Episode 2: "Leon! Leon!"
Leon let out a long sigh as he gazed up at the blue sky. To him, the endless heavens always called to mind the champion's seat at the Grand Tournament of Arms—so distant, almost dreamlike, yet dazzling in its allure.
"Leon! What are you thinking about this time?"The voice of a fellow soldier startled him. Leon turned his head to see his comrade standing there, arms crossed, wearing an exasperated look."Daydreaming again, aren't you? Get back in line already."
Leon scratched his cheek awkwardly. He carried a dream far greater than himself, but the reality was simple: he was just a soldier. His ambition—to one day win the Grand Tournament and etch his name into the legends of Elysium—remained a distant flame. Still, he was grateful that learning the sword had at least granted him a place in the army.
The kingdom of Elysium had built martial halls and academies across the land so that any citizen could hone their skills. Those with talent had the chance to pursue greatness. Thanks to this system, even Leon—who had failed on the path of magic—found a glimmer of hope in swordsmanship.
As his thoughts drifted, a figure appeared at the far end of the training grounds. Leon's eyes locked instantly upon her. Leading a group of retainers was none other than Lisa—the living legend of Elysium, known as the Queen of the Arena.
Lisa… To see her with my own eyes…
Her presence alone reignited the embers in Leon's heart. Every step she took radiated the dignity and authority of a true warrior. Her eyes carried the strength of someone who had endured and overcome countless trials. Leon could not look away. Memories of his boyhood came rushing back—the first time he had seen her fight in the tournament, the day he vowed to dream beyond the limits of a farmer's son.
Could I ever stand on that same stage?
The crowd's cheers of that long-ago day, the fever of the city streets, the fire that had been planted in him—it all burned again in his chest.
Then, Lisa's stride slowed. For the briefest instant, her eyes met his. In them was an unshakable resolve, and perhaps even a silent encouragement. Leon's heart hammered. That gaze pierced him like a sword of its own.
"Soldier. Don't stand there gaping—stay sharp."
Her voice snapped him upright."Y-yes, ma'am!" he stammered, his body straightening instinctively.
Even after she passed, Leon's pulse refused to calm. That fleeting encounter rekindled his vow. Could I ever wield a gaze like hers? Could I ever step onto that stage?
He tightened his grip on his sword. One day, my name will be shouted in the arena. One day, I'll carve a legend at the tip of my blade.
That small vow lit a fire in his eyes. Though he was still just a nameless soldier, his ordinary days had begun to shift. This promise to himself would become the first step on a path that could change his life.
**
Episode 3: The Fruits of Training, and a Special Supper
The soldiers of Elysium stood in formation at the grand martial stadium. The Luminaria Olympics were only days away, and envoys from across the continent had come to observe the strength of Elysium's forces. Though Leon was not a competitor in the tournament, the chance to demonstrate the army's training before such witnesses filled him with pride.
He drew in a deep breath. Today was a test not of combat, but of discipline and unity—the measure of their drills and tactics. Tension clung to the air, and then a ripple ran through the ranks. At the entrance strode a figure in gleaming armor, each step commanding reverence. Lisa, the Guardian of Elysium, legend of the Grand Tournament herself.
Lady Lisa… she came in person.
The very sight of her made Leon's chest tighten. She walked slowly among the soldiers, meeting eyes one by one. No words were needed—her presence was encouragement enough.
"Today's display is not mere ceremony," she declared, her voice ringing like steel. "The sweat you've shed will become the shield of this kingdom. Your training and your dedication are Elysium's pride. What you show here today will carry the name of this realm."
Her gaze brushed across Leon. His spine snapped straighter; his pulse thundered in his ears. Around him, every soldier stood taller, reminded of their worth.
The drills began. Leon moved in perfect unison with his comrades, spears raised and swords slashing in disciplined rhythm. His eyes gleamed with resolve. Every movement was not just training—it was his vow to carve Elysium's name into his blade.
When the exercises ended, Lisa invited a handful of soldiers who had shown exceptional discipline to share a modest evening meal with her. To Leon's astonishment, he was among them. To sit at the same table with the warrior he revered—it felt unreal.
"Your efforts today were commendable," Lisa said warmly as she welcomed them. "Your hard work is what strengthens our kingdom. Thanks to you, Elysium's honor will shine brightly at the Olympics."
The soldiers raised their cups, warmed by her words. Leon lifted his own, the simple act of sharing a toast with his idol overwhelming him with gratitude.
