The light from the sword radiated throughout the cave, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Yoru, his hand still gripping the hilt, felt a strange energy coursing through his entire body. This sword was not just a simple tool. He could feel its weight, not only physical but also mystical, as though it was charged with an ancient power he did not yet understand.
Flamelios, floating next to him, broke the silence that had hung in the air for several minutes.
"You realize you can't just hold it, right?" he said, a hint of irony in his voice.
Yoru turned his head toward the dragonet, looking perplexed. He had never wielded a sword in his life. In his previous life, he had been a simple student, and nothing in his past had prepared him to wield such a weapon. In this new existence, he was nothing more than a farmer without magic, without any special skills.
He lowered his gaze to the blade, still unable to understand why this weapon had chosen him. Why him? He was not a warrior, and even less a hero. His only desire since arriving in this world was to lead a peaceful life, far from trouble. Yet events had taken a tragic turn, and now this sword seemed to be his only hope.
"How am I supposed to master it if I have no idea how to fight?" Yoru asked, a note of frustration in his voice.
Flamelios flapped his wings and perched on a nearby rock, his golden scales shimmering under the sword's light.
"You're asking the wrong questions, kid. It's not about physical strength, nor even talent with a weapon. The sword you hold in your hands was forged for those with unyielding will. If you think it's just about strength, you'll follow the path of those who failed before you."
Yoru furrowed his brow, struggling to understand the dragonet's words. Everything seemed so mysterious, as if the sword itself held secrets he needed to unlock. But he wasn't sure he was up to the task. Anxiety was building inside him.
"And what do you expect from me, then?" he finally asked.
Flamelios fixed him with his sharp gaze, then let out a light laugh.
"What do I expect from you? I expect nothing, kid. But if you want to survive in this world and understand this sword, you'll need to show something that many around you never had: the courage to fight without relying on magical powers."
Yoru remained silent, staring at the sword in his hands. His thoughts swirled. He knew there was no turning back. He had no magic, no special powers, but somehow, this sword had chosen him. He took a deep breath, and despite the fear weighing on his shoulders, he attempted to lift the sword.
To his great surprise, it lifted from the ground effortlessly. It was as if the sword had lost part of its weight, just for him. He felt the sword respond to his will, adapting to his movements as if it were part of him. He held it firmly, his heart pounding, astonished by this unexpected lightness.
"This is… possible?" he murmured, looking at the sword softly glowing in his hands. He could feel energy flowing from the blade into him, as if the sword recognized a potential in him that he had not yet discovered.
Flamelios raised an eyebrow, watching with interest. "Of course it's possible. This sword only responds to those it deems worthy. It's not about brute strength. It chose you, and it will help you… but only if you deserve it."
Yoru nodded, absorbing the dragonet's words. He now understood that this sword was far more than just a weapon. It had a will of its own, and he had to learn to master it. Yet, apprehension gnawed at him. Was he truly worthy of this weapon? Had the sword really given him its trust, or was it still testing his limits?
The next morning, Yoru stood at the entrance of the cave, the sword strapped to his back. Although the blade was still as immense as ever, it seemed lighter with each moment he spent with it. It was as if it adapted to him, to his pace, adjusting its weight as needed.
Birds chirped softly around him, and the morning breeze was cool, contrasting with the warmth of the cave the night before. But even this peaceful environment couldn't erase the doubts that had settled in his mind.
Flamelios floated beside him, his small wings beating with a surprising grace for such a small creature. His demeanor seemed relaxed, but his eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom, a wisdom that Yoru couldn't quite grasp.
"Well," the dragonet began, "now that you've decided to embark on this quest, it's time to start your training."
Yoru gave a nervous smile, trying to hide his uncertainties. "You mean you're going to teach me how to fight?"
Flamelios burst out laughing, a short but mocking laugh. "No, kid. You're going to train to survive. That's all that matters for now. This sword can guide you, but it's up to you to master it. So, let's start with the basics."
Without waiting for a response, Flamelios pointed to a clearing a few steps away. Scattered rocks formed a rugged terrain, perfect for testing Yoru's agility and strength.
"Catch those rocks with the sword," the dragonet said in a detached tone, as if suggesting the simplest exercise in the world.
Yoru blinked, incredulous. "Catch the rocks? With a sword? You're joking, right?" he asked, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
Flamelios said nothing. He simply flapped his wings and perched on one of the rocks, his gaze fixed on Yoru. The silence that followed was heavy with meaning: the training had officially begun.
With a resigned sigh, Yoru drew the sword from his back. The blade still shimmered slightly under the morning light, and he could feel its power vibrating beneath his fingers. He positioned himself facing the rocks, sword ready, though he wasn't entirely sure how to proceed.
He made his first move, but even though the sword was lighter for him, it remained massive and difficult to handle. He missed his strike, the sword veering awkwardly. He almost fell under the weapon's weight.
"Not bad," Flamelios mocked. "But you're not there yet."
The hours passed slowly, each failure weighing on Yoru's mind. He repeated his movements tirelessly, failing with each attempt. Frustration was building inside him. Yet, despite the fatigue overwhelming his body, he kept going. Something deep inside him refused to give up. The sword seemed to be testing him, measuring his determination.
With each attempt, he felt his arms grow more tired, but an invisible force pushed him to continue, as if giving up wasn't an option. The sword wanted to see how far he could go.
By nightfall, Yoru finally collapsed, his body on fire, his muscles trembling. He had still not managed to catch a single rock properly, and his body no longer obeyed his commands.
Flamelios landed beside him, his sharp eyes still fixed on the boy. "That's enough for today. But remember, Yoru, it's not magic you're lacking, it's will. If you want this sword to accept you, you'll have to forge it with your own spirit."
Yoru nodded weakly, too exhausted to speak. Despite the overwhelming fatigue and repeated failures, deep down, a flame had been ignited, a flame that refused to be extinguished, no matter the challenges. He had found a new purpose, a new reason to fight.