The sky was clear that morning, and the sun filtered through the tall palace windows, gently warming the corridors and inner gardens. Aziz walked alongside Sofia, admiring the refined architecture and the lush decor of the main wing's hallways.
He looked around with an expression of awe on his face. The interior of the palace was even more beautiful than he had imagined. The architecture blended luxury and nature with perfection, and the decorations carried a unique delicacy, reflecting Lady Stella's exquisite taste.
They passed by crystal-clear fountains, enchanted sculptures, and floral arrangements that exuded a sweet, natural fragrance. When they finally arrived at the training grounds — an open space surrounded by pillars and ornamental vegetation — Aziz felt his heart beat a little faster.
Sofia observed him with a gentle smile as the boy admired every detail as if visiting a magical world.
"You'll get used to it soon… But for now, keep admiring. I like seeing that spark in your eyes," she said, her tone softer than usual.
Aziz didn't reply. He just smiled in silence.
At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind.
[Finally making a friend, huh?]
The boy raised an eyebrow. It had been a while since the system had last spoken.
'You've been quiet for days. I thought you'd abandoned me,' he replied mentally.
[I was merely observing. Unlike you, I know how to be patient.]
'Heh… still sounding smug as ever.'
[I'm just being honest. But if you'd rather ignore my help, be my guest. Feel free to keep playing tour guide with your new friend.]
Aziz sighed inwardly.
'If you have nothing useful to say, better keep observing in silence.'
[Of course. Just for the record, though: this girl is plotting something fun.]
Before he could respond, Sofia stopped and turned to him with a mischievous smile.
"Aziz… want to train with me a little in the arena? Just wooden swords, nothing serious."
He hesitated for a brief moment. Her unexpected invitation came with a teasing smile and a challenging glint in her eyes. Aziz already knew that behind that light tone was a genuine desire to test him.
Before he could answer, the familiar voice echoed in his mind once again.
[Ding! Situational Mission unlocked.]
[Mission: Defeat Sofia in a friendly duel using a wooden sword.]
[Objective: Clean victory, no serious injuries.]
[Reward: Martial Technique — Fundamental Essence of the Sword.]
Aziz arched an eyebrow, surprised. The system's first mission had finally arrived — and it was about facing the governor's daughter.
'Interesting… so this is when it truly begins?'
[Good luck, Aziz. Don't underestimate the fox girl.]
"Sure. Let's see if the fox heiress really knows how to fight," he said with a faint smile.
Driven by excitement, the two descended into the training arena ahead. The space was wide, with smooth stone flooring, surrounded by carved wooden columns and decorative trees. A wooden cabinet to the side held various training weapons: spears, daggers, staffs, and, of course, swords.
Sofia chose a light sword made of dark wood. The way she held it showed a hint of familiarity. Aziz picked a longer, more balanced wooden sword with a firm grip. He tested its weight, spinning it around his wrist. He was ready.
"No magic, no tricks. Just swords," Sofia said, assuming a combat stance.
"Agreed," Aziz replied, mirroring the stance he had learned from training with Astrid.
Up on the balcony, three figures watched silently.
Lady Stella leaned elegantly on the railing, her eyes focused. Beside her, Isis swung one crossed leg lazily, while Astrid stood with arms crossed and a faint, intrigued smile.
Both opponents took their positions. The tension in the air was subtle but present. Aziz could feel his heart pounding — not from fear, but anticipation. Something inside him resonated, as if this were a necessary rite of passage.
Sofia attacked first with a swift strike. Her sword cut through the air with impressive speed — each blow more precise than the last, from right to left, top to bottom. She was clearly enjoying herself.
Aziz blocked the strikes with precision, analyzing each move. The crisp sound of the wooden swords echoed like a soft drum, matching the rhythm of the dance forming between them.
The duel gained momentum. Smiles and provocations were exchanged along with blows.
Their strikes echoed like tambourines across the arena, and small clouds of dust rose with every movement. Despite Sofia's strength, Aziz began to notice a pattern. Her attacks were effective, but… they lacked depth. They didn't feel natural. As if she was accustomed to a different kind of weapon.
That detail gave Aziz an advantage.
He changed the rhythm. With a sudden retreat, he lured her into a false opening, then spun his body, delivering a cross-slash with greater force. Sofia's sword flew from her hand, and she fell to the ground with a soft thud.
"Ugh…" she grumbled, looking up at him with a half-smile.
Aziz pointed the wooden sword at her, his breathing heavy.
"Defeated. Care to acknowledge my victory?"
Sofia huffed and extended her hand, asking for help to get up. "Okay, okay… Victory goes to the little prince."
"That was a good match," he replied, pulling her back to her feet with a satisfied smile.
[Ding! Mission completed.]
[Reward acquired: Technique — Fundamental Essence of the Sword registered in mental space.]
Suddenly, as if a book had opened within his mind, Aziz felt the technique engrave itself into his consciousness. It was simple, yet extremely efficient — a set of basic movements, breathing, and balance. The perfect foundation for the sword's path.
'This… is much more than I expected,' he thought, surprised by the clarity of the technique now part of him.
From above, Astrid smiled as she watched her son calmly put away the sword.
"His first victory. Even if it was just a friendly match, it matters."
Lady Stella watched as Sofia got up and retrieved her sword from the ground.
"My daughter did well too. They were just playing… but fought with true hearts."
Isis, with a faint smile on her lips, murmured:
"Yes, it was fun to watch them fight."
After the duel, the two returned to the palace covered in dust and sweat. Without delay, they were taken to bathe in individual tubs prepared by castle maids. The warm water, scented with calming herbs, brought immediate relief to their tired bodies.
Aziz sank in up to his neck, closing his eyes for a few seconds.
The duel with Sofia had been fun… but also revealing.
Not long after, everyone was gathered at the dinner table.
Astrid observed him with a faint smile, while Isis poured fragrant tea.
"I heard there was a duel today," Stella commented casually.
Sofia, who was biting a piece of bread, swallowed and replied in a playful tone:
"It was just friendly training."
"Friendly… with sweat dripping down to the ears," Astrid teased.
Aziz smiled and said, "It was interesting. I learned a lot from her."
"You did very well, dear," Astrid said proudly.
"And Sofia fought well too," Stella added, giving her daughter a maternal look.
Dinner continued lightheartedly, with casual conversation, laughter, and even a few playful jabs between the young duelists.
In the quiet of night, Aziz once again slept between Astrid and Isis, just like the night before.
The lights were out, and the soft sound of the two women's breathing filled the room. Lying there, wrapped in comforting warmth, Aziz stared at the ceiling, thoughts drifting back to the duel.
'Her movements… they were good. But something felt off. Unnatural. Like she was using a weapon that didn't belong to her.'
He furrowed his brow.
'I can't say I know what her true weapon is… but I'm sure it's not a sword.'
The realization surprised him.
'Where did that certainty come from? It's like… I can clearly see her path now.'
Then he remembered the technique. The flow of the sword. The sense of connection.
'It was this technique. It showed me what the basics truly are… and now I can tell when someone's not walking the same path.'
Closing his eyes, Aziz let his breathing settle.
"System…" he murmured in thought, "take me to the Dream Space. I want to start testing this technique."
[Ding! Access to Dream Space initiated…]
The silence of the night merged with his fading consciousness as a bluish mist began forming the new scenery where Aziz would take his first steps toward mastering the sword.