Elijah slowly woke up from a deep, dark sleep, like a ship rising from the ocean depths. His mind was foggy and confused, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
It felt like he was floating in a vast, empty space with nothing but his own thoughts echoing around him. There were no stars or planets, just a sense of endless loneliness.
Despite the emptiness, Elijah felt a strange calmness, like a soothing balm for his troubled mind. His worries started to fade, replaced by the cold, silent embrace of the void, which felt oddly comforting.
Suddenly, the darkness was broken by a burst of golden light. It engulfed him, drawing him in like a moth to a flame.
With a jolt, Elijah's eyes snapped open, and he found himself lying on an altar bathed in a crimson glow. The ground was rough and gritty, sand sticking to his clothes and skin. He blinked, trying to make sense of where he was, but saw no one around.
"Did they leave?" Elijah murmured. He pushed himself up, feeling stiff as if he had been frozen for a long time. He noticed the dim glow on the horizon—it was nighttime.
A yawn escaped his lips as he stretched his muscles. "Did I sleep for 10 hours? But my body still feels strange," he said to himself. His stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger.
"Oh, I'm hungry," Elijah exclaimed, his eyes glowing. He began to walk towards the distant manor, driven by his hunger.
Later, Kai stood on the other side of a room with a large table full of food. At its center sat a young man with black hair and eyes, radiating a fearsome aura. "You're back... huh," Kai remarked.
Elijah didn't stop, eating the food quickly, some of it catching on his neck. Amy provided water as he continued eating. "I told the young master he slept for 4 days, and he said, 'I need meals for the 4 days I missed your cooking, so bring your A-game, Miss Amy,'" she chuckled.
"Really, he doesn't even consider that he nearly died," Amy said, noticing Elijah's carefree attitude. She handed him another glass of water and left to prepare more meals.
"Wait! How much is left?" Kai wondered, surprised by Elijah's appetite.
Amy chuckled, "Seriously, Elijah, what are you?"
Kai facepalmed. "Either way, I'll be leaving tomorrow," he announced with a complex expression. "Staying here isn't my preference, especially since you'll be meeting your master. I'm traveling to a planet called Nexis under the Dominic family's rule."
Elijah paused, "Okay, just call when you're coming back. Aren't you still looking for that guy?"
"Yeah, but meeting him now would only end in defeat. I'd rather improve my swordsmanship in the meantime," Kai replied.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted, "Elijah will be going with you."
Elijah, mouth full, asked, "What about my training and tasks?"
Ava smiled, "Your task is done, and training can wait. You need some time off, and you've always wanted to travel the galaxy. Seize the chance."
"Okay, hey Kai, call Julia and arrange the meeting point," Elijah said between bites.
"He's not even going to ask if she's free. He knows she'll shout for hours before agreeing," Kai sighed, a fond smile on his lips.
"Oh, before I forget," Ava said, tossing a gleaming sword towards Kai. Kai caught it, his eyes widening in astonishment as he traced the intricate patterns on the blade.
"It's one of the Kitetsu swords," he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief and excitement.
"That's why your dad fought for it. Crafted by the best blacksmiths in the galaxy, the Kitetsu swords are known for their unmatched sharpness and craftsmanship," Ava explained.
Kai's smile widened as he marveled at the sword. "But why is it considered cursed?" he asked.
"Just stay by his side. The world's unfair to those who walk alone," Ava said, her gaze shifting to Elijah, who had finished his plates. Amy cleared them away efficiently, while a sense of anticipation lingered in the air.
Elijah felt a mix of determination and uncertainty. His stomach still rumbled with hunger, but his attention was now fully on the sword in Kai's hands—a relic forged from the finest materials, its origins shrouded in mystery.
"He's a handful," Kai remarked, breaking the silence.
"I know," Ava agreed, her expression softening.
"But don't worry, I've pledged my loyalty. I am his sword, and he'll become the Overlord," Kai declared with resolve.
"Okay," Ava nodded, looking at Elijah with pride and concern. As their conversation faded into the night, the weight of destiny hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the uncertain future ahead.