The night wind was cold, brushing against Kaizen's face as he stood in the forest clearing.
His crimson hair swayed with the breeze, and the ancient sword gleamed faintly beneath the pale moonlight.
Before him stood Master Haru, calm and composed, holding only a wooden staff.
> Haru: "Show me what you've learned, boy. Don't think—just fight."
Kaizen charged forward, the ground cracking beneath his feet.
His strikes were faster, sharper than before… yet still predictable.
With effortless motion, Haru twisted his body, dodging the swing and striking Kaizen's shoulder with the wooden staff.
The young swordsman fell to the ground, gritting his teeth.
> Haru: "You fight with your eyes… not with your heart."
Kaizen (panting): "I'm… trying."
Haru: "Trying doesn't make a warrior. You either strike to live… or die."
Kaizen clenched his sword, rage and determination mixing in his veins.
He stood again — slower this time, but focused.
The ancient blade pulsed, and suddenly, a blue panel appeared before his eyes.
Attribute Level XP
Strength 9/100 210
Speed 8/100 190
Stamina 10/100 220
Skill Rank C
Acquired Skill Shadow Slash
> System: [New Skill Unlocked: Shadow Slash]
The sword hummed with dark energy.
When Kaizen swung again, a black arc sliced through the air — silent, deadly, and beautiful.
Haru barely blocked it with his staff, the impact echoing through the forest.
For the first time, a faint smile curved on Haru's lips.
> Haru: "There it is… your first shadow broken."
Kaizen (in awe): "It felt like… the sword moved on its own."
Haru: "Not the sword… your spirit finally answered it."
---
Hours later, the two sat near a small campfire.
Kaizen cleaned the blade, tracing his fingers over the glowing runes now visible on its surface.
But then… a whisper echoed inside his head — the same voice from the day he first touched the sword.
> Voice: "You've broken your first shadow, heir of the Forgotten Blade… but you are not unseen."
Kaizen froze.
From the darkness between the trees, crimson eyes glimmered — silent, watching.
> Kaizen (whispering): "They've found me…"
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