Tale of Vanguard

For the past two weeks, Kaelen has been immersed in an intense training regimen, pushing himself from dawn until dusk. Each day has been a grueling test of endurance and skill, but the results have begun to show.

In the arena, where he trained under Serephira's watchful eye, Kaelen's swordsmanship has gradually improved. His once awkward and hesitant movements have become more fluid and confident. Although he's still not quite at the level of the Princess, his progress has not gone unnoticed. Serephira even managed to praise him for his quick learning skill.

The mornings, however, were dedicated to his astral resonance training with Master Cronos. Here, Kaelen's progress has been more measured. The black flame, once a source of frustration, is now more under his control. It flickers with a new intensity. But despite this improvement, the dark sword remains elusive. Kaelen has struggled to summon the weapon, and each attempt has ended with the dark sword failing to materialize.

***

The evening sun casts a warm, golden light through the narrow windows of Kaelen's room, bathing the space in a soft, amber glow. Kaelen lies on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Normally, he would be out in the arena to train with Serephira. But tonight is different. Two days from now, he will attend the Academy of the Kingdom of Calaria, a prestigious institution where he and Serephira will continue their training in a more structured setting. The thought of the Academy looms large in his mind, filling him with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Kaelen's gaze remains fixed on the ceiling with his thoughts drifting aimlessly between memories of his training and the uncertainties of what lies ahead. His mind wanders through a maze of questions and doubts when a soft, deliberate knock breaks the silence of his room.

He sits up slightly, glancing toward the door.

"Come in"

The door creaks open, revealing Serephira standing in the doorway. Her presence, as always, carries a sense of quiet authority. She steps into the room with her eyes averted to Kaelen.

"How are you holding up?"

Kaelen shrugs, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips.

"I'm alright, I guess. Just… thinking about everything."

He hesitates, then looks at her with curiosity.

"I've been wondering… what kind of place is the academy?"

Serephira's expression softens, and she leans casually against the door frame, crossing her arms.

"Whether you're a member of the royal family or a commoner, every Seeker deserves a chance at the Academy. Knowledge is the source of the world's power. It's not about where you come from, but what you're willing to learn and how you use that knowledge. The Academy isn't just a place for training nor studying—it's a chance to grow, to understand the world, and to forge your own path."

She pauses, allowing her words to sink in, and then adds with a faint smile,

"Besides, as much as some might wish otherwise, being royalty like me doesn't grant immunity from the challenges every Seeker must face. It's a shared journey, and in the end, it's what you do with your time there that truly matters."

Kaelen nods thoughtfully

"I see..."

 After a moment of silence, he glanced back at Serephira with curiosity now sparking in his eyes.

"If the Academy is where we forge our own path,"

Kaelen chooses his words carefully

"What about you, Serephira? What's your goal? Why are you going through all of this?"

Serephira's expression became slightly more guarded, with her gaze that shifts momentarily as if she were considering how much to reveal. She uncrossed her arms and stand straight.

"There's more at stake than just becoming stronger or gaining knowledge... I've heard whispers, murmurings in the court and among the Seers, about an upcoming Ascension. When it comes, those who are ready, who are strong enough and wise enough, will have the chance to ascend—not just in power, but to the throne, to replace my father as the ruler of Calaria."

Kaelen's eyes widened slightly as the gravity of her words settled in. He somehow had a feeling that there was a rivalry among the royal siblings, but this was far more intense than he had imagined.

"In the royal family, the competition is fierce..."

Serephira continued, her voice was steady but filled with a quiet intensity.

"My siblings… they're all vying for the throne, for the right to ascend and lead the kingdom. I don't have any intention to be left behind, and I certainly don't intend to lose to them. I have to be at my best—to stand on equal footing with them, or surpass them if I can."

Her gaze softened slightly as she met Kaelen's eyes

"That's why I'm here, why I'm going through all of this. The Academy isn't just a place to learn—it's a battlefield where I have to prove myself. My goal is simple: to be ready when the time comes, and to ensure that when the Ascension arrives, I won't be left in the shadows of my siblings. I won't let them take what I've worked so hard for."

Kaelen absorbed her words, the weight of her ambition and the pressure she faced as a member of the royal family becoming clearer to him. He had always known Serephira was driven, but this revelation added a new layer to his understanding of her. Over the course of their training, Kaelen has developed a deep respect for Serephira's strength and determination. He admires her dedication to her goals and her unyielding resolve, which inspires him to support her in any way he can.

Not long after, Kaelen risen from his bed. He stood before her with a serious expression showing on his face, and without hesitation, he knelt down in her presence, placing one knee to the ground with a solemn bow.

"Serephira, I will stand beside you to achieve your goals. I'll be your vanguard, your shield, your sword—whatever you need me to be. I won't let you face this alone."

Serephira blinked in surprise, her usually composed face flickers with emotion. She hadn't expected such a pledge, especially not from him. For a moment, she was silent, and then a small, genuine smile touched her lips.

"Thank you, Kaelen"

There was a brief pause, the moment of shared resolve hanging in the air. Then, as if the weight of the conversation had been lifted, Serephira's expression brightened slightly.

"So, how about we take a break once in a while? Tomorrow, we could go to the capital. See the sights, and maybe do some shoppings... what do you say?"

Kaelen's eyes widened slightly as he was caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. He thought to himself:

'Like a... date?'