《Summoned as a Sentinel》


 Chapter 1: The Summoning

    Chapter 1: The Summoning


    The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the quiet suburban street as Kael and Sistine strolled side by side. The pavement was warm beneath their feet, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers from a nearby park.


    Kael stole a glance at Sistine, who walked beside him with an easy smile. She had always been like this¡ªbright, carefree, like the world couldn''t shake her. Ever since the day she pulled him out of the way of that speeding car, she had been a constant in his life. His best friend. His savior.


    And yet, today, his heart pounded for a different reason.


    He had something to say. Something he had been holding back for too long.


    "Kael? You okay?" Sistine asked, tilting her head. "You''ve been weirdly quiet."


    "Ah¡ªyeah. Just¡­ thinking," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.


    Sistine let out a small laugh, nudging him playfully. "Thinking? Now that''s dangerous."


    Kael chuckled, but his fingers curled into a fist. The words burned in his throat. He wanted to tell her¡ªno, he needed to tell her. They had spent so much time together, shared so many memories. Was it selfish to want something more?


    Sistine suddenly slowed her steps and turned to Kael, her expression softening.


    "Hey Kael, no matter what happens¡­ I''ll always be by your side. I promise..."


    Kael''s heart skipped a beat. It was as if she had read his mind, like she knew the words he had been struggling to say. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to push past his nerves. This was the moment. He had to tell her.


    "Sistine, I¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a searing white light erupted behind them.


    The world vanished into brightness.


    Kael winced, shielding his eyes as the overwhelming radiance swallowed everything. It wasn''t just bright¡ªit was consuming, suffocating. He tried to turn, to see what was happening, but it was impossible. The light was blinding, stretching endlessly for what felt like an eternity.


    Five agonizing seconds passed. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the light vanished.


    Kael gasped, his breath coming in short, uneven bursts.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    But something was wrong.


    The familiar suburban street was gone. The warm evening breeze, the quiet hum of distant traffic, all of it had vanished. Instead, he stood in an unfamiliar place, his surroundings alien and cold. His pulse pounded in his ears as his mind scrambled to process what had happened.


    But then came the realization that sent ice through his veins.


    Sistine was gone.


    The realization hit Kael like a punch to the gut.


    His breath quickened as his gaze darted around, searching desperately.


    "Sistine!" he shouted, his voice echoing into the emptiness. No answer. No trace of her at all.


    Panic clawed at his chest. He spun in place, hoping¡ªpraying that she was just out of sight. But no matter where he looked, she was gone.


    The world itself had changed. The familiar city streets, the glowing traffic lights, the distant hum of cars¡ªall of it had vanished. In their place was a desolate, endless field of jagged rock, stretching beyond the horizon. No buildings, no people, nothing modern. It was as if the world had been stripped down to something ancient and unrecognizable.


    Kael''s mind raced. It didn''t make sense. How could everything change in an instant?


    Then, through the rising panic, a thought surfaced.


    A summoning.


    It was ridiculous, impossible¡ªsomething straight out of anime. But the signs were all there. The sudden flash of light. The complete shift in environment. The eerie silence of a world that wasn''t his own.


    His hands clenched into fists. If this was really another world¡­ then where was Sistine?


    Before Kael could fully process what was happening, the sound of footsteps echoed across the rocky landscape.


    A group of men emerged from the distance, their silhouettes sharp against the dull, lifeless horizon. Their clothes were unlike anything Kael had ever seen¡ªdark, rugged, almost militaristic. Weapons gleamed at their sides.


    Relief briefly flickered in Kael''s chest. People. Maybe they could help him.


    "H-Hey!" he called out, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.


    "Please, I need help! My friend¡ªshe''s missing, and I¡ª"


    The men didn''t let him finish. Their expressions hardened, and in an instant, weapons were drawn.


    "An intruder," one of them muttered.


    "Kill him before he causes trouble," another said coldly, already moving toward him.


