The morning sun shimmered faintly through the long curtains of the Reinhart mansion. Dust motes floated in the air, glinting like specks of gold. Kelvin sat at the long dining table, absentmindedly swirling the spoon in his cup of tea. His red eyes reflected the sunlight — calm but deep, as if they held storms no one could see.
Across from him sat his father, Duke Reinhart, a man whose mere gaze could silence an entire hall. His silver hair fell perfectly down his back, and the aura he radiated was one of quiet dominance. Next to him was Lady Reinhart, elegant and composed, and beside her — Cain, cheerful as ever, tapping his fingers on the table as if the silence itself annoyed him.
"So, Kelvin," his father suddenly spoke, setting down his cup. "Do you intend to have a sword of your own?"
Kelvin blinked and tilted his head slightly. "A sword… of my own?"
Cain leaned forward, a grin already spreading on his face. "Oh, that's right! Don't tell me you don't even have a sword yet?"
Kelvin shrugged. "I never thought about it."
His father's brows furrowed. "You do know that the Reinhart family symbol is the sword, correct? Among the Three Great Noble Houses, we are the one whose name is written in steel. You'll need a weapon that represents that heritage."
Kelvin nodded slowly, taking in their words. "I understand. But I think… I'll find my sword on my own."
Cain slammed his palm lightly on the table and laughed. "Oh, I like that spirit! But don't worry, little brother — I happen to know an excellent blacksmith. The best in the capital."
Kelvin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then could you take me to him?"
Cain leaned back smugly. "Of course. For my dear little brother, I'd do anything."
Kelvin rolled his eyes. "Hearing you say that makes me feel sick."
Their mother chuckled softly, hiding her smile behind her hand. "You two never change."
Kelvin stood up and stretched slightly. "If we're going, then let's go now."
Cain grinned. "That's the spirit! Let's move before the sun burns my perfect face."
As they stepped out of the mansion, the morning air greeted them — cool, crisp, and carrying the faint scent of dew. The Reinhart family carriage awaited, adorned with intricate silver engravings and the family crest — a sword piercing through a circle of light.
As they rode through the cobblestone streets, Kelvin stared out the window. The city was alive — merchants shouting, knights training, and mana lamps flickering faintly even in daylight. Yet his thoughts wandered elsewhere.
(Divine Body was the first seal… then mana must be the second.)He placed his hand on his chest, feeling the faint pulse of energy beneath his skin.(When I was still a god, I never used mana. My body was my weapon. My essence itself was divine. But now… I have three dantians and a single core. That should be enough to hold my mana — if I can unseal it.)
Cain, sitting across from him, noticed Kelvin's distant gaze. "You look like you're plotting world domination."
Kelvin smirked faintly. "Just thinking."
"About what? Girls?"
"No."
"Training?"
"No."
"Ah, so it's about food. You're hungry."
Kelvin sighed. "You really talk too much."
Cain laughed, resting his head on the carriage wall. "You'll miss my voice when I'm gone."
"Not likely."
They both laughed, and for a brief moment, the air felt lighter — like brothers teasing each other before a battle neither knew was coming.
After a while, the carriage stopped. Cain hopped out first and gestured dramatically. "Welcome… to Hammerfall Forge! The best blacksmith in all of the Western Kingdom!"
Kelvin stepped out and looked around. The forge was massive — its roof shaped like dragon wings, smoke rising from the chimneys, and the sound of hammering echoing through the open windows. Sparks flew in rhythmic bursts, and the smell of heated metal filled the air.
Inside, a burly man with a scar across his face lifted his head. His beard was thick, his arms bulging with muscle. "Well, if it isn't Cain Reinhart. Haven't seen you in months, boy!"
Cain laughed. "Still as scary as ever, old man!"
The blacksmith grunted, crossing his arms. "You still owe me five gold coins."
Cain flinched. "You still remember that?"
"How could I forget? You cried for two days after breaking your sword."
