Year 1, Spring, Third Month, Second Week.

Karl had dedicated the entire month to mastering the complicated art of imprinting a Rune. Just last night, he had come frustratingly close to success. Runes, complex symbolic keys from an ancient magical language, were typically reserved for Specialists, third-level Alchemists. For an average Alchemist, reaching this rank could take years, if not decades.

When Master AI outlined the initial teaching plan, Karl, driven by urgency, requested a different approach. Time was not a luxury he could afford, and his limited resources made crafting Arrays impractical. Runes, despite their complexity, were his best option.

Karl's spiritual energy was remarkably dense, an advantageous trait for an aspiring Alchemist. Master AI adapted its teaching methods, directly implanting the form and concept of the Rune into Karl’s mind for meditation.

The actual imprinting, however, was a challenge of a different magnitude. Perfecting the physical drawing of the Rune consumed a week, and integrating the conceptual aspect with his spiritual energy took three more. This effort was for a single Rune – the Sharpness Rune, specifically chosen by Master AI for its practicality and simplicity.

[https://i.imgur.com/d1Yu9UK.jpg]

Karl was now hunched over a stone knife, the common tool of every family in the impoverished village. The crude village tools, fashioned from stone, wood, straw, and bamboo, were far from ideal, often dull and unwieldy. The Sharpness Rune, therefore, was not only a test of Karl's skills but a potentially useful asset.

If Karl succeeded, not only would it make daily tasks more manageable, but it could also prove crucial if he needed to venture beyond the village for more materials. The thought of turning this simple stone knife into an effective tool fueled his determination as he focused on the Rune, envisioning the blade transforming under the touch of Alchemy.

While Karl struggled with the Rune, his absence was starting to be noticed.

Tael was used to his morning routine, but today it felt particularly annoying. He usually enjoyed the playful banter with the boys while working in the fields, often exchanging light-hearted jokes with Toni about the boy’s short stature, earning the nickname of 'bamboo stick' for himself. Similarly, Karl's ideas often provided entertainment, and Tael admired his friend's creativity, though he was quick to veto any plans that seemed too risky.

But today was different. Karl and Toni were absent, their usual spots in the fields conspicuously empty. Tael recalled them recently buzzing about something called 'Alchemy', which he dismissed as another fanciful tale inspired by Karl's mother. But the neglect of their field duties was concerning; any dip in the harvest would spell disaster for their families.

Completing his own work, Tael made his way towards Karl's hut. "Hey, your rogues! What are you up to?" he called out, half expecting to find them lazing about.

What he saw instead left him perplexed and questioning their sanity. Karl and Toni were playing with stones, smashing them against a bigger rock. But, before he had time to understand the game, Karl had made a remarkably deep indentation in a rock. Tael's confusion deepened, his concern momentarily turning into perplexity.

"See? I told you it was worth it. Think about what we could do with better materials. We need to get an energy crystal, now that would be something!" Karl was vigorously discussing their plans, completely absorbed in their task.

The boys were so focused that they barely acknowledged Tael's presence, continuing their excited chatter about testing the stone knife against other rocks and sticks.

Tael observed the knife more closely. It appeared ordinary, but there was something peculiar about it – a symbol, expertly drawn, carved on its surface. This was no amateur work; the drawing had a professional quality to it.

"How did you do it?... The drawing. It looks very good. What’s the deal with the knife? And what’s this about getting materials, crystals? From where, exactly?" Tael’s tone overflowing with skepticism and genuine curiosity, his earlier annoyance completely gone.

The boys realized they were no longer alone. Tael's presence seemed to startle them, and Karl wore an expression of sheepishness, tinged with a touch of excitement.

“Ah... T, there's something I need to tell you," Karl began, his words tumbling out in a hurried stream. "It’s kind of incredible, a bit strange, maybe a little risky, but definitely beneficial. So, try not to get caught in the specifics, okay?”

Tael's brows furrowed, his usually relaxed demeanor shifting to one of suspicion. Toni, standing beside Karl, simply nodded along, adding a few words of affirmation here and there. Karl hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before starting.

