Chapter 3: The Rise of the Lone Sword

The sound of clashing steel echoed in the quiet halls of Solvance Castle as Eirik Solvaris gripped the hilt of his sword with renewed determination. The sword was heavier than he remembered, and the room, small and bare, felt oppressive. But this was his reality now—no more grand halls, no more luxuries. Solvance Castle, once a symbol of his disgrace, had become his arena for growth.

Each morning, he practiced in secret, away from the watchful eyes of the family. He wasn't foolish enough to believe that his training could be hidden forever, but for now, he would work in silence. The breathing technique his previous self had mastered was the key to unlocking his true potential. With each deep inhale and exhale, he felt the ancient knowledge flow back to him—like a river returning to its course.

"Eirik," a voice called, breaking his concentration. It was Dorian, the castle commander, standing at the entrance, his arms crossed. The seasoned swordsman's presence was imposing, and despite the years of separation, Eirik felt a flicker of resentment. Dorian had always been one of those who viewed him as weak, unworthy of his family's name.

"What is it?" Eirik asked, his voice flat.

"I see you've been training," Dorian replied, stepping inside. His sharp gaze lingered on the sword in Eirik's hand. "Don't mistake my silence for approval. You know that in this castle, only the strong survive."

Eirik's grip tightened around the sword's hilt. He knew all too well what Dorian was implying. But he also knew that he would prove them wrong. "I'm not like I was before. I'll be the strongest."

Dorian raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "You'll need more than words, boy. It takes more than just breath and steel to win battles. But I'll give you this much—your form has improved. Keep at it, but remember, this castle is a testing ground, not a place for idle training."

With that, Dorian turned and walked out, leaving Eirik alone again. He felt the weight of his words settle on his shoulders, but there was something more in Dorian's tone—something that hinted at approval. Eirik knew the commander didn't offer praise lightly.

As the day wore on, the training continued. Eirik spent hours refining the techniques, his muscles screaming in protest with every movement. The breath technique was proving difficult to master. The ancient art, once second nature to him in his previous life, now felt foreign and exhausting. But he pressed on. Every strike was a reminder of his past—of the wars, the endless battles, the feeling of invincibility that had once defined him. He was determined to reclaim that power, to rise above the shame of his current situation.

The hours turned into days, and Eirik's determination never wavered. He had no one to rely on now, no empire to command. But he would forge his own path. He would become the strongest swordsman, not as the emperor he once was, but as Eirik Solvaris, the son of a family that had long forgotten him.

Weeks passed, and Eirik's progress was undeniable. His movements were sharper, more controlled, and his stamina had increased exponentially. But he knew it wasn't enough. Every day, he felt the weight of the Solvaris name pressing down on him, a constant reminder of the family he could never quite live up to. He needed to be more than just a shadow.

One evening, after an exhausting training session, Eirik found himself walking through the castle halls, lost in thought. The familiar sound of footsteps echoed behind him, and before he could turn, a voice called out.

"Eirik."

He didn't need to look to know who it was. Renna's voice had a way of cutting through the tension in his chest, the way only a sister's voice could.

"I brought you some food," she said softly, holding out a small tray with bread and cheese.

"Thanks," Eirik muttered, taking the tray from her. He looked at her for a moment, noting the exhaustion in her eyes. Unlike him, Renna had never been cast aside. She was the star of the Solvaris family, the warrior who had spent years training in the forests, battling demons and sharpening her skills. But still, she made time for him, despite the distance that had grown between them over the years.

"You've been training hard," she said, her voice filled with both concern and pride. "I can see the improvement."

Eirik nodded, but there was something in her eyes that made him pause. "I won't fail them. I won't fail you."

Renna smiled softly, her gaze softening. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Eirik. You've always been strong. But you've also always been alone. I don't want that for you."

Eirik's heart skipped a beat, and he looked away, ashamed. She didn't know what it felt like to be abandoned by everyone, even those who should have cared the most. But he couldn't tell her that. Not now.

"I'm fine," he said, his voice steady. "I'll be ready."

Renna studied him for a moment before nodding, her expression unreadable. "Just remember, you don't have to be alone in this."

As she turned to leave, Eirik felt a warmth in his chest. It was fleeting, but it was enough. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of something more than just his drive for power. He felt a connection, one he hadn't realized he was missing.

Later that night, in the solitude of his room, Eirik continued his training, the sword in his hand becoming an extension of his body. He practiced his breathing technique again, deeper, stronger. His mind focused solely on the task at hand, pushing himself further than ever before.

I will be the strongest, he thought, his resolve hardening. No longer will I be weak, no longer will I be abandoned. I will rise above it all—alone, but not alone.

The days stretched into weeks, and with each passing day, Eirik's strength grew. He was no longer the boy who had been cast away to Solvance Castle. He was becoming something more. A swordsman. A warrior. The future of the Solvaris name.

And with that future, he would reclaim everything that had been lost. The past, the power, the connection.

But more than that, he would never again walk alone.