The Resonance Sphere gleamed faintly under the afternoon sun, its surface etched with intricate runes that pulsed in rhythm with the energy it read. Rynar stood before it, his broad shoulders tense but steady. The weight of a hundred eyes bore down on him, and he could feel the murmured apprehension ripple through the crowd like the wind through Whisperwood's trees.
Kaelith's voice cut through the murmurs, sharp and commanding. "Who are you?"
Rynar took a slow breath, his green eyes meeting hers without wavering. "I'm Rynar," he said, his voice steady. "Son of Kael."
Kaelith's piercing gaze lingered on him, her expression unreadable. Behind her, the wiry knight with the scar—Aldren—narrowed his eyes, his posture tense. "Step forward," Kaelith instructed, gesturing toward the Resonance Sphere. "Place your hands on the sphere."
Rynar moved slowly, each step deliberate. The crowd seemed to hold its collective breath, the whispers fading into an oppressive silence. He stopped before the sphere, its runes faintly pulsing in anticipation. As he reached out, the cool metal felt unnaturally smooth under his fingertips, sending a shiver through his arm.
For a moment, nothing happened. The sphere glowed faintly, its runes shimmering as if awakening. Then, suddenly, its light flickered erratically. The runes brightened and dimmed in rapid succession, their rhythm breaking into chaos. The crowd stirred uneasily, and a low murmur rippled through them.
"What's wrong with it?" a voice whispered.
The flickering grew more intense, the sphere's glow fading until it was barely a dim pulse. Its runes faltered, the intricate patterns dimming one by one. Finally, the light extinguished altogether, leaving the metallic orb cold and inert.
Gasps erupted from the villagers. The sphere's reaction—or lack thereof—was unlike anything they had ever seen. The air was thick with uncertainty, and even the knights exchanged wary glances.
Aldren stepped forward, his scarred face tightening with suspicion. "What did you do?" he demanded, his tone sharp.
Rynar instinctively stepped back, his hands raising slightly in defense. "Nothing," he said evenly. "I just touched it."
Kaelith's eyes narrowed as she studied the sphere. "The Resonance Sphere is designed to measure elemental affinities and potential. For it to react like this..." Her voice trailed off, her expression hardening. "This is no malfunction. It's struggling to interpret."
Aldren scoffed, his hand drifting toward the hilt of his sword. "That's not normal. Whatever he is, he's hiding something."
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, fear and confusion spreading like wildfire. Rynar's jaw tightened, his green eyes darting between the knights and the villagers. His chest felt heavy, as if the air itself had turned against him.
---
Before Aldren could press further, Kael stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Enough." He placed himself between Rynar and the knights, his broad shoulders squaring as he addressed Kaelith directly. "My son has no mana. He has no affinity. He's a hunter—nothing more. Whatever issue you're having with your sphere, it's not his doing."
Aldren sneered, his hand tightening on his sword. "Strength like his doesn't come from 'hard work.' You're hiding something."
Kaelith raised a hand, silencing Aldren with a sharp glance. Her eyes flicked to Kael, her expression unreadable. "We'll speak again," she said, her voice calm but tinged with an edge of warning. "For now, he's dismissed."
Rynar exhaled slowly, stepping back into the crowd. He felt Kael's hand on his shoulder, guiding him away from the square. The villagers parted silently, their gazes heavy with questions.
After, the Resonance Sphere had been carefully packed away, its surface still dim from its baffling reaction to Rynar. The villagers dispersed reluctantly, their murmurs of unease lingering in the quiet square. Kaelith and her knights remained behind, speaking in low voices as the moon rose over Whisperwood.
Kaelith stood tall, her armor gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Her piercing blue eyes flicked toward Aldren, whose scowl deepened as he spoke. "That boy's strength isn't natural. No mana, no affinity, but he handles himself like someone who's been trained."
Kaelith tilted her head slightly. "Perhaps. But we are not here to train or to accuse. Our task is observation."
Ferrin, the youngest of the group, stepped forward, his hazel eyes alight with curiosity. "Permission to test him, Commander?"
Kaelith arched a brow. "Test him?"
"A simple duel," Ferrin explained. "Nothing serious. If he's as strong as he seems, it would be... educational." His voice carried a note of genuine intrigue, tempered by the respect knights of his rank owed their commander.
Kaelith studied him for a moment before speaking. "What purpose would this serve, Ferrin? We leave at dawn. Our task here is complete."
Ferrin inclined his head. "I understand, Commander. But strength without an affinity—without mana—is unusual. If he's hiding anything, a duel might give us clarity. And if not, it's a chance to leave Whisperwood on good terms. A knight humbling himself to a village boy? It might ease their nerves."
