Rise of a Fallen King
The grand doors of Edelweiss Swordschool creaked open, revealing a vast courtyard surrounded by towering spires and the impressive silhouette of the castle. Lein stood at the entrance, his eyes wide with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. He adjusted the cloak around him, feeling the warmth of the earring given to him by his father's old swordmaster.
As he stepped forward, a hand clapped down on his shoulder, causing him to turn. A fellow student, a girl of his age with fiery red hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes, grinned at him.
"Hey there, new kid! You must be Lein, right?" she said with a playful tone.
Lein gave a nod, managing a small smile. "Yes, that's me. Lein von Hrunting."
"I'm Elara. Welcome to Edelweiss!" She gestured to the sprawling campus. "Come on, I'll show you around and help you get settled."
As they strolled through the courtyard, Elara pointed out the training grounds, the library, and the various towers where students attended classes. Lein couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the school.
"So, why did you come here?" Elara asked, glancing at him.
Lein hesitated for a moment before replying, "My father believes I might have a talent for being a Spellblade, like him. He arranged for me to study here."
"Ah, a Spellblade! That's impressive. You'll be training with the best of the best," she said with a grin. "That being said, you'll be expected to beat them if that is truly your goal."
They reached the entrance of the castle, and Elara opened the door for Lein. The interior was just as imposing as the exterior, with polished marble floors and towering pillars. As they walked through the corridors, Lein couldn't shake the feeling that all eyes were on him.
Elara led him to a room with a wooden door bearing the emblem of Edelweiss. "This is your room," she announced, pushing the door open.
Inside, Lein found a neatly arranged space with a comfortable bed, a small desk, and a window that offered a view of the surrounding mountains. His luggage was already placed by the bed.
"Your stuff arrived earlier. We've got a few hours before the welcoming ceremony, so take your time settling in. If you need anything, I'll be around." Elara said, giving him a friendly wave before heading out.
Alone in his new room, Lein took a deep breath. This was the beginning of a new chapter in his life. As he unpacked his belongings, he couldn't help but wonder what challenges and adventures awaited him at Edelweiss Swordschool.
Little did he know, the journey ahead would test not only his skills but also the mysterious power that lay dormant within him. The cloak of anonymity provided by the earring would prove to be both a blessing and a curse in the days to come.
