CHAPTER 03: BIRTHDAY

After that training session, once the adrenaline wore off, I realized my body was covered in sword wounds, and fatigue weighed heavily on me.

Thankfully, my mom treated my injuries with her healing magic. I had always known she had this ability, but I didn't expect it to be so effective—my wounds were healed, and even my exhaustion vanished.

Afterward, we had dinner together as a family. Sharing a meal with my mom, dad, and little sister was wonderful, though I missed my older sister. I hadn't seen her since I gained my ability to see.

When I asked my parents about her, they told me she was already at the academy. I figured I shouldn't worry too much; I should just enjoy this time with my family.

***

A week later, it's my birthday—today, the 22nd day of Capricorn, and I'm turning nine!

And, of course, my father has scheduled another training session.

I really hope we're not using real swords. I'd rather not risk my life on my birthday!

"Yuu! What's taking you so long?!" my father shouted from the garden.

"I'm coming!" I called back, wanting to savor what could be my last day alive. I dashed from my room to the garden.

As soon as my feet touched the grass, I felt a mix of excitement and dread.

"Finally!" he exclaimed. "Your sword!" He tossed my sheathed sword to me. "You're nine now, and it's time to prepare for the academy. They'll teach you about the world and magic, but not how to use a sword just yet. There, you'll meet all kinds of people, so you need to be ready. Take a stance!"

I could sense his worry beneath the commanding tone, but I wished he could be a little gentler...

I readied myself for the fight. My father was strategic, always thinking a few moves ahead, and I had to keep up.

"Remember, Yuu, a good fighter adapts! Use your surroundings to your advantage!" he advised, his voice steady but intense.

"Got it, Dad!" I responded, trying to mask my nerves as I focused on the upcoming duel.

The battle began, and I quickly realized I'd have to be just as tactical as he was.

I unsheathed my sword, feeling its familiar weight in my hand. The cool metal sent a shiver of anticipation through me. My father, always the strategist, stood across from me with his own blade drawn, his stance firm and his eyes sharp. I could see the glint of determination mixed with concern in his gaze.

"Remember, Yuu," he said, adjusting his grip. "It's not just about strength. Anticipate my movements. Think two steps ahead."

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. As I settled into my stance, I recalled the lessons he'd taught me. Every battle was a game of chess, and every move counted. I focused on my father, watching for any subtle shifts that might indicate his next attack.

"Ready?" he called out, his voice a blend of excitement and challenge.

"Ready!" I replied, my heart racing.

With a swift motion, he lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air toward me. I sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike, and quickly countered with a thrust aimed at his side. He anticipated my move and twisted his body, deflecting my blade with a graceful sweep of his own.

"Good, but too predictable!" he said, using my momentum against me. He spun around, bringing his sword down in a powerful arc. I barely managed to roll away, the force of his strike sending a tremor through the ground where I'd just stood.

"You have to think outside the box, Yuu! Try something unexpected!" he encouraged, circling me like a hawk eyeing its prey.

I took a moment to regroup, analyzing his movements. He was always ten steps ahead, waiting for me to make a mistake. I needed to change my approach. Instead of engaging directly, I decided to create an opening.

With a quick feint to the left, I drew his attention away, then dashed to the right, using the garden's layout to my advantage. I ducked behind a large tree, catching my breath and gathering my thoughts.

"Where did you go?" he called out, feigning confusion. "Hiding won't help you!"

I grinned, feeling the thrill of strategy coursing through me. I knew he was trying to bait me. I peeked around the tree, watching him closely. He shifted, his body tense, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

"Now!" I thought, breaking into a sprint. I charged at him, using the element of surprise. Just as he turned to meet me, I executed a low swipe aimed at his legs, hoping to trip him up.

He leapt back, narrowly avoiding the blow, but I followed up with a series of quick strikes. My father, surprisingly agile, parried each one, his smile growing wider with each clash of our blades.

"That's it, Yuu! You're starting to think more tactically!" he praised, but his eyes glimmered with a hint of challenge. "But can you keep up the pace?"

I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I engaged him in a flurry of movement. Each time he attacked, I learned to read his patterns, predicting his next move. I sidestepped one of his slashes and retaliated with a swift upward strike, catching him off guard.

"Nice one!" he laughed, his tone lightening. "But don't get too cocky!"

Before I could react, he pivoted on his heel, launching into a spinning kick that knocked me off balance. I stumbled back but quickly regained my footing, ready to continue.

"Okay, Yuu," he said, his tone serious again. "Let's see how well you can adapt to changing situations. Keep your mind sharp!"

With renewed determination, I nodded, focusing on my breathing and my surroundings. I had to find a way to outmaneuver him. He was strong, but I had something he didn't: the element of unpredictability.

I suddenly dashed to the left, then to the right, feigning a retreat. As expected, he took the bait and lunged forward. Timing my movements carefully, I ducked under his sword and rolled to the side, coming up behind him. With a quick thrust, I aimed for his back, but he was ready.

"Good attempt, but not today!" he grinned, spinning to block my attack, our blades crashing together once more.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" he said, his excitement infectious. "You're making me work for this!"

Breathing heavily, I felt a surge of confidence. I couldn't let up now. As we continued our dance of blades, I remembered my mother's healing magic. The strength of family was with me. If I could make it through this, I'd be ready for whatever the academy threw my way.

"Come on, Yuu! Show me what you've got!" My father's voice rang out, fueling my resolve.

I took a moment to center myself, then pushed forward with a renewed strategy. It was my birthday, after all. I wasn't going to let this day be just about training. It would be a celebration of my growth, my family, and the exciting future ahead.

***

"Hah, hah, hah!" I sat on the ground, gasping for air. My body was drenched with sweat and blood.

I couldn't even touch him.

"Hahaha! You're getting stronger and stronger every single time, Yuu! I'm proud of you!" he said with a smile.

Even if I couldn't win, at least I could make him proud; that much was enough for me.

I stood up and took off my drenched shirt. "It's full of cuts again, huh?" I muttered to myself. My clothes were always full of cuts since the first time my father and I used real swords for training.

I looked around, searching for a proper place to sit.

"Big brother, you're so cool!" my little sister , Yuka, said.

"Yeah, thanks," I replied, still tired as I walked toward where she was sitting.

By the way, there's someone next to her...

A girl...?