I finally arrived at Elmatpass, it was truly as captivating as people said. Nobles and commoners alike romened the street, even some dwarfs, which was truly surprising. Most people aren't too fond of other races living together with humans but here no one seems to mind.

This town had a big reputation for large amounts of trade, but I didn't expect it to be this big. Every house had their own little shop, and the ones that didn't were either restaurants or taverns.

Elmetpass is the safest way to pass from North Rockbourne to the South, this is because The Redwood Forest acts like a wall to separate the kingdom. My home town is about a week away on foot, but this past year I have spent it going in and out of the forest practicing my swordsmanship.

I had bid farewell to my home, granted the freedom by my father to explore the lands and discover my true purpose. While many aspired to be adventurers or knights, my dream was different. I aimed to follow in my father's footsteps and become the greatest swordsman, a dream he abandoned.

Throughout my travels, I had faithfully kept my family updated on my whereabouts, making a solemn promise that, one year after my 16th birthday, I would reunite with them in Elmatpass. As I ventured deeper into the town, I unexpectedly found myself caught up in a confrontation.

A nobleman with a fiery temper was yelling at a tall, dark-haired man who appeared to be around my age, while a short-haired girl with beautiful crimson eye’s stood by his side. The girl seemed to have accidentally bumped into the nobleman. I would normally intervene in this situation but I'm already running late and I'm already on my second strike. I had freed some slaves earlier in the year marking my first and after that I charged into a military base to test my skills.

The situation escalated when the nobleman swiftly drew his sword, displaying his formidable training. Damn he’s good… In the blink of an eye, I sprang into action, disarming him with a skillful swing of my own blade.

I looked back at the girl and gave her a big smile, she was truly beautiful. What cool line should I say right now? But before i could say anything i saw him, Hanzo, the retired Rockbourne knight and now guard that has been a pain in the ass ever since i left home. Tensions rose, and the town guards quickly surrounded me, numbering at least six.

“Hey Lance, you might get the job if you capture my friend here.” Hanzo told the nobel.

I stood my ground, defiantly declaring, "I assure you, there is no reward worth the risk of trying to apprehend me." However, the guards continued to close in, and I glanced back to see that the two I had tried to protect had fled the scene. My attempt to be a hero had backfired and the beautiful damsel in distress was gone.

Growing increasingly agitated Lance shouted, "Lower your weapon, criminal! You're at a disadvantage; how dare you threaten me!"

Unyielding, I responded, "You ruined my chance!"

He shrank back in terror, his hand darting to retrieve his sword with haste. With a sudden burst of speed, he launched an attack that was swift but lacked precision. My response was fluid, as I sidestepped his strike with ease and delivered a calculated blow to his stomach using the hilt of my sword, rendering him unconscious.

"Come on, Hanzo, you know he was in the wrong," I pleaded, addressing the former Knight of the Rockbourne Kingdom.

"Don't provoke me, Yuri," Hanzo responded firmly, "These lands are under my protection." In one swift motion, he dashed towards me, overpowering my defenses and forcing me to the ground. "There, you've been duly reprimanded," he declared. "Now, cease squandering your talents and commit to enrolling in the Academy. With your skills, you could truly excel."

In a desperate attempt to escape, I tried to sneak away, but Hanzo quickly apprehended me. A series of punches rained down on my abdomen, leaving me with no choice but to relent. "I won't release you until you promise to at least take the entrance exam!" he demanded.

Reluctantly, I gasped, "Fine, just let me go." He released his grip, and I fell to the ground.

As he walked away, he left me with a parting challenge, "You had better not disappoint me, Yuri. Strive to become a great swordsman, one whose talents even the King will acknowledge."

Bruised but determined, I resumed my journey toward the tavern where my eagerly awaiting family awaited my arrival.

The tavern was alive with the chatter of adventurers, clinking mugs and sharing stories. I looked for my parents but they haven't arrived yet.

Then I spotted a cute girl with short blue hair. She was probably around my sister's age, so 3 or 4 years older than me.