    Kael''s stomach dropped. What?


    "Wait! I don''t even know where I am!" Kael protested, backing away. "I swear, I''m not¡ª"


    "Lies," one of them spat. "You think we''ll fall for such trickery?"


    The air turned suffocating with tension. Their eyes held nothing but hostility. They weren''t going to listen. They had already decided¡ªhe was the enemy.


    Kael didn''t wait for an explanation. His body moved before his mind could catch up. Run.


    With his heart pounding, he turned and sprinted as fast as he could, the sounds of pursuit close behind.


    Kael ran until his legs burned, but it was useless. He was cornered.


    Behind him, a rocky cliff loomed, its jagged surface too steep to climb in a rush. In front of him, the men closed in, weapons drawn, eyes cold with intent. There was nowhere left to run.


    One of them raised his sword.


    "This is the end for you, intruder."


    Kael''s breath hitched. His body trembled. Is this how I die?


    The blade swung down.


    Kael squeezed his eyes shut.


    Then¡ªsilence.


    The expected pain never came. Instead, there was an eerie stillness. A strange, unnatural force gripped the air.


    Slowly, Kael cracked his eyes open.


    The men stood frozen in place, their weapons halted mid-swing. Their bodies were completely still¡ªno movement, no breathing.


    Then, in the next second, they were ripped apart.


    Blood sprayed through the air as their bodies split in half, severed by something unseen.


    Kael''s breath caught in his throat. A shadow loomed over him.


    His gaze snapped upward¡ªtoward the top of the cliff.


    Perched there, silhouetted against the dull sky, was a monster.


    It wasn''t human. Its body was twisted and unnatural, with dark, sinewy limbs and glowing, predatory eyes. It moved like a shadow, too fast, too fluid, cutting through the men with merciless precision. Their screams barely had time to escape before they were torn apart.


    One by one, the attackers fell. And then, there was only Kael.


    The monster turned its head toward him.


    Kael''s body locked up. Its eyes¡ªpiercing, inhuman¡ªbored into him. Then, it lunged.


    A flash of pain tore through him as sharp claws slashed diagonally across his shoulder. He stumbled back, his body screaming in agony. Warm blood gushed from the wound, soaking his clothes. His vision blurred. His legs wobbled.


    I''m going to die...


    Just as the darkness threatened to pull him under, something changed.


    A new presence. A sharp, commanding force.


    A figure appeared¡ªa man wielding a sword.


    Kael could barely make out his face through the haze of pain. The only thing he saw before everything faded was the glint of the man''s blade as he charged at the monster.


    Then, everything went dark.

 Chapter 2: The Path to Strength

    Chapter 2: The Path to Strength


    Kael slowly opened his eyes.


    The first thing he noticed was warmth¡ªnot just from his body but from the water surrounding him. A gentle mist curled through the air, and the scent of minerals clung to his skin. He was in a hot spring.


    His mind reeled. What¡­ happened?


    Fragments of memory surfaced. The monster. The attack. The pain. He remembered the sharp claws tearing into his body, the warmth of his own blood spilling down his chest. He had been bleeding out¡ªdying.


    Panic surged through him. He looked down, searching for the wound.


    But it was gone.


    His breath hitched. His skin was smooth, unscarred, as if he had never been injured at all.


    How?


    Then, a voice broke the silence.


    "You''re finally awake."


    Kael''s body tensed. He turned toward the source of the voice and saw a man standing nearby, dressed in silver robes. His posture was calm, his presence commanding.


    Kael opened his mouth to speak¡ªto ask who he was¡ªbut then it hit him.


    He had seen this man before.


    The last thing he remembered before losing consciousness¡­ was this man standing between him and the monster. His savior.


    Before Kael could say anything, the man spoke again, his gaze steady.


    "I am Kazuki Hinamura," he said.


    "And I¡­ am a Sentinel."


