When Seiko heard this, he accepted without question.
But something was missing. Mages and Sacred Knights usually wielded weapons. These weapons varied from person to person, but the most commonly preferred was the sword. Seiko and Kant were no different; both used swords.
Kant spoke first:Kant: "You'll need a weapon. Normally, beginners are given an old sword, a scythe, or a dagger… but—"
Seiko cut him off.Seiko: "I want a Sacred Sword! I won't use any other weapon until I get my Sacred Sword. If I have to, I'll fight with my hands!"
Kant raised an eyebrow, then smiled slightly.Kant: "Normally, one cannot obtain a Sacred Sword without becoming a Sacred Knight. The penalty is even death. But I will make an exception for you. I have one Sacred Sword. Don't ask where I got it… and don't show it to anyone until you become a Sacred Knight. This will remain a secret between us."
Seiko:(excitedly) "Thank you, Mr. Kant!"
Kant handed him a black glove and drew out the Sacred Sword.
But Seiko's expression instantly changed. Disappointment crossed his face—it was matte and colorless.
Noticing this, Kant quickly explained:Kant: "Sacred Swords choose their first wielder. The sword's color changes according to the purity of its owner's soul. The purer the soul, the brighter and lighter the sword becomes. But if the soul is corrupted, the sword darkens… and grows heavier. Eventually, it becomes too heavy to carry."
Seiko: "I read it in a book. No matter how dark or heavy the sword becomes… if the user's soul power is strong enough, they can make that weight feel light, just for themselves."
Kant nodded.Kant: "Correct… but that is almost impossible."
After a brief silence, the two walked toward the empty arena beneath the school.
Curiosity filled Seiko's mind. The place was silent… too silent.
Seiko: "There's no instructor here. So who will watch our fight? How will we prove it?"
Kant:(smiling) "Don't worry. I used to be with the Holy Union. They trust me."
Kant handed Seiko a sword and its scabbard.
The moment Seiko held the sword, it suddenly shone. A dazzling light filled the arena.
Seiko gasped in surprise, realizing how light the sword was.
Kant:(smiling) "Just as I thought…"
Seiko took a deep breath.Seiko: "I'm ready."
Kant bowed slightly, accepting the challenge, and drew his own sword.
For a moment, Seiko froze.
Kant's sword was nothing but an old, shattered heap of metal.
Seiko:(astonished) "What is this, Mr. Kant?"
Kant:(laughing) "Don't judge a book by its cover, Seiko. Like this sword… no matter how old it is, it has a history. And believe me, this sword is more than enough for you."
Without waiting for Kant to finish speaking, Seiko lunged forward.
Seiko: "Here I come!"