The morning sun filtered softly through the hut's windows. The four friends stirred, still sore and exhausted from their previous ordeal. When they stepped outside, the knight was already waiting, his expression calm and unreadable.
"Come," he said, gesturing to a small table. "Eat. You'll need strength for today, even if nothing else happens."
As they ate, curiosity bubbled over. Lior finally spoke. "Sir… I mean… who are you? And… why did you help us yesterday? Why risk yourself?"
The knight's eyes softened slightly, though he said nothing at first. "It does not matter. What matters is that you are safe."
Laura frowned. "But we must know… if you don't tell us, how can we thank you properly?"
Lior leaned forward. "We are on a journey to get stronger. We've been searching for a knight… a legendary knight, one who can teach us how to fight, how to survive. We hoped… we hoped it was you."
The knight froze. For a long moment, his knife still on the table, his eyes focused on Lior. "You… came searching for me?" His voice was sharp, edged with disbelief. "Why? Why do you want to get stronger?"
Lior and his friends explained their journey, their goals, and their desire to protect their kingdom, their families, and each other. As they spoke, the knight listened silently, his gaze intense.
Finally, he stood. "You… seek to train under me?" His voice was heavy with surprise. "You came all this way… for me?"
Lior and the others exchanged shocked glances. "You… you are the legendary knight?" Lior whispered, awe in his voice. "We didn't think… we never imagined it was you."
The knight's face was unreadable, but he nodded slowly. "I cannot train you. I have left that life. I have abandoned the knights and the kingdom. I do not teach anyone now."
Lior's heart sank, but he pressed on. "Are you saying… we are not strong enough? That we cannot become knights, protect our people, and fight for the kingdom?"
"You are weak," the knight said bluntly, "but that is not the reason. My decision is final. I swore I would never train again. The kingdom… it betrayed me. It killed those closest to me. I cannot… I will not return."
Laura's voice trembled. "Please… we've come so far. We've faced danger, blood, pain… we've risked everything to find you. Please… just teach us. You won't break your vow if you help us. We only want to learn—help us protect the people we care about. Please."
The knight stared at them, silence stretching long and heavy. Their words, their determination, and the hardships they had endured weighed on him. For the first time in years, he saw the fire of true resolve in young hearts, unshaken by pain or fear.
Finally, he spoke. "Very well… I will give you one chance. Tomorrow, I will test each of you. If you are worthy… if you show courage, strategy, and perseverance… then I will train you. Consider this your trial."
Lior's eyes lit with determination. "We will prove ourselves. We won't let you down."
The night passed with a tense quiet. Each of the friends prepared themselves, knowing that tomorrow would mark the first step of their true training. Jarin's leg had healed enough for him to stand, though it still ached, reminding them of yesterday's trials.
The next morning, the four friends stood before the knight. The forest around them was silent, as if holding its breath.
"Enough talk," the knight said, voice sharp and commanding. "Come. Attack me. Show me what you are capable of."
One by one, they approached. Lior with his strategic mind, Finn with his shield and strength, Laura with her agility and precision, and Jarin, cautious but alert. Each faced the knight, each felt the weight of his power.
Strike after strike, block after block, they realized the truth—they were strong, but not strong enough. Each encounter tested their skill, courage, and teamwork.
Finally, the knight stepped back, nodding. "You have the potential. You have the spirit. You are not yet ready, but… I will train you. Tomorrow, we begin."
For the first time, hope, awe, and determination lit their tired faces. Their journey to become true knights—strong, skilled, and courageous—had truly begun.