The morning sun cast a golden glow over the castle grounds, painting the stone walls in warm hues. Dew still clung to the grass, glistening like scattered jewels, and the distant calls of birds echoed through the air. The scent of damp earth and fresh morning air carried on the breeze, weaving through the courtyards and corridors of the grand estate. The towering structure stood firm and proud, its banners fluttering lazily in the gentle wind, a quiet sentinel watching over the domain.


    Beyond the main keep, the training courtyard bustled with life. The rhythmic clash of wood against wood rang through the air, punctuated by the occasional grunt or cry of effort. The ground, packed hard from years of footfalls, bore the scuffs and scratches of countless training sessions. The scent of sweat and dust mixed with the crisp morning air as servants and guards took a brief respite from their duties, drawn to the sight of two young boys engaged in a fierce duel.


    Auburn hair, wild like dancing flames, framed the determined face of a boy who stood catching his breath. He gripped his wooden sword tightly, sweat dripping down his forehead, but his eyes burned with unwavering resolve. Then, with a dramatic flair, he pointed his sword at his opponent and bellowed, "You will not defeat me, Demon Lord! Justice is on my side! I will save this world and vanquish you back to the darkness from whence you came!"


    The boy across from him, standing with sharp grey eyes and golden hair, barely looked winded, his breath was steady and controlled. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he responded with an air of haughty disdain. "Foolish hero! You cannot defeat me. Countless warriors before you have tried and failed. What makes you think you are any different?"


    The auburn-haired boy raised his sword high above his head, his stance unwavering. "I fight not just for myself, but for the people who believe in me! For my friends who are still fighting, trusting me to end this battle! And, most of all, I have the blessing of the gods! You will fall today, Demon Lord!"


    The so-called Demon Lord narrowed his eyes, tilting his chin up as he glared down at his opponent with an intensity that, on a grown man, might have been terrifying. On a six-year-old, however, it was almost comically adorable. "We shall see about that!"


    Both boys took deep breaths and let out a battle cry, their shouts echoing through the courtyard. If anyone with the ability to sense mana were present, they would have noticed something peculiar—an unseen force, subtle yet undeniable, being drawn toward the two wooden swords. Even without a sense for mana, a closer look would reveal a faint sheen, a nearly imperceptible glow clinging to the wooden weapons.


    With a final cry, they charged at each other, their voices ringing through the morning air. Their swords met in a loud crack, locked in a struggle for dominance. For a brief moment, they seemed evenly matched, neither giving an inch.


    Then, tiny fractures formed along the auburn-haired boy’s sword. His eyes widened in panic. "No! This can''t be!"


    The golden-haired boy exhaled sharply. "This ends here!" With one last push, he shattered the opposing sword, sending his opponent stumbling back onto his knees. The broken remnants of the wooden blade clattered onto the ground. A moment later, the tip of an unbroken wooden sword hovered just inches from his throat.


    Edwin smirked. "I win again, Gideon."


    Gideon, still panting, glared at him. "One more time! I know I can beat you this time!"


    Edwin let out a tired but amused sigh, offering Gideon a hand. As he pulled him up, he said, “Let’s call it for today. We can settle this another time. Besides, it’s almost lunchtime. You wouldn’t want your mom to get mad, would you?”


    Gideon huffed, dusting himself off. "Fine. But next time, I’m definitely winning."


    "Sure, sure."


    They had been training since early morning, and Edwin had been guiding Gideon in learning how to channel mana into his body to enhance his strength. It had been rough at first, but Gideon had quickly caught on. Once he got the hang of it, Edwin had moved on to teaching him how to do the same with a weapon. Gideon was a fast learner, no doubt a natural talent, but there was still a long way to go.


    Was Edwin pushing him too quickly? Probably. But time was not on their side. The looming threats on the horizon demanded that they grow stronger, faster. Teaching Gideon wasn’t just about making his friend stronger, it helped Edwin reinforce his own techniques, rebuilding his muscle memory and reawakening skills he had once mastered.


