Chapter 3: Into the Wilds
Kael didn't look back.
The sword pulsed softly in his hand, its energy no longer burning, but steady—like a heartbeat. The forest at the base of Mount Saryon was thick and dark, and no path led through it. Few dared enter. Beasts lurked in the shadows, and worse things whispered deeper in the trees.
But Kael had no choice. He was a fugitive now.
As the last light of the sun faded, he found shelter in a hollowed tree trunk. His muscles ached. His thoughts spiraled.
He held the sword up, staring at its reflection.
"Astral… that's your name, right?"
The blade shimmered faintly, as if acknowledging him.
"You… you said my name before I said it out loud. You knew me."
"I've always known you."
The voice was not spoken—but felt. Deep in his mind. Calm, wise, and… ancient.
Kael's breath caught.
"You're… alive."
"Not alive. Bound. I am the echo of the first sword, born of the stars. And you, Kael, are my wielder."
Kael didn't know whether to feel honored or cursed.
He gripped the sword tighter. "Why me? I'm no one."
"You are the first… in a thousand years… to awaken me."
Silence fell again. But Kael wasn't alone anymore.
---
By morning, he was already moving.
The forest tested him. Wolves with gleaming red eyes stalked him. One attacked.
He didn't hesitate.
With one swing, Astral cleaved through the beast in a single motion. No weight, no resistance—just raw speed and power. Kael stood stunned.
"I… I didn't even think. My body just moved."
"We are now one, Kael. I lend you my will. And you lend me yours."
He moved faster after that, leaping over rocks, cutting through bramble. For the first time in his life, he felt light—like the world couldn't stop him.
But at the edge of the forest, standing between him and the nearest village, stood a figure cloaked in black.
A sword hung at the stranger's waist. The man's face was hidden behind a mask shaped like a cracked moon.
"You," the man said. "The Skyblade has chosen."
Kael's instincts flared.
"Who are you?"
"I am the first of many who will come for you."
He drew his sword.
Kael's heart pounded. "You're here to kill me?"
"No," the man said, raising his blade. "I'm here to test you."
Without warning, he vanished—and reappeared right behind Kael.
"Let's see if you're worthy of that blade."
And the first true battle of Kael's new life began.