Chapter 13: Steeled Resolve!
"Tch! Enough talking! Both of you get out of my cave, I need to get so damm sleep. Shoo! Shoo!" He waved both Arthur and the swordsman out of the cave.
Both Arthur and the swordsman left the cave and stopped just outside.
"What should I do-co to think of it! I don’t know your na." Arthur spoke outloud.
"Haha! I guess I never properly introduced myself. My na is Kagekawa! He then sat cross-legged on the rocky floor, bowing his upper body.
"From now on you will address
as Master Kagekawa! Understand?" pointing his finger upat Arthur.
"My na is Arthur! I will be under your guidance, Master Kagekawa!" Mimicking Kagekawa’s actions.
"Haha! I know your na already! But I appreciate the sentint."
"So where do I begin?" Arthur had eyes glaring with expectation at Kagekawa’s first instruction. Sedah had walked away from both of them, muttering under his breath "You’ve never looked so happy under my guidance." He went deeper into the cave, yawning, while thinking to himself he could get so sleep and laze about.
"The way to manifest your weapon - no, it’s more accurate to say you’re manifesting your soul weapon."
"My soul weapon?"
"You’ll be communicating and training with your soul weapon. It took
about a year to fully master my soul weapon."
"A year?!?" Arthur exclaid.
"I’m sure it’ll be fine! After all, it could take you less than that ti. Regardless, It’s better starting now than later."
"I guess so...what should I do?" Arthur questioned with doubt waving in his mind.
"It’s quite simple really. Stab yourself through the heart." Kagekawa’s face changed to a serious expression.
"You’re joking...right?" Arthur’s face went pale, but the look he saw on Kagekawa’s face answered his question.
"Arthur, listen to . The manifestation of one’s soul weapon only occurs through death. Almost everyone never wakes up after death. Almost. However, so very special few have the ability to overco death once, bringing a newfound power back. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what happens after death. It’s different for everyone."
"What if...I’m not one of those people?"
"Then that’s it. Your life ended. You die. You can’t know if you have it in you until you die."
Arthur had heard Kagekawa’s words along with the imnse pressure. Arthur’s body was shaking in fear. His breathing started growing heavier.
Kagekawa showed his chest scar. It was right on top of his heart. The surrounding of the wound was a darker shade than his skin tone.
"Death is sothing you must overco if you truly want to beco stronger! Ask yourself this! Why do you want to beco stronger, Arthur!?" Kagekawa had crossed his arms staring intently at Arthur’s next actions.
Arthur had controlled his breathing. His hands beca steadier. Closing his eyes.
Channeling the magic around him.
"...I...don’t think I can do it." Arthur sat slumped. He then put his hand on his hair.
"You see I haven’t found a reason to beco stronger. A real reason." He awkwardly smiled, scratching the back of his head.
Kagekawa looked at Arthur with a smile.
"I see. There’s no need to rush. Arthur, you may find a reason. You may not. Either way, you’re still strong. There are still plenty of other aspects we can improve on. Your swordsmanship. Your perception. Your magic. All of your skills are still lacking and can be polished. I am surprised, though; you still haven’t received a contract, have you?" Kagekawa said in astonishnt.
"No, not yet. I thought it was rare to receive one anyway."
"It is, but soone with your potential - I would think at least one god or two would’ve reached out. Ah! Arthur. I know the perfect way to have you beco stronger!"
"Really? How?"
"It’s ti you hunt your first S-Class monster!"
"Haaaah??! I just killed my first A-Class. There’s absolutely no way I’m ready!" Arthur said vigorously shaking his head.
"If you want to get stronger you must hunt stronger monsters, no?"
"I guess your right but- "
"-Enough excuses! You’ll never grow without struggle. Kill an S-class monster, or steel yourself and stab yourself in the heart!"
"How will I even find an S-Class monster?"
"You ask too many questions! Just go out there. Adventure! It’s ti you leave this cave anyway."
"An S-Class monster, huh? Guess I’ll go back to the guild and check the quest board. I doubt any S-Class quests will be posted."
Arthur, enchanted by the wind, runs back to the town and heads straight into the adventurer’s guild and is t by the barbarians.
≡
Sedah’s dream
"Sedah! Sedah! Wake up already!" Lyanna jumped on top of Sedah while he was still asleep.
"..Augh!...Heavy!" Sedah had slowly opened his eyes to see the prettiest woman he had ever thought existed.
"Ah! Did you just call
heavy?" Lyanna showed a frown, puffing her cheeks.
Sedah reached out his hands towards Lyanna, patting her on the head.
"You’re too cute. I love you Lyanna." Sedah said with an affectionate smile
"Hmph! Flattery will get you nowhere." wagging her finger at Sedah. Then she looked away, her face painted red.
"..I l-love you too.." She said quietly, twirling
her hair.
≡
Sedah’s cave
"Lyanna!"
Sedah had then woken up in the cave, sweating profusely. Panting heavily. He clawed his hand onto his hair.
Kagekawa had returned back to the cave after so light training, catching Sedah waking up.
"...A nightmare? Lyanna? Who is she?" Kagekawa asked.
Sedah then glared at Kagekawa, the imnse magic that exuded Sedah had made Kagekawa’s throat tighten up. He felt heavier; instinctively, he stepped back. His arm wrapped around the hilt of his sword that was strung to his waist.
[The next ti you say her na, I’ll kill you.]
Sedah’s expression was cold. He ant every word.
Kagekawa relaxed a bit, giving an anxious smile to Sedah. "Haha! Sorry, alright?" he apologised, while scratching the back of his head but still keeping one arm on his hilt.
"Tch!" Sedah clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Over the years, Arthur developed a higher sensitivity to magical pressure. The hairs on his arm stood up and his eyes widened as he reached the adventurers guild.
"...Sedah?"
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