Chereads / Journey: Revenge of a Lost Soul / Chapter 4 - The Sword's Choice

Chapter 4 - The Sword's Choice

As Kael wandered through the bustling streets of Soale's Town, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sights and sounds around him. Warriors of all shapes and sizes trained in the town square, their movements fluid and precise.

Approaching a group of warriors who were taking a break from their training, Kael struck up a conversation. "Excuse me, I'm new here. My name is Kael. Can you tell me more about this town and the academy?"

One of the warriors, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, nodded in greeting. "I'm Jorn, and this here is Soale's Town, named after the legendary warrior who founded the Regalia Academy. It's a place where warriors from all over come to hone their skills and test their mettle."

Another warrior, a slender woman with a fierce look in her eyes, added, "I'm Lyra. The academy is divided into different factions, each specializing in a different style of combat. It's a place where you can learn from the best and become the strongest warrior you can be."

Kael's eyes widened with interest. "That sounds amazing. I've been training on my own, but I've never had the opportunity to learn from others. Do you think they would accept someone like me into the academy?"

Jorn chuckled. "They accept warriors of all backgrounds and skill levels. If you have the determination and the drive to succeed, you'll fit right in."

Lyra, intrigued, turned to Kael. "So, what is your affinity?"Kael hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. "I... I'm not sure. I've only recently discovered this power within me."Lyra nodded understandingly. "No worries. Discovering your affinity is part of the journey. In our world, there are different categories of elements that people can have an affinity for."She continued, "There are normal elements like fire, water, earth, and air, which are the most common. Then there are abstract elements like illusion, space, time, and destruction, which are more rare and require a deeper understanding of the world around you."Jorn joined in, "And let's not forget the elemental affinities, which are still being discovered. These are elements that don't fit into the normal or abstract categories and often manifest in unexpected ways."Kael listened intently, fascinated by this new information. He had never considered the possibility of having an affinity for an element, let alone the different categories and types of affinities.Lyra smiled. "Once you discover your affinity, you'll be able to train and master it, unlocking new abilities and powers."I think I might have an idea," Kael said, a realization dawning on him. "I seem to have a connection to temperature. It's like I can control the heat and cold around me."Lyra's eyes widened with interest. "That's fascinating! Temperature manipulation is a rare and powerful affinity. It's often regarded as having both fire and ice affinities.""Really?" Kael said, surprised by the revelation."Yes, come with me," Lyra said, leading Kael towards the academy. "We'll enroll you and have your affinities officially tested. The masters at the academy will help you develop your skills and unlock your full potential."

At the academy, Kael underwent a unique test to determine his affinities for temperature and time. In the testing chamber, there was a large, glowing orb surrounded by intricate runes. Kael was instructed to place his hand on the orb and focus his energy.As Kael placed his hand on the orb, the room was filled with a blinding light, brighter than anything he had ever seen. The orb glowed intensely, its colors swirling and shifting, but then something unexpected happened. The light began to wither and flicker, as if being consumed by some unseen force.The mages and scholars watched in astonishment as the light from the orb dimmed, its brilliance fading slowly. It was as if the orb was being drained of its energy, and Kael could feel a strange sensation coursing through him, as if he was absorbing the fading light.Suddenly, the light vanished completely, leaving the room in darkness. But Kael's hand still glowed softly, a testament to the power he had just witnessed. The mages and the factions supervising the test looked at him in awe, unsure of what had just occurred.Lyra approached Kael, her eyes wide with wonder. "Kael, that was... incredible. I've never seen anything like it. It's as if the orb was reacting to a power within you that we don't yet understand."Kael looked at his hand, still glowing softly. He could sense that there was more to his power than just temperature and time. There was a third affinity, hidden and mysterious, waiting to be discovered.

As the light from the orb dimmed and faded, Kael was approached by representatives from various weapon factions within the academy. They all sought to recruit him, impressed by his display of power and eager to have such a talented warrior among their ranks.

The axe faction offered him a mighty battle-axe, promising strength and power unmatched by any other weapon. The spear faction presented him with a spear that gleamed with a magical aura, promising speed and precision in combat. The bow faction showcased a bow that seemed to whisper promises of unparalleled accuracy and range.Despite the tempting offers, Kael remained undecided. He knew that his choice of faction would shape his path at the academy and determine the skills he would develop. After much deliberation, Kael made his decision."I choose the sword faction," Kael announced, surprising many. "I believe that the way of the sword resonates with me the most, and I wish to hone my skills as a swordsman."The representatives from the sword faction welcomed him with open arms, impressed by his determination and resolve. Kael knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on, armed with his affinities for temperature, time, and the mysterious third affinity that lay dormant within him.

The other weapon factions respected Kael's decision, though some tried to persuade him to reconsider. The leaders of the sword faction, including the renowned swordsman Master Durand, were thrilled to have Kael join their ranks. They promised to train him in the art of swordsmanship, guiding him on his journey to become a master swordsman.Kael felt a sense of belonging among the sword faction, as if he had finally found his place in the academy. He knew that he had made the right choice and was eager to begin his training.