CHAPTER 51 : THE PATH OF THE BLADEAfter a grueling climb, Loren finally reached a gentler slope near the summit of the mountain. His breath came in short gasps, his legs aching from the endless ascent. The air was thin and cold, but as he paused to steady himself, his eyes fell on an unexpected sight, a temple.The structure stood quietly against the rugged backdrop of the mountain, its weathered stone exterior softened by the glow of the setting sun. Though ancient, the temple was immaculate, its pathways swept clean, and its intricate carvings free of moss or decay. It exuded an aura of solemnity, as if time itself dared not disturb its sanctity.“A temple…?” Loren muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. “Maybe there’s someone here who can help me .”He adjusted his grip on his greatsword, feeling its reassuring weight against his back, and began making his way toward the temple in front of him. His steps crunched softly against the gravel path leading to the entrance, but the s

CHAPTER 53 : THE TRIAL OF SCIENCEAs the sun dipped below the jagged peaks, Loren followed Kayzen to a secluded glade near the mountain’s summit. The air was sharp and still, the kind of silence that carried weight. At the center of the clearing stood a smooth, weathered stone pedestal, its surface etched with ancient symbols.“Sit here.” Kayzen instructed, gesturing to the pedestal’s base. Loren obeyed, setting the sacred relic across his lap, its familiar weight settling against him like an unspoken challenge.Kayzen crouched before him, his eyes piercing. “Your body has grown stronger, but your mind remains unrefined. The sword you wield is not mere steel, it is alive, in a way. Its power is immense, and if your thoughts falter, it will consume you. You must learn to control it, not through force, but through clarity.”Loren nodded, gripping the hilt of the sacred relic. The words struck a chord, he knew all too well the destructive potential of the blade he carried. It had saved

CHAPTER 55 : THE FINAL TESTOne day, Kayzen led Loren to a vast meadow, its grasses rippling gently under a gray, overcast sky. The serenity of the landscape was deceptive, as Kayzen's presence carried an unspoken intensity. Loren followed in silence, his greatsword strapped securely to his back, anticipation bubbling within him.Kayzen stopped in the center of the field and turned to face Loren. His expression was calm but resolute, his sharp eyes studying his student like a blade poised to strike. Without a word, he drew his wind-infused katana, the faint green glow of its edge flickering like fireflies caught in a tempest.“Let’s see what you’ve learned so far.” Kayzen said, his tone carrying a weight that left no room for hesitation.Kayzen raised the katana high and pointed its gleaming tip toward the sky. The air seemed to shift around them, a faint breeze swelling into a ferocious gale. Above, the once-placid sky twisted and churned, dark clouds gathering with unnatural speed.

CHAPTER 57 : THE DEPARTUREThe sky stretched wide above the meadow, painted with hues of amber and violet as the sun prepared to set. The tall grass, once a battlefield for countless lessons, swayed gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of the past weeks. At the edge of this tranquil expanse stood two figures, Loren and Kayzen.Kayzen leaned casually against a solitary tree, his wind-infused katana balanced on his shoulder. The faint green glow of its edge shimmered as though alive, catching the fading light. Though his posture was relaxed, his sharp eyes watched Loren closely, reading every shift in his stance, every flicker of emotion on his face.Loren stood tall, his greatsword, the Sacred Relic strapped securely to his back. His frame, once burdened by uncertainty and hesitation, now carried a newfound strength. Yet, his expression was a mix of determination and lingering doubt.“You’ve come far, Loren.” Kayzen said finally, breaking the silence. His tone was calm, but it carr

CHAPTER 59 : THE WHISPERING WOODSThe morning sun cast long, golden rays across Aria Town as Loren made his way to the mayor's office. The innkeeper had given him directions: a simple path through the cobbled streets, past bustling market stalls already alive with merchants and townsfolk. Loren felt the weight of his greatsword on his back, a constant reminder of the journey that had brought him here. The faint echo of Kayzen’s words lingered in his mind.“Wherever you go, Loren, listen to the people. A true swordsman wields his blade for more than battle. He wields it for purpose.”The mayor’s office stood at the center of town, a modest building constructed of aged stone and timber. It wasn’t grand, but it carried an air of authority. Loren stepped inside and was greeted by a young clerk who motioned him toward the mayor’s chamber.Inside, Mayor Edran sat at a sturdy oak desk, his weathered face lit by the soft glow of an oil lamp. The room smelled faintly of parchment and ink, and