Kelvin snorted quietly, earning a glare from Cain. The blacksmith turned to Kelvin, his eyes narrowing as if trying to read something hidden. "And who's this?"
"My little brother," Cain said proudly. "Kelvin Reinhart."
The blacksmith's brows rose. "Ah, so this is the prodigy I heard about. The one who made a Mana Sword after just watching you once."
Kelvin blinked. "That spread already?"
Cain grinned. "Of course it did. News travels fast when you do something impossible."
The blacksmith chuckled deeply. "Well, prodigy or not, a swordsman's worth is in his blade. What kind of sword do you want, boy?"
Kelvin crossed his arms, thinking for a moment. "Something balanced. Not too heavy. A blade that resonates with my mana — or perhaps my soul."
The blacksmith's eyes gleamed. "Hah. Ambitious. Most kids your age just ask for something that looks cool."
"I'm not most kids."
Cain grinned. "You can say that again."
The blacksmith rubbed his chin. "Hmm… I might have something. Follow me."
He led them deeper into the forge, through narrow corridors filled with weapons of all kinds — curved blades, twin daggers, greatswords as tall as men, even a spear with lightning etched into its shaft. But one rack caught Kelvin's eye.
A single sword rested there, covered in dust and wrapped in cloth. The aura it gave off was faint — almost nonexistent — yet something about it made Kelvin's heart skip a beat.
"What's that?" Kelvin asked, pointing.
The blacksmith frowned. "That? That's not for sale. It's a failed project."
Kelvin stepped closer, ignoring him. As his hand brushed the cloth, he felt something — a faint pulse of mana, responding to his touch.(This… resonance? It feels familiar.)
Cain tilted his head. "Hey, old man, what's wrong with that sword?"
The blacksmith sighed. "It's made from Aethersteel. Extremely rare. But it's unstable. It devours mana instead of channeling it. Anyone who tried to use it collapsed within minutes."
Kelvin's fingers tightened around the hilt. "Can I try it?"
The blacksmith's eyes widened. "Are you insane? You'll die."
Kelvin smiled faintly. "I'll take that risk."
Cain groaned. "Here we go again…"
Kelvin drew the sword slowly. The blade shimmered faintly, like a mirror reflecting starlight. For a moment, the forge fell silent — even the crackling of fire seemed to fade.
He took a deep breath and focused, channeling a small amount of mana into the blade. The sword trembled violently, runes along the edge glowing crimson. A sudden wave of pressure burst forth, knocking back a few tools.
The blacksmith cursed. "Damn it, stop—!"
But Kelvin didn't stop. The red glow in his eyes brightened as the unstable mana in the blade began to merge with his own.(I see… this sword devours mana. Then let it devour mine.)
He pushed harder. The floor trembled. Cain took a step back, covering his face from the surge of light.
"Kelvin!" Cain shouted. "You'll burn your mana veins!"
But Kelvin smiled. "If it can't devour me — I'll devour it first."
The blade suddenly screamed, an otherworldly sound echoing through the forge. Then — silence. The glow dimmed. When the light cleared, the sword had changed. Its once dull metal now shimmered with a crimson-silver hue, and faint symbols danced along the blade like living flame.
Kelvin opened his eyes. "It submitted."
The blacksmith stared in disbelief. "Impossible… you stabilized it?"
Cain whistled. "My little brother never ceases to amaze."
Kelvin sheathed the blade slowly. "It's not a sword that consumes mana. It's a sword that feeds on power. It chooses who's worthy."
The blacksmith shook his head, still in shock. "That sword was cursed. Yet you… tamed it."
Kelvin smiled slightly. "It just needed a master."
He looked at the weapon — and for a fleeting second, something flashed in his mind. A memory from another life. The same crimson blade, glowing against the night sky, cutting through gods and devils alike.(Katana…)The name whispered in his thoughts like a ghost.
As they left the forge, Cain clapped him on the back. "Well, that was terrifying and awesome. You just made a swordsmith faint from shock."
Kelvin smirked. "He'll live."
"So, what will you name it?" Cain asked.
