Chapter 26: The Sealed Blade Awakens
Fate managed to deliver his letter to the Mail Services, and soon enough, it was on its way to Kindspring Manor.
Inside the manor, Isaac knocked gently on Vale's office door.
"My lord… you have a letter from the young master." His voice was cautious, respectful.
Vale's hand paused over his papers before he replied.
"Come in."
Isaac stepped inside, bowing slightly, and handed over the letter.
"My lord, this is… from the young master."
Vale took the letter with a measured nod.
"Thank you. You may go."
Isaac bowed again, quiet footsteps fading as he left the room.
Vale adjusted his glasses and carefully broke the seal.
The letter inside was long, filled with Fate's neatly written script.
He scanned the pages, the sunlight glinting off his glasses.
After reading, Vale leaned back in his chair, murmuring to himself.
"Hmm… his first week at the academy… not too harsh, it seems."
A pause. His gaze lingered on the sunlit window, shadowed patterns dancing across his face.
"But… a little trouble, it seems. Still… I'm relieved he's safe."
Meanwhile, in the bustling Capital, Fate and his friends wandered through the colorful shops.
Isabelle's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I'm really glad we can leave the Academy on weekends,"
she said, her voice carrying a light lilt of relief.
Chloe stretched, rubbing at his cheek.
"Yeah, all those lectures and classes, they really do wear you down."
Kyle, hands casually in his pockets, looked around with a small smile.
"Let's explore a bit. The Capital's full of things we haven't seen yet… maybe even some things worth buying."
Fate's gaze followed a distant pastry shop, the aroma of fresh bread teasing his senses.
He turned to everyone.
"That sounds good… and if it's alright, let's meet there at 11:30 a.m., okay?"
Fate pointed to the pastry shop.
Kyle, Isabelle, and Chloe nodded in agreement.
"Deal," they said in unison, their voices carrying excitement and a hint of anticipation.
The group split up to explore.
Fate stuck close to Lisa.
"Lisa… you know where you want to go?"
She paused, biting her lip in thought.
"I… I want to check out the street market."
Fate smiled faintly.
"Then the street market it is."
The market was alive with clamor and color. Stalls overflowed with spices, fabrics, and trinkets.
Lisa's eyes caught a glimmer of something delicate.
She picked up a sky-blue pearlnecklace, turning it over in her hands.
A vendor noticed her interest.
"Ah… young miss, are you interested in some accessories?" His voice was hopeful.
Lisa looked up, tilting her head slightly.
"This one… how much for it?"
The vendor leaned in, whispering almost conspiratorially.
"Ah, that pearl… it's very rare. You have a keen eye, young miss. Since you're my first customer today, I'll give it to you for… ten silver coins."
Lisa didn't hesitate, she took out exactly ten silver coins and handed them over.
"Here you go."
The vendor's face broke into a smile.
"Thank you… and have a wonderful day."
Lisa draped the necklace around her neck.
Fate's gaze lingered, and he couldn't help but comment, his voice softer than usual.
"That looks… really good on you."
Lisa's lips curved into a shy smile, a soft warmth in her eyes.
Suddenly, Fate stiffened. A sharp, familiar presence prickled the air around him.
He spun, instincts flaring, eyes scanning the crowded streets.
His gaze locked on a small armory shop.
Lisa noticed his tension immediately.
"Fate…? Are you alright? What's wrong?"
Fate's eyes narrowed, almost imperceptibly, as he studied the shop.
"I… I felt something. Something strong… can we go inside that shop?"
Lisa nodded, and together they stepped into the armory.
The clink of armor and the scent of oiled steel filled the space.
Weapons of every shape and size lined the walls, and the shop owner appeared before them.
"Looking for something?"
Fate's eyes didn't stray from a compressed pile of swords in the corner.
"I'm just browsing," he said, his voice steady but quiet, almost tense.
The shop owner waved his hands, showing off the various weapons.
"Take your time sir, there's plenty to see."
But Fate ignored everything else. His focus was locked on the pile.
Slowly, deliberately, he walked closer, every instinct screaming.
A faint vibration in the air drew him to a grimy black sword, hidden in shadow.
Fate picked it up carefully, brushing off the dust.
"…How much for this one?"
The shop owner frowned.