“Mind if I buy you a drink?” I told the girl with a cheeky smile as I put my arm around her shoulder. Her face turned bright red and could see a scar going across her left eye. She was probably a swordsman. But I didn't get a response instead a hard slap on the face, it's her loss anyways.

After that harsh rejection I sat at one of the corner tables.

My gaze fixated on the flickering candlelight, the tavern's door creaked open, and in walked my parents, Erwin and Elara, followed closely by my elder sister, Yumi. Their faces lit up with joy and relief as they spotted me at the corner table.

"Yuri!" my sister's voice echoed through the room as she hurried toward me, wrapping me in a warm embrace. My heart swelled with affection as I returned the hug."I've missed you so much, little bro."

“Same here, sis, how’s gramps?”I asked.

“Ah he’s alright, same old gramps still tending to the animals,”she responded. Tears welled up in my mother's eyes as she approached. She held me at arm's length, her tender hands cradling my cheeks.

“Oh come on mom i've only been gone a year.” I told her, moving her hands away from my face.

"You've grown stronger and more handsome, my son," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "But promise me you'll stay out of trouble."

I nodded. "I promise, unless there's a cute girl to save."

My sister's eyes wandered to the sword resting on the table. "So, little brother, have you become the great swordsman you aimed to be?"

I grinned and unsheathed my sword, its blade gleaming in the dim light. "Not yet it's been more challenging than I ever imagined," I admitted. "I've learned a lot, but there's still much more to master."

My father, his expression shifting from serious to contemplative, placed a hand on my shoulder. "Yuri," he began, his voice filled with concern, "I've always admired your determination, and now I understand that I cannot dissuade you. The life of a swordsman is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and remember, the greatest victory of a swordsman often lies in resolving conflicts without resorting to a blade." I never understood my dad’s vague quotes, but I just ignored them. I don't want to get lectured like I did growing up.

My parents sat down and they brought out my birthday cake. They presented a petite cake adorned with seventeen delicate, flickering candles, each representing a year of my life.

With a tender smile, my mother expressed, "Yuri, we couldn't let this special day pass without celebrating your birthday." Her words touched me deeply.

My sister, Yumi, enthusiastically added, "Indeed! You've officially turned seventeen, and that's a significant milestone worth celebrating." Turning seventeen was important; it's the time when kids become adults and are able to begin their lives. I didn't go to school but kids my age are graduating all around, most wealthy kids are joining academies. ‘Academies’ That makes my stomach hurt remembering Hanzo’s punches, I did tell him I was going to join…nah there probably aren't many cute girls there anyways.

I closed my eyes momentarily, making a silent wish before summoning the breath to blow out the candles: I want at least 2 wives and to be the best swordsmen.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The room burst into a symphony of applause and laughter as my family celebrated my accomplishment. It was the perfect way to mark my seventeen years, a moment to treasure forever.

“So little bro what great adventures have you gone on?”my sister asked me.

“I was faced with a riddle from a creepy gnome. Answering it correctly granted me passage to the ancient healing springs, where I could save a sick nobel girl.” As I told my story, my family listened closely. “But unfortunately the girl didn't declare her love for me."

“Don't worry yuri, there are a lot of fish in the sea.” my mother said.

“But this fish had a lot of gold, and a lot of maids.” I said looking down. “But I did free a bunch of slaves in Wolfdale.”

As we indulged in the delicious cake and exchanged stories, I came to realize that this gathering wasn't just a farewell but also a profound celebration of my past, present, and future. It served as a poignant reminder that, regardless of the paths I would tread in life, my family's unwavering support and love would forever serve as a guiding light, illuminating the way forward.

We stayed in an inn close to the tavern.

***

As the first rays of the morning sun painted the town in a soft, golden glow, my family and I stood together, marking the end of a long-anticipated reunion. Now, it was time for us to bid our farewells.

My mother, her touch radiating warmth and reassurance, spoke first. "Yuri, my dear son, you're blossoming into an exceptional young man. Remember, our home will forever be there for you, and our love will be a constant presence no matter where your journey takes you."