“So, to cut a long story short, I stumbled upon a magical book and have been learning Alchemy. It's similar to magic, but more... flexible. We're planning to use it to help the village. See this knife? I've engraved a Rune into it. When it cuts something, the Rune enhances its sharpness. It looks ordinary, but its cutting ability is obviously improved. I’m exploring other possibilities too, but I need more materials... If I can get a hold of a... Then we might be able to create...”

Karl's enthusiasm spilled forth in a torrent of ideas and aspirations, seemingly oblivious to the confusion he was causing in Tael's mind. For Tael, everything Karl was describing sounded like his imagination – until he gestured towards the knife.

Testing the knife, Tael was at a loss for words. His mind raced with questions, trying to reconcile this extraordinary situation with what he knew of Karl. Had Karl always possessed this remarkable ability? Was it a hidden talent that had gone unnoticed during his registration? Could a symbol really hold such power?

Tael's usual calm and analytical mindset was thrown into chaos, inundated with a barrage of inquiries. It took nearly an hour for Karl to appease his doubts and convince him of the existence of Alchemy.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Once convinced, Tael became fascinated. He wanted to understand everything – the workings of the drawings, the essence of Alchemy, and what materials were needed for their ventures. His questions flowed endlessly, his skepticism now replaced by excitement.

The first thought on his mind was creating weapons through Alchemy to challenge the guards, but he quickly realized the complex nature of the craft. Despite his initial reservations, the potential benefits urged him to join Karl and Toni in their passionate pursuit to harness Alchemy for the village's welfare.

“I see the merit in using this to help everyone – we're all sick of living under their thumb. But let's be practical here, Karl," Tael cautioned. "We can't just venture outside the village. We either make do with what we have here or we bring this to the Chief’s attention.”

Tael's words cast a sobering shadow over their enthusiasm. Karl, recalling the recent wolf attack, couldn't help but concede to Tael's pragmatism. Optimist Toni chimed in with a suggestion.

“We should talk to Old Bill. He’s always grumbling about our submission to the Kingdom when I help him. He lets slip bits about the outside world – more than he thinks I catch. Maybe he knows something useful...”

The boys debated whether to approach the elders or the Chief. The logical choice seemed to be the Chief, but they eventually agreed to explore Toni’s suggestion first. Tael reasoned that winning over a few elders might help their case before presenting it to the Chief.

However, they couldn’t imagine things would turn out differently from what they expected.

Old Bill examined the stone knife with a scrutinizing gaze, his eyes gleaming with suspicion. The knife was far from ordinary – its dull appearance contradicted its sharp performance, a fact that puzzled him. Could this be a ruse? Who would orchestrate such a test, and for what purpose? He had never encountered magic like this.

With a deep breath, Bill feigned disbelief, although the knife's sharpness was undeniably real. “Kids, you're talking about some wild stuff here! I'm going to take this to the Chief. After I have a word with him, you can have it back.”

The boys' faces fell, disappointment and helplessness raining over them. They had no choice but to acquiesce, their grand plans momentarily stalled by Old Bill's cautious intervention.

***

“Is this really magic? Omero, you’re more familiar with these things. The kids seem to know too much, especially about the village’s barrier. If someone's using them to test us, who? And how? Could Karl’s father be involved?” Bill's voice was tinged with skepticism, his gaze never leaving the knife.

Marlen, meanwhile, continued her task of weaving straws, the rhythmic motion providing a comforting sense of normalcy amidst the brewing storm. Despite the gravity of the situation, she remained focused on her task, the newborn baby’s needs forefront in her mind.

Chief Omero’s laughter, though unsettling, seemed to echo his disbelief at the situation. He appeared almost delirious, contrary to the solemnity of the others.

“Bill, are you certain this is just a common knife?” Omero finally managed to ask between chuckles, his laughter subsiding into a bemused smile.

Old Bill examined the stone knife once again, his brows furrowing as he mulled over Chief Omero's words. The possibility that this might be a ploy to root out rebels lingered in the air, adding a layer of severity to the already tense atmosphere.

