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After parting from the caravan, Greyhat and Yaksh first visited a bank, withdrawing 100 gold coins. They then made their way to a weapon shop owned by an old friend.
The shop wasn't grand, but it brimmed with top-quality equipment. Its owner was a stout dwarf with a magnificent beard—Vicky, an old comrade from Greyhat's past.
After buying some safety gear, Greyhat gestured to Yaksh.
> "Pick a sword you like."
Yaksh searched through the weapons but looked dissatisfied. Vicky noticed.
> "What's wrong, lad? Don't like any of the blades?"
> "It's not that. None of these swords feel like Grandpa's. His sword... it's different. It feIt'sgood to hold."
Vicky nodded slowly.
> "Ah... that makes sense. His sword isn't something you can buy. It's a Spirit Weapon."
> "What's that?"
> "Spirit Weapons are forged through battle, not by blacksmiths. Every weapon has a soul. When a warrior and weapon form a bond, the weapon awakens—and so does the warrior's hidden strength. Even a rusted blade can cut down beasts when it becomes a Spirit Weapon."
> "That makes sense. Grandpa's sword glows and sparkles like fire... but when I touch it, nothing happens."
Vicky paused, eyes narrowing.
> "What kind of glow did you see?"
Yaksh described it in detail. Vicky turned sharply to Greyhat.
> "Hey, old man. What are you teaching this kid?"
Greyhat chuckled and drew his sword.
> "Yaksh, tell me what color the glow is."
> "Blue," Yaksh said immediately. Then, after focusing, he added, "Now it's red."
Silence.
Greyhat and Vicky stared in disbelief.
> "He can see aura?" Vicky whispered. "And distinguish elements? That's a skill not even prodigies master before sixteen."
Yaksh had done it at twelve.
Greyhat's chest swelled with pride. Vicky, however, rushed to lock the shop door.
> "If the guilds or royal knights find out, they'll come after him. Are you ready for that?"
Greyhat was silent.
> "Train him for two more years," Vicky advised. "Then send him to the Academy. He'll be protected there. You could even join as an instructor to watch over him."
Greyhat hesitated, then nodded. Vicky promised to send a special sword to the village within weeks.
And so, they returned to the village the very next day.
The training of Yaksh Ron Glasswick had officially begun.
The boy who would one day surpass all human limits...
The one who would challenge fate itself.
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