Morning light filtered gently through the tall windows of the Lvandal estate.
Jimmy sat upright on his bed, fully awake now, his body still recovering but his eyes sharp and clear. The events of the previous night felt distant, yet heavy—like a shadow that refused to fade.
A knock sounded.
The door opened.
Jack Windsword entered the room.
Behind him stood Kevin.
Jack's expression was calm, but there was something warm in his eyes—something rarely seen by others.
"So," Jack said, folding his arms, "you're leaving tomorrow."
Jimmy nodded.
"Yes, Grandpa. I wanted to stay… but I miss my home."
Jack studied him for a long moment.
Then he laughed softly.
"Hah… honest. That's good."
He walked closer and placed a firm hand on Jimmy's shoulder.
"Still," Jack said, "why don't you stay longer next time? Me and your Uncle Kevin would personally train you. And we'd enjoy it too."
Jimmy hesitated.
"I really wanted to," he said truthfully. "But I promise I'll come again."
Jack smiled.
"That's enough."
Jack turned toward a large wooden cabinet near the wall.
With a slow, deliberate motion, he opened it.
Inside lay an old book.
Its cover was dark green, reinforced with metal edges worn smooth by time. The title was engraved deeply, not painted—each letter carved with care.
Jack lifted it with both hands.
"This," he said, "is the Windsword Codex."
Kevin's expression shifted slightly.
Even he looked serious now.
"This book," Jack continued, "contains the strongest techniques of the Windsword."
Jimmy swallowed.
"These are not basic," Jack said.
"Not intermediate."
"Not advanced."
He opened the book.
"There are three techniques inside."
Jack closed it again.
"These are High-Level Techniques."
He paused.
"Transcendental Forms."
Jimmy froze.
His eyes widened.
Cold sweat formed instantly on his forehead.
"…Transcendental?" he whispered.
Jack chuckled.
"That reaction is normal."
Then his voice grew quieter.
"I personally mastered only two of them."
Kevin turned his head sharply.
Jack looked down at Jimmy.
"But I believe you," he said calmly, "can master all three."
Jimmy's breath caught.
"This book," Jack continued, "is my father's… your great-grandfather's legacy."
He placed the book gently into Jimmy's hands.
"What you do with it," Jack said, "is up to you, son."
Jimmy clutched the book.
The weight wasn't physical.
It was history.
Jack straightened.
"Now," he said, "to perform such techniques—words alone are not enough."
He snapped his fingers.
The air shifted.
Behind him, a hidden door slid open.
Inside—
Three swords rested on separate stands.
Each one radiated a different presence.
Jimmy stepped forward slowly.
His instincts screamed.
"These swords," Jack said, "are not ordinary."
Kevin nodded.
"Each one can be called legendary."
Jimmy closed his eyes.
Then—
He concentrated.
Mana flowed into his eyes, subtle and controlled.
The world changed.
He saw them.
One sword pulsed with raw strength.
One carried heavy, ancient authority.
And the third—
Jimmy's breath stopped.
A blade slim and elegant, faint arcs of energy dancing along its surface.
Its name appeared clearly in his vision.
Skyfall.
"…That one," Jimmy said softly.
Jack raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Jimmy walked closer.
"I don't know why," he said, "but it feels… right."
He reached out.
The moment his fingers touched the hilt—
The sword hummed.
Not loudly.
Not violently.
Like recognition.
Jack laughed.
"Wonderful."
Kevin smiled.
"This sword," Jack said proudly, "is Skyfall."
"It is an S-Tier magical sword."
"Extremely fast. Extremely sharp."
"And until today—"
He looked at Jimmy.
"It had no owner."
Jimmy lifted the sword.
"…It's light," he said. "I like it."
Kevin chuckled.
"That's because it adapts its weight to its user."
He crouched slightly and looked Jimmy in the eyes.
"This sword suits you," Kevin said sincerely. "And I can already see it."
"You're going to become a great person."
Jimmy grinned.
"Well, of course."
Then he bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Grandpa."
"And thank you, Uncle Kevin."
Jack rested a hand on Jimmy's head.
"…Grow strong," he said.
Stronger than us."
The wind outside stirred gently.
As if the world itself was listening.
End of Chapter 17