The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the grass. In the center of an arena stood a ten-year-old boy blindfolded, gripping a wooden sword tightly in his hands.
Before him, a bright watermelon swayed gently from a pendulum, glistening in the sunlight. He took a deep breath, focusing on the sound of the fruit swinging back and forth, the soft thud of it hitting the air.
He shifted on his feet, ears perked, listening intently. As the watermelon swung closer, he instinctively ducked low, swinging his sword with all his might. The blade sliced through the air with a whoosh, missing the target. The boy grinned beneath his blindfold, feeling the thrill of the challenge.
"Again!" someone called out.
The pendulum swung back, and he steadied himself. This time, he focused on the rhythm—the gentle creak of the rope, the whisper of the breeze. He ducked again as the watermelon approached, swinging the sword high above his head. This time, he heard the satisfying crunch as the blade connected.
The boy exhaled his breath as the watermelon split open, juices spraying everywhere. The boy pulled off his blindfold, eyes wide with triumph. He held his wooden sword aloft, grinning from ear to ear, feeling like a true Swordsman.
Yes, this boy is none other than our Joshua Runkandel. It has been six years since Joshua selected Barisada and moved to the Storm Castle.
The Storm Castle
A castle detached from the Runkandels Clan's main castle. Every Runkandel child cannot take a single step outside the storm castle until they turn ten, to protect them from assassination attempts. Now you would what kind of madman would try to assassinate a Runkandel child, even their worst enemies zipfel wouldn't dare to.
In actuality there was a certain case around 200 years ago when someone had attempted it. The Kungel clan another clan of swordmasters , had attacked the Runkandels, and 9 young children of Runkandel Clan ended up getting killed.
However the very next day, the entire Kungen clan had been annihilated, including every family members and extended family of the servants, and disappeared in to the annals of history.
Since then, it has become a tradition and rule within the Runkandel household to have every child remain in the storm castle after their selection ceremony until they became 10 years of age.
The atmosphere within the storm castle was indeed worthy of it's name. It was situated on the the peak of Mt. Murakan which is presumed to be tallest mountain in the world. As it's name suggested, a tempest was surrounding the castle at most of the times, during all four seasons, The rains, gales and lightning constantly affected the mountaintop. Though today was an exception.
"You did well today, Joshua," Alaric said, his voice steady and warm, cutting through the evening air. "Your movements were fluid, and your footwork was precise. You've come a long way since your first lesson."
"Thank you, Master. I still feel there's much to learn." said Joshua wiping his brow with the back of his hand.
"Indeed," Alaric replied, a glint of pride in his eyes. "But you possess something many lack at your age: determination. You face every challenge head-on, and that spirit will take you far. Remember, skill can be honed, but heart is innate."
The young swordsman nodded happily, absorbing the praise like a sponge. "I just want to be worthy of your teachings."
Alaric chuckled softly, the sound warm and reassuring. "Worthy? You already are. Every time you step onto this field, you prove your dedication. Keep pushing your limits, and never shy away from your instincts."
Joshua squared his shoulders, feeling the weight of Alaric's words settle into his bones. "I will, Master. I promise."
"Good," Alaric said. Alaric Comwell also known with the nickname Ghostblade.He is the ten star black knight that was assigned to me as a protector and mentor 6 years back. He is called ghostblade because he really appears like a ghost and cuts his enemies with a sword. He wears all black clothes with a black mask around his face. Heck, even his aura colour is black. Before joining Runkandels as a black knight he went around assassinating famous and powerful figures across the world. Until he met my father. He was called the best assassin around around the world but he didn't want to accept that title until he assassinated the most powerful man in the world and that was my father. After being easily defeated by my father he joined the Runkandels as a black knight. In beginning, he was a man of very few words. He used to only speak when he taught and no more than that, until I grew on him with talent and dedication. Now I can surely say he is as loyal to me as he is to my father himself.