The wind rustled through the trees like a quiet song, carrying with it the scent of pine and the whisper of adventure. It had been fifteen days since the four had left Liria. The snow had melted, giving way to the blooming spring that painted the world with color.
They were on their way to Thalor, the Rank 2 County under the Kingdom of Eldoria—where the real path of sword mastery began.
Eren walked at the front of the group. His steps were calm, measured, his eyes alert. The 7th-level Soul Sword Disciple now had a sharper presence. His silver-blue hair had grown slightly longer, flowing gently with the breeze. His calm aura, paired with the occasional glint of his Ice & Water Dragon Soul Sword, gave him the look of a young noble warrior.
Kael, always a few steps beside Eren, had grown more refined too. His Thunder Soul Sword pulsed faintly at times with sparks of crackling energy. Though also at the 7th level, he remained competitive—never one to back down from a challenge, but more mature now. His quick grins and jests gave their journey life.
Lyra and Reina—the sun and moon of their little group. Lyra, confident and focused, was now a 6th-level Soul Sword Disciple, her Crimson Flame Soul Sword like a ribbon of fire in battle. Reina, quiet but fierce, matched her level, her Wind Spirit Soul Sword glowing with elegance. The two girls had become closer as sisters and rivals both.
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Small Campfires and Silent Bonds
During the nights, they camped under stars. One evening, as they sat near the fire, roasting fish they'd caught by a stream, Reina looked up and said softly, "Do you ever think about the village?"
Kael chuckled. "I think about Brann's voice yelling at us to hold our swords straight."
They all laughed.
Eren smiled faintly, his eyes on the flame. "And I think about Arin… I promised I'd return."
The group fell silent for a moment.
Lyra tossed a twig into the fire. "Then we all will. Together."
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Monster Hunts & Sword Growth
In their second week, they faced their first serious threat—a Stonehide Boar, nearly twice Kael's size. Its roar shook the trees.
"Let's test what Brann taught us," Kael grinned, lightning gathering around him.
Reina and Lyra flanked from both sides while Eren drew in water from a nearby stream, using Water Slashes: First Form to cut through the beast's defenses.
Kael struck with a Thunder Slash, stunning the boar long enough for Reina to unleash a Wind Cutter, slicing into its legs. Lyra's flames finished the job with a sharp, sweeping arc.
By the end of the battle, they were bruised, winded—and grinning.
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Two Months Later…
They had crossed into Thalor County, entering through the Verdan Woods, where monsters were more frequent and the terrain more challenging. They wore cloaks now, slightly torn from travel, and their blades hung comfortably at their sides—part of them now.
Eren was still the strongest in the group. His control over Mist Creation had grown so refined, he could create three mirror clones at once.
Kael had nearly mastered Lightning Movement, making his steps almost invisible in short bursts.
Lyra could now summon extended flame arcs in her combos, while Reina was learning to fly short distances using wind surges.
Each one had grown—not just in level, but in heart and spirit.
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