Kaelith considered his words, her gaze shifting toward the distant cottages. "Keep it respectful. Nothing more than a friendly match."
Ferrin smiled faintly, bowing slightly. "Of course, Commander."
---
Rynar sat outside his family's cottage, the firelight from inside flickering across his broad shoulders. Kael stood nearby, his arms crossed as he sharpened a hunting knife. The quiet of the evening was broken by the soft crunch of footsteps on the dirt path.
Kael was the first to notice. He straightened, his sharp eyes narrowing as Ferrin approached, his armor clinking softly with each step. The knight carried himself with ease, his spear resting casually across his back.
"Evening," Ferrin greeted, his voice calm and respectful. "I hope I'm not intruding."
Kael's grip on the knife tightened slightly, though his tone remained neutral. "What brings a knight to my doorstep?"
Ferrin stopped a few paces away, bowing his head slightly. "Forgive the late hour. I come with a request."
Kael exchanged a glance with Rynar, whose green eyes narrowed. "What kind of request?" Kael asked.
Ferrin met Rynar's gaze, his tone steady. "A duel. Nothing formal, just a friendly match. You've drawn some attention today, and I'd like to see how you handle yourself."
Kael's expression darkened. "Why?"
Ferrin raised a hand. "Not suspicion, I assure you. Curiosity, nothing more. I've seen strength like his before, but never without mana or an affinity. I'd like to understand it."
Kael hesitated, his jaw tight. "And if he refuses?"
Ferrin smiled faintly. "Then I'll thank you for your time and leave. It's his choice."
Rynar stood, his gaze steady as he met Ferrin's hazel eyes. "Alright," he said simply. "I'll do it."
Kaelith studied Ferrin for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. But keep it controlled. No unnecessary risks."
Ferrin inclined his head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Understood."
The square lay quiet under the moon's silver glow, its cobblestones cool and smooth beneath Rynar's feet. Ferrin removed his spear, resting it carefully against a nearby bench, and unfastened his armor with practiced ease, revealing a plain tunic beneath. The knight's movements were fluid and confident, every gesture underscoring years of training.
Kael stepped into the makeshift ring, his voice low but firm as he set the rules. "No weapons. No mana. First to yield. Keep it clean."
Ferrin nodded respectfully. "Of course."
Rynar gave a faint nod in return, stepping into the ring. At 5'7", he stood nearly equal in height to Ferrin, his broader frame a stark contrast to the knight's lean, wiry build. But where Ferrin carried himself with the measured ease of a seasoned warrior, Rynar's stance was stiff, uncertain.
Kael glanced at his son, his brow furrowing slightly. "Ready?"
Rynar's green eyes flicked to his father before settling on Ferrin. "Ready."
Ferrin started first, his steps light as he circled Rynar. His hazel eyes scanned for openings, though his movements remained calm and measured, more testing than threatening.
Rynar mirrored Ferrin's movements, his fists loosely clenched at his sides. But every step felt unnatural, his lack of technique glaring against Ferrin's fluidity. His body knew how to work—how to lift, haul, and crush—but the dance of combat was foreign to him.
Ferrin feinted left, his movement a blur of precision. Rynar reacted instinctively, stepping back too quickly and stumbling slightly over his own footing. The villagers who had gathered at the edges of the square exchanged murmurs, some stifling chuckles.
Ferrin raised an eyebrow but didn't press the moment. "Take your time," he said, his tone almost kind. "No rush."
Rynar's jaw tightened as he reset his stance, his fists tightening. He knew his strength was leagues beyond anyone here—beyond Ferrin—but strength alone couldn't mask his inexperience. He couldn't risk exposing too much, but even holding back, his lack of skill left him floundering.
Ferrin moved again, this time with more intent. He stepped into Rynar's space, his hands darting forward to grab Rynar's arm. The boy reacted on instinct, yanking his arm free with a pull that sent Ferrin stumbling slightly. Gasps rippled through the crowd, but Ferrin's grin only widened.
"Strong," Ferrin said, rolling his shoulder. "But raw."
Rynar didn't respond. He stepped forward, swinging a punch that Ferrin sidestepped with ease. The knight countered by hooking a leg behind Rynar's, sweeping him off balance. Rynar fell backward, catching himself awkwardly before hitting the ground. A few chuckles from the crowd stung his ears as he scrambled to his feet, his cheeks burning.
Ferrin kept his stance loose, his voice calm. "It's not about power, boy. It's about control."
Rynar surged forward again, trying to close the gap, but Ferrin slipped around him effortlessly. The knight's movements were fluid, every dodge and feint leaving Rynar a step behind. Frustration bubbled in Rynar's chest, his lack of technique glaring against Ferrin's polished skill.