    Were they being too obvious? Too loud? Possibly. But their strength could be easily explained, sons of powerful men, raised around warriors, constantly exposed to training. Even if spies lurked among the staff, all they would see were two boys sparring and acting like children.


    The real lessons, the dangerous ones, were taught in secret. Their cultivation training had been done privately, away from prying eyes, in the safety of Edwin’s room. Right now, the mana they wielded was still subtle, still too faint for most to notice. It would take years before their power reached a level where it could be sensed by ordinary means. Until then, Gideon had to understand his limits. And once he did, Edwin would teach him control.


    <hr>


    The next morning arrived with a bright sun casting golden light across the castle grounds. A gentle breeze carried the crisp scent of summer, rustling through the trees and banners hanging high along the walls. Just inside the main gate of the castle, two boys stood waiting, anticipation written across their young faces.


    Gideon bounced on his heels, barely containing his excitement. In contrast, Edwin stood composed, though his sharp grey eyes betrayed his eagerness. To an outsider, he might have seemed calm, but anyone who knew him well could tell he was just as excited as Gideon.


    They were both dressed in summer-appropriate attire. Light tunics and breeches made from fine but practical fabric, designed for comfort rather than ostentation. They looked like children from a well-off noble family, but not the kind dripping in excessive luxury.


    They didn’t have to wait long.


    “Sorry, I’m late!” A familiar voice called out. They turned to see Lance approaching, though something was different, he wasn’t wearing his usual knight armor. Instead, he was dressed casually, much like them, though his sword remained sheathed at his hip.


    Both boys blinked in surprise.


    “Lance! You’re back?” Gideon asked first.


    “Yeah, we returned last night to make reports.” As he lifted his right hand to scratch his head, a sharp wince crossed his face, and he quickly switched to his left instead. Edwin, ever observant, caught the brief grimace and the way Lance’s sword now rested on his hip in a left-handed draw, opposite from his usual stance.


    Edwin frowned slightly but asked the more pressing question. “Are my parents alright? And what about Gideon’s father?”


    Lance’s expression remained casual, but Edwin could tell there was something beneath the surface. “They’re still on patrol. But they’re fine.”


    Gideon beamed. “That’s good! I hope they all come back soon and safe.”


    Lance nodded quickly, seizing the chance to steer the conversation away. “So, are you two ready to go?”


    “Yes!” Gideon practically shouted.


    Edwin nodded as well, though his mind lingered on Lance’s strange behavior. Being a kid was frustrating, no one told him anything. If he wanted answers, he would have to find them himself.


    “Then let’s go.” Lance signaled to the guards, and the massive gates groaned open.


    The world beyond awaited.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    <hr>


    The morning sun cast a golden hue across the town, its warm rays spilling over the stone walls and cobbled streets, painting everything with the soft glow of summer. A faint breeze drifted through the air, carrying with it the mingling scents of fresh bread from the bakeries, the tang of salt from the nearby coast, and the earthy aroma of hay and livestock. The sky stretched vast and cloudless, a brilliant blue canopy promising a bright and bustling day ahead.


    Just beyond the towering gates of the Hawthorne castle, the town square came to life. The castle itself stood as a silent sentinel behind Edwin and Gideon, its high walls and turrets a stark contrast to the lively scene before them. The square was paved with aged cobblestones, worn smooth by generations of footsteps. At its heart stood an elegant stone fountain, water spilling over its tiers in a rhythmic cascade, glistening under the sun. Around it, people milled about. Traders setting up their stalls, town criers shouting the latest news, and children weaving through the crowd in raucous games of chase.


    Edwin and Gideon stood at the threshold of this lively chaos, drinking in the sight with wide-eyed wonder. For Gideon, who had never stepped beyond the castle grounds, it was like stepping into an entirely new world. His fiery auburn hair caught the sunlight as he craned his neck to take in every detail, his eyes sparkling with unrestrained excitement. Edwin, on the other hand, observed with a different kind of awe. Even with two lifetimes behind him, there was something truly magical about witnessing a medieval town in full bloom. The bustling streets, the shouts of merchants haggling, the clip-clop of horses pulling carts laden with goods. It was all so vivid, so real.


    Then the smell hit them.