    Kael blinked. "A... Sentinel?"


    The word meant nothing to him. Then again, nothing about his situation made sense. Just a few hours ago, he had been walking with Sistine¡ªand now? He was in an unknown place, with a stranger, after nearly being killed by a monster.


    Was this even real? Was he just dreaming?


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    His thoughts were interrupted when Kazuki spoke again.


    "You''re not from this world, are you?"


    Kael''s breath hitched. How does he know that?


    His body tensed, but before he could respond, Kazuki continued.


    "You look like a Sentinel, but your innergy is far too weak. Even an ordinary Sentinel would have more." His sharp gaze didn''t waver.


    "That means only two things¡ªyou''re either a newborn or an otherworlder."


    Kael swallowed hard. Otherworlder?


    His mind was spinning, but Kazuki wasn''t done.


    "And that creature you encountered? That was an Invader."


    Kael stiffened at the mention of the monster.


    Kazuki''s voice remained calm but firm.


    "They are beings from other realms¡ªcreatures that devour humans without hesitation."


    Kael gritted his teeth. Innergy? Sentinels? Invaders?


    It was too much. Just a few hours ago, he was walking with Sistine. Now, he was trapped in a reality he couldn''t understand.


    And Sistine¡­


    His chest tightened.


    What the hell was happening to him?


    Kael''s mind was still spinning, but amidst the confusion, one thought pushed through¡ªSistine.


    He turned to Kazuki, his voice tense.


    "Did you¡­ see a girl? Black hair, blue eyes. Her name is Sistine. She''s my friend."


    Kazuki''s expression shifted¡ªnot with recognition, but with confusion.


    "Sistine?" He frowned. "Why are you looking for her?"


    Kael hesitated.


    "She¡ªshe saved my life once. I owe her everything. And¡­" His hands clenched.


    "I need to tell her something. Something I should have told her a long time ago."


    Kazuki''s gaze remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of something¡ªhesitation.


    After a moment, he exhaled.


    "Sistine... Is being held as a prisoner."


    Kael''s breath caught in his throat.


    "A¡­ prisoner?" His voice came out barely above a whisper.


    Kazuki gave a slow nod but said nothing more.


    He didn''t tell Kael why.


    Maybe out of consideration. Maybe because Kael didn''t need to know.


    But the weight of those words settled in Kael''s chest like a stone.


    Sistine is being held captive.


    And he had no idea why.


    Kael''s mind reeled.


    How does he know about Sistine?


    Why is he telling me this?


    What the hell is going on?


    The endless questions swirled in his head, but before he could sort them out, he forced himself to focus. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.


    "¡­Thank you. For saving me," he said, his voice steady despite the storm in his mind.


    "By the way¡ªdo you happen to know where the prison is?"


    Kazuki''s expression darkened. His silver robes swayed as he turned away slightly, his voice dropping to something cold and firm.


    "If you''re thinking of saving Sistine¡­ forget it."


    Kael stiffened. "What?"


    Kazuki exhaled sharply, as if irritated that he even had to explain.


    "The prison is inside the Holy Capital of Sentinels¡ªone of the most heavily guarded locations in this Realm. It''s protected by twenty Knife Sentinels, twenty Dagger Sentinels, and twenty Blade Sentinels¡ªeach one deadly on their own. And that''s not even counting the thousands of normal guard Sentinels patrolling the capital at all times."


    His sharp eyes locked onto Kael''s.


    "How can you, an otherworlder, who doesn''t even know how to fight, barely have any innergy, no strategy, and no experience, expect to take on all of them for the sake of one prisoner" Kazuki''s voice carried a weight like stone.


    "More importantly¡­ why would you?"


    Kael clenched his fists.


    ... Why?


    The answer should''ve been obvious. But this wasn''t just about logic. It was about something far more personal.


    "¡­Because I owe her my life" His voice was quiet, but firm.


    Kazuki raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.


