Chapter 4
Eriolth threw a stick at Akirion. "Get that stick. You want to be a knight, don't you? Now come on, it's time to face that training. Now I'll teach you what to do, how to hold the sword, and more."
Akirion's voice was barely audible. "Yes."
Eriolth's expression turned stern. "What?"
Akirion repeated, louder this time. "Yes."
Eriolth's voice rose. "Speak up."
Akirion's response was immediate. "YES!"
Eriolth smiled, satisfied. "Good. Now, we start…"
Akirion's curiosity got the better of him. "Wait, where is my sword and yours?"
Eriolth's expression turned serious. "You'll have to earn it, and as for me, I don't need it. Now, we start."
The training began, with Eriolth teaching Akirion how to hold a sword. Akirion's impatience grew. "Come on, Dad, I know how to hold a sword. Let's get going; I want to engage in a battle with you."
Eriolth's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oooooo, that's odd. I'm being challenged by a five-year-old. Cute. Okay, attack me now."
Akirion charged at Eriolth with his wooden stick, but Eriolth dodged the attack and landed a gentle hit on Akirion's back.
"Ouch!" Akirion exclaimed.
Eriolth's voice was laced with teasing. "What happened, knight boy? Can't even touch my sword?"
Akirion's determination grew. "Grrr." He launched another strike, but Eriolth dodged it once more.
Eriolth's expression turned serious. "Don't be in a rush; be calm and patient, witness your opponent's movements, and keep your eyes wide open, looking at your opponent. Got it?"
Akirion nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "YES!"
The training continued, with Eriolth teaching Akirion the ways of combat. Akirion's progress was rapid, and Eriolth's pride grew.
As the days turned into years, Akirion's training intensified. He trained day and night, his dream of becoming a knight driving him forward.
Five years passed, and Akirion's skills improved dramatically. He was no longer the clumsy five-year-old who had first begun training. Now, at ten years old, he was a skilled young warrior.
Eriolth watched him with pride. "Wow, son, I'm proud of you; you have improved."
The wooden sticks clashed as they fought, their movements swift and precise. Akirion's determination grew. "Thanks to you, I'm not scared of tackling you; it's like I'm always a winner, even though I will lose after this training."
Eriolth chuckled. "Hahaha, obviously. Do you think I'll be defeated by a ten-year-old?"
Akirion's confidence grew. "One day is one day; I'll win for sure, even today."
Eriolth's expression turned serious. "Pff, that's even stupid to hear."
Akirion's anger grew, and he launched a fierce attack. Eriolth blocked the attack, his expression calm. "You think you can win while you are living those openings."
Akirion's determination grew. "Haaa, you are hard to defeat. By the way, what kind of openings are always chanting?"
Eriolth's expression turned serious. "That's a good question. When you are running for an attack, don't put your sword in front of you; you will miss for sure, and your target won't break even if you manage to hit. That's why I said you should train there."
Akirion's eyes widened as understanding dawned.
Meanwhile, Haruto and Mika discussed the investigation. "Mika, any good news? It's been 5 years, and you still haven't gotten any leads."
Mika's expression turned determined. "Sorry, sir, but we have some suspects, and we have started investigating them closely."
Haruto's eyes lit up. "That's the good news. We started by saying we are the ones to protect them, but now, we want them to protect us, because the monsters are lurking around like, I don't know, I wonder where those damn things came from."
Mika's voice was calm. "Calm down, sir, we will find them soon, and by then we'll need to protect and train them, and then they will protect us in return."
As the sun set, Akirion enjoyed his dinner with his parents. Eriolth's expression was worried, his mind consumed by thoughts of the impending danger.
Mirabel's voice was gentle. "Hey honey, are you alright?"
Eriolth's response was distant. "….."
Mirabel's concern grew. "Hello."
Eriolth's voice snapped back to reality. "Mhhh."
Mirabel's eyes searched his face. "Are you okay?"
Eriolth's expression turned somber. "Yes, I'm fine."
Mirabel's voice was soft. "You look worried."
Eriolth's sigh was heavy. "Yeah, you can say that. Remember the monster thing?"
Mirabel's eyes widened. "Yes."
Eriolth's voice was laced with concern. "The eastern lands of Elysia are being attacked. My kid hasn't enjoyed life yet. These things come to wipe everything, and on the other hand, the Empire's army..."
Mirabel's gasp was audible. "Really?"
Eriolth's expression turned grim. "Yes, they want revenge."