"The Solarian Edge: Blade of the Astral Realm"

The moon hung high, casting silver light over the vast estate. Near the mountains, just beyond the Blackwood mansion, three figures draped in deep blue cloaks spoke in hushed voices. The flickering lanterns near the stables barely reached their shadowed forms.

"Everything is ready," one of them murmured. "Once the marriage is sealed, our plans will be in motion. The pieces are aligning perfectly."

The others nodded, their eyes gleaming with silent understanding. As quickly as they had gathered, they melted back into the darkness, leaving nothing but the rustling wind as their witness.

---

Morning arrived, and with it came Lord Castien Valreth. He was not strikingly handsome, but he carried himself with the polished grace expected of nobility. His sharp features were softened by the ever-present green glow of his magic—a healer's inheritance, passed down through generations of his family.

He approached Eira in the courtyard, offering a polite bow. "Lady Eira."

She met his gaze with guarded calmness, acknowledging him with a small nod. The tension between them was thick, though neither spoke of it outright. Together, they walked toward the horse shed, where the scent of hay and polished leather filled the air.

"I understand this is not a choice for either of us," Castien admitted as he adjusted the saddle of a chestnut mare. His voice was even, lacking the arrogance many nobles carried. "My family has its obligations, as does yours. Yet, I find myself hoping we can meet as equals rather than as tools for political maneuvering."

Eira said nothing at first. She mounted her horse, the familiar weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders. Slowly, she guided the steed toward the back of the training grounds. Castien followed, his own horse trotting beside hers.

The training ground was alive with energy. Soldiers and trainees sparred, their swords clashing in rhythmic precision. But despite their focus on their drills, many stole glances at Eira and Castien, curiosity burning in their eyes.

Kaius, Theo, and Vaelen stood among them, watching from a distance. Their unease was palpable. Theo grumbled under his breath. "What do you think they're talking about?"

"Probably about the damn wedding," Vaelen muttered, his expression unreadable. "The one thing no one wants to happen."

Kaius remained silent, gripping the hilt of his training sword. A strange restlessness settled in his chest, gnawing at him. He hadn't expected this place to mean anything to him, not truly. But now, the thought of losing it—losing these people—felt unbearable. For the first time, he realized just how much he stood to lose.

Ravel, standing nearby, cast a sharp look at them. His eyes held a warning—do not interfere.

Eira, oblivious to the eyes on her, continued her slow ride. She was aware of Castien's gaze on her, but she didn't acknowledge it. She was tired of speaking about duties and expectations. Tired of pretending to accept something she had no control over. The silence stretched between them, comfortable yet heavy with unsaid words.

---

In the training grounds, swords clashed in rapid succession. The soldiers here weren't just warriors; they were trained to a standard that made them some of the deadliest forces in the kingdom.

The Path of the Swordsman was divided into five levels:

Level 1 : Edge Bearer – The foundation. A swordsman learns precision, the art of a clean cut, and control over their weapon.

Level 2 : Blade Walker – A deeper connection with the blade, allowing fluid, instinctual movement in combat.

Level 3 : Steel Tempest – Speed and power combine, making a warrior capable of overwhelming opponents with relentless strikes.

Level 4 : Void Striker – Mastery of the sword's essence, where the blade becomes an extension of the soul.

Level 5 : Phantom Warden – The peak. A warrior whose strikes leave no openings, as if fate itself bends around their blade.

Kaius, still a newcomer to this world, knew he was at the very first stage. But now, he wanted to rise. He wanted to carve his own path, not be a bystander to decisions he had no say in.

He clenched his jaw, watching as Eira and Castien disappeared beyond the training fields. The unease in his chest solidified into determination. Whatever was happening in the shadows—whatever forces were at play—he would not stand idly by.