    "She saved your life once. You think that''s reason enough to throw yours away?"


    Kael shook his head.


    "No. That''s not it." He exhaled, gripping his chest, right over his heart.


    "I owe her more than just my life."


    Memories flooded back¡ªthe day Sistine pulled him from death''s path, the countless times she stood by his side, the way she smiled at him like he actually mattered in this world.


    And now she was gone. Trapped. Alone.


    He could''ve told her back then¡ªwhat she meant to him, what he felt. But he hesitated. And now, this world had stolen her away.


    Kael gritted his teeth.


    "She was always there for me, no matter what. So how could I just abandon her?" He met Kazuki''s gaze, his eyes burning with a fire that hadn''t been there before.


    "I''d rather die trying than live knowing I left her behind."


    For the first time, Kazuki was silent.


    Then, after a long pause, he sighed.


    "¡­You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that."


    Kael thought he heard the slightest hint of approval in his voice.


    "But guts alone won''t win a war. You''ll need more than just blind determination if you want to fight against the Sentinels." Kazuki turned, heading for the exit.


    "Get dressed and follow me, kid."


    Kael scowled. "I have a name, you know. It''s Kael."


    Kazuki smirked slightly. "Then hurry up, Kael."


    Kael tightened his fists, a new determination settling deep in his chest.


    No matter what it takes¡ªI will save Sistine.

 Chapter 3: The Path to a Sentinel

    Chapter 3: The Path to a Sentinel


    As they stepped outside, Kael squinted against the bright morning sun. Had he really been unconscious all night? The crisp mountain air was different from what he was used to¡ªthin, yet invigorating.


    Kazuki came to a halt, standing at the edge of a massive plateau. The ground beneath them was part of a colossal mountain, its peak seemingly cleaved in half, leaving behind a vast, flat training ground.


    Kazuki turned to him and tossed a wooden sword in his direction.


    "This is where we''ll fight," he said simply.


    Kael caught the wooden sword, gripping it tightly. His fingers tensed around the rough handle as he looked at Kazuki.


    Meanwhile, in the prison¡­


    Sistine sat in the dimly lit cell, her body still, but her mind in turmoil. Her wide eyes reflected pure shock, disbelief etched across her face. Something had happened¡ªsomething she never expected.


    "Attack me," Kazuki commanded.


    Kael hesitated for a moment, but then, his resolve hardened. If he wanted to get stronger¡ªif he wanted to save Sistine¡ªhe had no choice but to fight.


    With determination blazing in his eyes, Kael lunged forward.


    The scene shifted back to Kael.


    He woke up in the same hot spring as before, the warmth of the water surrounding him. For a moment, he was disoriented, but then the memories came rushing back. He had lunged at Kazuki¡ªonly to be knocked out cold in an instant.


    And to make matters worse, Kazuki hadn''t even used a weapon. Kael had wielded a wooden sword, yet when he was defeated, Kazuki had been completely unarmed.


    Just as Kael processed this humiliating realization, Kazuki''s voice cut through the air.


    "Your reaction time is too slow," he said, his tone firm yet composed.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "If you want to save Sistine, you need to hone your instincts¡ªmake them sharp, razor-fast."


    Kael clenched his fists. He had barely stood a chance. If he wanted to stand against real opponents¡ªagainst the Sentinels guarding Sistine¡ªhe had to grow stronger.


    Surprisingly, his body no longer ached. His wounds were gone, as if they had never existed. His strength had fully returned.


    And with no time to waste, training resumed.


    Kael''s training was brutal. Every moment was a struggle¡ªevery strike he attempted was effortlessly deflected, every movement countered before he could even process what was happening. He was thrown, disarmed, and knocked down more times than he could count. His body ached, his muscles burned, and yet, he kept getting back up.


    Kazuki showed no mercy. He struck with precision, exploiting every flaw in Kael''s stance, every hesitation in his attacks. It was hell. But Kael endured.