My elder sister, her eyes glistening with a touch of sadness, added, "Little brother, you've been my guiding star. I've watched your unwavering determination and witnessed the unbreakable spirit that resides in your heart. Never doubt yourself, for your resolve matches that of any man, and know that I'll forever be your unwavering supporter."

I understood that this farewell was not a final goodbye but merely a stepping stone on my path toward realizing my dreams. With a deep breath, I replied, "Thank you, big sis, Mother."

My father, though silent, fixed his gaze on me. It had always bugged me why he disapproved of my dream, especially since he had once harbored the same aspirations himself. Nonetheless, I have to continue my journey, but now I'm out of money. One of the conditions of my expedition was that my family could not provide financial support.

My best option was to seek assistance from the Adventurers Guild.

Navigating my way through the bustling Adventurers' Guild hall, I found myself enveloped in a whirlwind of voices and the inviting aroma of ale. As I approached the front desk, a young guild worker with striking pink hair noticed me. I offered a friendly nod to kick off our interaction. "Hello there gorgeous, I've come to renew my adventurer's card."

From the depths of my bag, I retrieved my trusty, well-traveled parchment, a document that had borne witness to countless adventures. The guild worker accepted my card, her eyes briefly skimming its well-worn contents. "Name?" she inquired, her tone courteous.

"Yuri Tsundora," I replied, leaning in slightly on the polished wooden counter. She swiftly located my name within the guild's ledger, preparing to update my adventurer's card.

"Welcome back, Yuri," she greeted me with a warm smile. "It seems your membership has lapsed for a bit. We'll have your card updated shortly." I acknowledged her words with a nod, appreciating the familiar, welcoming atmosphere of the guild.

However, my purpose extended beyond card renewal. I leaned in closer, lowering my voice conspiratorially. "Also, I was wondering if there were any escort missions available, the sooner, the better." My hushed request sparked the guild worker's curiosity, evident in the intrigued raise of her eyebrow as she leaned in herself.

"Why in such a rush? Well, that really doesn't matter… We do have something." With a deft motion, she produced a folded parchment from beneath the desk and passed it into my waiting hand.

As I scanned the parchment's contents, my interest grew exponentially. The mission in question was scheduled for today, and the job involved escorting two students to a location shrouded in secrecy. "I'll take it," I decided promptly, enticed by the prospect of an immediate assignment.

"Excellent," the guild worker replied with a nod of approval

Without hesitation, the guild worker provided me with all the necessary information, including the designated rendezvous point. Her efficient assistance set the stage for my impending adventure, leaving me ready to embark on this mysterious escort mission.

With the mysterious escort mission now firmly on my agenda, I left the bustling Adventurers' Guild hall, my mind abuzz with anticipation. Before meeting the students, I knew I had to make a pit stop at the shopping district to stock up on supplies for our journey into the unknown.

The sun hung high in the sky as I made my way through the winding streets of the city towards the lively shopping district. The vibrant marketplace was a mosaic of colors and sounds. Stalls and shops lined the cobblestone streets, offering everything from fresh produce to exotic trinkets. It was a place where adventurers like me often came to gear up and prepare for their quests.

First on my list was food. I wandered through the food stalls, each one offering an enticing array of culinary delights. The savory aroma of grilled meats, the sweet scent of pastries, and the freshness of fruits and vegetables filled the air.

After some deliberation, I settled on a variety of trail rations, dried fruits, and hardy bread that would keep well during our journey. I also picked up a few waterskins and filled them with clean, fresh water.

"Have you heard of any secret places around here?" I inquired casually, trying not to reveal too much.

The vendor, a middle-aged man with a twinkle in his eye, leaned in conspiratorially. "Ah, you're one of those adventurers, aren't you? Well, I can't say I know of any secrets, but I have heard whispers of a mysterious cave deep in the forest by the Rockbourne academy. They say many head in and start gaining wealth and fame"

I thanked the vendor for the information and made a mental note to investigate further once I finish the escort mission. With my provisions in tow, I headed back towards the rendezvous point, eager to embark on this adventure.

