Part 4 – Journey to the Ancient Sword

Kaelan and Lyra walked with a steadier pace, though the tension still hung heavily in the air. The Cursed City seemed even emptier now, as if the entire world had been trapped in a halted time. Along their path, many places showed signs of destruction, ruins of towering buildings that seemed to serve as monuments of a forgotten past. But as they ventured deeper, the atmosphere began to change.

"You mean... we're going to meet the ancient sword master?" Kaelan asked, walking along the stone road that seemed long abandoned by anyone.

Lyra walked beside him, her eyes fixed far ahead. "Yes, he's the only one who might be able to explain more about the crystal's power. He's known as the guardian of a sword that connects the power of fire with an ancient sacred sword that's existed since time immemorial."

"Does he know about the dragon we just encountered?" Kaelan asked, still thinking about what had just happened.

"It seems he knows quite a bit," Lyra answered, furrowing her brow. "His power is also immense. He might have dealt with that dragon before."

Kaelan looked at Lyra, feeling like there was something about her he didn't fully understand. "Why are you so sure about him?" he asked. "Do you know him?"

Lyra smiled faintly, but this time her smile seemed tinged with fatigue. "No, I don't know him personally. But there are many legends about this ancient sword master. Some say he's the guardian who protects the world from threats greater than we can imagine."

Kaelan snorted softly, still unconvinced. "So, we're just following a legend, hoping to find someone who can explain all of this?"

"Sometimes, legends are the only clues we have," Lyra replied, her voice full of conviction. "We can't just hope for direct answers. This journey will reveal many things, Kaelan. Sometimes, we have to believe in things we don't understand."

Kaelan walked in silence, pondering Lyra's words. He sensed there was tension within her that he couldn't quite grasp. It wasn't uncommon for him to see Lyra appearing tied to her past, though she hadn't revealed much about herself.

They arrived at an intersection surrounded by thick shrubs. At the end of the path stood a small, long-forgotten temple, surrounded by weathered stone statues that were barely recognizable.

"This is it," Lyra said, stopping in her tracks. "It's here."

Kaelan stared at the temple with curiosity. "So, this is where the sword master lives?"

Lyra nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "This place is the gateway to the sacred space where he meditates. Only those with the power to control the ancient sword can enter."

Kaelan stepped forward, his gaze inspecting. "So, how do we get in? Is there some kind of test or something?"

Lyra smiled faintly, a hint of humor reflected in her expression. "Don't worry, Kaelan. You're strong enough to gain entry."

Kaelan frowned. "What do you mean?"

Lyra stepped forward and stood before the sealed temple door. "The crystal's power is a sign that you've been chosen. Now, you just need to open this door. Try to feel it."

Kaelan hesitated, his eyes fixed on the sturdy stone door. Taking a deep breath, he tried to channel his blue fire power through his body, directing it to his outstretched hand. Moments later, a bright blue light wrapped around his hand, and suddenly, the door began to tremble.

"What...?" Kaelan gasped, watching the blue energy flow from his hand and merge with the door. In an instant, the door opened with a loud creak.

Lyra nodded in satisfaction. "Just as I said, you've been chosen, Kaelan."

Kaelan stepped forward, still in disbelief at what had just happened. "How was that so easy?"

Lyra glanced at him. "The crystal's power connects you to the ancient sword. Your power is no longer just yours. It's your destiny."

With steady steps, they entered the dark temple. The air inside felt heavy, and the atmosphere was thick with an indescribable magical aura. A large altar stood in the center of the room, and atop it lay a glowing sword surrounded by a soft blue aura.

"That sword... is that the one?" Kaelan asked, his eyes fixed on the sword that seemed so majestic.

Lyra nodded and walked closer. "Yes, that's it. But remember, this sword isn't for everyone. Only those with great courage and determination can wield it."

Kaelan approached, feeling a powerful urge to touch the sword. But before he could take another step, a deep voice echoed from the darkness.

"Who dares disturb this sacred place?" The voice reverberated, seeming to come from every corner of the room.

Kaelan turned, his eyes scanning the source of the voice. "What is that?"

Lyra's expression grew serious as she prepared herself. "We're not alone here. Be on your guard, Kaelan. There's a guardian protecting this sword."

Suddenly, a shadow moved swiftly from the temple's corner, and a figure emerged—a man holding a large sword, dressed in a faded black robe.

"If you wish to take the sword, you must prove you're worthy," the man said, his eyes glowing with both wisdom and threat.

Kaelan took a deep breath. "Are we going to fight?"

The man smiled faintly, his eyes filled with both wisdom and threat. "You have no choice."

Lyra looked at Kaelan. "Are you ready?"

Kaelan stared at the glowing sword and nodded. "I'm ready."

And with that, the decisive battle began.

