Chapter Four: First Step
The morning was warm, filled with the scent of fresh bread and light spices wafting from the Giovanni family kitchen. The family gathered around the round table in the backyard, under the shade of a large fig tree.
Julius smiled as he opened the newspaper:
"It'll be a hot day today, the sun won't go easy on us."
Maria laughed while pouring tea:
"Then we'll need a light and quick breakfast."
Iskandar was quieter than usual, absentmindedly stirring his plate without eating much. His mother looked at him with concern:
"What's wrong, my dear? Didn't sleep well?"
He shook his head slightly and replied:
"Just a strange dream… but it's not important. Father, can I have a sword?"
Julius raised his eyebrows:
"A sword? Why?"
Iskandar answered calmly but seriously:
"I want to train. I want to become stronger. That's all."
Julius chuckled a little and said:
"You won't get a real sword until you learn to hold a wooden one without hurting yourself."
Iskandar smiled with quiet determination:
"Then… can I start with a wooden sword?"
Julius nodded:
"Tomorrow, I'll get you one from the market."
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The next day passed quickly, and on the following morning, Iskandar stood in the backyard, wearing simple clothes and holding a wooden sword. He gripped the hilt and recalled something from his past life… Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest samurai. Two-handed grip, fluid movement, exploiting angles and openings. It wasn't magic, but pure technique and wisdom.
He said to himself:
"If I want to surpass immortals, I have to be as flexible as water, fierce as fire, and steady as stone."
He began with the basic stances: footwork, balance, eye direction… It wasn't easy for a child's body, but his former memories guided him.
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About an hour later, Liam entered the garden gate, panting from running. Behind him came Raphael, Denzel, Aaron, and Zayd.
Liam laughed:
"Iskandar! What are you doing with a wooden sword? Trying to become a knight already?"
Iskandar replied calmly while continuing his training:
"I want to be strong. To be able to protect those I love."
There was a short silence among them, until Zayd said:
"Can we train with you?"
Iskandar looked at them, a faint smile on his face:
"If you're serious, yes."
Raphael grinned:
"My grandfather gave me an old wooden sword, I'll bring it tomorrow!"
Denzel added enthusiastically:
"And I'll ask my brother to make one for me!"
Aaron laughed:
"Looks like our adventure's beginning sooner than we thought."
And so, the journey began.
Training in the Giovanni backyard was only the first step toward a great destiny.
At the end of the day, while the others laughed and trained, Iskandar stood alone, looking up at the blue sky, and thought to himself:
"I won't just be an adventurer… I will become the greatest general this world has ever known."
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