On the outskirts of The Kingdom.....

The wind was howling wildly and it was raining as if the gods were angry by the impertinent behavior and the discrimination of the humans towards each other. But still there were two men sparring against each other in the soil which was now turned into mud.

"Hey is it all you got son , what happened to your confidence you were showing earlier , huh ?" said Asta's father while constantly trying to attack thrusting his wooden sword towards Asta's chest.

Asta while trying to get some distance between them said "Hmph , if not for this damn rain and the mud I would have already won today."

"That's some big words comin....." while James was speaking Asta suddenly shifted towards right and while feigning to attack on Jame's right side once again brilliantly shifted on the left side and attacked with his sword for a downward slash while experienced James blocked his attack but Asta on the same time drew his wooden knife and stopping his knife just in front on James eyes.

James surprised by this stood there speechless on the brilliance of his attack.

Asta said while grinning "See I told you I will win today."

James hit him on his head with his sword while saying "Don't get ahead of yourself you brat. "

"Oww..... what was that for ?" said Asta while rubbing his injured head.

"Come on let's go or your mom will get angry." said James.

"Rather than mom you should worry about Luna I had promised to play with her today." said Asta.

"Whaa.... why didn't you tell me earlier ?" asked James.

"Hey, I tried to tell you but you didn't even listened to me." said Asta while protesting against his father's accusations.

"Mom where's brother ?" asked Luna.

"He went to practice with your dad ?" said Anna

"What !? But its raining outside." said Luna.

"Dear , you know he has to go tomorrow to participate in the exam for the royal academy , don't you !?"

"Yes but still.... He had promised to play with me." said Luna sadly.

"Hehe.... Are you crying Luna ?" said Asta suddenly while coming through the door in a teasingly manner.

"What a mess... !!" said Anna after seeing them drenched in water and mud.

"By the way , you know today I beat dad , hehe." said Asta.

Anna turned towards James surprised after hearing this.

James said "He did beat me."

"Wow ! Brothe.....hmph" Luna suddenly realised that she was angry with her brother and stopped in between.

Reading her mood Asta replied "Well you see I really wanted to play with you but dad forced me to practice with me.

"Hey why are you putting the blame on me !?" said James

"But weren't you the one to challenge me ?" said Asta while making an innocent face.

"But ....." James was interrupted by Luna who said "Dad I am not going to talk to you , hmph."

The day passed , and now Asta was getting ready to leave for 'The Academy'.

"Son come with me for a sec." said James politely.

Asta followed him. He was surprised about how his father was acting so politely. Normally they talked with each other like they were friends.

James lead him to the backyard of his house where there were two wooden swords.

James took the swords and gave one to Asta.

Asta frowned , as he had thought that it was something important.

On watching the expression of Asta , James said "Block my attcks."

James rushed towards Asta and while drawing the sword he utilised its momentum to strike Asta's sword diagnolly from below with monstrous strength and speed. Asta thought that his sword would fly away but surprisingly it cut through Asta's sword. He had never heard of a wooden sword capable of cutting another wooden sword into two. He stood dumbstruck on seeing the true power of his father. James said "Remember this well , it is the most powerful move I can teach you for close combat." "Close combat you say... Does that mean you know a magic even powerful than mine ?"

"No..... you have already surpassed me in that area. Ah , and I should warn you don't use this move unless your life is in extreme danger. Hmm.... Now then , come on lets go or you will be late." said James with a bit worried expression which was a very occurrence. He gave Asta a twin blade which had been passed down in their family through generations.

After bidding farewell to his family members Asta started his journey to the capital city of The Kingdom

Chapter 1