A week passed.
Then, one morning, Master Alex arrived at the Hale Mansion. The air was calm, yet heavy with the weight of recent events.
Alex stepped inside solemnly, bowing slightly as he greeted Ari and the others.
Alex:
"It truly broke my heart when I heard about Lord Zech and Lady Kira. They were dear to me. I pray for their peace in the next life."
Ari:
"Master... there's something I've wanted to ask for a long time. What is the true origin of BladeHex?"
Everyone fell silent.
Ari, Tracey, Dawn, Gray, Aden, and the BladeHex members all sat around the hall, listening closely.
Master Alex gave a faint smile and began.
Alex:
"BladeHex isn't just an organization formed to protect this empire… it is far more than that."
He paused, gathering their attention.
Alex:
"Many centuries ago, when the world was still young, our empire was gifted seven sacred blades—by the creator of this world."
Ari leaned forward.
"Seven?"
Alex nodded.
"Yes. Seven legendary blades, each bound to a primal element of the world. Their names are:
HIKARI, the Blade of Light
RAIKO, the Blade of Lightning
UMIHA, the Blade of Water
GANRYU, the Blade of Earth
KAGEHIME, the Blade of Fire
KAZENAGI, the Blade of Wind
He looked at them with a serious expression.
Alex:
"Of those seven, five are still in possession of the empire, guarded and wielded by BladeHex. Only two have been lost. One of them… is the Blade of Light—HIKARI."
Aden whispered, "But isn't that the blade Rosa uses?"
Alex shook his head gently.
Alex:
"The one Rosa carries is merely a replica. A copy created in honor of the original. The real HIKARI was lost… until now."
He turned to Ari.
Alex:
"Lady Ari... may I see your blade?"
Curious and confused, Ari summoned her blade and handed it to him.
The moment Alex touched it, his eyes widened.
A soft white glow radiated from the weapon.
Alex gasped.
"As I suspected... this is no ordinary weapon. This is the true HIKARI—the legendary Blade of Light."
The entire room was stunned.
Ari:
"What...? But I didn't know. I thought it was just a light-based blade I received during my training."
Alex:
"Who gave this to you?"
Ari:
"A man from the Central Empire. I trained under him for six months. His name… is Kaien."
The moment she spoke the name, Alex's face shifted in shock, then slowly softened into a warm smile.
Alex:
"Kaien… so it was him. Then Lady Sovia truly kept her promise after all."
Aden leaned forward:
"Master… how did that sword end up with Kaien in the first place?"
Alex took a deep breath and sat down more comfortably.
Alex:
"It's a long story… But first, let me ask: do you all remember the day when every senior member of BladeHex suddenly retired at the same time?"
The BladeHex members exchanged glances and nodded.
Ari, Aden, and OTHER BLADEHEX replied together:
"Yes. We always found it strange."
Alex smiled faintly.
"I assumed none of you were ever told the real reason. Then listen carefully…"
He folded his hands and looked at them with solemn eyes.
Alex:
"The truth about BladeHex… the blades… and the betrayal that changed everything… is something I've kept hidden for far too long."
Many years ago, there was a woman known as the Blade of Light—one of the most revered warriors in BladeHex history.
Her name was Sovia, a legendary figure considered the second strongest BladeHex member of all time. Like you, Ari, she was a wielder of light magic—but more than that, she was a symbol of grace, precision, and overwhelming strength.
At the height of her fame, Sovia fell in love with a man from the Central Empire and eventually married him. However, she never officially resigned from BladeHex, and the sacred Light Blade remained in her possession. Sovia made it known across nations:
"If one day someone proves themselves worthy—strong enough in will, skill, and spirit—I shall pass this blade to them."
Many came to challenge her, dreaming of claiming the Light Blade for themselves.
None succeeded.
Even after stepping away from battle, Sovia continued to visit the Central Empire in secret—searching for someone deserving. For years, she found no one. Until one day... she arrived at your academy, Ari. She watched you train. She saw how you moved, how you fought, and how your light magic carried echoes of her own style.
It was then that whispers began:
Sovia had found her successor.
She had chosen you to inherit the Light Blade—on the day you would officially take your oath.
But BladeHex, during that time, was ruled by a prideful, short-tempered leadership.
Upon hearing that Sovia still held their 'sacred treasure,' they sent a challenge to the Central Empire:
"If Sovia does not return the Light Blade to us willingly, we will reclaim it by force."
Sovia wanted to settle the matter peacefully. But fate was cruel—she had fallen ill and couldn't make the journey herself. So she sent someone in her place—her son, a warrior as gifted and fearsome as she was.
His name was Kaien.
Kaien brought the blade to the empire to explain that his mother was prepared to hand it over, but only when the current Blade of Light—Elena—would officially retire. He didn't know your name, Ari, only that his mother had chosen a gifted girl at the academy.
When Kaien met Elena, she was open to discussion. She said she, too, would acknowledge Sovia's choice if the girl proved worthy.
But before any understanding could be reached, other BladeHex members stormed in, aggressive and impatient. They demanded Kaien hand over the blade immediately.
Kaien calmly explained,
"This blade is not for you. My mother has already chosen its next wielder—a girl in this empire."
But the others wouldn't listen. They accused him of betrayal. Then they offered a challenge:
"If you lose, the blade returns to BladeHex. But if any one of us loses… we will resign as BladeHex warriors."
Arrogance clouded their judgment.
They didn't know who they were fighting.
They didn't know Kaien—the son of Sovia.
He accepted.
And one by one, they fell.
Only Elena stayed out of the fight. She had sensed something different about him—something deeper.
That man...
The one who stood against BladeHex, alone…
He would one day become your mentor.
The one you call Master Kaien.