The sun rose gently over the horizon, painting the sky in golden hues. The forest, once filled with danger, now felt calm. **Ren**, still recovering from the events of the last battle, stood at the edge of a cliff overlooking the valley below.
As he turned to head down the path, he heard the rustling of leaves behind him. Instinctively reaching for his blade, he stopped when he saw a young man, around his age, emerge from the trees. The stranger had spiky black hair, a confident smirk, and a sword strapped to his back that looked well-used.
"You've got good reflexes," the stranger said, raising his hands. "Relax. I'm not here to fight."
"Who are you?" Ren asked, still cautious.
"The name's **Kael**. I've been tracking that monster you fought yesterday. You finished it off, didn't you?"
Ren nodded slowly. "Yeah. It wasn't easy."
Kael stepped forward and offered a hand. "Then I guess I owe you. That thing took out half my squad. You're strong. What's your name?"
Ren hesitated, then shook Kael's hand. "Ren."
"Ren, huh? Sounds like a hero's name," Kael said with a grin. "So, what now? You planning to live out here like a wandering swordsman?"
Ren looked toward the distant mountains. "No. I need a place to rest, recover, and train. I've got a feeling the real battles are just beginning."
Kael clapped a hand on Ren's shoulder. "Then let's find a place together. I know a town nearby—**Valemire**. It's got abandoned houses on the outskirts. We could fix one up. Stay hidden, train, and prepare."
The two of them set off toward Valemire. Along the way, they exchanged stories. Kael was a former knight who left the royal guard after uncovering corruption. Ren told him just enough to explain his powers, but not everything—especially not about the strange mark on his arm that glowed whenever he fought.
By dusk, they reached the edge of Valemire. Just as Kael had said, several houses stood empty and broken down. They chose one on a small hill, slightly apart from the others. The roof needed repairs, but it had strong walls and a deep well nearby.
"We can work on this place tomorrow," Kael said. "But tonight, let's rest."
But fate had other plans.
That night, a loud roar echoed through the valley. Ren and Kael sprang from their bedrolls and rushed outside. A massive shadow loomed at the base of the hill. Its body was covered in thick black scales, and its eyes glowed like burning coals. It had three heads and a long, spiked tail that dragged across the ground.
"What in the world is that?!" Kael shouted, drawing his sword.
Ren's mark began to glow.
"A **Tri-Hydra**," he said quietly. "I read about them in the scrolls. It shouldn't be anywhere near here."
The monster charged.
Kael and Ren split up, attacking from both sides. Kael distracted the left and right heads with quick, precise slashes, while Ren focused on the center. The creature roared in fury, spinning and smashing the ground with its tail. Kael barely dodged in time.
"We can't beat it like this!" Kael yelled. "Its scales are too thick!"
Ren's body pulsed with energy. Something inside him stirred. The mark on his arm flared with blinding light.
Then, from the heavens, a beam of golden light descended. In it, a sword slowly formed—its blade etched with divine runes, its hilt glowing with celestial energy.
Ren reached out and grasped it.
**The Divine Sword.**
As his fingers closed around the hilt, power surged through him. A voice echoed in his mind: *"You have proven your will. Let the Divine Sword be your strength."*
His level increased. Skills awakened. The world slowed.
Ren charged the beast with renewed strength. One clean slash—and the middle head fell. The Tri-Hydra shrieked, thrashing wildly. Kael struck next, taking the right head. Together, they attacked the final one, and with a final burst of energy, Ren plunged the Divine Sword deep into the beast's chest.
The monster collapsed, its body disintegrating into shadow and ash.
Kael dropped to one knee, panting. "Remind me never to make you mad."
Ren looked at the sword, its glow fading slightly but still humming with power. "This sword… it chose me."
Kael stood and grinned. "Guess that means you're destined for something bigger than hunting monsters. But hey, if you're going to keep pulling weapons from the sky, I'm sticking around."
Ren laughed for the first time in days. "I could use the company."
As dawn broke over Valemire, the two friends stood before their new home. A broken house, a new bond, and a Divine Sword—this was just the beginning.