Chapter 1: The Swordsman

As the training session started, Ronald decided to shake things up by rearranging the teams, aiming to provide the students with a more diverse and challenging experience. Max found himself paired with a mysterious boy with long brown hair that covered his eyes. Undeterred, Max extended a friendly introduction, prompting a sharp yet enigmatic reply from the boy: "Kamui."

Before the match commenced, Max pulled Pip aside for a quick chat, advising him not to give Sir Ronald too much trouble during their training session. 

Max: Hey, Pip, come here for a sec.

Pip (nervously approaches): Y-yeah, Max?

Max (placing a hand on Pip's shoulder): Listen, buddy, when we're training with Sir Ronald, try not to give him too much trouble, okay? Just do your best and follow his instructions.

Pip (nods vigorously): O-of course, Max! I'll try my best, I promise!

Max (smiling warmly): That's all I ask, Pip. And if you need anything, just let me or Sir Ronald know, alright?

Pip (says with a grateful smile): Okay Max, thanks.

Ronald (walks over with a grin): Planning your strategy, Max?

Max (chuckles): Something like that, Sir Ronald. Just making sure Pip here doesn't cause you too much trouble.

Ronald (laughs): Ah, don't worry about that. I can handle a little trouble. Besides, it's all part of the training!

Max (grateful nod): Thanks for looking out for him, Sir Ronald. Means a lot.

Ronald (patting Max's shoulder): No problem at all, Max. Now let's get this training session started, shall we?

Ronald (shouts to be audible): Alright, everyone, listen up! Today, we'll be using real swords for our training session.

Several students murmur in concern, exchanging worried glances.

Ronald (chuckling): Now, now, no need to worry. The magic circle below will instantly heal any wounds, so you're perfectly safe.

Some students still seem uncertain, but Ronald's assurance seems to calm them slightly.

Max (leaning over to his opponent) Hey, just so you know, I can go easy on you if you want. Don't want anyone getting hurt, right?

Kamui, who gives Max a determined look, simply smiles in response.

As Ronald's command echoes through the training ground, Kamui launches himself at Max with astonishing speed, catching Max off guard for a moment. With a swift block, Max manages to deflect Kamui's initial strike, but Kamui presses on relentlessly. Each of his attacks carried an increasing force, surprising Max with his sheer power.

Struggling to keep up, Max counterattacks, but Kamui's relentless assault leaves him struggling to find an opening. Before he knows it, Kamui gains the upper hand, driving Max to the ground and pinning him with his sword at Max's throat, leaving him in a vulnerable position. Although embarrassed, Max smiles at the face of his opponent, acknowledging his defeat.

As Ronald halts the match, Kamui withdraws without a word, leaving Max to rise from the ground with Pip rushing to his side. With concern etched on his face, Pip checks on Max's well-being, Max assures Pip that he is alright and hugs him.

Once the training session concludes, Avery joins Max and Pip.

Avery (to Pip): Hey there, little buddy! How's my favorite apprentice swordsman doing today?

Pip (giggles): I'm okay, sis. 

Saying this Avery notices a hint of sadness on Pip's face; sensing that it may be because of earlier she says

Avery (ruffles Pip's hair): Don't worry, kiddo. Max will be back in action before you know it.

Pip (brightening up): Yeah, you're right! He's the best!

Avery (smiling): That's the spirit! Hey, I brought you some bread. I know it's your favorite.

Pip (excitedly takes the bread): Thanks a lot, sis!

Avery (turns to Max with a concerned expression): Hey, Max. You sure you're okay after that match? You looked pretty shaken up there.

Max (grinning): I'm fine, Avery. Just a little reminder that I need to recruit someone.

Avery (confused): Recruit someone? Who are you talking about?

Max (mysteriously): You'll see. Trust me, it's going to be interesting.

Avery (raising an eyebrow): Interesting, huh? Well, I'll trust you on that, Max. Just don't go getting yourself into trouble, okay?

Max (chuckles): Trouble? Me? Never!

As night falls, Max secretly leaves for the Rusty Mug, upon his arrival he is greeted by Lucas, the youngest son of Uncle Joe; surprised to see him awake this late Max begins to talk to him

Max: Hey there, little buddy! What are you doing up so late?

Lucas (excitedly): Max! I couldn't sleep. I was hoping you'd come by!

Max (laughs): Well, here I am! What's on your mind?

Lucas (grinning): I heard some stories about your adventures! They're so cool!

