Chapter 13: The Chosen First Sword

Scene 1: The Family Vault

Alistair stepped into the dimly lit chamber of the Agarest family vault, where ancient weapons lined the stone walls. Each blade carried a legacy, from legendary victories to the trials of his ancestors. His gaze moved across the neatly arranged swords, finally settling on three that stood out among the rest.

The first was Lucentblade, a gift from the Celestial Order, its blade glowing with a soft, golden light even in the shadows. It was a symbol of unwavering justice, awarded to his father for defending a village from invaders.

Next to it rested Morrigant, its dark steel edge reflecting a faint crimson hue. The weapon had once belonged to a notorious warlord, claimed by Alistair's father in a duel that became the stuff of legend. It represented the thin line between power and corruption.

But it was the third sword that drew Alistair's attention: Kurokaji, a dark katana forged in black flames by Gromdarn Ironheart, a legendary dwarf blacksmith. The blade shimmered with a fierce glow, exuding an aura of untamed power. His father had wielded it during the War in Agarest, but Alistair sensed that Kurokaji's true strength remained locked within.

After a moment of contemplation, he reached out, his hand closing around the hilt of Kurokaji. A surge of heat pulsed through him, as if the sword acknowledged his choice. With a determined expression, he turned and left the vault, ready to embrace the path this blade would lead him down.

Scene 2: A Father's Wisdom

Alistair found his father in the study, surrounded by maps and tactical diagrams. When the Duke saw the katana in his son's hand, a shadow of nostalgia crossed his features. He set aside his work, his gaze lingering on Kurokaji.

"So, you've chosen Kurokaji," the Duke said, his voice tinged with approval. "A blade that has witnessed both triumph and tragedy."

Alistair nodded. "I could feel its power, but there's more to it than just strength, isn't there?"

His father's expression softened, and he began to recount the blade's history. "Kurokaji was forged by Gromdarn Ironheart, known for crafting weapons that house untapped potential. This sword is no exception. It harnesses the power of black flames—an element that can both consume and protect. During the War in Agarest, Kurokaji was my second sword, a companion in battles that shaped the fate of our family."

He paused, looking directly at Alistair. "But this sword has yet to reveal its true strength. It will test you, challenge you. Only a worthy wielder can unlock its secrets. Are you ready to bear that responsibility?"

Alistair met his father's gaze with unwavering resolve. "I am. I'll make this sword my own, just as I'll carve out my path at the academy."

The Duke placed a hand on Alistair's shoulder. "Then go, and may Kurokaji guide you as it once guided me."

Scene 3: Testing the Blade

Before departing for the Imperial Academy, Alistair made his way to the training grounds, eager to test Kurokaji. He remembered the tales of his past life, where it was whispered that the sword was alive, choosing its master to unlock its true potential. To prove compatibility, one needed to offer a drop of blood—a bond forged in trust.

Alistair drew a small blade from his belt, pricking his finger to draw a bead of blood. He hesitated for a moment, then poured the crimson drop onto the hilt of Kurokaji. The moment it touched the steel, a warm pulse surged through the sword, and the air around him grew hotter, crackling with the latent power of black flames.

Unsheathing the katana, he felt its dark steel catch the morning light, resonating with an energy that seemed to awaken. He began with a simple slash, whispering the name of one of the blade's techniques: "Nightfall Slash." Black fire erupted from the blade, searing through the air and leaving a scorched line across the ground.

A smirk tugged at Alistair's lips. The sword was responding to him, as if it recognized his spirit. Eager to explore its capabilities, he tried another technique: "Void Flame Shift." His form blurred, leaving a trail of dark flames as he moved swiftly across the training grounds, the heat searing the air behind him.

He paused, focusing on the power that flowed through Kurokaji and into his body. The flames felt wild and unrestrained, yet he sensed a deeper connection waiting to be forged. Alistair knew he had only scratched the surface of Kurokaji's potential, but he was determined to master its power.

With a final look at the burning marks on the training grounds, he sheathed the sword, the bond between them solidified with each passing moment.

Scene 4: Departure

As he prepared to leave, Alistair's siblings gathered to bid him farewell. His younger sister Maria clung to him, her eyes filled with concern, while Hector offered a nod of support. Alistair took in their faces, committing them to memory.

He turned to his father one last time, bowing his head in respect. "I'll make sure the capital remembers the name Agarest."

The Duke nodded, pride shining in his eyes. "Make them see the strength of our family. And remember, the sword is only as strong as the one who wields it."

With that, Alistair climbed into the carriage, Kurokaji resting at his side. The road to the Imperial Academy awaited, and with it, the challenges that would shape his destiny.