    Slowly, painfully, he adapted. His movements became sharper, his reflexes faster. He started predicting Kazuki''s attacks¡ªjust barely, but enough to react. The first time he managed to counter, even for a split second, Kazuki gave a small nod of acknowledgment. It wasn''t praise, but it was something.


    Time passed in a blur of strikes and exhaustion. Kael lost track of how many times he fell, how many times he gasped for breath. But he refused to stop.


    Then, after two days, it finally happened.


    Kael saw an opening¡ªsmall, almost imperceptible, but he seized it. His wooden sword grazed Kazuki''s silver robe. Just a touch. But it was real.


    He did it.


    Kazuki stepped back, brushing a hand over the fabric where the strike had landed. There was silence. Then, he spoke.


    "Good this part of your training¡­ is complete."


    Kael exhaled, his grip tightening on his sword. He had a long way to go. But for the first time, he had proof¡ªhe was getting stronger.


    Kael had now developed reflexes worthy of a Sentinel. He could react in an instant, move with precision, and counter without hesitation. But that was only the beginning.


    His next goal was to increase his innergy.


    Of course, Kael had no idea what that even was. Kazuki had to explain.


    "Innergy exists in everyone," Kazuki began, his tone as steady as ever. "It''s the energy we use when we fight. It fuels our strength, our speed, our endurance. The stronger your innergy, the stronger you become."


    Kael listened intently.


    "As long as you train properly, you can increase your innergy. But¡­" Kazuki''s expression darkened slightly. "That doesn''t mean it will grow infinitely. Everyone has a limit. Some people are born with vast reserves, while others struggle to develop even a fraction of that power."


    Kael frowned. "So it''s just¡­ energy?"


    Kazuki shook his head. "It''s more than that. A Sentinel''s innergy is the foundation of their strength. Without it, you''re nothing."


    Kael absorbed the words carefully. He had come far, but without innergy, he couldn''t hope to stand against real Sentinels.


    And if he wanted to save Sistine¡ªhe had to push past his limits.


    Kazuki continued, his arms crossed as he explained, "There are three ways to increase your innergy. The first method¡ªcarrying a massive boulder while running uphill. You have to use your innergy to support your body, or else the weight will crush you."


    Kael''s face paled slightly. That already sounded insane.


    "The second method¡ªtraining nonstop without food. By forcing yourself to maintain innergy usage without any nourishment, you''ll be forced to rely on innergy alone. If you can''t, you''ll collapse."


    Kael swallowed hard. That one sounded just as bad, if not worse.


    Kazuki smirked slightly. "And the third method¡­ well, it''s a bit more complex, so I won''t teach you that. At least not yet."


    Kael narrowed his eyes. "Wait, what''s the third one?"


    "You''re not ready." Kazuki dismissed the question, then glanced toward the sky. "Speaking of food¡­" He turned back to Kael.


    "You haven''t eaten anything since you got here."


    Now that he mentioned it, Kael realized just how empty his stomach felt. With everything that had happened¡ªthe summoning, the fight, the training¡ªhe hadn''t even thought about food.


    Kazuki sighed. "Before we start the real training, rest for a bit. I''ll get some food."


    Kael let out a  breath he didn''t realize he was holding. A break. He''d definitely need it for what was coming next.

 Chapter 4: The Weight of Battle

    Chapter 4: The Weight of Battle


    Kael exhaled, leaning back against the rocky ground. His body ached, exhaustion settling into his bones, but his mind refused to rest. Even though Kazuki told him to relax, sleep wouldn''t come. His body was tense, his thoughts restless.


    He closed his eyes and tried to meditate, but his nerves wouldn''t settle. His breathing was uneven, his hands slightly trembling. His mind kept replaying everything¡ªSistine''s disappearance, his near-death encounter, Kazuki''s overwhelming strength. It was too much.