---

The atmosphere inside the temple grew more tense. Kaelan focused his mind, feeling the crystal's power connecting to his body, sending a surge of energy through him. The glowing sword ahead seemed to beckon, as if it were calling to be claimed. However, the guardian who had suddenly appeared clearly would not allow that to happen without a fight.

The man in the black robe held his sword firmly, his gaze filled with threat. "You will not take that sword so easily, young one. To wield it, you must defeat the first guardian."

Kaelan frowned, eyeing the man. "First guardian?"

"Correct," the guardian replied, adding more pressure to his voice. "I am the tester. I will test whether you have enough strength, resolve, and courage to master this sword."

Lyra stepped a little closer, approaching Kaelan with a serious expression. "Kaelan, be careful. The guardian's power is not ordinary. I can feel it, he's far stronger than we thought."

Kaelan nodded, feeling the energy within him flow through the blue crystal embedded in his body. He knew this was the moment to test his strength. With full confidence, he decided not to back down. "I'll try."

The guardian sneered, and with a quick, almost invisible movement, he lunged forward and attacked Kaelan with his massive sword. The blade glowed with a dark light, emitting a loud screech as it cut through the air.

Kaelan quickly jumped to the side, dodging the first strike that came at incredible speed. However, he couldn't avoid the second strike, which came even faster. "You need to be faster!" the guardian's voice mocked.

Kaelan felt his adrenaline surge, and his battle instincts began to sharpen. With a swift motion, he concentrated the power of the blue crystal within his body. Blue fire began to envelop his arm, and without thinking, he launched a long-range fire attack in the form of a fireball toward the guardian.

The guardian grinned and calmly raised his sword, easily deflecting the fireball. "Fire power? That's just the beginning. You need to do more than that." He immediately swung his sword with incredible speed, creating a wave of dark energy that shot toward Kaelan.

Kaelan leapt upwards to avoid the wave of energy, but the guardian had already predicted his movement. Before Kaelan could land, the guardian appeared above him, his sword ready to strike.

"Kaelan, watch out!" Lyra shouted, but it was too late. Kaelan felt the sword approaching at an alarming speed. Without hesitation, he activated his blue fire power even more, and suddenly, his body glowed with a brilliant blue light.

**God's Step.**

In an instant, Kaelan leapt with unimaginable speed, surpassing the guardian, who now stood stunned at the sheer speed. Kaelan landed on the ground, quickly turning around to face the now-surprised guardian.

"This is just the beginning," Kaelan said, his eyes full of determination.

The guardian fell silent for a moment, then chuckled. "You're interesting, young one. But to defeat me, you must master more than just speed."

Without giving Kaelan a chance to respond, the guardian lunged at him with incredible speed again. His dark sword gleamed, and in the blink of an eye, he was before Kaelan, delivering a powerful strike.

Kaelan gathered all the power within him, channeling the blue fire energy into his sword. With blazing determination, he met the guardian's sword, and when their blades collided, a massive explosion of energy occurred.

The blue fire that flowed through Kaelan wrapped around his sword, creating an intense aura of fire. With immense power, Kaelan successfully parried the guardian's strike, even knocking him back several steps.

But the guardian didn't stop. He swung his sword again with unbelievable speed. "Now you're beginning to understand. This is the true test. This fight isn't just about power. It's about control."

Kaelan gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his balance as fatigue began to set in. "I will defeat you, guardian. To claim this sword!"

Lyra watched the battle with anxiety. "Kaelan, don't rush! Control is the key to defeating him!"

Kaelan nodded in his heart, trying to steady his breath and calm his mind. He knew this wasn't just a physical test, but a mental one as well. In this battle, if he couldn't control his blue fire power, he would never be able to master the sword.

With the calmness beginning to return, Kaelan focused all his strength. The blue fire that enveloped his body now felt more stable, and his sword glowed brighter. With one precise motion, he launched a counterattack so coordinated that he fused the blue fire with his sword in one tremendous thrust.

When their swords clashed again, this time, Kaelan managed to overpower the guardian's sword with full force. An explosion of energy erupted, and in an instant, the guardian was sent stumbling backward, shaken.

Kaelan stood, panting. "Did I... defeat you?"

The guardian smiled, breathing heavily. "You passed. You are worthy to wield this sword. But your journey is far from over, Kaelan. Never underestimate what is yet to come."

The sword then slowly levitated, lifting off the altar. With a slow motion, it flew toward Kaelan, as if choosing him as its new master.

Kaelan extended his hand, cautiously receiving the glowing sword, feeling it bond with him. "I'm ready."

Lyra approached, smiling proudly. "You did it."

Kaelan gazed at the sword with renewed determination. "This is just the beginning."

And with that, they stepped out of the temple, ready to face the greater challenges ahead.