    Edwin’s nose wrinkled as an overwhelming medley of odors assaulted his senses. The pungent scent of manure from passing horses and oxen mixed with the stale sweat of laborers hauling barrels and sacks. The stench of unwashed bodies drifted from groups of dockworkers fresh from their morning shifts, and somewhere in the distance, a fishmonger’s stall added its own particular contribution to the fragrant chaos.


    Before Edwin could make any comment, Gideon recoiled dramatically. “Ugh! What is that smell!?” he whined, waving a hand in front of his nose as if that would help.


    Lance, standing beside them with his arms crossed, let out a hearty chuckle. “That, young masters, is the smell of a town. You’ve been sheltered in the castle too long to know it.”


    Gideon gagged but quickly shook his head, determination setting in. “Well, I won’t let some stinky air ruin my first adventure!” With that declaration, he bolted forward, eager to explore.


    Lance sighed, shaking his head as he called out, “Wait! Don’t go running off!” But Gideon was already weaving through the crowd.


    Realizing there was no stopping his friend, Edwin exchanged a glance with Lance, who merely shrugged in resignation.


    “Let’s go after him,” Lance said with a resigned smile.


    Navigating through the crowd was surprisingly easy, as most townsfolk naturally parted at the sight of Lance, recognizing him as one of the barony’s knights. It didn’t take long before they caught up to Gideon, who had come to an abrupt stop in front of a street vendor selling skewered meats over an open flame. The sizzling aroma of seasoned meat mixed with the smoky scent of burning wood, making Edwin’s stomach grumble slightly.


    “Hey, old man, I want three meats on a stick!” Gideon declared.


    The vendor, a burly man with a thick mustache, grinned and began flipping the skewers with a practiced hand. “Right away, boyo. That’ll be six coppers.”


    Gideon eagerly handed over the coins, bouncing on his feet as he waited. Within moments, the vendor handed over three skewers, and Gideon wasted no time distributing them. One for himself, one for Edwin, and one for Lance.


    “Mmm, this is good!” Gideon mumbled through a mouthful, already halfway through his skewer.


    Edwin took a bite, letting the flavors roll over his tongue. The meat was smoky, slightly charred at the edges, but dripping with savory juices. A hint of spice lingered at the back of his throat, warming his senses. The marinade had soaked deep into the meat, a perfect balance of salt, fat, and whatever herbs had been used. It was a simple meal, but undeniably satisfying.


    Gideon finished his skewer in record time, wiping his mouth with his sleeve before standing up straight. “Come on! We’ve got a whole town to explore!”


    Lance, still savoring his own skewer, waved a hand dismissively. “There’s no need to rush. We have the whole day ahead of us. Besides, we live here, remember? We can always come back.”


    Gideon pouted but ultimately slowed his pace, allowing the others to catch up.


    As they wandered, Edwin turned to Lance. “So, where should we go first?”


    Lance hummed in thought, but before he could answer, a loud growl rumbled through the air. Both Edwin and Lance turned their heads toward Gideon.


    Gideon froze, looking sheepish. “...I’m still hungry.”


    Edwin snickered, nudging him playfully. “After inhaling that skewer? Really?”


    “I’m a growing boy!” Gideon shot back.


    Lance chuckled. “In that case, let’s head to the market square. Plenty of food stalls there.”


    With that, they continued onward, Gideon eagerly taking the lead—though he kept glancing back every few steps, checking to make sure they were still behind him, and more importantly, that he was heading the right way. His confidence was undeniable, but his constant peeking made it clear he had no idea where he was going.


    As they walked, Edwin found himself deep in thought. Despite the cultivation techniques he and Gideon had been practicing, he was still experiencing hunger like normal children, perhaps even more so. Normally, cultivators could sustain themselves with the world’s energy, needing only minimal food to function. Yet here they were, hungrier than ever.


    Could it be that their young bodies couldn’t properly convert mana into nourishment? Was their cultivation somehow straining them rather than sustaining them? Or was their mana consumption simply too inefficient at this early stage?


    He frowned, filing the thought away for later. He would need more time, and more experimentation, to understand what was happening.


