The morning mist clung to the training fields as Yuu practiced his sword forms under the watchful eye of Instructor Grom. Shinrai moved through the air in fluid arcs, its blade catching the early light as he repeated the same sequences over and over—each movement more precise than the last.
"Good," Grom rumbled, leaning on his massive war hammer. "But you're still holding back. When fighting a mage, you can't afford to hesitate—they'll use your moment of doubt to strike."
Yuu paused, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "I know. I just don't want to hurt anyone."
"Warriors don't seek to hurt," Grom said, his voice softening slightly. "We seek to protect. Sometimes, that means stopping an opponent before they can harm others. You need to find the balance between mercy and strength."
He gestured to a group of students approaching across the field. "Looks like you have visitors."
Yuu turned to see three students walking toward them—a young elf woman with long black hair and deep green eyes, a dwarf boy with a shock of red hair and calloused hands, and a human girl with curly blonde hair and bright purple eyes. They were all dressed in academy robes, but each had something that set them apart—the elf carried a bow made of polished wood, the dwarf had a set of small tools tucked into his belt, and the human girl wore a pendant that glowed with faint blue light.
"Hi there!" the human girl called out, waving enthusiastically. "I'm Maya—we're in Healing Practices together. This is Elara and Borin."
The elf nodded politely. "Elara of Silverwood. I've heard about your sword work—my people value skill with weapons as much as magic."
The dwarf grinned and held out his hand. "Borin Ironforge. My grandfather was a blacksmith, and when I saw your blade yesterday, I knew it wasn't from around here. I'd love to take a closer look at it sometime."
Yuu shook his hand, smiling. "I'd like that. What brings you all out here?"
"We heard you're entering both the healing and combat tournaments," Maya said. "And we wanted to help you train. Elara's one of the best archers in the academy, Borin knows everything about weapons and armor, and I've been studying advanced healing magic for years."
"Plus," Elara added, "we're tired of Prince Aldric and the Golden Circle thinking they're better than everyone else. It's time someone showed them that strength comes in all forms."
Yuu felt a surge of gratitude. He'd worried about going into the tournament alone, but now he had allies who believed in him. "That would mean a lot. Thank you."
From that day forward, the four of them trained together every morning before classes. Elara taught Yuu how to anticipate magical attacks by reading an opponent's body language—how their hands moved before casting a spell, how their eyes focused on their target. Borin examined Shinrai carefully and made a few small adjustments to the hilt, adding a grip that fit Yuu's hand perfectly and a small guard to protect his fingers. He also showed Yuu how to maintain the blade, using a special oil made from dwarf-made minerals that kept it sharp and protected it from magical corrosion.
Maya worked with Yuu on combining his medical knowledge with Aethermoor's healing magic. "Your methods from your old world are amazing," she said one afternoon, as they practiced treating a simulated wound on a training dummy. "For example, you know how to prevent infections by cleaning wounds thoroughly—something many mages forget because they rely too much on magic to heal everything at once."
She showed him how to use water magic to clean wounds more effectively, and how to combine healing herbs with light magic to speed up the body's natural recovery process. Yuu, in turn, taught her about setting broken bones properly, how to recognize the signs of internal injuries, and how to use pressure to stop severe bleeding—skills that were almost unknown in Aethermoor, where mages usually just healed such injuries with spells.
"These skills could save lives," Maya said, her eyes wide with excitement. "What if we combined them into a new type of healing practice—one that uses both magic and medicine?"
"That's exactly what I want to do," Yuu replied. "Maybe after the tournament, we could start a study group or even a new program at the academy."
As the weeks passed, Yuu's skills improved dramatically. His sword work became faster and more precise, his ability to sense magic grew stronger, and his knowledge of healing expanded with every lesson. He also spent time in the library, researching the history of the Blade Guardian and learning everything he could about Malakor and the barrier that trapped him.
One evening, as he was reading an ancient book about magical barriers, Finn burst into their room, his face flushed with excitement.
"Yuu! You'll never guess what I found!" he said, holding up a stack of papers. "I've been working on a device that can amplify magical energy—but not just for offensive spells. It can also enhance healing magic and even help stabilize weak barriers!"
