The next day, Aelric and Zevril stood in a wide, green field, blades of grass swaying gently under the morning sunlight. The atmosphere was serene, glowing with warmth and life. A cheerful voice broke the silence.
"Are you two ready, boys?" called out a middle-aged man. He wore a simple formal outfit and had long, flowing yellow hair. In his hands, he held two swords, which he tossed toward the boys. The blades landed lightly at their feet.
"I am Rynor, your sword master. Pick them up and start learning the basic sword arts," he said with a soft chuckle. Another voice chimed in from the side, playful and familiar.
"Hey Rynor, it's been a while, right?"
Aelric and Zevril looked over and smiled. Rynor turned with a grin. "Ah, Master Lioren. I see you're still full of surprises."
The boys picked up the swords. Aelric inspected his, frowning slightly. "It looks like it hasn't been maintained properly."
Zevril snorted. "Ha! Seems that way."
As the two examined their weapons, Grandpa Lioren looked at Rynor seriously. "Take care of them. They're not easy to handle."
Rynor gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Yes, Master Lioren. I will."
Zevril called out, "Hey Gramps, where are you going? Aren't you staying here?"
Grandpa Lioren replied, "No, I have some unfinished business to take care of. Just listen to him, alright?"
Both boys nodded. "Yes, Grandpa." Aelric's voice was softer, almost hesitant.
Grandpa turned and walked toward a simple but beautiful farmhouse behind them. Several horses grazed nearby. He approached a white horse, untied it, and climbed onto its back.
"Hey Rynor ,can I borrow this one?" he asked.
"As you wish, Master Lioren," Rynor replied.
As Lioren rode off, Aelric muttered, "I totally forgot our grandpa's name."
"Not just you," Zevril added with a smile.
They looked at each other and laughed.
"Hey, you two!" Rynor shouted. "Start your training now!"
Back on the horse, Lioren galloped west, toward a dense forest that separated the field from the outskirts of a nearby city. He passed through the trees and reached his destination: a modest house situated perfectly between the city and the forest.
He dismounted, tied the horse to a tree beside the house, and approached the door. A man stepped out.
"Welcome, Lioren. Let's head inside. We have much to discuss," Iskren said.
"Mmm, definitely," Lioren responded.
They sat across from each other at a small table, steaming cups of coffee between them. Lioren initiated the conversation.
"Iskren, can you tell me what happened on the inspection day? I noticed you weren't acting unusual and additionally You even said Aelric has no core at all."
Iskren nodded gravely. "Yes. What I said is true. I'm certain."
Lioren leaned forward. "But how can someone be alive without a core? Every human has one. Did you mean his core was empty—or completely missing?"
Iskren ran his hand through his hair. "Let me explain. When I entered his core realm, it was like heaven—crystal clear, pure. But suddenly, a forest appeared. In it, I saw a woman—an Elf, I believe. Her eyes locked onto mine, and then everything vanished."
He continued, his voice more somber. "I found his core floating in the air, but the atmosphere shifted. Darkness crept in. As I took a step forward, the core shattered into pieces and disappeared into the void. I panicked and rushed back to the real world."
Lioren leaned back, visibly disturbed. "That's... Horrifying."
"And there's more," Iskren added. "That black-haired boy—Zevril. When I inspected him, I said he had thunder affinity. But only his atmosphere carries thunder—not his core."
Lioren stood, anger flaring in his voice. "Then why did you say thunder affinity?"
Iskren raised his hands in defense. "Cool down! Let me finish. Yes, he can use thunder affinity, but that's not his true power. It might be just a fraction of it. When I looked into his core realm, I didn't see a core—I saw a baby, or maybe a boy. He forced me out."
Lioren's eyes widened. "Wait... Is Zevril a quarter-elemental affinity holder? What is happening here?"
Iskren nodded slowly. "I kept researching. I found an ancient book that spoke of two kinds of elemental power. The first is inherited—passed down by blood. The second... some elements have consciousness. They choose their own master—the worthy ones."
He sighed. "The next part of the book was burnt, but the upper section mentioned something else like"
Lioren "like what..?"
Iskren said slowly "Even if time bends, even if the stars shatter, fate will not grant mercy. The past cannot be erased, the curse cannot be undone, and the void will always remember."
Their conversation lingered long into the afternoon. As the sun began to set, Lioren returned to the field.
Aelric and Zevril were lying flat on the ground, completely exhausted.
Lioren smiled with quiet pride. "Rynor ,don't push them too hard. It's only the first day."
Rynor laughed. "Did you give me a rest on the first day when you train me?"
Caught off guard, Lioren chuckled. "Haha, point taken. But they're just kids."
"No right!," Rynor said, turning to the boys. "Hey! Didn't I say pick up your swords?"
Aelric groaned. "Oh no... again? I really hate this."
"Same here," Zevril added.
Then, as if sharing one mind, the two turned to Fin. Aelric said, "Hey Rynor, let's go."
Rynor grinned. "That's the spirit. Now, your opponent is me. If either of you can land one hit, training is over for today."
Zevril cracked his neck. "Fine."
Aelric nodded. "Then I won't hold back."
They picked up their swords, stood side by side, and pointed their blades at Fin.
Together, they declared, "We challenge you to a duel—with both of us at once!"