Eriolth picked up a stick and tossed it toward Akirion. "Get that stick," he said, his tone firm. "You want to be a knight, don't you? Come on, it's time for your training. I'll teach you how to hold a sword, what to do, and more. Got it?"
Akirion responded in a low voice, "Yes."
Eriolth raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"Yes," Akirion repeated.
"Speak up," .
"YES!" Akirion exclaimed, raising his voice.
Eriolth nodded. "Good. Now, we start…"
"Wait, where is my sword and yours?" Akirion interrupted.
"You'll have to earn your sword," Eriolth said with a smile. "And as for me, I don't need it. Now, let's begin."
They moved to start the training.
Eriolth demonstrated how to hold a sword properly, guiding Akirion's hands. Then, he moved on to the next steps of combat training.
"Come on, Dad," Akirion challenged eagerly. "I know how to hold a sword. Let's get going. I want to fight you."
Eriolth chuckled. "Oooooo, that's odd. I'm being challenged by a five-year-old. Cute. Okay, attack me now."
Akirion ran forward, wielding his wooden stick as if it were a sword, aiming at his father. Eriolth moved swiftly to the side and gently struck Akirion's back.
"Ouch," Akirion said, rubbing his back.
"What happened, knight boy? Can't even touch my sword?" Eriolth teased.
"Grrr," Akirion growled. He stood up quickly and launched another strike, but he failed to land a hit on Eriolth's weapon.
"Don't rush," Eriolth advised. "Be calm and patient. Watch your opponent's movements carefully. Keep your eyes wide open. Got it?"
"Yes," Akirion replied, nodding.
"Now, come at me. And remember, don't expect just to land one hit. Aim for two or more. If you miss, expect to land a hit if I'm not attacking. But if I am, be prepared for danger. Understand?"
"Yes," Akirion said determinedly.
"Good. Now, come at me. Don't hold back."
Akirion charged forward, swinging his stick. Eriolth dodged easily, then countered with a quick strike that forced Akirion to retreat.
"Good," Eriolth praised. "That was brave. I was about to hit you, but your attack made me block instead. Listen, are you going to keep fighting, or do you want to stop?"
"Ahh, I'll listen," Akirion said, catching his breath.
"Alright. First, I want you to train your body. That means exercising—jogging, running, push-ups, squats, and more. Can you do that?"
"Yes," Akirion replied.
"Okay. Start by running four laps around the yard. After that, jog for ten minutes. Then, do the other exercises."
"Alright," Akirion agreed, but he only managed two laps before slowing down and walking.
Mirabel watched from a distance, frowning. "Are you trying to punish him?"
Eriolth shook his head. "No. That's his training. To be a knight, you have to work hard."
"Come on, he's only five," Mirabel said.
Eriolth nodded. "He wants to be a knight."
"He's young," Mirabel persisted.
"That's why this is early training—early childhood development," Eriolth explained.
"Really? But…"
"Alright, alright," Eriolth said, raising his hands. "I'll call him back."
He called out. "Akirion! We're done for today." The boy promptly collapsed onto his stomach, breathing heavily.
"Hah, hah," Akirion panted.
He continued this training for five years, driven by his dream to become a knight. Though still young, he had learned how to wield a sword. The years had passed quickly, and now, he was firmly training with his father.
During a combat training session, Eriolth watched proudly. "Wow, son. I'm proud of how much you've improved," he said as the two clashed with wooden sticks, their movements sharp and fierce.
"Thanks to you," Akirion replied, smiling. "I'm not scared to face you anymore. It's like I'm always a winner, even if I lose after this training."
Eriolth laughed. "Haha, obviously. Do you really think I'd be defeated by a ten-year-old?"
"One day, I'll win for sure. Even today," Akirion challenged boldly.
Eriolth scoffed. "Pfft, that's even stupid to say."
Gritting his teeth, Akirion launched a quick attack, trying to scratch his father. Eriolth dodged skillfully and countered, blocking the strike.
"You think you can win while leaving openings like that," Eriolth warned. "When you're rushing forward, don't put your sword in front of you. You'll miss, and even if you hit, your target might not break. That's why I told you to train at that tree for so long." He pointed to a sturdy tree in the yard that Akirion had been using for years.
"But I've been training there forever," Akirion protested.
"Don't worry," Eriolth said. "It's training, and you're learning. Nobody's perfect right away."
"So, how do I close all the openings in close combat?" Akirion asked, determined.
Eriolth hesitated. "…"
Meanwhile, Haruto was in a different conversation with Mika.
"Any good news?" Haruto asked. "It's been five years, and we still have no leads."
Mika shook her head. "Sorry, sir. We've identified some suspects, and we've started investigating them closely."
Haruto nodded slowly. "That's the good news. We started by saying we're here to protect them, but now, it seems they need to protect us. The monsters are lurking around, and I don't know where they came from."
"Calm down, sir," Mika advised. "We'll find them soon. When we do, we'll need to protect and train the children. Then, they will protect us in return."
Haruto sighed. "Yeah, that's the idea. Increase your efforts, Mika. We don't have much time. The Empire's army is mobilizing again to attack Elysia. We barely won last time—luck was on our side. I wonder where we'll find the strength to fight again."
Mika nodded. "Like I said, sir, stay calm. We'll get through this."
Haruto looked grim. "This won't end well. The monsters from the east, the Empire from the west—things are getting worse. I wonder what we're supposed to do."
Later that evening, Akirion enjoyed dinner with his parents before heading to bed. Eriolth looked troubled, lost in thought.
Mirabel noticed. "Hey, honey, are you alright?"
Eriolth hesitated. "…"
"Hello?"
"Mhhh," Eriolth murmured.
"Are you okay?" Mirabel asked again.
"Yes, I'm fine," Eriolth replied softly.
But she could tell something was bothering him. "You look worried."
He finally spoke. "Yeah, you could say that. Remember the monster threats?"
"Yes," Mirabel replied cautiously.
Eriolth's voice grew tense. "The eastern lands of Elysia are under attack. My son has yet to enjoy life, and now these things come to wipe everything out. On top of that, the Empire's army is gathering strength."
Her eyes widened in shock. "Really?"
He nodded grimly. "Yes. They want revenge."
---