The sun rose, and Ian was already up, preparing the training ground. She made sure to bring medical supplies, just in case. Acki, meanwhile, woke to the smell of cooked rabbit meat. After a month of recovery, today would be the day he’d return to training.

He rubbed his eyes, slowly sitting up. “Is Ian cooking rabbit again?”

He got up and saw Ian holding a skewer with rabbit meat, smiling. “Morning, kid. How’d you sleep?”

“Yeah, it was good… I guess,” Acki answered, still a little tired.

“That’s good to hear. You ready for some breakfast?” Ian asked, offering him the food.

“Is it my favorite?” Acki asked, his eyes lighting up.

“Of course,” Ian said, smirking.

“Then I’m definitely ready,” Acki replied, taking the skewer.

They ate together, the food comforting after the long recovery. Acki felt stronger, more focused today. He had been waiting for this moment—today, he would test his sword again.

After breakfast, they prepared for training. Acki strapped on his boots, feeling the weight of the sword he had summoned a month ago. His body was ready, though his mind still held the memory of the trial he’d gone through.

As they walked to the training ground, Acki spoke up. “Hey, Teach, I’m sorry”

Ian looked at him, confused. “Sorry for what?”

“Sorry for taking so long to get back to training,” Acki said quietly.

Ian smirked. “You don’t need to apologize for that. You needed time to recover. You’re fine, I’m your guardian, and that’s my job. Training you isn’t part of my job. I do it so you can fend for yourself for when I leave.

Acki nodded but couldn’t help feeling a little down. The thought of life without Ian made him uneasy, but he pushed it aside. He had to focus on getting stronger.

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When they reached the training ground, Ian clapped her hands. “Alright, kid. Time to summon your sword.”

Acki nodded, ready for it. “How do I summon it?”

Ian grinned. “recite after me. ‘Soul Summoning.’”

Acki took a deep breath and held out his hand, focusing on the words. “Soul Summoning.”

A bright light flashed from his hand, and the black sword formed once again, sleek and glowing. Acki stared at it, his eyes wide.

“Woah… it’s perfect,” he said, gripping the hilt. “It feels… light. Like it’s part of me.”

Ian nodded. “Technically, it is part of you now.”

Acki raised an eyebrow. “Wait, if I cast Black Flames on it, will I get hurt?”

Ian paused for a moment. “You won’t, I think.”

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Acki smirked. “I call upon the Sun God’s flames! BLACK FLAMES!”

The sword flared to life, engulfed in black flames darker than the void. The flames twisted and flickered, and the sword grew slightly, glowing brighter.

Acki swung the sword through the air, feeling the power surge through him. “This is amazing,” he whispered, testing the weight, the feel of it. It was like an extension of his body.

Ian watched him with a smile. “Really impressive, Acki.”

They spent the rest of the day training, testing the sword’s abilities. Acki discovered that the sword wasn’t just a weapon; it was flexible, changing shape and weight with his will. He could make it lighter than air, heavier than bedrock. It felt like it could cut through anything—air, solid matter, even the space around him.

By the time the sun started to set, Acki was exhausted. “Alright, Teach, I’m beat. But that felt… great. I never knew I could move like that.”

Ian laughed. “You needed that stretch, didn’t you? Let’s head back. I’m making something special for dinner tonight.”

The walk back was lighter than usual. Ian seemed in a good mood, and Acki felt the weight of the past month lift a little.

“So, have you ever tried rabbit stew?” Ian asked with a playful smile.

“Actually, no,” Acki replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Prepare your taste buds,” Ian said with a grin. “You might die from this.”

Acki chuckled. “You can’t be serious.”

When they got back, Ian immediately started making the stew. The smell filled the air, and Acki’s stomach growled. It smelled amazing.

“That smells so good,” he said, his mouth watering.

Ian smirked. “Just wait.”

A couple of hours later, the stew was ready. Acki took his first bite, and his eyes widened. He had never tasted anything like it. The flavor hit him so hard he almost teared up.

Ian watched him closely. “Good, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Acki said, wiping his eyes. “This is… amazing.”

Ian laughed. “What’s with the tears?”

“Sorry, Teach,” Acki said, still eating. “It’s just… so good.”

They spent the rest of the evening laughing, enjoying the meal, and just being in each other’s company. As they settled down for the night, Acki felt a sense of peace, his body and mind finally beginning to heal.

Tomorrow would be another day of training. But for tonight, he was content.