Marlen sighed deeply, a nostalgic feeling enveloped her. This scene was all too familiar – Omero, often lost in minute details, searching for the most advantageous perspective; Bill ready to delve into any new discovery. She served as the voice of reason, anchoring them to reality, a role she had long resigned herself to.

Memories of a time when she had let her guard down flooded her thoughts, causing her old heart to ache again. She clenched her fist, casting a sorrowful glance at the two men. She had always been the rational one, except for that one time – a decision that continued to haunt them, especially her daughter.

Bill finally spoke up, breaking the silence. “I may not be an expert in magic, but I know craftsmanship. This is a normal stone knife, one I crafted myself. But this symbol, the Rune... it feels exactly like Karl said. His explanation, his approach to crafting – it’s like he’s been taught.”

Omero nodded, his expression turning serious. “Yes, it’s incredibly fortunate. Karl, one of the few villagers who is literate, conveniently finds a magic book and absorbs all its knowledge before it vanishes. Quite the coincidence. People mocked his mother for teaching him to read, but now, it perfectly fits their narrative...”

The elders sat in contemplative silence, each lost in their thoughts, weighing the implications of this strange turn of events. The air was thick with unspoken questions and the faint glimmer of hope that Karl's discovery might just be the miracle they needed.

The revelation of the so-called Alchemy stirred old dreams of them. Marlen never ceased her methodical weaving as she reflected on the situation.

“Yeah, I remember Karl's mother teaching him to read, drawing letters in the dirt with a stick. But reading isn’t that rare among our kids... Oh, but that’s not the point, is it?” she wondered. “It's fascinating, really. Despite the low energy levels inside the village, this symbol still sharpens tools. Imagine its potential outside the barrier. And on a quality blade? How could they risk such a powerful craft just to bait us?”

Omero’s laughter broke through the air. “HAHAHA... Finally, a chance... Don’t you see? It doesn’t matter if Karl is bait. Used correctly, this could be our turning point. The village doesn’t need to face ruin; we don’t have to lose more lives... I might sound too optimistic, but isn’t this the opportunity we've been waiting for? Bill says the boy knows more, just needs materials. And even if this is all he knows, trading it with the right people could make a difference this time...”

Marlen and the other elder absorbed Omero's words, the weight of the situation slowly dawning on them. He was right; they had stumbled upon a rare opportunity, one they couldn’t afford to overlook.

Marlen felt another wave of sorrow as she thought of their shared past, the trials and tribulations that had led them here. Omero's ability to inspire and lead, even in dire situations, was undeniable. She owed it to her late husband, to her daughter Katlyn, to at least explore this path. In the worst-case scenario, she was prepared to take drastic measures to ensure the safety of her family and the village.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, the three elders exited Chief Omero's hut, their minds heavy with plans and strategies. They agreed to speak with Karl the next morning. Omero, with a nod of farewell, made his way toward the southern end of the village, where a bamboo grove whispered secrets in the gentle breeze.

The rhythmic sound of cutting drew closer as Omero approached the grove. The repetitive chop-chop-chop created a symphony of its own. He moved with practiced stealth, curious but cautious, as he neared the source of the sounds.

The grove was a pleasing sight, bathed in the waning light of the setting sun. Golden rays filtered through the tall, swaying bamboo and speckled the forest floor. In a clearing, amidst this serene backdrop, logs fell one after another, sliced with precision and grace. They were spaced out, yet the time between each log's fall was barely a second, showcasing the skill and speed of the cutter.

In the heart of this dance of destruction was a shining sword, its blade glinting in the sun's final embrace. It moved with fluidity and purpose, cutting through logs of varying thickness as if they were mere butter. The sword's dance was accompanied by a cascade of long, brown hair, swirling and flowing with each swift movement of the wielder.

Standing amongst the fallen logs, her sword still in hand, was Diana. Her movements were a blend of strength and elegance. Omero watched in silence, his heart swelling with pride and a bit of sadness for the burdens she bore.

“Diana, the opportunity we've long awaited has finally appeared... It's time, Grandpa has come to ask you to get revenge...”