Chapter 17: The First Right Step
The first day of Kael's training, before the grand ceremony, had finally arrived.
As promised a week ago, Commander Aeronis came to Kallidorra, heading straight to Kael's house. He was accompanied by his former student Liraen, the Wind Elf; Grak'Mar, the Ogre; and Volgran, the towering Giant.
They walked along the white-bricked path under a clear blue morning sky. Citizens of many races stopped to watch — some whispering in awe, others continuing their trades, buying and selling food while sneaking glances at the legendary commander.
Commander Aeronis's crystal-green armor gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, each plate reflecting shades of emerald. Flowing behind him was a crimson cape, embroidered with a golden "E" and a huge blue sword that had a golden edge that fit nicely in its sheath on his back, marking him unmistakably as the Commander of the East.
"Isn't that the Commander of the East?"
"I've seen him many times in Kallidorra."
"What's he doing in this small village?"
The citizens whispered among themselves as Commander Aeronis and his group walked through the market path. Overhearing their murmurs, Aeronis paused, not wanting his presence to cause unease or false assumptions of war.
He raised his voice, calm, deep, and commanding. Letting it carry across the morning air.
"Fear not, all of you. I am here on a certain task. Please, continue with your day as you normally would."
His tone was firm yet reassuring, the mark of a noble commander whose words held weight and grace. The tension in the air eased; the crowd slowly returned to their trading and chatter.
Aeronis turned to his students, Grak'Mar the Ogre and Liraen the Wind Elf — both of whom he had personally trained. Behind them, the towering Volgran followed at a steady pace, each step like the roll of distant thunder.
"My students," Aeronis said, his emerald eyes steady beneath his helm, "guide me to this human, Kael, was it not? His home should be near."
"Yes, Commander!" Grak'Mar replied, his deep voice echoing as his massive ogre frame straightened with pride.
"Just a few more steps and we'll arrive, Commander," said Liraen, his calm tone carried lightly by the morning breeze.
Aeronis nodded slightly. "Very well, my students." His emerald armor shimmered as he walked. "As we proceed, tell me more about this human… Kael, was it? I seem to know little of him."
"Nothing really interesting about him, Commander," Liraen answered. "He's just a mightless human."
Grak'Mar added gruffly, "Aye, Commander, a human with no elemental power."
Aeronis chuckled softly, his noble voice resonant yet curious. "Yes, yes, even I've heard that much. Tell me something I do not know. Tell me something that would surprise even a commander like me."
Liraen's expression turned thoughtful. "Well, Commander… Kael may be mightless, but he's quite unique."
Aeronis tilted his head slightly, a faint smile touching his lips.
"Hmm… what makes him unique then? Can he fly? Possess super strength? Ah—perhaps he has unlimited stamina?" He chuckled softly. "I saw your battle in the underground level of Kallidorra Forgehold. The boy had quite the endurance, I'll grant him that."
"Not all of it, Commander," replied Grak'Mar, his deep voice rumbling with restraint.
"Oh?" Aeronis's curiosity sharpened. "Then what is it?"
Liraen's tone turned uneasy. "He's… smart, Commander. Smarter than anyone I've ever met."
"Intelligence, hmm?" Aeronis mused, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "A rare gift indeed."
Grak'Mar's voice trembled slightly. "No, Commander… not ordinary intelligence."
Aeronis glanced at him. "What do you mean, Grak'Mar?"
The ogre hesitated, then spoke in a low voice. "Sometimes… I'm grateful he's on our side, Commander."
As he said that, the group approached a modest, two-story wooden house at the edge of the path — Kael's home.
"Hmm… if you say so," Aeronis murmured with a faint smirk. "Then he must be intelligent enough to become a Realm Protector one day."
"Yes, Commander," Liraen replied quietly. If he ever turns against us, Liraen thought uneasily, I doubt this realm could even survive. His inventions… they terrify me.
"This way, Commander." Grak'Mar broke he silence Liraen created
"Oh? From the side?" Aeronis raised a brow in surprise.
"Yes," Liraen said with a small grin. "Volgran wouldn't exactly fit through a doorway."
"Ah, of course." Aeronis chuckled softly, glancing up at the towering giant behind them. "A fair point."
They walked along the side path of the small wooden house, the scent of herbs and wood smoke lingering in the morning air. As Aeronis passed by a window, he noticed Elvareth sitting on a wooden chair, quietly sewing Kael's torn clothes from his last spar with Liraen. She looked up for a moment, eyes widening slightly at the sight of the famed Commander of the East. Then she smiled shyly, lowering her gaze and continuing her work, too timid to speak.
Aeronis slowed his pace, his emerald eyes softening. So… an elf lives with this human? he mused. Perhaps Kael knows more of our Etherian lore than I thought.
He exhaled, a spark of intrigue lighting in his thoughts. I've met him once before, but we never truly spoke. Maybe this human will still surprise me… After all, he is the last of his kind.
With that thought, the commander stepped into view of the wide, green backyard where Kael awaited.
