The stench of dirt lingered in the air as the clacking of wooden swords echoed across the training grounds of Elestria Royal Castle.
The field was filled with the gasps and grunts of students.In that moment, selir stumbled over his own foot and fell into the mud. Before he could rise, the pointed edge of a wooden sword stopped just inches from his face.
"What are you doing, kid? With footwork as sloppy as yours… you won't survive here. Pick up your sword."
"Sorry, Master Gerald."
Selir looked up at Gerald. His eyes were sharp despite his age. For a man in his eighties, there was no trace of white in his brown beard. He looked no older than a man in his forties, standing at about five feet tall.
"Don't be sorry… get up."
Selir gripped his wooden sword with his scarred palm and rose to his feet.
With a determined breath, he swung his sword in a wide arc toward Gerald—
Leaving an opening.
"Too obvious."
Gerald struck him swiftly on the head with his wooden sword.
"Ow!"
Gerald sighed, clearly fed up with Selir's lack of progress.
"Look… somebody here hasn't moved past basic footwork."
A voice cut through the air.
Selir turned to see Miller approaching, his lackeys trailing behind him.
"Looks like I'll have to work twice as hard to become as strong as you, Miller."
Miller's expression darkened.
"As strong as me? You can't even dream of standing on the same level as me—let alone surpassing it."
He stepped closer and leaned near Selir's shoulder, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Just give up, Selir. Accept the fact—you'll never become a Lunar Knight. With your skills, you're better off as a punching bag for our team."
Selir clenched his fists, locking eyes with Miller.
"I'll become one… I will become a Lunar Knight."
Miller gritted his teeth, rage flickering in his eyes.
Gerald stepped between them, pushing them apart.
"That's enough. It's about lunchtime. Save your friendly chatter for later."
Miller scoffed and placed a hand on the hilt of his wooden sword before turning away with an irritated sigh, his lackeys following behind him.
His fine white robe fluttered as he walked, the golden emblem of his family crest gleaming on the left side.
Selir glanced down at his own robe—worn, stained with mud. His head felt heavy, weighed down by his own weakness.
Gerald placed a hand on his head.
"Cheer up, kid. You'll get there."
Selir smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Gerald."
His innocent eyes lit up for a moment, hope flickering within them.
His white hair swayed gently in the breeze as he looked up—
A woman with the same hair stood watching him from the balcony of the royal barracks. Her purple eyes were cold, distant… unbreakable.
"Sister…"
Selir's face brightened for a moment as he saw his twin.
But she turned away the instant their eyes met.
The light in his expression faded.
"Don't take it to heart," Gerald said softly. "She must be tired… preparing to become a knight and all."
His words were kind,But the longing in Selir's eyes didn't fade.
"Come on. Let's get you something to eat. You can't train on an empty stomach."
Selir nodded, masking his emotions.
Gerald stood still for a moment, watching him in silence.