Alex picked up one of the daggers carefully, its weight surprising him. It was light but sturdy, with a balance that felt almost natural in his hand. He ran his fingers along the hilt, feeling the grooves in the leather wrapping. It felt foreign, yet there was something oddly comforting about holding it.
He awkwardly tested a few grips, then slowly understood how the weapon might move. His reflection stared back at him from the polished blade, and doubt crept into his thoughts momentarily.
"Can I really do this?" he muttered, his grip tightening slightly. The idea of wielding a weapon, of fighting with it, felt so far removed from his old life.
Standing nearby with her arms crossed, Kaela seemed to read his hesitation. "It's not about knowing everything from the start," she said, her tone steady. "It's about committing to learn and adapt. Everyone starts somewhere, Alex."
Her words gave him a small spark of reassurance as he shifted his focus to the daggers. He moved one in a tentative arc through the air, testing its feel, when suddenly, a familiar chime echoed in his mind, and a glowing notification appeared before his eyes.
=====
[New Mission: Sharpen Your Skills]
Objective: Familiarize yourself with blade combat by killing five beasts within three hours.
Details: Prove your capability to wield weapons by hunting and eliminating five beasts in the surrounding area. This will enhance your skill with blades and build confidence in your ability to fight.
Rewards:
1. 1,500 EXP
2. Skill: Emperor Blade Dance [Basic]
=====
Alex's breath caught as he read the mission description, the text glowing faintly in the air before him. His grip on the daggers tightened as nervousness and determination washed over him.
"So I need to sharpen my skills, huh?" he murmured under his breath, his gaze flickering between the weapons in his hands and the mission details before him. It seemed like the system wouldn't let him ease into anything gently.
Kaela's voice broke through Alex's thoughts, drawing his attention away from the glowing notification still lingering in his vision. "So," she said with a raised eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in her tone. "What say you?"
Alex glanced at the daggers in his hands, then back at Kaela. The weight of the mission and the unfamiliarity of the weapons still lingered in his mind, but there wasn't much choice in the matter. With a steadying breath, he gave her a small nod. "Alright," he said simply.
Kaela's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Good," she said, crossing her arms. "At least you can make a decision quickly. That's something."
Before Alex could respond, she turned to the shopkeeper, reaching into a pouch. "I'll pay for these," she announced, her tone firm yet casual. She glanced back at Alex, adding with a sly smirk, "Consider this a gift."
Alex's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly understood what she meant. She was covering for him, ensuring no suspicion arose about his lack of money or that he wasn't from this world. It was a subtle but important gesture, and he appreciated it more than he could express.
"Thanks," Alex said quietly, his voice sincere as he met her gaze.
Kaela waved off his gratitude with a flick of her hand. "Don't mention it," she said, her tone light but her expression serious. "Just make sure you use them well."
Alex nodded firmly, gripping the daggers tightly. "I want to start familiarizing myself with these blades right away," he said, determination flickering in his eyes.
The shopkeeper chuckled at Alex's eagerness, his weathered face softening with amusement. "I like your enthusiasm, kid," he said, leaning back slightly. "Since you're planning to help the town by going after those bandits, I think I'll throw in something extra."
Alex blinked in surprise. "Really?"
The shopkeeper nodded, moving to a shelf behind the counter. He rummaged through a stack of gear, muttering to himself before pulling out a set of light leather armor. The armor was worn but well-maintained, and its dark brown hue and reinforced stitching gave it a sturdy, reliable look. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was leagues better than the tunic Alex had been wearing.
"Here," the shopkeeper said, handing the armor to Alex. "A beginner like you could use some protection, especially if planning to fight bandits. Consider it a gift—just don't get yourself killed out there."
Alex hesitated, taking the armor with both hands. "Thank you," he said earnestly.
The shopkeeper waved him off with a gruff laugh. "Don't read too much into it," he said, his voice tinged with good-natured sarcasm. "A little kindness here and there doesn't hurt. But between us, I'm not placing my hopes on you just yet. You seem green, and those bandits aren't exactly pushovers."
Despite the backhanded comment, Alex smiled. "Still, thanks. I appreciate it."
Kaela chuckled softly at the shopkeeper's blunt remarks, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. "Looks like you've got quite a long road ahead of you, Alex," she said, leaning casually against the counter. Her tone was teasing, but there was an undertone of encouragement that Alex couldn't miss.
Alex scratched the back of his neck, offering a sheepish grin. "Yeah, seems like it," he admitted. "Guess I'll be looked down on a lot for now."