They finally arrived at the backyard. As expected, Kael was already training with his sword, moving with precision and focus.
Then suddenly —
SWOOOSH!
One of Kael's black, razor-sharp blades flew through the air.
KTANGGG!
Liraen reacted instantly, blocking the blade with his sword just inches from Commander Aeronis's head.
"Yoo! Be careful, human!" Grak'Mar's voice boomed across the yard, echoing like thunder.
"Ah, sorry! Grak'Mar, Ren… and my giant friend… Volgran!" Kael laughed nervously.
Volgran shifted and lowered himself onto the grass with a tremendous THUD, the backyard shaking slightly under his immense weight.
"Commander!" Kael shouted, running toward Aeronis.
Aeronis allowed a small, amused smile to touch his lips. "Haha, Kael! It seems you began your training before I even arrived, huh?"
"Yes, Commander!" Kael replied, bowing deeply. Then, following the ancient gesture of respect, he took Aeronis's hand and gently pressed it to his forehead — showing both humility and honor.
Aeronis regarded him for a moment, his emerald eyes softening at the gesture. A promising start… he thought, impressed by both the boy's skill and his reverence.
Aeronis paused for a moment, watching Kael's gesture with a faint, impressed smile. Hmm? A new culture… never seen anything like this before. He muttered to himself. I'm impressed. Perhaps everyone in this realm should learn this — far more respectful than a simple handshake.
He turned his gaze fully on Kael. "So, Kael… tell me. Are you ready to train and take part in the ceremony for the Realm Protector Academy?"
"Yes, Commander!" Kael replied with determination.
"Ha! That's the spirit!" Aeronis's voice rang with warmth and authority. "Have you learned about the Tiang Tiga, Kael?"
"Yes, Commander. Liraen explained it to me."
"Excellent," Aeronis said, a playful glint in his noble eyes. "That saves me some time. But, since you do not possess Might… no offense intended, of course…"
Kael's eyes widened slightly.
"I have a special training prepared for you."
"Special training? Hmm… what is it, Commander?" Kael asked, curious and eager.
Aeronis's tone grew slightly more serious, yet retained that noble charm. "You see, Liraen, Volgran, and Grak'Mar can train directly with the Tiang Tiga principal. While you Kael… are different."
"These three can train together, so they can cover the Satu Principle as a group. For the Tawan Principle, however, they rely on their Might, something you do not possess. The only principle you share with them directly is Bilah, since all wield a weapon."
"Since you already have that sword of yours, we will maintain the Bilah Principle," Aeronis began. "But I want to adjust the Satu Principle. Rather than training in a team, you will focus on building your physical strength and mental endurance."
Kael's eyes widened. "Wait… does that mean I'll be working alone? But Ren said a Realm Protector should never walk alone…"
"Unless…" Aeronis interrupted, cutting through Kael's rigid perspective with calm authority, "…they are strong enough."
"I am not saying you will become the strongest, Kael," Aeronis continued, his voice steady and noble. "But I am unsure whether other races outside this village, not to mention the academy students, will accept you. Therefore, I will train you in a hard, rigorous way, so you can withstand their racial perspectives and biases. Remember this well: the academy is competitive, and pride often blinds them when it comes to their own races. My goal is to toughen you, so you can focus on becoming a Realm Protector without distraction."
"Yes, Commander," Kael said, his voice firm. "I understand, and I agree with you!"
Aeronis allowed himself a small, rare smile. Those blue eyes — such determination. It amazes me… perhaps the result of being the last of his kind.
He lingered on the thought with quiet admiration.
Aeronis glanced at Kael. "So, about your tawan aspect…. "Uh… that one's a bit hard for me to explain . But after watching my fight with Liraen, I—"
"Cih! Always with that battle, Commander. I only lost once!" Liraen pouted, crossing his arms theatrically.
"HA! No need to sulk, elf. We all lose sometimes," Grak'Mar rumbled, chuckling.
"Losing and being remembered for it for the rest of your life are different things," Liraen shot back, only half-serious.
Aeronis laughed softly. "Alright, Liraen — no need to take it personally." He turned back to Kael with a mild, approving look.
Liraen suddenly brightened and jabbed a thumb at the human. "Hey, Kael!"
"Hmm?" Kael answered.
"I will defeat you, I swear it, in the name of the Etherians!" Liraen declared with mock solemnity.
"Okay, okay, Liraen," Aeronis interrupted with an amused raise of his hand. "I'm speaking with Kael first. You two may duel from time to time — but let us not disturb this moment."
"Yeah, Commander, got it!" Liraen grinned, already plotting his next friendly challenge.
Aeronis closed the brief distraction with a firm nod. "Shall we continue, Kael?"
"Yes, Commander!" Kael replied, steady and ready.
Aeronis's emerald eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I've noticed something, Kael… your mind can invent things beyond what anyone in this realm imagines. Why not let that intelligence become your Tawan Aspect?"
Kael blinked. "Tawan?"
