Chapter 16: Preparation and Departure
Edger's training sessions took on new energy as he began to wield his new sword, testing its weight and balance in his hand. The weapon felt powerful, precise—crafted with the utmost skill. Each day, he pushed himself, growing more accustomed to its feel, his movements becoming sharper, and his confidence rising in preparation for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Garrett continued to work closely with Liora, giving her focused lessons on mana control. With her newfound Kiba blades, Liora had to learn to regulate her mana to keep the lightning effects active for longer periods. Garrett's guidance proved invaluable, helping her build her endurance and develop better control over the blades' unique abilities. Day by day, her skills grew, and so did her resolve.
Reyn, too, fell back into his routine of studies, training, and crafting. He updated Alistor on recent events, describing Edger's reaction to the sword and Liora's progress with her Kiba blades. Seeing Alistor's excitement, Reyn extended an invitation for him to join them in traveling to the capital and watching the tournament firsthand. Alistor jumped at the offer, thrilled by the opportunity to see such an event up close.
With each passing day, excitement for the upcoming tournament grew. Two months flew by, filled with preparations and training, until the departure date finally arrived. They set off on a three-week journey to the capital, the road stretching ahead with forests and fields, towns and villages to cross. Traveling alongside Edger and Garrett, Liora's and Reyn's parents felt reassured, knowing they were in good hands.
As Greyhold faded into the distance, the thrill of adventure settled over them. Ahead lay the capital, new challenges, and the chance to witness the tournament they had long awaited. With every step, their journey to new experiences and challenges began.
The journey to the capital had been a remarkable experience for Reyn, Liora, Alistor, Garrett, and Edger. Traveling through the Duke's territory, they marveled at the many towns and villages, each boasting unique architecture that reflected the history and culture of the region. Castles rose against the skyline, and ancient stone bridges arched over clear streams. As they moved deeper into the countryside, the vast, dense forests stretched around them, adding an air of mystery to their travels.
Despite the beauty, the forested paths held their dangers. On several occasions, they were ambushed by low-level monsters lurking in the underbrush, waiting for a misstep. Other times, they had to fend off small bands of opportunistic bandits. Yet, with Garrett and Edger by their side, they were well-protected. Edger tested his new sword in these skirmishes, each swing becoming more natural as he grew accustomed to its weight and balance. Reyn was proud to see Edger's skill improve and felt a sense of accomplishment each time he saw the weapon in action.
At night, they set up camp and often took refuge in Reyn's spatial tent. The adventurers were still in awe at the tent's magical capacity, amazed that something so small could be so spacious inside. Liora often invited everyone to play chess, and Garrett and Edger quickly developed a friendly rivalry over the game. Each match became an intense showdown, filled with strategies and bluffs, much to the group's amusement.
Alistor, on the other hand, had become a source of light-hearted entertainment. He was far from comfortable with the presence of monsters and often jumped at the slightest rustling in the trees. His friends took it in good humor, occasionally teasing him, but his reactions brought laughter to their nights around the campfire.
To see how far Liora's mana control had come, Reyn decided to test her skills against his first attempt at a metal golem. Crafted with a knight's armor and wielding a regular sword, the golem clanked into the clearing, awaiting Liora's first move. Liora focused, directing her mana through her Kiba blades, the lightning coursing around her hands with an electric crackle. She moved swiftly, dodging the golem's mechanical swings and countering with a strike of her own. Although she was still refining her control, Reyn was impressed by her agility and precision. Her training with Garrett had clearly paid off.
After the battle, they gathered around the campfire, weary but in good spirits. Alistor challenged Reyn to another game of chess, and the group settled into a relaxed routine, chatting and laughing as they looked forward to what lay ahead.
As their journey continued, Reyn, Liora, Alistor, Garrett, and Edger came across an unexpected sight: ancient ruins, partially hidden within a dense forest clearing. Towering stone walls, weathered by time and overgrown with ivy, rose around them, hinting at a long-lost civilization. Intrigued, the group stopped to explore the crumbling structures.
"These ruins," Edger began, his voice carrying a note of reverence, "are remnants of a war from centuries ago. A war with nations we only know from stories—the Elven Kingdom of Eldoria, the Dwarven Holds of Ironpeak, and the Beast Tribes of Feralis."
Garrett nodded, examining the stonework. "Our ancestors fought them in a terrible conflict before any of us were born. The Empire of Caelum clashed with these races for years, each side defending its lands and way of life. But now, there's a fragile peace between us."
Liora tilted her head in confusion. "Peace? After everything that happened?"
"Yes," Garrett continued. "But it's a peace forged by necessity. A mysterious enemy has emerged from another continent—an unknown threat that forces us to set aside our differences and unite against a common foe. However, that doesn't mean we've forgotten our grudges. We still don't get along due to our history and the deep-seated prejudices that linger."
Reyn listened, fascinated by the legends of these ancient races he had only read about in books. "Did any of you ever meet an elf or a dwarf?" he asked.
Garrett chuckled. "I wish! No one has seen them in my lifetime. They were said to retreat into their homelands after the peace treaty. Some claim the dwarves now live beneath the mountains, forging wonders in hidden forges, and the elves guard their forests with magic that keeps outsiders away. But you might get lucky and see some elves, dwarves, and beastmen in the capital for the tournament."
Liora's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? What are they like?"
Garrett smiled, eager to share. "Elves are excellent with magic, spirits, and archery. Their skills with a bow are unmatched, and they can manipulate magic in ways we can barely comprehend. The beastmen, on the other hand, are known for their incredible martial arts and physical prowess. They can take on multiple opponents with ease. And the dwarves? They are master forgers, using secret techniques and rare materials to create weapons that are as durable as they are beautiful."
Reyn's imagination ran wild at the thought. "It sounds amazing to see them in action. I can't wait!"
As they walked through the ruins, Reyn imagined what it must have been like to witness such a war firsthand. He pictured the dwarves' intricate weapons, the elves' ethereal magic, and the sheer power of the beastmen, each race so different and powerful in its own right. The stories they'd told felt more real now, the weight of history palpable among the broken stone and overgrown paths.
Before they moved on, Reyn reached down and picked up a small, rough stone, deciding to keep it as a memento. It was a small reminder of the world's vast history, a world he hoped to see more of.
As they left the ruins, the group was more thoughtful, their conversations quieter as they pondered the tales of old. They returned to the road, minds filled with visions of races they'd likely never meet, but whose legacies lingered in the land around them.