The Path of the Sword

Oliver did some quick warm-ups in preparation for his training session. He stretched his arms and legs, then firmly grasped one of the training swords placed on the ground, ready to perform some katas he had practiced before. Oliver had always loved sword training; he saw it as his ticket to building a better life.

Feeling the cold wooden texture in his hands, Oliver took a deep breath and, with a swift horizontal motion, swung the wooden sword, cutting through the air. Then came another strike—his movements were smooth and fast as he executed several techniques with his sword.

Engrossed in his practice, Oliver didn't notice the person watching him until the sound of clapping interrupted from the entrance of the training room.

**"It seems you're improving, Oliver. My training hasn't gone to waste,"** said a sharp voice.

Oliver turned to see a man near the door.

The man appeared to be in his early thirties, with a light black beard and brown eyes.

**"Hello, Trainer Karl. You're a bit early,"** Oliver greeted.

**"Well, training time is approaching. I hope you haven't wasted all your energy already,"** Karl replied.

**"No, Trainer. I was just warming up a bit,"** Oliver responded.

**"So, the big test is coming up, isn't it?"** Karl asked.

**"Do you mean the Legion test?"** Oliver inquired.

**"Yes."**

**"Oh, well, it's not like I'd forget something like that. But considering your talent with the sword, you'll be fine."**

**"Do you really think so?"**

Oliver had always been somewhat talented with the sword, having learned at a young age from his aunt, who had been an adventurer in her youth before she had to take care of Oliver.

**"But don't get too excited. Talent with the sword isn't everything—it's just one of the requirements,"** Karl added.

**"That's true, Mr. Karl. You left the city when you were young, didn't you? What was the outside world like?"**

Oliver had always wondered about existence outside the city. He had never left the city in his life, so he was always curious about the outside world. Was it just an empty void, as it should be? For some reason, Oliver felt that wasn't the case. If monsters lived outside the dome, shouldn't humans be able to as well? Or were monsters different from humans?

The noise of other students entering the hall interrupted Oliver's train of thought, and he turned back to his trainer.

**"Let's talk about this later,"** Karl said, then walked away, heading to the center of the hall.

**"Come on, it's time for your training. Form a circle around me, and let's begin."**