The wind swept gently across the quiet hill just outside the village of Liria.
It was here, far from the laughter of younger children and the chatter of adults, that four newly awakened children stood, their eyes filled with excitement and uncertainty.
Eren, Kael, Lyra, and Reina—chosen by their soul swords, now stood on the edge of the next step: the opening of the Energy Path, the very foundation of becoming a Soul Sword Disciple.
The village elder, Ender, stood with his cloak flowing behind him. His presence was calm, yet firm—like a still lake hiding vast depths.
> "This hill is a soul gathering node," he said, his voice low and steady. "The energy here flows pure and ancient. If your will is strong… today, you will become disciples."
He opened a worn satchel, revealing four small orbs. The pills shimmered faintly—like crystal drops caught in morning light.
> "These are low-grade Trial Pills, designed to help open the first gate in your body. Your energy paths are like closed rivers. This pill will break the dam—but only you can guide the flow."
Each child stepped forward to take their pill.
The moment the pill touched their tongue, a cool wave washed over them—followed by a deep, pulsing warmth in the chest. It was as if a second heartbeat had awakened.
Eren knelt first, drawing a deep breath. Snowflakes began to dance around him again, forming a thin mist at his feet. He closed his eyes.
> "Ice... Water... Flow."
He summoned his soul sword—The Ice & Water Dragon Blade—and drove it into the ground before him. The blade pulsed, sending a ripple of energy through the grass.
A soft hum echoed, like the call of distant mountains.
Kael, beside him, grinned and slammed his lightning-forged sword into the earth. Sparks burst upward, crackling in the air.
> "Tch. Not letting you show off alone, Eren."
Lightning danced across his skin as sweat beaded on his brow. His jaw clenched as he focused inward.
Lyra held her nature sword like it was part of her body. Leaves rustled even without wind. Her body trembled as the energy tried to rush through her.
> "Steady… like roots. Let it grow…"
Reina glowed faintly, her sword resting across her lap like a sacred relic. A ring of warm light circled her body, the grass beneath her burning slightly from the heat of her soul.
> "Control it. Don't burn too fast."
The minutes passed. Their bodies quivered. Breathing grew heavy.
Then—
BOOM!
Eren's body jerked upward. A visible pulse of blue and white energy surged through his body from his core. His eyes shot open—bright and crystalline. The air rippled.
> "He did it!" Ender murmured. "The path is open."
Level 1 Soul Sword Disciple.
Crack!
Another surge. His soul sword glowed brighter. The energy paths in his arms flared like rivers of ice and water. A second wave passed through him.
> "H-He's pushing again?!"
Level 2.
And then—whirl!—a spiral of dragon-shaped mist circled his body, roaring in silence.
Level 3 Soul Sword Disciple.
He collapsed to his knees, panting. But his eyes were alive—focused.
Kael followed close behind. Lightning surged up his spine and down his limbs like he was struck by a hundred storms.
With a roar, his aura flared gold and violet.
> "Level 3?! That fast?!" Reina gasped, sweat dripping from her temples.
Ender smiled faintly. "He and Eren… both have exceptional potential."
Moments later, Lyra let out a small cry as vines spiraled up her arms, glowing with green light. Her body trembled—but the flow held steady.
Level 1… Level 2.
Her breathing slowed, her hair sticking to her face with sweat. But her smile bloomed like a flower.
Reina was last—but her fire burned patiently. A single ring of light lifted her body half an inch off the ground.
She didn't scream. Didn't flinch. Just endured.
Level 2 Soul Sword Disciple.
The moment ended with the sun beginning to set—casting long shadows behind the four children, now seated in a square of scorched, misted, and vine-woven earth.
They had changed.
No longer were they just villagers.
They were soul sword disciples.
And this was just the beginning.
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