Blade Bond

As soon as Robert and his father stepped into the weapons room, an elderly man in dark robes straightened behind a stone counter.

Though age turned his spine, his eyes gleamed with alertness and deep respect the moment he recognized the visitors. He bowed low, his voice steady and full of reverence.

"Clan Head Osborn. Young Master Robert."

The moment John Osborn entered, the rest of the disciples and weapon room attendants stood as one. Their heads lowered in respectful bows as a unified murmur echoed through the hall.

"Clan Head".

John returned their gesture with a simple nod. Yet even that small movement carried an absolute significance—his sheer presence demanded silence.

Then, turning to Robert, his voice dropped into a calm but commanding tone. "Choose your weapon. However, remember that this is the last time I'll assist you with resources. From here on, if you wish to advance your cultivation, you must earn it through your merit. Just like the others."

Robert's eyes sharpened with resolve as he gave a single nod.

"Understood, Father."

With that, John Osborn turned and exited, leaving behind a trail of hushed whispers and watchful eyes.

Robert, who was now by himself, let out a long breath and concentrated on the striking collection of weapons in front of him. Carefully arranged on shelves of stone and polished wood were spears, polarms, and shimmering blades.

But he was looking for his destiny, not just any weapon. He needed a pair to cultivate his sword.

He moved past rows of single-edged sabers and ornate long swords, his gaze sharp and searching. Then, at the far end of the room, folded between less striking weapons, something drew his attention.

A pair of swords.

At first glance, the blades seemed fairly basic, with old leather covering their scabbards. They had no fancy drawings or clan symbols, and they lacked the luster of spirit-forged weapons. But something drew his attention. A calm. A soft tremor.

He leaned in and softly said, "System, scan these swords."

System reply:

[Scanning Weapon… Complete.]

[Name: Shadow Twins]

[Grade: High Mortal (Dormant)]

[Type: Dual Sword Set – Balanced]

[Status: Inert – Requires bonding ritual. Compatibility: High.]

[Note: Sword Soul remains sealed. Will awaken upon reaching the Soul Manifestation Realm.]

With his attention drawn to the twin blades on the weapons shelf, Robert walked over to the man behind the counter.

The long swords were nicely balanced, with clean edges and a hint of reddish shine on the handles, but they didn't have any ornate engravings or sparkling gems.

"Could I please have those two swords?" Robert asked.

The elderly attendant glanced at the swords before turning back to Robert, a slight frown creasing his brow. "These swords, young master... they're not particularly remarkable. We have many better options for cultivation. You won't get much out of this."

Robert's gaze didn't waver. "I want these," he said firmly.

The man hesitated, clearly disappointed, but he gave a respectful nod.

"Very well," he said and carefully handed the blades to Robert. "They may be plain, but a true swordsman gives power to the weapon, not the other way around."

Robert accepted the swords with both hands, feeling their weight settle evenly in his grip. He walked out of the weapons room without saying anything.

A sense of silent resolve swept over him as he walked down the hallway to his training room. Even though the blades weren't shining right now, he was determined to use them as weapons of purpose, just as he was making his way.

Robert stepped into his training room, a modest stone chamber tucked within the Osborn estate.

The walls were thick and quiet, the air inside still and focused—perfect for cultivating. He placed the twin blades gently on the wooden stand before him, then sat cross-legged to regulate his breathing.

For a moment, he closed his eyes and listened to his breath, to his heartbeat, and the lingering echoes of energy in his veins.

After a few minutes of calm, he stood and drew both swords slowly.

"System," he said, eyes focused. Show the Twin Dragon Fang Art.

The system responded immediately.

[Sword Technique: Twin Dragon Fang Art]

[Rank: Mortal – Mid-Grade (Upgradeable)]

[Status: Unmastered]

[This art consists of four Partial Levels:]

[Partial Level One: Mirror Fang]

Focuses on getting both blades to move in perfect sync. This stage is all about building balance, timing, and mastering control with both hands.

[Partial Level Two: Coiling Scales]

Improves your body movements to match the rhythm of the blades. This one requires better footwork and some rotational finesse.

[Partial Level Three: Twin Howl]

Teaches you to strike rapidly and alternate between attacks, keeping the pressure on your opponent. It takes a lot of breath control to pull this off.

[Partial Level Four: Dragon Descent]

A powerful technique that channels energy through both blades in a spiraling motion. You'll need to be in the Core Formation Realm to make it work.

As soon as Robert selected the Twin Dragon Fang Art, the system shimmered once again.

[Activating Training Preview: Mirror Fang – Partial Level One]

[Visual Guidance Loading…]

An old swordsman, clad in flowing robes and brandishing twin swords, appeared before him as a brilliant projection made of glowing energy. Beginning slowly, the figure demonstrated each stance and transition with clarity.

As one sword made a horizontal slash, the other responded with a diagonal cut, creating a seamless flow with no gaps as they moved in perfect unison. Each swing was both elegant and balanced, with every step taken with intention.

An unseen enemy found itself trapped in a steel cage formed by the twin swords, which curved like identical fangs.

Robert narrowed his eyes, locking onto the swordsman's movements.

He watched the demonstration three times—each slower than the last—until he began to move his body in rhythm with the phantom master.

At first, his steps were uneven. His left sword lagged behind his right. His breathing broke midway through the transitions.

But he didn't stop.

Hour after hour, he practiced under the open sky behind his courtyard. 

Dust kicked up from the stone tiles. Sweat made his shirt cling to his body, creating an uncomfortable feeling.

Blisters formed on his fingers.

Still, he pressed on.

He drew the swords. Stepped. Slashed. Stepped again. Slashed again.

The swords began to flow more naturally.

By the time the moon hung above, bathing the courtyard in a delicate silver light, his actions had changed from being uncoordinated to flowing effortlessly.

The gap between the two swords had lessened. The rhythm pulsed in his body now like a second heartbeat.

[System Notification: Minor Success Achieved—Mirror Fang (Partial Mastery)]

 [Current Progress: 17% to Full Mastery of Mirror Fang]

Robert let out a long breath and sheathed the twin swords, sweat dripping from his brow.

He wasn't a master yet, but he had stepped onto the path.

And the twin swords… were starting to feel like extensions of his arms.

He smiled faintly.