    Frustrated, he opened his eyes and let his gaze drift across the landscape. From atop the mountain, he could see for miles. The sky was clear, painted with soft hues of orange and blue. A gentle wind rolled through, rustling his hair. It was¡­ peaceful.


    Peaceful.


    A small, bitter chuckle escaped his lips.


    This world¡ªthis place that had nearly killed him¡ªwas more peaceful than the one he came from.


    Back home, there was no quiet like this. Only the sharp words of his parents, the constant tension in his chest, the feeling of walking on eggshells in his own home. Pain was a familiar presence, whether in the form of harsh words or something worse.


    Sistine had been his escape. The only person who had ever truly been kind to him. The only one who made life bearable.


    And now, she was gone.


    His fingers curled into a fist.


    He had to get stronger. If this world had given him a second chance¡ªan escape from his past¡ªthen he wasn''t going to waste it. Sistine had saved him before. Now, it was his turn.


    The wind carried a quiet stillness over the mountain, and for the first time since arriving, Kael felt his body relax. His eyes grew heavy, the weight of exhaustion finally pulling him under.


    And as he drifted into sleep, one thought remained.


    He would save her. No matter what...


    Kael then suddenly found himself standing in the middle of an arena, shrouded in thick black fog. The silence was eerie, stretching endlessly in all directions. He looked around, trying to make sense of where he was.


    Then, his eyes landed on a lone blade embedded in the ground.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Instinctively, he reached for it. But the moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, an unbearable force crashed down on his body. His knees buckled, his breath caught in his throat¡ªit felt like the entire weight of the world was pressing him into the dirt.


    A deep, metallic scraping sound echoed through the fog.


    Kael''s body tensed. The noise was distant at first, but it was getting closer. Slow, deliberate, relentless.


    Struggling against the crushing weight, he forced himself to his feet. His movements were sluggish, every muscle screaming in protest, but he had no choice.


    Then, through the swirling mist, it emerged.


    A knight, its entire form composed of shifting fog, dragging a massive blade across the ground. Its faceless head turned toward him, and without hesitation, it lunged.


    Kael barely managed to raise his weapon in time. The impact sent a violent tremor through his arms, but before he could recover, the knight''s armored fist drove into his gut.


    Pain exploded through his body.


    The force sent him skidding backward, his boots scraping against the ground. He gasped for air, struggling to stay upright.


    What¡­ is this place?


    What is this thing?


    But there was no time to think. The knight was already advancing again.


    Meanwhile, Kazuki had already returned, carrying a bundle of food in one hand. As he approached, he spotted Kael lying on the ground, completely still.


    Kazuki raised an eyebrow. Did he seriously fall asleep out here?


    With a sigh, he walked over, knelt down, and hoisted Kael onto his back. "You''re a weird one," he muttered, carrying him back into the shelter.


    ¡ª


    The battlefield remained unchanged¡ªsilent, fog-covered, and oppressive.


    Kael clenched his fists. The unbearable weight that once crushed his body was beginning to fade, his movements becoming sharper, more fluid. He could finally keep up with the knight''s attacks.


    Dodge. Step back. Sidestep.


    The knight''s blade cut through the air, barely missing him each time. Kael could see it now¡ªits movements, its timing. And then, finally, an opening.


    This was his chance.


    Gritting his teeth, Kael lunged forward, blade poised to strike¡ª


    But before his sword could land, the knight''s fist shot forward with inhuman speed.


    The impact slammed into his ribs, and an instant later, a violent force surged through his body. His breath hitched¡ªthen, blood erupted from his mouth.


    Before he could even recover, a powerful kick followed, crashing into his chest.


    His vision blurred as he was sent hurtling backward, tumbling across the battlefield like a ragdoll.


    Kael slowly pushed himself up, his body trembling under its own weight. Blood dripped from his mouth, staining the ground beneath him. His wounds screamed in protest, but he refused to fall.


    "I thought I had him¡­" he muttered, his breath shallow.