As they ate, Lisa eased the mood by recalling lighthearted stories of training mishaps and early blunders. Laughter softened the atmosphere, binding them closer. Then she spoke of her own days as a recruit—the grueling drills before the Grand Tournament, the fear she had faced on the battlefield.
"I first held a sword in the same training grounds as you," she said. "The path was lonely at times, but if you believe in yourself and keep moving forward, you will achieve what you seek."
Buoyed by the drink and courage, Leon dared to speak. "General, I… I want to fight for the kingdom, like you. Do you think my name could one day be remembered among the legends?"
Lisa studied his eyes and smiled. "That is a worthy goal, Leon. What matters is that you never let go of it. If you keep honing yourself, the day will come when you'll stand on the same stage I once did."
Her words were more than encouragement—they were a seed of destiny. For Leon, this night became an indelible memory, and for every soldier present, her sincerity forged a bond of unity under Elysium's banner.
Within Leon's heart, the flame burned brighter than ever. Lisa's encouragement gave him the strength to take another step toward his dream.
**
Episode 4: The Olympics and the Unforeseen Crisis
The Luminaria Olympics had finally begun. Warriors and spectators from across the continent filled the grand arena, and the festival air vibrated with anticipation. Under the blazing sun, banners shimmered like omens of legends awakening. Rows of warriors in gleaming armor stood tall, their eyes locked with solemn respect, tension radiating like heat from a forge. Above it all, the roar of the crowd surged skyward.
Among those present were the soldiers of Elysium, ready to showcase the fruits of their training. Standing within their ranks, Leon felt a quiet pride swell within him. Though this was not his personal stage, he raised his shield and sword high as one of the kingdom's defenders. Each movement—disciplined, rehearsed, flawless—was less a drill than a kind of artistry born of sweat and resolve.
Surrounded by soldiers from other realms, Leon felt an unfamiliar strain. Their precision was like the ticking of a perfect clock, yet he knew the true test of warriors lay in battle, not display. Still, for the first time he felt the thrill of the crowd's applause wash over him. On this vast stage, he wanted to give everything he had.
In the stands sat General Lisa, smiling faintly as she watched her soldiers perform. Leon's unwavering focus caught her eye, and she recognized in him a spark—a potential she hoped one day might grow into something worthy of Elysium's legacy.
But the peace did not last.
A shrill scream tore through the stadium's edge. "Monsters! Monsters are here!" Panic rippled through the crowd, soldiers stiffening as hideous shapes burst into view. Bestial cries split the air as creatures swarmed from beyond the arena walls. Fear spread faster than flame.
"What do we do?" a soldier whispered hoarsely beside Leon. He too faltered, glancing about in confusion. The sudden chaos froze their limbs.
Then came the sound of firm, unhesitating footsteps. All heads turned. Striding to the front was General Lisa herself, radiating an unshakable presence.
"Raise your shields! Form the line!" Her command rang out like iron striking stone. Planting herself at the vanguard, she lifted her shield and sword, facing the oncoming beasts. At once, the soldiers obeyed, shields rising in unison, the line hardening into a wall.
With no hesitation, Lisa charged forward, cutting into the first wave. Her fearless example electrified her men. Leon, heart hammering, felt his own resolve surge.
I want to fight like that. Even if I am not yet worthy… today, if I can stand beside her…
Under her lead, Leon and his comrades braced, their shields absorbing the monstrous assault. Behind them, citizens fled to safety under the cover of their defense. Leon lifted his shield high, no longer hesitating, and pushed forward with the line.
The monsters struck with savage force. The impact rattled his arm, pain shooting through his muscles—but he clenched his teeth and held firm. Beside him, Lisa's voice rang out, sharp and steady.
"Well done, Leon! Do not falter!"
That single shout was enough. Strength returned to him, and he met the next blow without fear. With each clash, he grew surer, learning the rhythm of battle one heartbeat at a time.
One by one, the beasts fell beneath Lisa's blade. Her soldiers, emboldened, shielded the people and drove the enemy back. Leon fought shoulder to shoulder with them, step by step transforming from a nameless recruit into a warrior.
At last, the creatures lay slain, their cries silenced. The stadium steadied; the crowd was safe. Soldiers lowered their shields, exhaling ragged breaths of relief.
For Leon, this day was no mere Olympic spectacle. It was his first taste of real battle—proof that he was stronger than he had ever believed.
Lisa looked upon her men, pride glinting in her eyes. "You fought well today. Your courage is Elysium's pride." With a nod, she dismissed them, but her words lingered like steel etched into their hearts.
Leon gripped his shield tighter, his resolve unshaken. This was the day he carved into himself a vow: one day, he would stand as strong and unyielding as Lisa herself.