Yuu looked at the diagrams, his eyes widening. The device was cleverly designed, using a combination of mechanical parts and magical crystals to focus and amplify energy. "This is incredible, Finn. Do you think it could help strengthen the barrier around the Dark Volcano?"
"I don't know," Finn said, sitting down beside him. "But it's worth investigating. The problem is, I need rare materials to build a prototype—materials that are only found in the Crystal Caves, which are full of dangerous monsters."
"We'll go together," Yuu said firmly. "After the tournament, we can assemble a group and make the journey. If this device can help stop Malakor, we have to try."
The day before the tournament, Yuu and his friends gathered in the training fields for one last practice session. The sun was shining bright, and the air was filled with the sound of students preparing for the events ahead. In the distance, they could see Aldric and the Golden Circle practicing their spells—balls of fire, lightning, and ice flying through the air as they showed off their power.
"He's been boasting that he'll win both the combat and magic tournaments," Elara said, nocking an arrow and shooting it straight into the center of a target fifty yards away. "Says he'll make an example of anyone who dares to challenge him."
"Let him boast," Yuu said, swinging Shinrai in a perfect arc. "Actions speak louder than spells."
Maya walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you nervous?"
"A little," Yuu admitted. "But not about losing. I'm nervous about what will happen if I win. Aldric won't take it well, and he has a lot of influence at the academy."
"Then we'll be there for you," Borin said, patting him on the back. "We're not just your training partners—we're your friends. And friends look out for each other."
That night, Yuu couldn't sleep. He lay in bed, thinking about everything that had led him here—his old life, his death, his rebirth in Aethermoor, the friends he'd made, and the responsibility he carried as the Blade Guardian. He thought about his parents in Greenhollow, about Lirael waiting for him in the forest, and about all the people in Aethermoor who needed someone to protect them.
He got up and pulled Shinrai from its sheath, holding it up to the moonlight streaming through his window. The blade gleamed bright and clear, and he could feel its energy humming in his hand—warm and strong, like an old friend.
I'm ready, he thought. Whatever happens tomorrow, I'll face it with courage and kindness. That's what the Blade Guardian would do.
The next morning, the academy grounds were filled with excitement. Students, teachers, and even nobles from across the realm had gathered to watch the tournament. The main arena had been decorated with flags from every race, and magical orbs of light floated overhead, casting a warm glow over everything.
Yuu's first event was the healing competition. The students were given a series of simulated cases—from simple cuts and fevers to more complex injuries like broken bones and internal bleeding. They had to diagnose the problem and treat it using any methods they chose.
Yuu worked calmly and efficiently, using a combination of his medical knowledge and the healing techniques he'd learned from Maya and Liana. He cleaned wounds thoroughly, set bones with precision, used herbs to reduce fever and pain, and combined them with small amounts of light magic to speed up healing. The judges watched closely, their expressions serious but impressed.
When the results were announced, Yuu had come in second place—Maya had won first with her advanced magical healing skills. But the head judge, a renowned healer from the Southern Kingdom, had special praise for Yuu.
"While magic is powerful," she said, addressing the crowd, "we must not forget the importance of practical medicine. Yuu of Greenhollow has shown us that combining the two can create a healing practice that is stronger than either alone. His methods could revolutionize how we care for the sick and injured in Aethermoor."
Aldric, who had come in fifth place in the healing competition, looked furious. He'd clearly expected to win easily, and being outperformed by a non-magical student had wounded his pride.
The combat tournament was held in the afternoon, in a large arena surrounded by stands filled with spectators. The students competed in one-on-one matches, with the winner advancing to the next round. Yuu's first opponent was a human mage who specialized in wind magic—fast and agile, with the ability to create powerful gusts to knock his opponents off balance.
Yuu focused on sensing the flow of the mage's magic, feeling the light, airy sensation of wind as it moved around the arena. When the mage attacked, sending a gust of wind toward him, Yuu stepped to the side and followed the flow of the spell, slicing through it with Shinrai. The excess energy was absorbed by the sword, and Yuu used the momentum to move forward and strike the mage's shoulder with the flat of his blade—enough to win the match without causing serious harm.
