seen that he had potential for the Water God style, so he told him to train more seriously in that style. He had already decided that, one day, Kilian would take on a leadership role in the Iron Legion.

Further along, Taes was helping Lisena assemble a set of "improvised weapons" for a small combat tournament. They were having fun, but Rygar could see the intensity in their gazes. Taes, with his earth magic skills, and Lisena, with her talent for barriers, were getting closer to an advanced level. It was remarkable how they communicated with just their eyes, their abilities complementing each other perfectly.

"Taes, Lisena, don't forget to rest as well!" Rygar called, but they were so focused on preparing for the fight that they hardly noticed his presence.

Linia was further ahead, engaged in a friendly match with other warriors from the tribe, testing her strength and agility. She still seemed so small, but already demonstrated the skills of a fighter. Her fire magic made her opponents hesitate, and her quick, precise attacks were impressive.

"Hey, don't be so aggressive, Linia!" Rygar warned.

"It was you, Chief, who told me that in the Sword God style, aggression is always the answer," she said proudly, with her arms crossed, as if she had discovered the truth about life.

Amid the entire celebration, he found Pursena, who was sitting in a corner, observing the party, with a large plate of meat hidden behind herself. The girl was absorbed by the atmosphere around her. She was quiet but always attentive, although it seemed as if she was protecting her meat.

She even glared aggressively at him when he passed by.

Rygar then went to look for his master. She was talking to another woman from the tribe. As he approached, he noticed how the firelight from the campfire reflected in her hair, creating an almost magical aura around her. She was more radiant than ever, the beauty of Verdia seemed to increase as time passed, not just because of her appearance, but because of the confidence and kindness she radiated.

"So, Rygar?" she asked, her eyes observing him with curiosity. "Are you having fun?"

"Yeah, but I might be a little nervous about facing the beast in three days. I've already defeated one with magic, but with just the sword, I'll be very limited."

"You'll make it, and even if you don't, you can try again and again. You'll always have us to support you," Verdia said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Rygar felt a comforting warmth in his chest when he heard her words. She always knew how to give the right kind of support at the right moment. He smiled back at her, feeling more determined to continue his journey.

"I know, Master. One day, I'll surpass all these limits."

Verdia smiled, a sparkle in her eyes. "I know that. Just don't forget to enjoy the celebration while you can, Rygar."

Rygar nodded, and for a moment, got lost in her eyes. He tried to imagine what his new life would be without her, and once again realized how important she had been.

The music and dancing continued around them, but Rygar was calmer now. He knew what he needed to do.

The party was coming to an end, and the night slowly descended upon the tribe. The last laughs and conversations began to fade, and the flames from the campfires began to die down, leaving only a soft glow illuminating the tired faces of the warriors and villagers.

---

When everyone had gone to sleep, Rygar got up.

He knew this would be his only chance to face the A-Rank Beast without anyone interfering, as they were all tired. So he lied, saying he would face it in three days, so he could truly challenge himself. He was sure there would be warriors lurking to save him if something went wrong, so what would be the point of facing it without magic?

When the last group of warriors retreated to their homes, he silently sneaked back to the exit of his house, aware that most of the tribe was already sleeping.

As he opened the door, Rygar was surprised by a sight that made him stop for a moment. On the branch just ahead of the door, carefully hanging, was a sword. It was adorned with intricate details and a blade that emanated a unique aura. He approached cautiously, not recognizing the sword—it was a piece he hadn't seen before.

It had a unique appearance, unlike anything he had used before. The scabbard was black, with golden and blue details. He carefully took the sword by the hilt, the weight of the blade perfectly balanced in his hand.

With a sense of reverence, Rygar unsheathed the sword, examining it more closely. The blue blade extended before him with impressive lightness, almost ethereal, with a soft glow that seemed to change in intensity as the night light touched it. At the beginning of the blade, the name was engraved: Tsukikage (Moonshadow). There was something about it that unsettled him, as if it was more than just a simple weapon.

(This... is definitely not an ordinary sword), Rygar thought, feeling a shiver run down his spine. The weight of the sword and its exotic appearance made it clear that it was not just any weapon, but something forged with great care, perhaps even magic involved.

He raised the sword before him, and for a moment, he felt as though the blade was asking to be used. It was an indescribable feeling, as if the sword was aligned with him, ready to unleash all its power. He then looked at the small note hanging with the sword.

He then laughed, (She knew, of course, she knew...) The note left with the sword had the simple message: "Good luck, little Rygar!" This phrase at that moment touched his heart deeply.

With every word he remembered, he felt a weight of responsibility, but also a quiet pride. Verdia believed in him, trusted him, and this sword represented much more than just a weapon to kill for him.

With one last glance at the room and the tribe sleeping in the distance, Rygar turned and left the house, determined. He could wait no longer. His journey was about to begin. The A-Rank Beast awaited him, and he had to be ready.

He crossed the forest, the sword in his hand emitting a soft glow as he advanced, as if every step was bringing him closer to his destiny.