Years passed after Zaigar completed his training. Even after his master left, he continued practicing relentlessly, pushing himself beyond limits, and unlocking new spells. Every sunrise and sunset was marked by his blade and pen moving in rhythm, carving new techniques into his very soul. With each passing day, his bond with the ancient pen grew stronger, and he uncovered secrets hidden deep within its mysterious power. Time flowed like a river, and Zaigar grew from a determined child into a young man of sixteen, his heart forged in discipline and fire.
The long-awaited day arrived: he was ready to embark on his journey of vengeance against the Demon King. Queen Lilith reminded him of his destiny: "If you defeat the Demon King, the Demon Realm shall be yours." Zaigar accepted without hesitation, his eyes burning with determination and purpose. This mission would not be his alone—he was joined by two companions: the Queen's daughter, Selena, a gentle yet powerful healer whose magic could mend even the gravest wounds, and Ryu, a young general who carried within him the essence of the Four Great Demons, a gift that marked him since childhood.
Their path stretched far and dangerous. Forty days of travel lay between them and the territory of the Queen's rebellious son. But Zaigar knew something was missing from their group. They had magic, they had strength, but they lacked one vital element: a swordsman. In his studies, Zaigar had learned about the honor and precision of swordsmen, warriors who poured their spirit into every strike. He knew that such a blade would be crucial for what was to come.
Their first destination was the Land of Wraiths, a dark, unforgiving place haunted by mercenaries, assassins, and blades-for-hire. That night, the group camped near the forest's edge. The fire crackled, painting their faces in orange glow, while the smell of roasted meat filled the air. They laughed lightly despite their burdens, sharing fragments of hope under the stars. By morning, they entered Wraithland's bustling town, its streets alive with noise, vendors, and shadows lurking at every corner.
Their first stop was a tavern—a smoky den filled with drunken laughter and the stench of ale. They sat at a wooden table, drinking to rest their weary bodies. Suddenly, the tavern door creaked open. A hush fell across the room as a tall figure entered. His presence was commanding, his steps deliberate. At his side hung a sheathed katana, its hilt wrapped in black cloth, faintly glowing with ominous energy.
The man walked to the counter, ordered a glass of wine, drank silently, and left as swiftly as he came. Zaigar's curiosity ignited. Rising from his seat, he approached the bartender. "Who was that swordsman?"
The bartender shook his head nervously. "Never seen him before. We don't usually get customers like that."
Zaigar clenched his jaw, then slipped outside. He spotted the swordsman walking down the narrow street. "Wait!" Zaigar called. "You're a swordsman, aren't you?"
The man stopped, his voice cold and sharp. "Yes. I am a swordsman."
Zaigar grinned. "Then fight me. If you win, I'll give you two gold coins. But if you lose, you must join my group—not as my servant, but as my friend."
The swordsman raised an eyebrow, then let out a chilling grin. "Interesting offer. Very well. Where shall we fight?"
"In the forest," Zaigar replied. "Tonight. Where no one will disturb us."
Night fell. The moon glowed like silver fire above the treetops. Zaigar, Selena, and Ryu arrived at the clearing, only to find the swordsman already waiting. He smirked. "I thought you'd run away."
Zaigar chuckled. "Funny, I thought the same about you. You looked a little nervous earlier."
The swordsman unsheathed his katana, its steel gleaming like liquid moonlight. "Enough talk. Let's fight."
The duel began with explosive force. The swordsman struck first, his katana cutting through the air like lightning. Zaigar deflected it just in time, sparks bursting in the night. With a swift motion, Zaigar transformed his pen into a shining sword. The clash of steel echoed through the forest, a symphony of power and determination.
They moved with blinding speed. Each strike shook the earth beneath their feet, and each clash sent vibrations through the air. Selena and Ryu watched silently, their breaths held, as the two warriors tested one another's limits. Zaigar's eyes burned with focus. With a sudden slash, he cut across the swordsman's leg, drawing blood. The man staggered but refused to yield. His eyes flared with unyielding fury.
He roared, unleashing a forbidden technique: "Cursed Blade Strike!" Dark energy wrapped his sword, and with a single fierce swing, he cut across Zaigar's chest. Pain ripped through him, but Zaigar only laughed, blood dripping from his wound. This man… this is the swordsman I've been searching for.
The swordsman collapsed soon after, his strength consumed by the forbidden attack. Selena rushed forward, her hands glowing with healing light. She mended his broken flesh and sealed Zaigar's wound, though the scar remained as a reminder of the duel. Dawn crept over the horizon as the swordsman awoke in a small inn room, lying on a bed. Confusion filled his eyes until he noticed Zaigar sitting beside him.
"Morning," Zaigar said calmly. "So… what's your decision?"
The swordsman smirked, a low chuckle escaping. "I lost. I suppose I must honor the deal." He sat up, his gaze steady. "My name is Kairo. From this day forth, I'll walk beside you—not as a servant, but as your comrade."
Zaigar extended his hand, and Kairo clasped it firmly. Selena and Ryu stood nearby, smiling in relief. For the first time, Zaigar's party felt whole. Their journey had only just begun, but now they carried not only strength and magic, but also a blade forged in loyalty.
With Kairo's sword, Selena's healing, Ryu's demonic power, and the might of his own pen, Zaigar was no longer just a boy with a dream. He was becoming the leader of a legend.
End of Chapter 3