"What should I do- come to think of it! I don't know your name."
"I guess I never properly introduced myself. My name is Kagekawa! He then sat cross-legged, bowing his upper body.
"From now on you will address me as Master Kagekawa! Understand?" pointing his finger at Arthur.
"My name is Arthur! I will be under your guidance, Master Kagekawa!" Mimicking Kagekawa's actions.
"Haha! I know your name already! But I appreciate the sentiment."
"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 some sleep and laze about.
"The way to manifest your weapon - no, it's more accurate to say you're manifesting your soul."
"My soul?"
"You'll be communicating and training with your soul. It'll probably take for you, I'm betting a year or so."
"A year?!?!? Are you sure we have that kind of time?"
"I'm sure it'll be fine!! It's better starting now than later."
"I guess so...so what should I do?"
"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 me. The manifestation of one's soul is only something people can experience once dying. Almost everyone never wakes up after death. Almost. However, some very special few have the ability to overcome 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 don't have it in me?"
"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 immense 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 something you must overcome if you truly want to become stronger! Ask yourself this! Why do you want to become stronger, Arthur!?" Kagekawa had crossed his arms staring intently at Arthur's next actions.
Arthur had controlled his breathing. His hands became 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 become 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 astonishment.
"No, not yet. I thought it was rare to receive one anyway."
"It is, but someone 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 become stronger!"
"Really? How?"
"It's time 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 time 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 met by the barbarians.
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"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 me 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.
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"Lyanna!"
Sedah had then woken up in the cave, sweating profusely. Panting heavily. He clawed his hand onto his hair.
Kagekawa had entered the cave, catching him waking up.
"...A nightmare? Lyanna? Who is she?" Kagekawa asked.
Sedah then glared at Kagekawa, the immense 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 time you say her name, I'll kill you.]
Sedah's expression was cold. He meant every word.
Arthur at the adventurers guild had reached a higher sensitivity to magic over the years.
"...Sedah?"