The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the training field behind Lisa's house. Shirtless and drenched in sweat, Vian swung his wooden sword again and again, his body gleaming under the fading light.
Behind the house, Lisa watched silently, her hands tucked behind her back.
There's something about him, she thought, her gaze fixed on his determined movements. But... there's something strange too. Every time I get near him, it's like... the air changes. There's a faint, unfamiliar scent—almost like burnt smoke and rain.
Vian, unaware of her observation, paused to catch his breath and approached her with a tired smile.
"Training again?" Lisa asked, frowning slightly as she noticed his body. His chest and arms were now covered in fresh cuts and bruises.
"You should really start caring about your health too, not just your willpower," she scolded.
Vian gave a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll be fine."
As the sky darkened and stars began to dot the heavens, Lisa said softly, "I'll go make dinner. You finish up and don't push yourself."
"Got it," Vian nodded and made his way toward the lake nearby for a few moments of meditation.
He sat cross-legged by the water, moonlight glimmering on the still surface. But as he closed his eyes, a faint whisper brushed past his ear.
"...Vian..."
His eyes shot open. He looked around.
"Must be some wild animal," he muttered, brushing it off and heading home.
But as he walked away, high in the trees at the forest's edge, a figure cloaked in pure black stood motionless. Only a pair of glowing eyes and a low, raspy whisper broke the silence:
"Hmm... Now it's getting interesting."
---
Back at the dinner table, Lisa crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed.
"You're pushing yourself too far," she said as Vian gulped down his meal.
"If I'm going to fight beside Chricy, I have to get stronger," he replied, a confident smile on his face.
Lisa narrowed her eyes, biting her lip slightly. A flicker of jealousy crossed her features. "Your sword style looks more like you're slicing apples and potatoes."
Vian blinked, frowning. "Then maybe you should be my coach!"
Lisa huffed, cheeks puffing in mock frustration.
---
Ten days later...
The two of them strolled through a bustling blacksmith's market at the heart of Therinvale. Forges roared, and craftsmen shouted offers. Vian and Lisa stopped in front of an old master's stall.
The blacksmith, with soot-stained hands and a keen eye, looked Vian up and down.
"What kind of sword are you looking for, lad?"
"I want one that can handle high energy pressure, balance both defense and offense… and won't break under magical stress," Vian answered confidently.
The blacksmith chuckled and walked inside his workshop. A few moments later, he returned holding a glimmering sword.
"This," he said proudly, "is forged from pure Arkonite—a rare, durable metal. I've embedded light spells along the blade, and the grip won't slip even in a storm."
Vian's eyes sparkled. "How much?"
The price hit him like a rock. His expression dropped.
Lisa, without hesitation, stepped forward and handed over a pouch.
"You—what?!" Vian exclaimed. "That's your savings!"
"You've worked so hard. You deserve something in return," Lisa said gently.
Vian looked down, the weight of her words sinking deep.
As they walked back, the streets parted around a dazzling figure—Chricy, walking gracefully through the crowd in a modest travel dress, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight.
People whispered in awe, admiring her beauty and presence. She spotted Vian and Lisa and walked over with a soft smile.
"Hello, you two. Where were you today?" she asked.
Lisa answered, "Vian went to pick out his own sword."
Chricy turned to Vian. "Why?"
"I'm joining the competition," Vian replied boldly.
She blinked, a little surprised, and nodded with approval. "Then I'll see you there."
Lisa added, "The competition's tough. Just do your best."
"I will," Vian nodded.
"Alright, I have something to handle. I'll see you both later," Chricy said, turning and walking away, her presence lingering like frost in the summer breeze.
---
That evening, as Vian trained beneath the twilight, the shadow returned. Hidden beyond the lake, barely a whisper above the wind, the cloaked figure grinned beneath his hood.
"Looks like... I'll have to intervene."
The smile that followed was not human.