The path to the mountains was steep and rocky. Kael climbed with steady steps, his satchel bouncing against his back. The food his mother packed gave him strength, but already the journey was harder than he imagined.
"Keep moving," Maverick said from his shoulder, tail flicking. "If you stop now, the mountain will eat you alive."
Kael gritted his teeth. His boots slipped on loose stones, his arms ached from climbing, but he pushed forward. Every step felt like a test.
By nightfall, the forest thickened. Strange cries echoed through the dark. Kael built a small fire, using dry branches Maverick pointed out. The flames gave him comfort, though shadows still seemed to move between the trees.
"Is it always like this?" Kael asked.
Maverick smirked. "The wild does not care for knights or dukes. Only strength matters here. This is where you'll learn."
The next morning, Kael's first trial came. As he crossed a stream, the water suddenly splashed upward—
a huge boar, its tusks sharp and eyes glowing faintly red, charged at him.
Kael froze. His wooden sword shook in his hands.
"Move, boy!" Maverick shouted.
With a shout, Kael swung. The sword cracked against the beast's hide, barely scratching it. The boar rammed, throwing him to the ground. Pain shot through his ribs.
For a moment, fear nearly swallowed him whole. But then… he felt it. That warmth again, the spark his father spoke of, burning inside his chest. His hands glowed faintly red.
He gripped the sword tighter, stood, and when the boar charged again, he struck with all his strength. This time the blade hit true, glowing faintly with his spark. The beast fell, crashing into the stream with a heavy splash.
Kael stood panting, heart racing. "I… I did it."
Maverick leapt down, eyes gleaming. "Good. That was your life force guiding you. But you are only scratching the surface."
He sat on a rock and began to explain.
"All knights use life force. The weak waste it with anger, but the strong shape it. When trained, it becomes cultivation—a way to grow, to break limits. There are ranks among knights: Apprentice, Squire, Knight, High Knight, Paladin… and beyond."
Kael listened, eyes wide. "And… what about me?"
Maverick's tail swished. "You are different. You were born with a spark far greater than most. But that also means your road will be more dangerous."
Before Kael could ask more, the forest went silent. Even the birds stopped singing.
From the shadows of the trees, a faint figure appeared—tall, cloaked, face hidden. The air around it shimmered with strange power.
Kael froze. His spark flickered in his chest, stronger than ever.
The figure's voice was low, like a whisper carried by the wind.
"So… the Blood Knight takes his first steps. Let us see if he can survive the path that awaits."
And just as suddenly, the figure vanished.
Kael looked at Maverick, shaken. "What… was that?"
The cat's golden eyes narrowed. "A warning. Or a test. Either way… your real training has only just begun."
Kael tightened his grip on the sword, his heart pounding. He had left home to grow stronger—but now he realized the mountains held more than just beasts. They held secrets… and enemies already watching him.