    The knight, its form shifting and writhing like living mist, raised its blade high. This was it¡ªthe final strike.


    Kael steadied his stance, gripping his chipped and battered sword. He mimicked the knight''s posture¡ªthen, instead of silence, he roared. A deep, guttural scream tore from his throat as his body ignited with an unknown force.


    The knight surged forward.


    Kael didn''t flinch. His sword, old and fractured, began to glow. His body moved instinctively, shifting into a stance¡ªKo Gasumi.


    The moment stretched. The air trembled.


    Then, he charged.


    Time itself seemed to slow as the two clashed.


    A blinding explosion of light and mist erupted upon impact, consuming the battlefield in an instant. When the glow faded, the scene was clear¡ªboth warriors stood frozen, swords buried deep in each other''s bodies.


    Kael exhaled shakily. His vision blurred, but he forced himself to look down.


    His old sword, the blade that had carried him through this fight, was cracking. Piece by piece, it shattered, crumbling into dust in his weakening grip.


    Silence.


    Then, his body gave in.


    His breath hitched, his chest clenched¡ªthen, blood spewed from his lips. The world spun around him, his vision darkening, his strength fading¡ª


    ¡ªuntil he jolted awake.


    A sharp, choking gasp tore from him as he doubled over, coughing violently. Blood splattered onto the bed, staining the sheets and the floor beneath him.


    Kazuki burst into the room, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight. He didn''t need to ask¡ªhe could feel it. A severe innergy drain.


    Without hesitation, he placed a hand over Kael''s chest, transferring just enough innergy to stabilize him.


    Even then, Kael''s body couldn''t take it. His consciousness slipped away once more.


    Kazuki sighed, hoisting him up with ease.


    "¡­W hat the hell happened?"


    With that, he carried Kael to the hot spring¡ªits healing waters the only thing that could mend him now.

 Chapter 5: Unseen Growth

    Chapter 5: Unseen Growth


    After a full day of soaking in the hot spring, Kael finally woke up. His head throbbed slightly, a dull ache that pulsed at his temples, but beyond that, his body felt¡­ strange.


    Warmth surrounded him, the soothing heat of the water seeping into his skin. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim glow of the cave ceiling above. His mind was hazy, slow to register where he was or how he got there.


    "Where¡­ am I?"


    The last thing he remembered was lying down to sleep. But now, he was submerged in water, floating in a natural hot spring. His heart pounded as confusion set in.


    "You''re finally awake."


    A familiar voice cut through the silence.


    Kael turned his head toward the source. Kazuki stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his sharp gaze studying him carefully.


    Kael struggled to sit up, his body feeling lighter than it should.


    "What¡­ happened?" he asked, his throat dry.


    Kazuki let out a slow exhale before answering.


    "You tell me. I found you lying outside, bleeding from the mouth. I carried you back, but not long after, you started coughing up more blood. You were completely drained of innergy¡ªso I had to transfer some just to keep you conscious."


    His eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Not that it did much. You passed out anyway."


    Kael furrowed his brows, trying to recall, but there was nothing. Just a vast emptiness between the moment he closed his eyes and now.


    "I¡­ don''t remember any of that."


    Kazuki remained silent, his expression unreadable. But inside, he was deep in thought. Something had happened to Kael¡ªsomething that even Kazuki couldn''t explain. Innergy wasn''t something that just fluctuated on its own, especially not at this scale.


    One thing was certain¡ªKael''s innergy had increased. Exponentially.


    Kazuki turned away, hiding his concern behind indifference.


    "Are you okay now?" he asked.


    "There''s food in the shelter. Eat. We''re resuming training soon."


    Kael nodded slowly and moved to stand. But the moment he did, a strange sensation rushed through him.


    His body felt¡­ off.


    Not weak. Not sore.


    Light. Too light.