I carefully gathered my essential belongings and loaded them onto the horse that had been provided for this specific assignment.Amidst the busy activity, a soft, gentle voice suddenly broke through the bustling background noise. "Are you our escort?" It was a question that immediately drew my attention, causing me to turn around swiftly.

Standing there before me were two individuals, faces tinged with a mix of apprehension and hope. They were the very same pair I had rescued from the clutches of Lance's wrath not long ago. Recognition sparked in their eyes as they saw me.

"You! You're the guy who stood up to the noble," the girl exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise.

"I'm Yuri. I would say it's nice to see you again, but that might not be entirely true." The circumstances of our reunion were far from ideal, but at least I got another chance with the short haired babe.

"I'm Ryuu, and this is my sister, Yuki. I apologize if we caused you any trouble. Our family has a history of strife with the nobles from Elmatpass," he explained, his tone laced with a sense of humility.

I couldn't help but chuckle at their apology. "No worries. I'm used to running into trouble," I admitted with a wry smile. "But could you tell me where we're headed?" I inquired, curious about the destination of our upcoming journey.

Ryuu reached into his bag and produced a weathered map, its edges slightly torn and stained, but still functional. I took a moment to examine it, tracing the winding trails and landmarks with my finger. A thought ran through my mind as I studied the map. "I guess I'll be taking you both to the Rockbourne Swordsmen Academy." Damn, I guess this lets me explore that one cave the vendor talked about.

"Are you both followers of the sword?" I asked, genuinely curious as we prepared to embark on our journey.

The question appeared to catch them off guard, as if they had anticipated mockery or ridicule. Yuki, swinging her short black hair with a touch of defiance, replied, "Yeah, so what if we are? Do you have a problem with that?" Her words were spoken with a hint of pride, as if their shared passion for the sword was a badge of honor they wore unapologetically.

I had unintentionally offended them but I quickly sought to make amends. "I'm truly sorry if I came across as disrespectful earlier," I said, my tone sincere. "I was merely driven by curiosity."

Ryuu, with genuine earnestness in his voice, turned to me and asked, "Yuri, do you also aspire to walk the path of the sword?" His offer of assistance hung in the air. "My family has significant connections to the renowned academy, and I'd be more than willing to put in a good word for you. It's my way of showing gratitude for your intervention with Lance."

"Is the academy truly as exceptional as people claim it to be?" I asked.

Sitting beside the campfire, Ryuu's gaze fixated on the flickering flames as he contemplated my question. He tied up his long black hair revealing his crimson red eyes. "It's a decent place to learn, but I understand your concerns," he replied.

“So this is your first year there?” He did look my age, but he was pretty tall.

“Yeah but I'm going to be a second year student because I attended the under-17 school. I'm aiming to become the greatest swordsman, and that is why I share the same concern as you. I'm wary of learning from someone who merely imparts what they were taught. That might limit my true potential."he responded.

Ryuu's musings took a philosophical turn. "What does it truly mean to be the greatest swordsman?" he pondered. "People often throw that phrase around, but let's think about it. Suppose you defeat fifty opponents; does that automatically make you the best?"

I mulled over his question, my curiosity piqued, but I remained silent, eager to hear Ryuu's perspective. He continued, "And what about defeating someone who claims to be the best? Does that genuinely grant you the title of the greatest?"

Ryuu's words resonated deeply within me, causing me to question the pursuit of my ambitious goal.

"How can one ever be certain that there isn't someone even better?" I wondered aloud. "I want to be so exceptional that people are compelled to etch my name into history," I confessed, my gaze fixed on the mesmerizing dance of the flames before me. "I aspire to transcend my current self."

Ryuu, acknowledging the depth of our conversation, rose to his feet, apologizing for occupying my time. Leaving me with profound contemplations under the starlit sky.

I decided to sleep on a tree above Yuki and Ryuu.