Kael perched on the bank of the village well, fidgeting with the fine carving on the hilt of the blade. Villagers were given the task of going back to the community and repairing what they could after the mercenaries had destroyed it. They made him small, respectful nods, but their gaze told of a lingering fear, not of him as a man, but for what his arrival may have led to.
Trouble stalks you, Lira explained, a step at a time into the square, with usual slow and steady grace. However even just wearing the faded bandage from the last scuffle she still had the fresh bandage wrapped around it from around the arm and it seemed to raise no alarm in her as she grinned. "Or maybe you're just chasing it."
Kael looked towards her and back at the blade. "Maybe both," he admitted. In his eyes, the blade thereof shone ever so faintly, in the same way as the sword. But to be honest, I don't know the purpose of what I am doing per chasising. Power? Answers? Or maybe just a reason for all of this."
Lira's smirk softened into something more thoughtful. Power without a point is a knife without a handle," she said, crossing her arms. "Sharp, but ultimately useless. You need a purpose, Kael. And fast. Before that sword decides you're not worth the trouble."
Kael frowned. "You keep talking like the sword's alive."
Lira tilted her head. Right? She gave a nod as she pointed to the limp green light coming off the blade. "That's not just craftsmanship. There's something in there—a piece of the star, maybe. It's connected to you, but connections go both ways. If you can't control it, it'll consume you."
Kael shuddered at her words. He imagined the system, the extraterrestrial voice in his psyche, which controlled and drove him. Was it really a map, or something else, more nefarious, just waiting to see him slip up?
"You've faced the Order of the Veil before, haven't you? he asked, changing the subject.
Lira's pupils shrunk and she paused before responding. "Not directly," she said. "But I've crossed paths with their work. They are not just mercenaries, but also playing a role in much wider processes. Rituals, celestial phenomena, artifacts like your sword—the Order's always lurking where the strange and powerful collide.
Kael's grip on the hilt tightened. "So they'll be back?"
Lira ndded. "Oh, absolutely. When you drew that knife, you became someone to be seen. Or hunted."
Kael scowled as he exhaled a deep sigh. "I can't keep running in circles. If they're after me, I have to be ready.
"Ready?" Lira echoed, raising an eyebrow. "You barely handled three low-level thugs. If the real Order shows up, you're going to need more than just enthusiasm.
Kael's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. She wasn't wrong.
Later That Night
The moon lit the sky with a soft light and it illuminated the peaceful village. Kael sat cross-legged near the edge of the forest, the Starforged Blade resting across his lap. The system's translucent screen hovered in his vision, displaying a progress bar labeled "Synchronization.
"System," he murmured. To what extent do I have to perform it to gain more abilities?
[Answer: Increased synchronization is required. Combat experience and energy absorption accelerate progress.]
Kael sighed. He'd expected as much. His synchronization was enhanced by the confrontation with the mercenaries, however it is arduous. He gazed at the blade, its pale light flashing in the beat of his heart.
Lira's voice broke the silence. "Talking to yourself again? She emerged from the shadows, moving with the silent grace of a predator. "Or is that your mysterious system whispering sweet nothings in your ear?
Kael chuckled despite himself. "A little of both. What are you doing out here?"
Lira shrugged. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd see how our resident star-child was holding up. She sat beside him, her gaze shifting to the sword. "You're serious about this, aren't you? About fighting back."
"I have to be," Kael said. "If I'm not, then what's the point of all this? System, blade.they chose me, for a reason. I can't waste that."
Lira stared at him for a long time. "Good. Now. Let's see if you're worth all this cosmic drama.She stood, drawing her dagger. "You've got the power, Kael. Power, by the occult, offhand, is simply another clever euphemism to get killed.
Kael got to his feet and, subconsciously, drew his blade. "You want to spar?"
Whoops, just want to see if you can survive thirty seconds without totally butchering yourself," Lira chuckled.Think of it as training.".
Kael paused, then nodded. "Alright. Let's do this."
The few moments were one continuous storm of strikes and movements. Lira was fast—faster than anyone Kael had faced before. Her attacks were precise, calculated, and relentless. Kael's sword felt heavy in his hands, and he struggled to keep up.
Just stop overanalysing," Lira exclaimed while deflecting a misstep. "Your body knows what to do. Trust it."
Kael gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip. He paid close attention to her movement, so as to foresee her coming blow. As she lunged he evaded to the side and brought his blade up in a graceful arc. Lira only just managed to parry it, with her gaze narrowing in admiration.
"Better," she said. "But you've got a long way to go."
With the course of the night, Lira told tales of the martial order that existed outside the village. She related of those whom power over vast territory deemed as masters of many, warriors strong enough to bring down mountains, and lost found sites that contained knowledge from years gone by.
"There's someone out there you'll meet one day, she said, her tone turning wistful. "A fighter like no other. She is one of those types who make everything tarnished when they handle it. If you're lucky, you might just learn something from her.
Kael frowned. "Who is she?"
Lira shook her head. "Not for me to say. You'll find out when the time's right."
Her speech haunted Kael's thoughts as he went back to the village. He didn't know the future was, but for the first time in his life he seemed really starting to grasp his role in it.
As soon as Kael settled down on his makeshift bed the system's voice impacted his train of thought.
[Alert: High-energy signature detected near the village perimeter. Threat level: Moderate to High.]
Kael's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding. He grabbed the Starforged Blade and raced out into the night, the night air cold against his face. Lira was already there, her dagger drawn.
It seems trouble wasn't going to wait around," she said, in a voice tight with tension.
Kael nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt. "Let's see what's waiting for us. Together, they stepped into the shadows, ready for whatever came next.