    He flexed his fingers, curled them into fists, then unclenched them. His muscles didn''t feel fatigued. If anything, they were too responsive, as if they had been rewired overnight.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "This is¡­ weird," he muttered under his breath.


    Still, he shook it off and headed toward the shelter. He needed food first¡ªanswers could come later.


    As he ate in silence, an odd feeling tugged at the back of his mind. A sense that something important had happened.


    A memory just out of reach.


    He tried to grasp it, tried to force himself to remember, but it was like chasing shadows. No matter how hard he focused, the details slipped away before they could take form.


    What happened to me?


    Before he could dwell on it further, Kazuki''s voice called out.


    "Hurry up. Training''s about to start."


    Kael swallowed the last of his meal and stepped outside. Kazuki was waiting for him, a sword in hand. Without a word, he tossed it toward Kael, who caught it midair with surprising ease.


    It felt natural.


    Kazuki nodded slightly. "That''ll be your weapon. Every Sentinel wields a sword called a Katanada. The one you''re holding is called Plain Steel¡ªthe first form of a Sentinel''s blade."


    Kael turned the weapon over in his hands. It was simple, unadorned, yet¡­ balanced.


    Kazuki continued.


    "A sword can evolve into a release state, known as Relascio Armamento. But we''ll get to that later. Right now, we focus on innergy control¡ªhow to shape it, refine it, and apply it efficiently."


    Kazuki gestured toward a massive boulder standing in the middle of the training grounds.


    "Unsheathe your blade."


    Kael obeyed.


    "Your task," Kazuki said, "is to cut that boulder in half."


    Kael''s brow furrowed.


    "A boulder? With this?"


    "A normal strike won''t work," Kazuki explained.


    "You have to channel just enough innergy into the blade¡ªsharpen it without overloading it. Too much, and the sword shatters. Too little, and it won''t cut at all. You need precision."


    Kael nodded, gripping the hilt of his Katanada. But as he prepared to strike, a strange sensation welled up within him.


    A feeling like¡­ d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    Something deep inside stirred. His body moved as if it already knew what to do. His innergy responded before he even willed it to.


    And then it hit him.


    The dream.


    The battlefield. The suffocating weight. The knight.


    He had been forced to push his innergy beyond its limits in that dream. He had adapted, endured. His body didn''t remember¡ªbut something deeper did.


    Without hesitation, he adjusted his stance. His breathing slowed.


    His innergy flowed. Not too much. Not too little. Just enough.


    Then¡ª


    SLASH.


    A clean cut.


    The boulder split perfectly in two. The ground beneath it cracked, a deep scar carved into the earth.


    Silence.


    Kazuki''s expression remained neutral, but Kael could sense the brief flicker of surprise in his eyes.


    That was too clean. Too precise. Too controlled.


    Kael stared at his blade, breathing heavily. His grip was steady, but his mind was racing.


    How?


    How did that feel so¡­ natural?


    Kazuki exhaled through his nose.


    "Hmph. Looks like I don''t need to teach you anything else."


    Kael blinked.


    "Wait¡­ that''s it?"


    Kazuki nodded.


    "That was your lesson on innergy manipulation. You passed. There''s nothing more I can teach you on the basics."


    Kael glanced between the destroyed boulder and the sword in his hands. Something still didn''t feel right.


    Kazuki turned away.


    "But that doesn''t mean your training is over."


    Kael tensed. "What do you mean?"


    "You''ll have a final exam," Kazuki said, his voice unreadable.


    "And no, I won''t tell you what it is."


    Kael''s jaw tightened.


    "So¡­ how am I supposed to prepare?"


    Kazuki smirked faintly.


    "You''re not."


    Kael stiffened.


    "You''ll either pass¡­ or you won''t." Kazuki started walking away.


    "Rest up. You''ll need it."


    Kael stood there, heart pounding.


    A test he couldn''t prepare for?


    He didn''t know what Kazuki had planned.


    But one thing was certain.


    He had to be ready for anything.