Kelvin looked at the blade resting against his side, the faint aura still swirling around it."Katana," he said quietly. "The sword that breaks through dimensions."
Cain raised an eyebrow. "Breaks through what now?"
Kelvin smiled faintly. "You'll see."
As the carriage rolled back toward the Reinhart estate, the clouds above thickened — and far away, somewhere deep in the unseen realms, something ancient stirred. A faint, unseen force whispered through the wind, echoing Kelvin's name like a forgotten prophecy reborn.
Before heading to the forest, Kelvin made his way downstairs where his father was finishing breakfast. His father looked up from his seat, smiling faintly beneath his grey beard."So, Kelvin," his father said, setting down his cup. "Heading out already?"
Kelvin nodded. "I'm planning to train in the forest for a while. I want to test this katana's balance and flow with my mana."
His father chuckled softly. "Ah, I see. But before you go… if I recall correctly, Lucy went to the forest earlier with her friends."
Kelvin paused mid-step. "Lucy? Why would she go there?"
"Her friends invited her to explore a little," his father replied calmly. "I allowed it, but I want you to keep an eye on her while you're there. Rumor has it that a few monsters have been seen around that area lately."
Kelvin crossed his arms. "I don't mind watching her, but aren't her friends' brothers with them?"
His father sighed and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, but tell me, Kelvin… do you really think any of them will protect your sister properly if something dangerous appears?"
Kelvin's lips curved slightly into a small smirk. "No, they'll probably run first."
"Exactly," his father said, standing up. "Then keep an eye on her. That's an order."
Kelvin gave a light nod. "Alright. I'll make sure nothing happens to her."
The forest lay bathed in golden morning light, the mist still clinging to the grass. Kelvin's boots pressed lightly against the earth, each step soundless. The katana hung comfortably at his waist, perfectly balanced — it felt like an extension of his arm.
Birds chirped softly above, yet the air felt unnaturally still.He could feel it — the faint pulse of mana that existed everywhere, intertwining with the life of nature itself.
(Divine Body truly sharpens every sense…) he thought. His perception had become frighteningly clear — every leaf's rustle, every heartbeat of a nearby animal, even the vibration of mana particles in the air.
He didn't see Lucy or her friends anywhere, so he assumed they had gone deeper. Still, his instincts told him not to relax.
As he walked further, the peaceful silence suddenly broke.The ground trembled.The birds fled.
A massive Ogre emerged from between the trees — its skin a shade of rotten green, its tusks yellow and cracked, saliva dripping from its open mouth. Its heavy footsteps crushed the fallen leaves like thunder.
Kelvin didn't even flinch. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes calm.
"So this is what Father meant by monsters nearby," he murmured.
The Ogre roared, shaking the forest, then charged forward — its heavy club raised high. The sound was deafening.
Kelvin's hand moved faster than thought.
Shing!
The katana flashed — a line of silver light that cut through the morning air. The Ogre froze mid-stride, its eyes wide. For a heartbeat, nothing happened — then its massive body split cleanly in half, the halves sliding apart before hitting the ground with a dull thud.
Kelvin exhaled softly. "It's lighter than I expected."
He sheathed the katana in a smooth motion. The faint hum of mana still lingered around the blade.
(So this is the power of my Katana…)
Kelvin moved deeper into the forest, stopping at a small clearing surrounded by tall trees. Sunlight pierced through the canopy, forming golden circles on the ground. He placed his hand on the katana's hilt again.
He wanted to test everything — his strength, his control, his new weapon.
Drawing the blade, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel the flow of mana within him — vast and deep like an ocean. But he knew his control was still crude. The divine body amplified his physical power, but mana required finesse.
He remembered Cain's words about Mana Sword. He could easily form it before, but now he wanted to refine it — to merge it seamlessly with his katana.
He began to channel mana down his arm. The faint blue glow gathered at the edge of the blade, and a sharp buzzing sound filled the air. The grass beneath him swayed as pressure built up.
Then — he swung.