"Control," Aeronis said, his voice calm and measured. "Tawan is about mastery, — mastery of Might ability, but i want you to master your mind, body, and focus. I want you to control your mind and create unpredictable inventions. That is your path."
"That… that's brilliant, Commander!" Kael exclaimed, excitement sparking in his eyes.
Aeronis shook his head gently. "Unfortunately, I cannot personally train you in this. I do not know enough about inventions. You must learn, Kael — manage your time, follow a schedule, and explore this aspect yourself."
Kael frowned slightly. "Schedule…?"
Volgran groaned, Volgran knows the schedule!" Volgran suddenly speak with his giant voice.
"Of your training, of course," Aeronis said. He placed a hand, armored in crystal, on Kael's shoulder. "Listen carefully, Kael. After I give you this simple schedule, you will train under the guidance of your three seniors — and also your friends: Liraen, Grak'Mar, and your giant friend, Volgran. I have trained them before, and though they chose not to become Realm Protectors, they are still my students. There are still those stronger, with more knowledge and experience than you. That is why they will guide you. As I mentioned in the underground level, I cannot train you directly — I am occupied with upcoming battles. But they will teach you the specific aspects you need."
Kael nodded, trying to process.
Then Aeronis turn his gaze to Liraen.
Liraen!" Aeronis called.
"Yes, Commander!" Liraen answered promptly.
"Listen, Kael. Liraen will train you in the Bilah Aspect. Since he wields the same weapon type as you, a blade, he will teach you how to master it."
"Ohhh…" Kael replied, eyes widening with anticipation.
"And… Grak'Mar!" Aeronis continued.
"Yes, Commander!" the mighty ogre rumbled.
"This ogre will train your physical replacement for the Satu Principal — stamina, strength, and even unarmed combat. He will push your body to its limits."
"I understand now, Commander," Kael said, nodding.
Aeronis turned his gaze to Volgran. "And for Volgran… I do not know much but he has the strongest Might among these three. He is also the biggest, hardest, and strongest. I think you can… use Volgran as a living dummy for your exercises."
"A dummy?! He'll get hurt, Commander!" Kael exclaimed.
Aeronis chuckled, noble and amused. "Do you think my student is so weak? Volgran is a giant, Kael. If you can hurt him… it means your inventions are far more terrifying than I imagine."
"Yes, Commander!" Kael replied, determination sparking in his eyes.
"Meanwhile, I, as Commander, will visit at the end of each month to evaluate you. Next month, I will return for a duel with you."
"Wait… I'm going to fight you? A literal Commander of the Realm Protectors?!" Kael stammered, both shocked and awed.
"Yes, Kael. So train hard. We only have two years before the ceremony." Aeronis's voice was calm but carried the weight of authority.
"Do you really think I can duel you, Commander?" Kael asked, still uncertain.
Aeronis laughed softly. "Sure, Kael. But before that… you must first face someone who seeks revenge against you."
SWOOOSH!
Liraen drew his white‑obsidian sword in a single, fluid motion.
"Yoo! Kael!" he called, eyes flashing. "Ready for a real duel this time?"
"This time I'll show you how strong I am, and Ralis, my own blade!" Liraen thrust the obsidian point toward Kael with a grin.
It was the first time Kael would face Liraen while the Wind Elf held his obsidian sword. Kael glanced toward Commander Aeronis, uncertainty written across his face.
Gulp. Kael swallowed. How can I face him?
Aeronis's voice was calm, steady. "Don't worry, Kael… you fought Liraen without a single weapon in the underground."
"B‑but" Kael began, faltering.
"Go." Aeronis's tone hardened, gentle but firm. "Grab your sword."
Kael obeyed. He picked up the handle from the ground, a black blade attached to the hilt, simple and familiar in his hand. He steadied his breath.
"Now, Kael. Point the sword at Liraen and say your name and your sword's name confidently."
"Yes, Commander."
By uttering that, you had agreed to duel with him.
"Ren!" Liraen shouted, swinging to begin.
SWOOSH!
Kael raised his single attached blade toward Liraen, this time he used only one of his many blades. Then he declared, voice steady: "Ren! Ready to fight me and meet my sword: Tesseract." He smirked, surprising even himself.
Tesseract?, Aeronis thought, intrigued. He had not heard that name before.
"Alright, Kael." Aeronis nodded. "This is your schedule for today: fight Liraen. Give it your all."
Kael's smirk widened. He felt the familiar hum in his feet — his improved electric‑powered shoes were ready to assist.
"Yes, Commander! I'm ready."
"Fight first so I can learn your weaknesses," Aeronis added. "I will be watching you both."
Then Aeronis declared
"OKAY! Liraen! Kael! Ready? In three… two… one… GO!"
SWOOSH!
Both of them lunged forward at incredible speed — Kael propelled by his electric-powered boots, Liraen by his Wind Might, leaving streaks of motion in their wake.
This was the first step in Kael's training — a trial of speed, skill, and ingenuity, marking the beginning of his journey toward becoming a Realm Protector.
The fight will be on the next chapter