Three days had passed since Jack's triumphant return from the dungeon. The city of Rovia continued to bustle with its usual vigor, but for Jack, time seemed to have slowed. He had secluded himself in the training area of the palace, a vast courtyard surrounded by ancient stone walls and lush gardens. Here, he could practice in solitude, away from the prying eyes of the guild and the city.
In the center of the courtyard, Jack stood poised, the new SS-class sword gleaming in his hand. The sword was a marvel of craftsmanship—a weapon of unparalleled beauty and lethality. Its blade was forged from an unknown, otherworldly metal that shimmered with a golden hue. The hilt was adorned with intricate engravings and studded with precious gems that caught the light and reflected it in mesmerizing patterns. Despite its ornate appearance, the sword was surprisingly light, feeling almost like an extension of his own arm.
Jack took a deep breath, centering himself. He had spent the last three days tirelessly training, pushing his body and mind to their limits. With a flick of his wrist, he began his routine, the sword slicing through the air with a whisper. The blade moved with a grace and precision that seemed almost supernatural, cutting through the air like it was nothing.
As he practiced, Jack discovered something extraordinary about the sword. He could control it with his will. It responded to his thoughts, moving in perfect harmony with his intentions. He experimented cautiously at first, guiding the sword to hover in midair before sending it darting forward to slice through a series of targets.
The courtyard was filled with various objects of different sizes and materials: wooden logs, metal rods, stone slabs, and even a section of an iron tree. Jack put the sword to the test, cutting through each object with ease. The blade sliced through wood, stone, and metal as if they were made of paper. Even the iron tree, known for its nearly indestructible bark, was no match for the sword's incredible sharpness.
Despite his newfound abilities, Jack knew he was still a novice when it came to swordsmanship. His control over the sword was raw and unrefined, lacking the finesse and skill of a true swordsman. He needed to learn, to master the art of the sword if he was to harness its full potential.
Jack paused, lowering the sword and letting it rest by his side. He gazed at the blade, the golden sheen reflecting his determined expression. "How can I learn swordsmanship?" he mused aloud, the question echoing in the silent courtyard.
As he pondered his next steps, the scene of another part of Rovia—a small, humble house nestled on the outskirts of the city. The house belonged to Torin's apprentice, a young man named Seiki. Seiki had been away in his village, mourning the loss of his mother. He had returned to the city only to be met with the tragic news of Torin's murder.
Seiki stood at the doorway of his home, his eyes red from days of crying and sleepless nights. He wore simple clothing—a worn tunic and trousers, his feet clad in sturdy boots caked with dust from his journey. His expression was one of sorrow and determination, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his shoulders.
He knew he had to inform the guild about what he knew. With a heavy heart, Seiki made his way to the guildhall, the bustling streets of Rovia a blur around him. The guildhall loomed ahead, its grand structure both intimidating and comforting. Inside, Eamon and Liora were deep in conversation, their faces etched with concern.
When Seiki entered the guildhall, Eamon was the first to notice him. "Seiki," he said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and sadness. "We've been expecting you."
Liora approached, her expression softening as she took in the sight of Torin's apprentice. "We're so sorry for your loss," she said gently. "Torin spoke highly of you."
Seiki nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Thank you," he managed to say.After the members asked some questions Seiki remembered somthing and said, "I remembered something important."
Leo and Rumi joined them, their presence adding to the weight of the moment. "What is it?" Leo asked, his tone serious.
Seiki took a deep breath, steeling himself. "On the day of the fire, I saw someone. A person in a hurry, running towards the city. At the time, I didn't think much of it, but now…"
Rumi leaned forward, her eyes sharp with interest. "Can you describe this person?"
Seiki closed his eyes, recalling the fleeting image. "It was a man, dressed in dark clothing. He moved quickly, almost as if he didn't want to be seen. I didn't get a good look at his face, but there was something… familiar about him."
The room fell silent, the weight of Seiki's words sinking in. Eamon exchanged a glance with Liora, both of them understanding the potential significance of this information.
Rumi broke the silence, her voice steady. "Do you think you could identify this person if you saw them again?"
Seiki hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. I think I could."
The guild members shared a look of determination. This was the first solid lead they had in their investigation, and they couldn't afford to waste it. They had to find this mysterious figure, the one who had been seen fleeing the scene of the crime.
As they prepared to follow this new lead, the sun began to set over Rovia, casting long shadows across the city. The investigation was far from over, and the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty. But with each new piece of information, they were one step closer to uncovering the truth.
Back in the training courtyard, Jack continued his practice, unaware of the developments unfolding within the guild. He swung the sword with renewed vigor, each movement a testament to his growing skill and determination. He knew that mastering the sword was only the first step in his journey. There was still so much to learn, so much to achieve.
The stars began to twinkle in the night sky as Jack's training came to an end. He sheathed the sword and stood in the courtyard, his breath steady and his mind clear. The challenges ahead were daunting, but he was ready to face them. With the power of the SS-class sword in his hands and the determination in his heart, Jack was prepared to carve his path through the darkness and emerge victorious.
The city of Rovia lay in slumber, its secrets hidden beneath the surface. But for Jack and the guild, the journey was far from over. The dawn of a new day would bring new challenges, new discoveries, and new opportunities to uncover the truth. And as long as they kept moving forward, one step at a time, they would find their way through the darkness and into the light.