The katana sliced through the air, releasing a wave of pure mana that exploded forward. The force cleaved through several trees, cutting them cleanly in half as if made of paper.
Kelvin stood silently, watching the trunks fall one by one.
"…Not bad," he said quietly. "This is definitely enough to enter the academy."
But deep down, he knew this was only a fraction of what he could do. He clenched the hilt tighter.
(If the Divine Body was my first seal, then mana must be the second. Once I master both… what comes next?)
His thoughts were interrupted by a faint sound — laughter in the distance.
Lucy.
Kelvin's eyes narrowed. He could sense her mana signature not far away — but there were others around her too, five in total.
He sighed. "Looks like they're having fun."
But as he was about to leave, something else caught his attention — a faint tremor in the earth, a presence much larger than before. It came from the same direction as Lucy.
Kelvin's expression hardened.
(Don't tell me…)
Without wasting another second, he vanished — his movements blurring as his divine body burst into motion. The ground cracked beneath his feet, and he dashed forward, faster than the eye could follow.
Far ahead, Lucy and her friends were laughing together near a riverbank, collecting herbs and skipping stones across the water. The brothers of her friends were lounging nearby, half-asleep.
"I can't believe Father actually allowed us to come here," Lucy said with a smile. "It's been a while since I've been outside the estate like this."
One of the girls giggled. "That's because he trusts you, Lucy."
But before Lucy could reply, the air suddenly grew cold. The laughter died. Birds stopped singing.
Then came the sound — boom… boom… boom… — heavy footsteps approaching from the forest.
"What was that?" one of the boys muttered, standing up.
Before anyone could answer, a massive Two-Headed Ogre emerged from the shadows, each head roaring in fury. Its eyes glowed red, and its stench filled the air.
The boys screamed and ran. The girls froze.
Lucy tried to move, but fear paralyzed her legs. The ogre raised its club, aiming directly at her.
In that instant — a flash of silver light.
Shing!
The club shattered. A figure appeared between Lucy and the beast, his back to her. The morning sunlight caught the edge of his katana, dripping faint blue mana.
"Kelvin…" Lucy whispered, her eyes wide.
Kelvin didn't answer. His eyes were cold — sharper than steel.
He lowered into a stance, one hand on the hilt, the other extended slightly forward. The ground beneath him cracked from the pressure.
The Ogre roared again, swinging its second club.
Kelvin vanished.
A heartbeat later — a single slash of light cut through the air. The ogre's roar stopped abruptly as its massive body froze — then fell apart, sliced into dozens of clean sections.
The silence that followed was almost sacred.
Kelvin sheathed his katana in one smooth motion, the click echoing softly through the forest.
"Are you alright?" he asked without turning.
Lucy nodded shakily. "Y-Yes… I—thank you."
Kelvin exhaled. "Next time, tell your friends not to run first."
Lucy frowned lightly. "They were scared—"
"So were you," Kelvin interrupted gently. "But you didn't scream. That's good."
Lucy blinked, surprised by the rare compliment.
Kelvin looked at his blade, its edge shimmering faintly. "Looks like you've already drawn blood, huh… Katana."
The sword hummed softly in response, as if acknowledging its master.
As the sun began to set, Kelvin escorted Lucy and her friends back to the edge of the forest. The brothers avoided his gaze, their faces pale from shame. Lucy, on the other hand, kept glancing at him, her expression unreadable.
Once they reached the main road, Kelvin stopped. "You're safe now. Go home. I'll stay here for a bit longer."
Lucy hesitated. "Kelvin… thank you. I mean it."
He gave a small smile. "You're my sister. You don't need to thank me."
With that, he turned and walked back into the forest, the katana at his side glowing faintly under the twilight sky.
The wind brushed past him, whispering through the leaves. For a moment, Kelvin felt something — a familiar, comforting presence within the blade itself.
(You and I… we'll go far together, won't we?)
He tightened his grip and whispered softly,"Katana… from now on, you're my partner."
The blade shimmered again — faint, yet unmistakable — as if answering his vow.