I woke up with a jolt.
For a second, I tried to understand what had happened—but I didn't get the chance.
The door burst open.
Elijah stepped in, holding two wooden swords—the training ones. Without saying a word, he tossed one straight at me, and I barely had time to react before catching it.
—Come on —he said simply.
He didn't even give me time to respond.
When we stepped outside, the first rays of dawn were just beginning to rise.
The sky was painted in soft shades of orange, calm and peaceful… but the air was cold. Colder than it should have been for summer. A light breeze swept across the field, making my skin prickle.
—Perfect day for training, right, Ren? —he said, looking at the horizon.
—I would've preferred a bit more warmth —I replied, shrugging slightly—. It's pretty cold… what if we trained inside?
—Not a chance —he answered without looking at me—. If we train inside, the house will end up a mess.
Then he turned his head toward me.
—Get into position.
I sighed.
I didn't have a choice.
I took a fighting stance. Or at least, I tried.
It was obvious I lacked experience. My movements were stiff, uncertain. Meanwhile, Elijah… looked completely at ease.
His stance was firm, balanced. It didn't just convey strength.
It conveyed control.
Calm.
And yet—
In an instant, he disappeared.
I blinked.
And suddenly, he was right in front of me.
So close I could almost feel his breath.
I barely had time to react. I turned quickly and raised my sword, blocking his attack on pure instinct.
The impact shot through my arms.
I tried to counterattack.
But it was useless.
With a clean, precise motion, he deflected my blade, knocked it from my hands… and before I even realized it, I was on the ground.
Again.
—Elijah… —I muttered from the floor—. Remind me why you're supposed to be training with me. I think you'd get more out of sparring with a mannequin.
He laughed.
—Don't be so sure. You've got good moves.
He extended a hand to help me up.
—It's just that… you're not on my level.
He stuck out his tongue teasingly.
I shook my head, half-frustrated.
—You could become really strong, Ren —he added after a moment, more serious—. Even stronger than me.
—Yeah, sure… I can see that.
—My affinity is the sword —he continued—. It's normal you lose against someone whose specialty is this.
He spun the wooden sword effortlessly between his fingers.
—Besides, I could reach S-rank. The highest there is.
I looked at him in silence.
—For something that isn't your specialty… you're doing pretty well.
I lowered my gaze.
—I don't even know what my affinity is yet. Something should've shown up by now…
—It doesn't have to —he replied calmly—. In a few days, after the exam… it's your birthday.
—I know that. But there are other kids who already know what they can do without waiting.
—I didn't know at your age either —he said.
I looked at him instantly.
—Really?
—No.
He burst out laughing.
And I felt my motivation drop instantly.
—But don't worry —he added quickly, this time with a softer smile—. When they test you, you'll discover your affinity.
He paused briefly.
—And I'm sure it'll be something special.
—I don't know… —I murmured—. I don't think I could ever become as strong as you.
Elijah looked at me for a moment.
He didn't laugh this time.
—Honestly… you don't need to, you know?
I frowned.
—What? What do you mean?
He lowered his sword slightly, relaxing his stance.
—I know you're trying to follow my path. Becoming strong, being like me… all that.
He paused.
The wind blew again, gently moving the grass around us.
—But my reason for becoming strong isn't just to live well… or to have money.
His voice changed.
Stronger.
More sincere.
—I want to protect the weak. I want there to be no injustice in the world.
I tightened my grip on the sword without realizing it.
—I want no one to die in a meaningless way… at the hands of demons.
Another pause.
Shorter this time.
—Like Mom and Dad did.
Silence settled between us for a second.
Heavy.
Real.
—That's my reason —he continued—. And my way of achieving it is through the sword.
He raised the weapon slightly.
—But you… don't have to do it the same way I do.
He looked at me directly.
—You can become strong in many different ways. You can help people without needing to fight.
His expression softened.
—What matters isn't how… it's that you do it.
I felt something shift inside me.
—And don't worry about your affinity —he added, smiling again—. I'm sure it'll be a good one.
He placed a hand over his chest, exaggerating the gesture.
—After all, you've got my genes.
I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
—And even if it isn't —he continued—, that doesn't change anything.
His voice turned serious again, but warm.
—Use it to protect the people you care about. That's all that matters.
I stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then I sighed.
—That was quite the speech… —I said, half laughing—. You really get sentimental sometimes.
He gave me that look of his… the one he uses when I don't take him seriously.
I smiled.
—Alright, brother —I added—. I'll do that.
I tightened my grip on the sword.
—I'll protect the people I care about.
Elijah raised an eyebrow.
Then he smirked.
—Like Helen?
He let out an amused laugh.
—I don't know why you say that… —I replied, looking away—, but I have the feeling I've already had this conversation before.
—You're childhood friends —he said with a shrug—. You've got good chemistry.
He crossed his arms, clearly enjoying the moment.
—I'm sure you've got a great future ahead together.
He paused briefly.
—That is, if she even likes you.
He burst out laughing.
—I can give you some advice if you ever need it —Elijah added.
—No need, I'm fine —I replied, smiling.
—Well… if I can't help you with that, I'll have to help you with something else.
He pointed at the sword on the ground.
—Pick it up.
I sighed lightly and grabbed it.
We took our stances again.
We kept training for quite a while.
As always, he kept beating me over and over again. No matter how hard I tried, he always found a way to outmatch me effortlessly.
But even so… I was enjoying it.
Little by little, the cold of dawn faded. The sun began to rise higher, and with it, the temperature.
The air no longer cut through my skin.
And then…
Something changed.
Elijah moved toward me, but his stance was different.
For a moment, he seemed to… hesitate.
And suddenly, his sword fell to the ground.
The dull sound of wood hitting the dirt froze me in place.
Had he… missed?
Without thinking, I took the opportunity. I stepped forward and raised my sword, pressing it against his chest.
I had won.
Or so it seemed.
Elijah raised his hands.
—I surrender.
I blinked.
Something didn't add up.
That couldn't be real.
He would never—
—Ren.
A voice behind me interrupted.
I turned around.
It was Helen.
Elijah lowered his arms slowly, as if nothing had happened.
—Well, Helen —he said casually—. What a surprise. How are you?
—Pretty good, Elijah. Thanks —she replied with a small smile—. I came to see Ren.
—Then you came at the perfect time —he said—. We've just finished training.
He gave me a light pat on the shoulder.
—He's all yours.
Before stepping away completely, he leaned slightly toward me and whispered:
—Good luck.
I stood still for a second.
—Have fun —he added, this time out loud, waving as he walked off.
Helen and I started walking away together.