Max (ruffling his hair): Ah, just a few tales here and there. But hey, speaking of adventures, where's your dad?

Lucas (proudly): Oh, he went out to meet with a noble for some important business stuff. He said he'll be back soon.

Max (nods): Got it. Well, how about I help you get some sleep then?

Lucas (yawns): Okay, Max.

Max (tucks him into bed): There you go. Sweet dreams, kiddo.

Lucas (already half asleep): Thanks, Max.

Max (smiling fondly): Anytime, little buddy.

After ensuring that Lucas is fast asleep, Max quietly makes his way to the counter. He takes a box filled with bottles of dwarven wine and leaves a small pouch of silver coins as payment before slipping out into the night.

As Max lounged by the peaceful lake, drowning in memories, he saw some shadows combining and forming an eerie silhouette. "Care for a drink?" Max offered.

The shadows remained silent, their presence unsettling. "Guess I'll need more bottles," Max chuckled nervously, attempting to diffuse the tension.

Before Max's jest could settle, blades sliced through the air, scattering the shadows. With relief flooding his senses, Max turned to his rescuer. "Thanks for the save," he quipped, extending a hand in gratitude.

Kamui, his expression incomprehensible, merely nodded in acknowledgment. As Max invited him for a drink, Kamui's gaze lingered briefly before he disappeared into the night, leaving Max alone with his wine.

Max takes another large gulp of wine before a phantom materializes before him; It's the ghost of his father.

Max: How long are you planning on just staring, huh?

Ghost: ...

Max: Nothing to say, huh? Typical. You were never there when I needed you. Not in life, not in death.

The ghost remains silent.

Max: You sacrificed everything for your 'noble cause', but what about me? What about your family?

Ghost: ...

Max: That's right, nothing to say. Just like always.

The spirit lingers for a moment longer before fading away, leaving Max alone with his thoughts and his wine.

Avery steps out from the shadows, watching Max silently as she thinks he is monologing; Avery does not see the ghost. After the spirit fades away, she approaches him and offers a hand, urging him to get up.

Avery: Max, you can't just sit here alone. What's going on?

Max (gazes into the empty space where the ghost had been): Nothing you need to worry about, Avery. Just some... old memories.

Avery (firmly) You don't have to deal with them alone. Let me help.

Max (shaking his head in disapproval): This isn't something you can help with, Avery. Trust me.

Avery (insistent) I'm not leaving you here to deal with it by yourself. We're friends, remember?

Max (sighs, looking away) Yeah, I remember. But this... It's complicated.

Avery (placing a hand on his shoulder): Complicated or not, you don't have to face it alone. Let me be here for you.

Max (meeting her gaze): You really don't give up, do you?

Avery (smirking): Not when it comes to my friends.

Max (reaching for the bottle and pouring two glasses): Here, Avery. This should warm you up.

Avery takes the glass eagerly, her eyes bright with excitement. She takes a sip, then another, the taste of the strong liquor catching her off guard. Max watches with amusement as her expression changes from delight to surprise.

Avery (coughing slightly) Wow, that's... potent.

Max (chuckling): Told you it was strong. Pace yourself, or you'll regret it in the morning.

Avery nods, determination in her eyes as she takes another sip, trying to match Max's pace. But before long, the alcohol starts to take effect, and she's giggling uncontrollably, her cheeks flushed.

Avery (hiccuping between giggles): Maxie... you're... you're like a... like a mischievous... hic... puppy... hehe... but with... with better hair... she leans closer to him, almost toppling over, before hiccuping again.

Max laughs, enjoying the lighthearted moment as he watches Avery's antics. Despite the cold night air, he feels warm and content, grateful for the company of his friend.

Max: raising his glass "To unexpected adventures and drunken confessions."

Avery raises her glass in response, a playful glint in her eyes, before taking another sip and then another. Eventually, the alcohol proves too much for her, and she leans back against Max, her eyelids growing heavy.

Max (smiling fondly): Looks like someone can't handle their liquor.

He carefully adjusts her position, making sure she's comfortable, before leaning back against the tree, his expression softening as he gazes at her sleeping form.

Max (murmuring to himself): You're really cute when you're drunk.

Avery (giggling drunkenly): Maxiee... you're like... like a... a... fox... sly and... and sneaky... but... but fluffy too... hehe... hic!; she buries her face in his lap, her words muffled.

Max (chuckling softly): Fluffy fox, huh? I'll take it. Now get some rest, okay?