*Content Warning: This chapter contains mature themes, violence, blood, and morally dark actions. Reader discretion advised.*
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The old man let out a soft, self-deprecating chuckle as he leaned back in his chair, the wooden frame creaking faintly under his weight.
"Hahahaha… now that I think about it, it feels as if we have talked about this before. When I spoke about myself — that I am nothing more than an old man — I said the same thing twice. Hahaha… I don't know why I keep saying things like that."
Leon chuckled in return, a small, genuine smile breaking across his face despite the lingering ache in his body.
"Yes… that's right. I also said the same things. It feels the same to me. I wonder why this happened… but anyway, old man… I am serious. Please tell me — which mistake did I make? And in which part should I improve? Should I improve my swordsmanship… or rather my footwork… my instinct… or my stamina? Tell me."
The old man's expression shifted — the gentle amusement fading into something more serious. He reached down and picked up the wooden sword they had sparred with earlier. Its surface was worn smooth from countless strikes, yet it still carried the faint scent of fresh-cut wood.
"Leon… you asked which part you should improve on, right? Well… let me tell you something. As you may know — while we were having our spar — we both know that you weren't using your full strength. If you had been using your full power… who knows? The outcome might have been different. But still… let me tell you something important."
Leon leaned forward, curiosity sharpening his gaze.
"Yes… tell me."
The old man turned the wooden sword slowly in his hands, studying its length as though seeing it for the first time.
"Leon… first of all, what matters most is the sword… and experience. First — about the sword. If you had been using a sword that truly fit you… then you might have been able to defeat me. But all we were having was nothing more than a spar… so we can't use a real sword here, can we?"
He paused, letting the words settle.
"And about experience… with the bruises on your hands, anyone can tell that you are very experienced in hand combat. It hasn't even been that long since you started wielding a sword. Meanwhile… I have been wielding this sword from the very time I was born. I have lived in this forest ever since I was little. My master was the one who taught me this swordsmanship… and I had plenty of time to master it."
The old man's voice grew quieter, almost reflective.
"So it was natural that you would be defeated by me when it comes to swordsmanship. But in the future… whenever you are going to fight someone… it will not be like you will be fighting with a wooden sword. You will need a real sword. A sword that will slay every single one of your enemies. A sword that will always be with you. A sword that will be your partner… your friend… and also — treat it like your own soul."
Leon listened in silence. The words sank deep — not as simple advice, but as something heavier, something almost sacred. He looked at the wooden sword in the old man's hands, then down at his own calloused palms. A slow understanding bloomed in his chest.
The old man continued, his gaze drifting toward the trees outside. The wind had grown heavier, cool and restless, rustling leaves in long, sweeping waves.
"Leon… what I want you to know is… in the future, I know you will leave this place. So I only want one thing for you to understand — and it is simple. In the future… I want you to have a sword that will be your companion. One that will always walk whatever path you choose. That's all."
Leon repeated the words softly, almost to himself.
"A sword… that will be my companion… who will walk my path with me, huh."
The old man turned back to him, expression serious once more.
"Well, Leon… now that I think about it… I wonder which path you will choose. Will you choose the path of righteousness… or demonic… or is there something else on your mind?"
Leon didn't answer immediately. He stared at the old man's eyes — calm, searching, carrying no judgment. After a long moment, a confident smile spread across his face.
"Well… to be honest… I don't think I can walk the path of so-called righteousness… or demonic. So I have already decided — I will walk my own path. That's all."
The old man's smile returned — wide, warm, approving.
"Is that so? Well… that's up to you, Leon. But anyway—"
Leon suddenly cut him off, leaning forward with a serious expression.
"Hey, old man… you did say something about a sword that will slay my enemies… something like that. But tell me… where will I even find a sword like that?"
The old man chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
"Hm… well… that's not something I can tell you. You have to either find a sword… or make one."
Leon looked down at the wooden sword again, fingers tracing its worn surface.
"Hm… well… he isn't entirely wrong. I will find a sword that fits me in the future. And it's not like I am going to stay here forever. After mastering the swordsmanship that the old man is teaching me… I will just go on my way… and then I should find a sword… just like he said."
The old man watched him for a moment, then spoke again — this time with a wide smile and a face that carried the hint of asking for a favor.
"Hey, Leon… can you do me a favor? It might be quite difficult, but still…"
Leon tilted his head, curious.
"Hm? What is it?"
The old man continued, still smiling, scratching the back of his head.
"Well… the thing is… can you use that technique your master taught you? I don't know its name… but when you used that ability… you were able to move like a sword itself. Would it be too much if I asked you to use that technique whenever I am going to teach you my swordsmanship?"
Leon blinked, surprise flashing across his face.
"What…? My body was moving like a sword itself? I didn't know that Soul Resonance Art would be that good. Even though I wasn't able to defeat him… if I use that art again… it might cause me a little trouble."
He paused, considering.
"But… at the same time… the benefits would be immense. With that… I would be able to master the old man's swordsmanship as soon as possible… and then I should get out of here."
Leon's expression hardened into determination. A wide smile spread across his face.
"Yes… of course I can do it."
The old man's face brightened instantly — eyes crinkling with quiet joy.
"Okay… that's good. Listen to me, Leon. All I have taught you up until now was just the basics of swordsmanship. So be ready… it's going to be hard now. Hahahaha!"
Leon met his gaze — no hesitation, only resolve.
"I'm ready."
The old man rose slowly, picking up his own wooden sword.
"Then tomorrow at dawn… we begin again. Rest well tonight. You will need it."
Leon nodded, the weight of the promise settling over him like armor.
Outside, the wind continued to blow — cool, restless, carrying whispers through the trees.