    Lost in thought, he barely noticed when they arrived at the market square, only snapping back to reality when Gideon grabbed his shoulder.


    “Come on! Let’s go eat!”


    Edwin blinked, shaking off his musings. “Alright, alright.”


    As he allowed himself to be dragged along, he decided that worrying about cultivation could wait. For now, there was food to enjoy, and an entire town to explore.


    <hr>


    After satisfying their stomachs at the market square, they continued their exploration of the town, eager to see what else it had to offer. The lively streets stretched before them, brimming with shops and merchant stalls displaying an array of goods.


    The bookstore had been the first stop, and Edwin had practically dragged Gideon inside, much to his friend’s dismay. Shelves upon shelves of books lined the walls, ranging from tomes of history and geography to fantastical legends of heroes and mythical beasts. Edwin had eagerly thumbed through a few books, his eyes scanning for anything useful. Most were written accounts of the kingdom’s past, crude maps of surrounding territories, or basic explanations of magecraft meant for the layman. There was even a section dedicated to children’s fables, which Gideon had found more interesting, at least until he got bored and started poking at the inkwells for sale at the counter.


    After much internal debate, Edwin bought a few books on history and geography, having them sent to the castle to avoid carrying them around all day. Gideon, for all his complaining about being bored, had ended up buying a small, leather-bound book filled with illustrations of legendary knights and their supposed feats.


    Their next stop was the tailor’s shop, where fine fabrics and noble garments were displayed on mannequins and wooden stands. The tailor, a wiry man with keen eyes, had greeted them warmly and wasted no time in trying to dress them in something extravagant. Edwin and Gideon, however, had different plans. They sought comfort, something suited for traveling and training without looking too ostentatious. In the end, both boys settled on simple tunics and breeches, their clothes well-fitted but modest in design. Gideon, however, also insisted on buying matching pajamas after seeing a set embroidered with little stars.


    At the blacksmith’s forge, the rhythmic clanging of hammer on steel filled the air as muscular apprentices worked tirelessly over glowing embers. Rows of finely crafted weapons and armor gleamed under the flickering forge light. Gideon had ogled a set of daggers, much to Edwin’s exasperation, while Edwin himself carefully examined a few tools, noting the level of craftsmanship and metallurgy available in the region. He made a mental note that their level of blacksmithing was good, but still primitive compared to what he could introduce in the future.


    They visited a general merchant afterward, a bustling stall filled with exotic trinkets, tools, and oddities from distant lands. Colorful beads, finely carved wooden toys, glass vials of mysterious liquids, and even small charms claiming to bring good fortune were displayed in neat rows. Gideon had bought a small wooden whistle, testing it immediately, much to Edwin’s and Lance’s irritation. Edwin himself had purchased some writing materials, quills, and ink, while Lance merely observed, making sure neither of them got too carried away.


    After a full day of wandering through the town, browsing stalls, and watching street performers juggle knives or breathe fire, the trio finally arrived at an inn. It wasn’t grand, nor was it a rundown establishment; it was just right, with sturdy wooden beams, clean linen, and the comforting scent of warm bread and burning hearthwood wafting from the kitchen.


    They had rented a spacious room where all three of them could stay together.


    “Whew, I’m pooped!” Gideon declared as he flopped onto one of the beds, sinking into the soft mattress. He had changed into his newly bought pajamas, loose-fitting blue cotton with tiny, embroidered stars along the cuffs.


    “Yeah,” Edwin agreed, stretching his arms as he lay down on his own bed. His pajamas were a simple but elegant white tunic and soft pants, tailored for comfort rather than display.


    “It’s good that we’re all sleeping early,” Lance said, sitting at the edge of his bed. He had reluctantly bought a set of nightclothes after being bullied into it by the two boys. His were dark brown, practical, and plain. An obvious attempt to pick the least decorative set possible.


    Gideon, rubbing his eyes sleepily, mumbled, “Oh… why do we have to wake up early?”


    Lance smirked, his voice taking on an air of mystery. “Because tomorrow… we’re going to the Adventurer’s Guild.”