Neo Awakens Unexpectedly (Body vs. Mind Disconnect)

Neo didn't remember falling asleep.

One moment, he had been awake, his mind racing with thoughts of the scholar's vision, the weight of the message, and the warning from the shadow.

The next—

Sunlight filtered through the cracks in the wooden walls, and the distant sounds of the city hummed outside.

His body felt sore, as if he had been running all night. But his mind was clearer, though the unease from the previous night still lingered in his chest.

The book. The words. The warning.

"That book will get you killed."

Neo exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the lingering weight of the vision.

Today, he had to make a choice. Stay and risk being caught...or leave.

The City Moves On — But Neo Feels Distant

The streets were alive as usual—merchants calling out deals, carts rumbling over stone roads, laughter from children weaving between stalls.

But Neo felt detached.

He had lived in this city his whole life, and yet, for the first time, it felt unfamiliar.

It wasn't that the city had changed. He had.

The words in the book, the vision, the feeling of something watching him—they wouldn't leave his mind.

And he knew, deep down, that the longer he stayed, the worse things would get.

The Radiant Order's Knight Academy

As Neo wandered, his feet unconsciously led him to the knight academy—a massive walled training ground near the heart of the city.

The sound of wooden swords clashing filled the air. Young recruits sparred under the watchful eyes of armored instructors.

Neo leaned against the stone wall, watching for a moment.

The knights were disciplined, structured, efficient. Their movements followed precise forms, each strike practiced and refined.

Above them, golden banners bearing the emblem of the Radiant Order swayed in the breeze.

This was the world he could have been part of.

But he knew—it was never meant for him.

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A Familiar Voice — A Challenge Issued

"Neo?"

He turned at the voice and found himself face-to-face with Ronan, a knight trainee and one of the few people in the city he considered a friend.

Ronan grinned. "Didn't expect to see you here. Finally coming to your senses and signing up?"

Neo smirked. "Not a chance."

Ronan sighed dramatically. "A shame. You've got good instincts, y'know?"

Neo shrugged. "Instincts and discipline aren't the same thing."

Ronan studied him for a second, then smirked. "Alright then. Spar with me."

Neo raised an eyebrow. "Spar?"

Ronan grabbed a wooden sword from the rack and tossed it to Neo. "Yeah. One round. Unless you're scared?"

Neo caught the weapon and spun it in his hand, testing the weight.

He wasn't a knight. But he wasn't going to back down, either.

The Spar — A Clash of Fighting Styles

The recruits gathered around as Neo and Ronan stepped into the circle.

The instructor overseeing the training gave them a glance but didn't intervene. This was a common way for knights to test each other.

Ronan took a proper stance—feet balanced, sword raised defensively, waiting for an opening.

Neo?

He just stood there, looking relaxed, the wooden sword resting against his shoulder.

Ronan smirked. "You gonna take this seriously?"

Neo tilted his head. "You going to attack or keep waiting?"

Ronan made the first move.

Fast, controlled, precise. A downward strike, aiming for Neo's shoulder.

Neo didn't block.

He moved.

Shifting to the side at the last second, the wooden blade barely missed him.

Ronan blinked in surprise but quickly reset his stance.

The next strike came faster.

Neo dodged again.

The moment the sword passed, he stepped in close, hooked his foot behind Ronan's ankle, and tripped him.

The crowd gasped as Ronan stumbled back, barely keeping his footing.

Neo stepped away casually. "You're too predictable."

Ronan grinned. "That's your game, huh? Dodging and playing dirty?"

Neo shrugged. "It's called survival."

By the time the spar was done, Neo hadn't landed a single direct hit—but he had also never been touched.

The Knight Ranking System & Ronan's Goal

As they stepped away from the training grounds, Ronan wiped sweat from his brow and smirked.

"You should really join, you know. You're quick, and you adapt fast."

Neo shook his head. "Not my thing."

Ronan sighed. "Yeah, yeah. But I'm telling you, this is the only way to have a real future."

Neo raised an eyebrow. "A real future?"

Ronan crossed his arms. "Yeah. The Order isn't just about faith. It's about power. First, you become a Templar, then you aim for 'Blessed.' That's where the real warriors stand."

Neo listened.

"But the true goal?" Ronan's voice turned serious. "Becoming a 'Hero.' Only a few have ever reached that rank. They say Heroes wield divine power itself, the ultimate will of the Order."

Neo stayed silent.

This wasn't just a goal for Ronan. This was his dream.

And Neo knew—his dream was something else entirely.

A Sudden Interruption — The Order's Preaching

Before they could continue, a booming voice echoed through the city square.

They turned to see a high-ranking knight standing atop a stone platform, addressing the crowd.

At his feet, three ragged figures knelt in chains.

Sinners.

The knight raised his hand. "Brothers and sisters, today we cleanse impurity from our holy city! These lost souls have turned against the will of the Radiant Order. They have denied the path of light, and for that, they must atone!"

The crowd erupted in agreement.

Neo looked around—and saw familiar faces among the crowd.

Merchants he had bought from. The woman who sold bread on the corner. The smith who repaired his belt once.

All of them, cheering for blood.

His stomach twisted.

Then—his gaze met someone from his past.

An old man who had once been kind to him, who had given him extra food when he was younger.

The man was shouting.

"Burn them! They deserve it!"

Neo felt a cold weight settle in his chest.

Ronan, standing beside him, remained calm, composed—unmoved.

to Ronan, this was normal.

to Neo, this was a line he could never cross.

And in the moment, he knew—

he couldn't stay here anymore.

The Bittersweet Farewell

Neo sighed, looking at Ronan with a small smile. "You'll get there, you know. Blessed, Hero, whatever you set your sights on."

Ronan blinked, then laughed. "Damn right I will."

Neo's smile lingered before fading. "I'm leaving today."

Ronan's grin faltered. "What?"

Neo nodded. "I'm going to travel. See what's beyond the Order's lands."

Ronan was quiet for a moment. Then he exhaled. "Figures. You were never one for rules."

Neo smirked. "And you were always the one who followed them."

Ronan extended his hand, and Neo clasped it firmly.

No need for dramatic words. They both had their paths.

The Final Words

As Neo turned to leave, Ronan called after him, his voice quieter this time.

"If you ever need help...I'm here."

Neo hesitated for a moment.

He didn't turn back.

But after a brief silence, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

Then he walked away.

They both knew Neo wouldn't be coming back.

But somehow, Ronan's words lingered.