Xers began walking again.This time, he followed the narrow trails, reaching the horse road within an hour. Fifteen minutes later, the planned carriage arrived and picked him up. Exhausted from days of travel, Xers fell asleep almost instantly — even the carriage's constant shaking couldn't wake him.
They were heading toward the farthest side of Shadowia. When Xers finally woke up, he looked outside the window — they had reached Sansoube Island, the most distant island connected to Shadowia. Standing before him was a massive palace, larger than his entire village, its walls draped with Ranshi banners.
He stepped off the carriage and gazed up at the grand structure.
"So this is where they live, huh… It's nothing like my village. The air itself smells of magic."
Just then, the gates opened, and Sabre appeared to greet him.
"So you've finally arrived, hidden potential. Come — you're an honored guest in this palace."
Xers was stunned. After a lifetime of humble village life, this was the first time he had seen such splendor. He followed Sabre through the vast halls as the man began to explain.
"At the palace entrance, you'll find Shadowia's rare Umbramera flowers and our central fountain.We have four main wings.The first belongs to the royal guards — five rooms in total: dining hall, two dormitories, laundry, and their recreation room.The second leads to the palace residents' chambers — the prince and princess on the lower floors, the king and queen above.The third houses our magic chambers, where we study and experiment with elemental spells.The fourth is the training wing — the place where guards, royals, and sorcerers alike refine their skills. That's also where you'll be trained."
The training wing was filled with finely crafted swords, strange wands, and empty masks. Every kind of basic technique could be learned there.
"If you're ready, Xers, we can begin right away. You have incredible potential inside you — and it's time to awaken it."
"And once I do… what happens then?"
"You'll have the power to save your village and your friends. Isn't that reason enough?"
Those words silenced Xers. Without saying anything more, he grabbed a sword from the wall and began his training.
His instructor was none other than Yuho Urhuma, one of the palace's most respected senseis — a man who had dedicated fifty years of his life to swordsmanship.
They began with simple blade maneuvers.
"Listen, Xers. When an enemy charges at you, don't just block — strike back harder. Watch and learn."
Xers lunged forward, but Urhuma moved faster than the eye could follow and slammed him to the ground.
"W–what was that?!"
"Ghost Step. I move my spirit behind you, then my body follows. It's part of what we call G-Technic."
"How do I learn those techniques?"
"The palace's best mask-maker, Odra Elf, will craft you a mask. We'll seal G-Technic abilities inside it — forged through the union of Aventurine and Fire. But first, you must master the basics."
"Then I'll learn every lesson you can give me!"
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Days passed. Xers trained tirelessly under Urhuma's watchful eye, improving with each sunrise.But far from the palace, the war raged on. The Ranshi army had been forced to retreat for the first time in history. Xers's former camp had burned to ashes — the tents reduced to flames, the soldiers' fates unknown.
Then came the day of his first trial.He would demonstrate his basic techniques against Urhuma himself.
They bowed to each other. The duel began.
Urhuma attacked slowly at first, testing him. Xers deflected every blow with ease. But then Urhuma leapt high, striking down with a powerful aerial slash. Xers blocked the critical hit at the last second, though Urhuma used the opening to kick his leg out from under him.
Xers hit the ground hard, pain spreading through his body — but he didn't give up. He stood, swinging wildly, slashing again and again. His movements grew heavier; his stamina was draining fast. Urhuma calmly parried every strike, waiting. Then, with a sudden burst, he attacked from both sides.
Xers managed to block the first swing — the second grazed his waist, drawing blood. Torn clothes, exhaustion, and pain filled him, but his eyes met Urhuma's with defiance.
"This trial has a real consequence, Xers. If you win, you'll learn G-Technic. If you lose… you die."
"W–what?! Die?! What kind of madness is this?!"
"I'm dead serious. Many who trained under me never survived. So fight, Xers. Fight for your life!"
Gritting his teeth, Xers rose again. He fought desperately, but his strength was gone. Urhuma toyed with him — then finally disarmed him with a crushing strike.
Xers collapsed. Urhuma lifted his sword, ready to end it.
"Is this how I die? For a stupid lesson? Damn it all…"
Xers closed his eyes.
Just as Urhuma's blade descended, a purple light burst from Xers's body. It pulsed violently, expanding and contracting until it exploded in a blinding shockwave. The entire training hall collapsed.
Urhuma shielded himself with a magical barrier, barely surviving. Xers was buried under the rubble.
Guards rushed in, pulling the debris apart. They carried Urhuma away on a stretcher, searching frantically for Xers.
Then — through the dust and broken stone — Xers emerged, his body glowing faintly with violet light.
"I… I don't even know what just happened."