"You're holding back aren't you," Ferrin said suddenly, stepping back and raising his hands. "Why?"
Rynar froze, his breathing heavy. For a moment, he considered denying it—hiding behind the façade of inexperience. But something in Ferrin's tone, his genuine curiosity, gnawed at him.
Rynar clenched his fists, his green eyes flashing. I could end this right now, he thought. One punch. One move. But then what? What happens when they see what I really am?
The image of the Resonance Sphere flickering and failing filled his mind. The whispers of the villagers. The quiet warnings from Kael. They were all signs that his strength was more than they could understand—more than they could accept. And yet, the thought of holding back any longer left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He looked at Ferrin, who waited patiently, his eyes steady. "Why are you doing this?" Rynar asked, his voice low.
Ferrin tilted his head slightly. "Because I've seen people like you before—people who don't fit into the neat little boxes the system likes to make. I want to know what you're hiding."
Rynar's jaw tightened. I don't want to hide anymore.
Rynar exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing. "You're right," he said finally, his voice steady. "I have been holding back."
Ferrin arched an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because I don't want to hurt you," Rynar admitted, his words sending a ripple of unease through the onlookers. He stepped forward, his gaze steady. "You wouldn't stand a chance if I didn't."
Ferrin studied him carefully, his smile fading into something more of a devilish grin. "Is that so?"
Rynar nodded, his green eyes blazing with quiet determination. "Yes."
Ferrin stepped back, his hazel eyes scanning Rynar's expression carefully. The young knight's posture relaxed, but the sharpness in his gaze remained.
"Alright," Ferrin said, adjusting his tunic with a faint smile. "Then we'll leave it here."
The murmurs of the few remaining villagers faded into the background as Kaelith stepped forward. The Knight-Commander had observed the duel from the shadows, her piercing blue eyes watching every movement with cold precision. Her silver armor caught the faint moonlight, its intricate sigils glowing faintly as if alive.
Kaelith's presence was unmissable, commanding without being overt. Her pale blonde braid swayed slightly as she moved closer, her every step measured and deliberate. "You're an intriguing one, boy," she said, her voice sharp yet even. "Strong, yes. But unrefined."
Rynar straightened instinctively, his broad shoulders stiffening under her scrutiny. "Commander," Ferrin began, his tone deferential but questioning, "I believe there's something here worth—"
Kaelith raised a hand, silencing him with a glance. "I've seen enough," she said, her gaze locking onto Rynar. "You've proven capable of holding your own, but strength without purpose is a liability. And from what I've seen, your purpose is... unclear."
---
Kael stepped into the space between them, his expression guarded but firm. "If you've come to make judgments, make them plainly."
Kaelith turned her attention to Kael, her brow arching slightly. "Not judgments. An offer." She gestured toward Ferrin. "My knight speaks true. There is a place for those with strength like his—an evaluation center where children with potential, regardless of their origins, are tested. If they prove themselves, they are guided toward a path that suits their abilities."
Kael's jaw tightened, his hands resting on his hips. "And if they fail?"
Kaelith's tone softened slightly, though her gaze remained sharp. "No one is discarded. They are given the tools to find their place, whether that means returning home or pursuing another path. But the question is whether your boy will seize the opportunity—or let it pass."
Kael frowned, his sharp eyes darting to Rynar. "You're asking him to leave the village?"
"To travel with us," Kaelith clarified, "and join the evaluations. The center is several days' journey from here, and the way is unfamiliar to most. He will go with us if he chooses."
Rynar hesitated, his mind racing as the weight of Kaelith's words settled over him. "Is Lyra going, too?" he asked, his voice low.
Kaelith nodded. "She has been extended the same offer. Whether she accepts is her choice."
Rynar clenched his fists at his sides, the thought of Lyra leaving sparking an unexpected ache in his chest. The idea of stepping into the unknown alone was daunting, but knowing she might be there softened the edges of his fear.
Kael's voice broke through his thoughts. "This is a lot to ask of a boy who's never stepped beyond Whisperwood. He doesn't even know what he's walking into."
"That's true for everyone who enters the evaluation," Kaelith replied calmly. "The unknown is part of the test."
Rynar met Kael's gaze, his green eyes steady despite the turmoil within. "I'll go," he said firmly.
Kael's jaw tightened, his protective instincts warring with his respect for his son's choice. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly.
"I have to," Rynar replied. "If Lyra's going... and if there's a chance to figure out what all of this means... I can't stay here and do nothing."
Kael nodded slowly, his hand resting on Rynar's shoulder. "Then we'll get you ready."
Kaelith stepped forward, her voice cutting through the quiet. "We leave at dawn. Pack lightly. The journey will be long."