The Swordsman and the Songbird

The steady whoosh of a blade slicing through the air cut through the stillness of dawn. The Forest of Veilshade, located in the outskirts of Ashenbrook Village, was quiet—except for the rhythmic swipes and the occasional crunch of boots shifting on packed dirt. The sky was a soft blend of amber and crimson, the kind of morning that made everything feel slow and peaceful. But for Lucian, peace had no place in his routine.

He moved with precision. Every strike controlled, each step measured. His muscles tensed and relaxed in perfect rhythm, his grip firm yet effortless on the hilt of his blade. Sweat clung to his skin, yet his breathing remained steady and disciplined.

A soft humming drifted through the trees.

The scent of freshly baked bread mixed with the crisp morning air as Elysia made her way along the winding dirt paths. A small basket swung in her hands, her footsteps light, barely making a sound against the forest floor.

She already knew where to find him. As she stepped past the dense foliage, the distant clang of metal echoed through the trees. A knowing smile tugged at her lips.

"There you are, brother," she murmured, tilting her head as she caught sight of him.

Lucian halted his training and silently cleaned his blade. The golden sunlight caught the sheen of sweat on his arms, highlighting the powerful muscles built from years of discipline.

"Oh, it's you again. Do you always have to interrupt my training?"

Before she could answer, Lucian moved in a blur, snatching the basket from her hands in one swift motion.

"H-Hey!"

But he was already chewing.The crisp crust gave way to a warm, soft inside, melting in his mouth.

"Oh my gods! These are amazing! Do you enchant them with magic before cooking?" he said, his voice muffled as he stuffed another piece of bread into his mouth.

Elysia pouted. "At this rate, I might stop cooking for you!"

Lucian froze mid-bite. "Wait, what?!" Lucian blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, realizing his mistake, he quickly shoved another piece of bread into his mouth, as if that would save him.

"What kind of brother doesn't even ask if his loving sister—who cooks for him—has eaten yet? And then just devours everything like it's all his!"

Lucian let out a chuckle, holding up the basket in surrender. "Alright, alright, my bad. Here, let's share."

A wide grin spread across Elysia's face as she grabbed a piece and plopped down onto a large rock beside him. They sat together, enjoying the quiet morning, the warmth of fresh bread, and a rare moment of peace.

Elysia's smile faded slightly as she watched the sweat on his brow and the exhaustion in his eyes.

"Lucian... at this rate, you might exhaust yourself before the entrance exams. Why don't you leave some work to me? I can help too," she said, concern lacing her voice.

Lucian swallowed his bite and sighed, his expression softening just a little.

"And what about you?" he asked, looking at her seriously. "The entrance exams isn't just for me. You need to prepare too, Elysia. You've worked so hard for this—I won't let my training become an excuse for you to hold back."

Elysia blinked, then pouted again. "Ugh, you sound just like an old man when you talk like that!"

Lucian chuckled, shaking his head. "Says the one lecturing me first."

Elysia huffed but smiled as they continued eating, the warmth of the morning contrasting with the weight of the future that awaited them both.

With the basket now empty, Lucian stretched his arms and cracked his neck, feeling the last remnants of fatigue from his training fade away.

"Alright, let's go," he said, slinging the basket over his shoulder.

Elysia skipped ahead on the narrow forest path, humming a soft tune as sunlight filtered through the trees. Her movements were light, almost dancing, as if the world around her held no weight.

Lucian glanced at her, his usual stoic expression softening for a moment. It was a sight he had grown used to—Elysia's carefree nature always contrasting with his own.

But then, he sighed. "Enough humming. Go straight home and study."

Elysia stopped mid-step, turning around with a dramatic pout.

"Ughh, whyyy? I literally got you breakfast. Shouldn't that earn me, I don't know... at least five minutes of free time?" she whined, crossing her arms.

"You also have the Entrance exams coming up. No excuses." Lucian's voice was firm, but not unkind.

Elysia puffed her cheeks. "You're such a slave driver, Lucian!"

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "And yet you still listen to me."

Elysia grumbled but eventually sighed in defeat. "Fine, fine. But don't overwork yourself, alright?"

"I should be the one telling you that," Lucian muttered, shaking his head.

Elysia gave him a playful wave before jogging ahead toward the village, her humming returning as she disappeared down the road.

Lucian watched until she was out of sight before exhaling softly, his gaze shifting toward the distant rooftops of Ashenbrook.

"Time to get to work."

With that, he turned toward the village, heading for the restaurant where another long day awaited him.

But then—a scream.

It was distant but sharp, cutting through the peaceful morning like a blade. Lucian's body tensed, his instincts kicking in before his mind could process the sound. His hand automatically reached for the hilt of his sword.

He narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze scanning the direction of the cry. It had come from the forest's edge, near the outer fields—too close to the village for comfort.

Something was wrong.

Without hesitation, he dashed toward the source of the scream, his heartbeat steady, his movements swift. Who was in danger? And what was waiting for him ahead?