His next opponent was an elf warrior who used both archery and nature magic. Elara had taught Yuu how to anticipate her moves, and he was able to dodge her arrows and cut through her magical barriers with ease. Again, he won the match with a single, precise strike that showed his skill without being cruel.
By the time the semi-finals rolled around, Yuu had become a crowd favorite. Spectators who had initially laughed at the idea of a non-magical student competing were now cheering his name, impressed by his skill, speed, and kindness.
In the semi-finals, he faced a dwarf warrior who used earth magic to strengthen his armor and weapons. The dwarf was strong and durable, and Yuu had to use all his skill to avoid his powerful strikes. He focused on the heavy, solid sensation of earth magic, finding the gaps in the dwarf's defenses and striking with precise, quick movements. Eventually, the dwarf conceded, shaking Yuu's hand with a grin.
"You fight well, human," he said. "My grandfather would have been proud to face you."
The final match was between Yuu and Aldric. The crowd fell silent as the two stood in the center of the arena, facing each other. Aldric's eyes were filled with anger and arrogance, while Yuu's were calm and focused.
"Prepare to be humiliated," Aldric hissed, his hands beginning to glow with golden fire. "You think you can beat me with a simple sword? I'll show you the power of real magic!"
Yuu drew Shinrai, feeling its energy flow through him. "I don't want to fight you," he said quietly. "We could work together—use our skills to protect Aethermoor."
Aldric laughed, a harsh sound that echoed through the arena. "I don't work with farmers and weaklings!"
He unleashed a wave of fire magic, so powerful it made the air shimmer with heat. Yuu focused on the flow of the spell, feeling its intense warmth and wild movement. He swung Shinrai in a wide arc, cutting through the fire and absorbing its energy. The sword glowed bright red with the power it had taken in, but Yuu held it steady, his grip firm.
Aldric attacked again and again—fire, lightning, ice—each spell more powerful than the last. Yuu moved like water, dodging and weaving, cutting through the spells with Shinrai and never once striking to harm. He could see that Aldric was growing tired, his magic becoming less focused as his anger took over.
Finally, Aldric unleashed his most powerful spell—a massive ball of golden fire that he sent hurtling toward Yuu. Yuu could feel the immense heat and power of the spell, but he also saw its flow—how it spiraled outward as it moved. He stepped forward, following the spiral, and struck the center of the fire ball with Shinrai.
The spell exploded in a shower of golden sparks, but none of them touched Yuu. The energy was completely absorbed by the sword, which now glowed with a bright, warm light. Before Aldric could recover, Yuu moved forward and placed the flat of the blade against his chest.
"You're defeated," Yuu said calmly. "But I won't hurt you."
The crowd was silent for a moment, then erupted into cheers. Students and spectators alike were on their feet, clapping and shouting Yuu's name. Even some of the Golden Circle looked impressed, their arrogance replaced by respect.
Aldric stood there for a moment, his face red with shame and anger. Then he nodded slowly, stepping back. "You're stronger than I thought," he said quietly. "I… I'm sorry for how I treated you."
Yuu smiled and lowered his sword. "Apology accepted. We all have something to learn from each other."
As the judges announced Yuu as the winner of the combat tournament, his friends ran onto the arena to congratulate him. Maya hugged him tightly, Elara clapped him on the shoulder, and Borin pounded his back with a heavy hand.
"You did it!" Finn called out, running up with a huge grin on his face. "I knew you could!"
As Yuu stood in the center of the arena, surrounded by his friends and cheered on by the crowd, he felt a sense of hope he hadn't felt since he'd arrived in Aethermoor. He'd shown everyone that strength wasn't just about magic—it was about kindness, courage, and the willingness to work with others.
But he also knew that this was just the beginning. The barrier around Malakor was still weakening, and the demon lord would soon try to break free. Yuu would need all his friends, all his skills, and all the strength he could muster to face what was coming.
The tournament was over, but the real battle for Aethermoor was just starting.