Path Through The Fate

A morning full of meaning and struggle for Vin Crimson, an endless journey searching for purpose in life.

Vin Crimson and Ryan Xinolen began training together. They enjoyed the sound of their swords clashing and the sweat that flowed.

Vin: "(I want to get stronger.)" (Vin thought to himself, motivating himself as he trained)

Ryan: "Isn't your ability more than this, Vin!? Haha." (Ryan said with a slightly teasing tone)

The two of them clashed their swords, creating a loud and piercing sound. Ryan's sword was probably sharper than Vin's, but Vin's determination and ambition as he swung his sword could not be underestimated.

Ryan: "Hey, I'm sure you can push yourself more, Vin. Show me!" (Ryan said, teasing Vin)

Vin: "Tch, I'll keep fighting until I die." (Vin said as he swung his sword, his hand trembling)

Ryan: "Are you tired already? Haha, your hand is shaking like that." (Ryan laughed a little while continuing to attack Vin)

Vin: "(Tch, am I still weak?)" (Vin asked himself as he blocked Ryan's attack)

The two of them exchanged blows, showcasing dramatic strikes. Without realizing it, Vin became caught up in the atmosphere. His vision seemed to slow down as Ryan prepared to strike, but suddenly, Vin remembered his father. He briefly recalled what his father had once taught him.

Vin remembered his father, Kyle. His father had once said, "The sword is just a tool; what makes a person great is their will and inner strength."

Vin briefly saw that memory, but then he snapped back to reality. He saw Ryan's sword coming toward him. Vin instinctively dodged, stepping back to avoid the attack. His vision cleared, but he felt a surge of strength within himself.

Vin stepped back, planting the tip of his sword into the ground, took a quick breath, and remembered the feel of his father's sword hilt.

Ryan: "Are you tired? We were just having fun." (Ryan said to Vin, casually resting his sword by his side)

Ryan's sword was sharp, but it couldn't scratch Vin's sword. Ryan noticed something unusual about Vin's right hand, as if something was enveloping it.

Vin: "My sword might not be as sharp as Uncle's!" (Vin said with a bit of spirit, though his breathing was heavy)

Vin: "But I'm sure, if I strike with my sword harder than Uncle, I can do it!" (Vin said as he took a deep breath and got into a fighting stance)

Ryan watched Vin carefully, trying to understand what Vin meant.

Ryan: "(Strike harder? Heh, I wonder-.)" (Ryan thought to himself, trying to figure it out)

With a slightly stiff stance, Vin suddenly dashed forward, running and jumping with great speed. As he leapt, Vin raised his sword above his head, gripping it with both hands tightly. He swung his sword with all his might, aiming for Ryan.

Ryan: "(WHAT!?, Is this strike-!?)" (Ryan thought, shocked by the attack)

Unexpectedly, Vin's sword struck with great speed. Ryan, with his excellent reflexes, managed to redirect his sword to deflect Vin's blow. However, the trajectory of Vin's strike couldn't be changed, and Ryan reflexively leapt to the side to avoid the hit.

The powerful strike caused Ryan's sword to screech as it collided with Vin's. Vin's sword hit the ground right below Ryan's feet, creating a shockwave like an explosion, sending gusts of wind through the air. The shockwave even reached the windows of Vin's house.

Ryan: "(What was that!?)" (Ryan thought, stunned by Vin's attack, crossing his arms as if to brace for the shock)

Ryan stared at the ground where Vin's sword struck. He saw that the blow had cracked the earth, with pieces of dirt even lifting into the air, creating a rift in the ground around it.

Ryan looked at Vin carefully, noticing the intense emotion and anger in Vin's eyes. Vin's teeth were gritted, and his lips curled into a slight, mocking smile. Then Ryan noticed the glowing red gem in the hilt of Vin's sword.

Vin: "Tch." (Vin muttered, annoyed)

Ryan: "(That kid?.)" (Ryan said, surprised)

Ryan briefly recalled Kyle, his old friend who had passed away. He remembered the times he and Kyle shared. Just as Vin jumped, Ryan saw the shadow of Kyle within Vin, as if it was lending Vin strength.

Ryan: "(That figure reminds me of Kyle.)" (Ryan thought, with admiration and a little shock)

Vin: "What are you doing, Uncle?" (Vin's voice had changed, sounding strained and broken)

Vin slowly turned his gaze toward Ryan, showing an expression full of ambition but with a burning rage inside.

Vin: "Do you want this training to end?" (Vin said mockingly, with a chilling smile)

Vin's left eye glowed red, and his pupil turned dark red, resembling that of a predator's.

Ryan: "(Is that a dragon's eye? It can't be.)" (Ryan thought, still in disbelief)

Ryan: "(This 11-year-old can be this strong?)" (Ryan thought to himself)

Ryan tried to calm himself, sheathing his sword. He attempted to end the training, concerned about Vin's condition.

Ryan: "I didn't expect you to be that strong, Vin." (Ryan said with a light laugh, hoping to ease the tension, smiling slightly)

Ryan casually walked toward Vin, observing that Vin now seemed exhausted and worn out.

Ryan: "(Has this gone too far?)" (Ryan wondered to himself)

Ryan noticed that Vin's sword was still lodged in the ground from the force of the blow.

Ryan: "(Is he really that strong, or was it because of his sword?)" (Ryan remained confused by what had just happened)

Ryan: "How about we end this training, Vin? You seem tired." (Ryan said, walking closer to Vin)

Vin: "What, Uncle...?" (Just before Vin could finish his sentence, he stopped)

Vin appeared dazed, his vision going dark as if he were about to faint. He knelt weakly, as if about to collapse. Unexpectedly, Vin fell to the ground, his grip on his sword slipping as he collapsed.

Vin's left eye, which had been glowing, returned to normal. Just before closing his eyes, he saw Ryan, who had been walking casually, now rushing to his side.

Vin closed his eyes tightly, but in his darkened vision, he saw the figure of his father reaching out to help him stand. However, just as Vin reached out to grab his father's hand, the image of his father vanished, swept away by the wind. It was like hope had faded, and Vin's hand, which had reached out, fell.

Vin: "(Dad?, help me.)" (Vin's voice was weak, still calling out)

Vin couldn't see anything, his vision was engulfed in darkness, with only blackness surrounding him. He felt tears welling up without a sound, his body still lying motionless. He could only remain silent, crying for himself because he couldn't rise.

Chapter 7