The golden glow of the setting sun painted the hill in hues of amber and rose, its warmth lingering just long enough to brush the sweat from the young disciples' brows.
The training ground was silent for a moment—silent, but full of emotion.
Kael was the first to break that silence, stepping toward Eren with a smirk that tried to hide his fatigue.
> "Heh… Looks like we're on the same level now, Eren."
"Don't think I'll let you get ahead of me again."
Eren, still kneeling with his hand resting on the hilt of his dragon-forged sword, glanced up. His breath was steady, though his chest still ached from the rush of opening three energy paths in one sitting.
He smiled faintly, that calm look in his eyes ever-present.
> "If you're always trying to stay equal with me," he said softly, "then you'll never be able to surpass me."
A beat of silence passed—and then Kael laughed.
It wasn't mocking. It was real. A light, boyish sound that rang through the clearing like thunder after a storm.
> "Hah! Big words, Eren. Just you watch!"
> "I'm already watching," Eren replied with a half-grin.
Just then, Lyra approached, wiping sweat from her temple, her leaves slowly retracting back into her soul sword as it faded. Her face was flushed, but bright.
> "You boys sure love to compete, don't you?" she said teasingly. "But I don't think I'm letting either of you leave me behind."
Reina came up beside her, the fading glow of her flame aura still clinging to her skin like sunlight. She didn't speak at first, just crossed her arms and nodded.
> "You two may have started stronger," Reina said softly, her tone more serious, "but all of us have our own paths. The soul sword isn't about being the strongest. It's about becoming what only you can be."
That made the others fall silent for a moment.
Each of them had felt it during the breakthrough. Their soul sword wasn't just power—it was a mirror. A reflection of something inside.
Before anyone could speak again, the low voice of Elder Ender rang out.
> "Enough for today."
He stepped into the fading light, his long robe trailing behind him as if he were part of the wind.
> "You've taken your first step… and it is a good one. But this is just the beginning."
The four children turned to him respectfully, the fatigue starting to catch up to them now that the excitement had passed.
> "Go and rest," Ender continued. "Tomorrow, I will take you to the Skill Hall—where you will choose your first martial skill. It will shape your path and help you unlock the true potential of your soul swords."
Their eyes lit up at the mention of skill books.
Eren tilted his head. "Real techniques? Sword arts?"
> "Yes," Ender nodded. "But choose carefully. A sword technique is not a decoration—it becomes part of your soul. It must suit you."
> "Also," he added with a small smile, "I've asked Brann to assist with your training from now on. He's rough, but one of the best fighters we've got."
Kael groaned playfully. "You mean that grumpy guy who trains the guards?"
> "The very same," Ender chuckled. "He's agreed to help you four… if you don't give him a reason to regret it."
The kids exchanged glances—excitement mixing with a little fear. Brann was known for his strict discipline and heavy wooden practice blades.
But there was no denying—he could turn them into real warriors.
As they turned to walk back toward the village, the light behind them slowly faded into night.
Eren looked at the sword pendant hanging on his chest—the mark of his dragon soul sword—and touched it gently.
> "Tomorrow… I'll get stronger. For them. For me."
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