"That old thing? Been there a year, barely touched. I guess 13 copper coins?"
Fate's hand moved with purpose. One gold coin. He placed it on the counter.
"Keep the change."
Outside, Fate and Lisa goes into a narrow alley.
Fate drew the sword, studying it.
Lisa's eyes narrowed, lips whispering softly.
"This sword… it's hiding something."
Fate's jaw tightened.
"Yes… you're right."
He closed his eyes briefly and activated his skill.
(Dragon Eyes)
Sealed Blade
Rarity: Unknown
– The blade is sealed; its true form will only appear when mana is infused.
Fate muttered under his breath, a mix of awe and anticipation.
"I'll need to inject mana… to break the seal."
Lisa stepped back, hands forming subtle gestures.
"Alright… I'll cast an illusion, so no one can see us."
She chanted softly, her voice weaving through the alley like a whispering wind.
(Veil of Phantasms)
Veil of Phantasms
Rarity: Rare
– Casts a veil around the user, creating illusions outside it.
– The illusion blends seamlessly with the environment.
The alley transformed. To outsiders, it was nothing more than a solid wall.
Fate placed both hands on the hilt, letting mana surge into the sword.
It absorbed every ounce he poured, glowing faintly as cracks began to spiderweb across the surface.
"It… it's hungry for mana," Fate murmured, almost smiling.
"…Then absorb as much as you want."
Brighter and brighter, the cracks shattered with a blinding flash.
When the light faded, the sword stood revealed: a blade of light, almost silver, with glowing sky-blue veins flowing across its length.
Its edges curved slightly, its body slim and elongated, with intricate patterns likesmoke, flames, or twisted roots near the handle. An aura of ancient power radiated from it.
Fate's eyes widened. He activated Dragon Eyes again.
(Dragon Eyes)
Aetherfall
Rarity: Legendary
– A slightly curved blade formed from the energy of heaven and earth.
– Growth-type magic blade, possessing an ego.
– Allows the user to use it's skill: Heavenly Reversal.
Lisa's eyes sparkled.
"…That's incredible…"
Fate sheathed Aetherfall, letting its reflection glimmer in the alley.
"You're right... This sword is very unique looking."
Lisa glanced at him.
"Come on… the others are probably waiting at the restaurant."
Fate nodded.
He stored the sword in his storage ring and they made their way to meet the others.
At the restaurant, Kyle and Isabelle were already seated, sharing quiet conversation.
"Where's Chloe?" Fate asked, scanning the room.
Isabelle shook her head with a small sigh.
"She hasn't arrived yet."
Kyle leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping the table.
"Well… we came early anyway. Might as well wait."
The four of them fell into a patient, yet expectant silence.
The door chimed. Fate, Lisa, Kyle, and Isabelle turned instinctively.
Chloe stepped in, cheeks slightly flushed, eyes bright.
"Sorry… sorry, everyone! I… I lost track of time while looking around the Capital…" she said, slightly out of breath.
Isabelle laughed softly.
"It's alright. Sit, sit. Let's order first."
The group settled, ordering their meals.
Spoons and forks clinked, aromas filled the air, and the chatter of the city outside faded slightly in the warmth of the restaurant.
Chloe's gaze stayed on the food a moment too long, drooling slightly, earning a small laugh from Kyle.
As they ate, laughter and stories flowed—what they'd found, what had amazed them, the small oddities of the Capital.
Fate's heart felt lighter than it had in days.
Night fell, the dorms were quiet.
Stars glittered overhead, the moon casting silver light through Fate's window.
He collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion washing over him.
"…Long day. Tomorrow… classes again…" he muttered.
Sleep pulled him under, and in the dream, a figure appeared, shrouded and unfamiliar.
Fate stepped closer, voice composed.
"…Who… who are you?"
The figure turned and what Fate saw was not a person… but Aetherfall, glowing softly in spectral light.
Suddenly, a voice, calm yet commanding, resonated in his mind.
"…Are you… my master?"
Fate froze, shock spreading through him.
"…Y-you… you can talk?"
Aetherfall's presence pulsed, answering without moving.
"Yes… I can speak. Everything… everything has it's own language. It is the law of the world—to speak… for itself."
Fate swallowed, heart pounding, his hand trembling slightly as he looked toward the blade.
Chapter 26 End