Kaela smirked, crossing her arms. "Maybe, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It'll just make your rise all the more surprising."
Alex's grin widened as her words struck a chord in him. He glanced down at the daggers and the leather armor, a spark of determination flickering in his chest.
He didn't mind being underestimated for now. He knew the truth—he had a long way to go, but the system, the missions, and the strange new life he'd been thrust into were opportunities. Sooner or later, he would become strong enough to make a real difference in this world.
"Yeah," he said quietly, gripping the daggers tighter. "Soon enough, they'll see what I can do."
***
The air was heavy with an unspoken tension in the grand throne room of the Medira Empire. The opulent space, adorned with gleaming gold accents and tapestries depicting the empire's illustrious history, starkly contrasted the solemn expressions of those within it.
At the heart of the room, seated upon a towering, gilded throne, was Emperor Alden Medira, a figure of undeniable authority and regality.
The Emperor's piercing blue eyes swept over the three individuals standing before him. Each was a Royal Knight, three of the twelve elite defenders of the empire, chosen not just for their skill but for their unwavering loyalty. They knelt briefly before standing, awaiting the Emperor's acknowledgment.
Emperor Alden's voice cut through the silence, low and commanding. "Rise, my Knights. Speak of the disturbance that has stirred this empire."
The first to step forward was a broad-shouldered man with auburn hair tied neatly at the nape of his neck. His armor bore intricate engravings of a lion, and a crimson cape flowed from his shoulders. Sir Reynard Lionhart, the Lion Knight, spoke with a voice as steady as his reputation.
"Your Majesty," Reynard began, bowing deeply before straightening. "Earlier today, I felt it—a tremor within the magical currents of our world. It was faint but distinct. Such disturbances only occur during monumental events. The last time…" He hesitated briefly, his gaze flickering toward his comrades. "It was during the emergence of the last outsider."
The Emperor's gaze narrowed. "You speak of the Supreme Emperor."
Reynard nodded gravely. "Indeed, Your Majesty."
Beside Reynard stood a lean man with sharp features and jet-black hair styled immaculately. His armor shimmered with a sleek, dark polish adorned with the emblem of a falcon. Sir Damian Falkrow, the Falcon Knight, was known for his keen senses and unmatched agility.
"I felt it too, Your Majesty," Damian said, his tone cool and analytical. "But it wasn't just a magical tremor. There was a shift in the winds themselves—subtle, yet undeniable. The kind of shift that speaks of a new force entering our realm. If this is truly the arrival of the Supreme Emperor, then we must act swiftly."
The third knight, a woman with striking silver hair that flowed like moonlight, stepped forward. Her armor, etched with delicate patterns of a wolf, gleamed faintly under the chandeliers' light. Lady Seraphina Moongarde, the Wolf Knight, was known for her loyalty to the Emperor.
"Your Majesty," Seraphina said, her voice calm but laced with urgency. "While I agree with my comrades, we must tread carefully. If this is indeed the Supreme Emperor, they may not know their purpose or power. Rushing into action could create more chaos than order."
Reynard glanced at her, his brow furrowing. "Seraphina, caution is one thing, but hesitation in the face of such a threat could prove fatal to the empire."
Damian smirked faintly, his arms crossing as he leaned slightly toward Seraphina. "Reynard's right. Caution doesn't win wars, my dear Wolf. You know that better than most."
Seraphina shot Damian a sharp look. "And recklessness only hastens defeat, Falcon. We should act with precision, not brute force."
"Enough," Emperor Alden said, his voice cutting through their exchange. The Knights immediately straightened, all eyes turning to their sovereign. His expression was unreadable, his piercing gaze flickering between them.
"This is no time for petty squabbles," Alden continued, his tone cold and firm. "The balance of the realm may be at stake. If the Supreme Emperor has returned, we must immediately confirm it."
The Knights exchanged glances, their earlier tension dissipating as the weight of their duty settled over them once more.
"Your Majesty," Reynard said, his voice steady. "How would you have us proceed?"
The Emperor leaned forward slightly, his gaze hard and calculating. "I want the source of this disturbance identified. Find it, confirm what or who it is, and report back to me immediately. If this is truly the Supreme Emperor's doing, we must prepare for their potential threat and use."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Knights said in unison, bowing deeply before stepping back.
As they exited the throne room, the weight of their mission hung heavy over them. The Supreme Emperor was no mere legend—it was a force that could reshape their world, for better or worse.