Rising Of The Blind Swordsman

The Grandmaster's Challenge

Upon reaching the grandmaster's manor, Archon stood before the large, imposing gates. Olivia, after giving him instructions on where to go, took her leave, but not before leaving him with a curious question.

"Sir Archon, are you fond of my sister?" Olivia asked, her words catching Archon off guard.

He blushed and stammered, struggling to find a coherent response.

"Why do you ask that all of a sudden?" Archon's confusion was evident in his voice.

Olivia reassured him, explaining that Lady Zina seemed happier since Archon's arrival.

Archon brushed off the notion, choosing to focus on his own plans for the time being.

With Olivia's departure, Archon proceeded to open the doors of the grandmaster's manor. He knocked and received permission to enter, finding himself in the presence of a revered figure.

The doors swung open, revealing an awe-inspiring sight—a venerable figure seated at the heart of the grandmaster's chamber. Adorned in traditional robes, his aura exuded wisdom and power, commanding respect from all who beheld him. His eyes, filled with ancient knowledge, met Archon's unseen gaze with a warmth that transcended the limitations of sight.

Archon, standing at the threshold of this momentous encounter, felt a surge of reverence for the esteemed grandmaster. He approached, and offered a respectful bow, though his lack of physical vision made the gesture merely symbolic.

"Thank you, for letting me see you Grandmaster," Archon spoke, his voice laced with both humility and determination. "I am honored to be in your presence."

"A rare guest has come to pay this old man a visit," the grandmaster spoke in an apathetic tone. "How interesting to have a Blade come here so boldly, and a dull one at that. KNEEL!"

Archon was confused he found himself compelled to kneel before the grandmaster, unable to resist the overwhelming pressure emanating from the seasoned warrior. Confused and overwhelmed, Archon could not understand why the grandmaster harbored such strong animosity towards him.

As the pressure increased, Archon's whole body trembled under the weight of the grandmaster's disdain.

In a shaky voice, Archon managed to utter a question, "Why do you hate me so much?"

The grandmaster responded by intensifying the pressure, causing Archon to struggle even more. However, Lady Zina's voice suddenly rang out, pleading with her grandfather to stop.

"Grandpa, stop! You will kill him!" Lady Zina's voice echoed through the room, breaking the tension. Archon, with his keen hearing, could sense Lady Zina's aura along with two others—Olivia's and an unfamiliar presence.

Drawing strength from Lady Zina's plea, Archon formulated a plan. He closed his eyes, focusing his consciousness on his core and his unique ki flame.

"He is using ki energy to suppress me. I am not strong enough to resist yet, but maybe you can," Archon's inner voice whispered to his ki flame.

Archon decided to absorb the grandmaster's ki instead of confronting it directly. He entered a meditative state, allowing the grandmaster's ki to flow into his body. The process was painful, but Archon endured, knowing that this was his chance to turn the tables.

Something extraordinary happened—the grandmaster's ki, along with the pressure in the room, was devoured by Archon's ki flame. In a matter of seconds, Archon's flame grew more refined and powerful, relieving him of the immense pressure.

In awe and shock, the grandmaster realized that his ki was being consumed by this young boy. He quickly withdrew his energy, realizing that he had lost a significant portion. The grandmaster's anger transformed into curiosity and admiration for Archon's resolve.

"I don't know what your family did to you, son, but it must have been very difficult," the grandmaster said, placing his palm on Archon's shoulder. "I will help you get your revenge on two conditions: you must surpass my strength within a year, and you must forgive my earlier rudeness."

Archon, still conflicted but intrigued by the grandmaster's proposition, questioned the second condition. The grandmaster's demeanor shifted, indicating that there was something deeper to his relationship with the Blades.

"Your father was my student many years ago, and he was also my foster son until he betrayed Tikara Village," the grandmaster explained with a sigh. "Rest assured, my grudge is not with you, but with your father."

Archon absorbed the information, realizing that there was a connection between the grandmaster and his family. He understood that to live freely in this place without fear, he needed to resolve any misunderstandings and gain the grandmaster's trust.

Observing Archon's hesitation, the grandmaster offered further guidance. "Since you have already mastered ki, Lady Zina will be responsible for your training. Return here in a year."

With those final words, the grandmaster closed his eyes and resumed his meditation, leaving Archon and Lady Zina to exit the room. As they stepped out, Archon could sense the grandmaster's aura of power and the lingering tension within the chamber.

Lady Zina, emerging from the shadows, led Archon away from the grandmaster's presence. As they walked, Archon couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He was grateful for the grandmaster's offer of assistance, yet a part of him remained cautious.

Meanwhile, the grandmaster remained alone, contemplating the encounter. He coughed, spitting out a mouthful of blood and sweating profusely. His core had been damaged, a consequence of Archon's unexpected ability to consume his ki. The grandmaster couldn't help but recognize the similarity between Archon's eyes and those of another person—a man from his past.

"Lupus seems to have noticed him too," the grandmaster muttered to himself. He acknowledged the danger that Archon represented and made a silent vow to keep a close eye on him.

With determination in his heart, Archon was now faced with a year of intense training under Lady Zina's guidance. He was eager to surpass the grandmaster's expectations and prove his worth. Little did he know that the journey ahead would test not only his physical strength but also his resolve and understanding of his family's complex history.

As Archon looked toward the future, he vowed to seize this opportunity for growth and transformation. The flames of revenge burned within him, but he also sought a path of redemption, one that would free him from the shadow of his family's past.

The grandmaster, despite his initial reservations, saw potential in Archon. He believed that this young Blade possessed the drive and resilience necessary to face the challenges ahead. The grandmaster's decision to aid Archon was not merely an act of compassion; it was driven by his own desire to rectify the mistakes of the past.

Unbeknownst to both Archon and the grandmaster, their paths had intertwined for a reason. The fate of Tikara Village, the Blades, and their shared history would soon converge in a clash of wills and a test of strength.

Only time would reveal the true nature of their destinies and the depths of Archon's abilities. With the grandmaster's challenge accepted, a year of arduous training awaited, paving the way for a clash that would shake the foundations of their world.