“Faster! Get your guard up!”

“Keep your eyes on the enemy at all times.”

“Good, better, keep going.”

Sounds of metal clanging travelled throughout the spacious hall. Several pairs of warriors were engaging in a duel. Many of them panting from the exhaustion.

“Alright that’s enough, stand down.”

Edward lowered his shield at the words of the instructor. He exchanged a casual nod with his opponent, and turned to the side. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his chest pounded. As his heart started slowing down to its usual tempo, he looked up to hear what teacher Caesar had to say.

“Good work, remember that what you learn here, will save your life on the battlefield.”

“Now I have an important announcement, exactly in one week you will participate in combat training in the field.”

Edward’s brows furrowed at this revelation, but he stayed quiet, knowing better than to interrupt the instructor.

Caesar paused for a moment observing the reactions of the group.

“The brighter of you might have realised, it’s being held earlier than we initially expected. The higher ups decided to hasten the schedule, but don’t worry, that area stays relatively calm most of the time. Although I wish we could’ve gotten some more time to polish the details, I believe you’re sufficiently prepared, as long as you don’t do anything stupid.”

After the instructor concluded the class. Edward grabbed his weapons, and headed towards the armoury. While he was admiring the beautifully decorated, classical hallways along the way, he suddenly heard somebody calling after him. Turning around he saw a young woman, with long bright hair, running towards him, her footsteps echoed loudly against the stone floor.

“Hey Edward, wait a moment!” She slowed down, approaching Edward with furrowed brows.

“Why didn’t you wait for me after the lesson? I wanted to talk to you.”

“Oh… right, hey Katrina” Edward scratched his hair with an embarrassed expression.

“Sorry about that, I got lost in thought. The announcement really surprised me.”

She paused for a moment. “Yeah… same, what do you think?”

“I think it’s weird. Can’t think of a reason why they would need to push the training forward.”

“I agree, and it also means we can’t go out next week…” her eyes looked to the side.

‘Oh, so that’s what it’s about’ Edward smirked in his thoughts.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure we can find the time when we get back.”

“Good. It’s a deal!” She nodded with a happy expression.

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Edward woke up confused. While he tried to organize his foggy memories, he looked over his surroundings. He was lying half naked, in a comfortable hospital bed. Surrounding him was advanced medical equipment, the purpose of which was undecipherable to him. He recognised it as part of the medical wing in his House of Alexander. His head fell back down on the pillow, and he started recalling what happened.

He remembered running, fighting for his life, killing one of the enemies, and then another. And the voice! Yes, the ethereal voice announcing his achievements. He was on the brink of death when it happened. As everything started clearing up, Edward smiled to himself. A legend of perseverance… sounds nice I suppose.

Of course, a single minor legend did not yet make him a true Legend. The demigods performing miracles on the battlefield were still far from his reach. But it signified his beginning on the path. And that first step was naturally the most crucial one.

A man in a white coat entered the room, interrupting Edward’s contemplation.

“Hey, I noticed from your vitals that you woke up. How are you feeling?”

“Hi doc, surprisingly good. I’m just a bit sore and my bones ache.”

“Yes, well I expected as much, there was definitely something extraordinary about your recovery, although that’s something someone else is supposed to discuss with you.” said the doctor, observing something on one of the machines.

“So… who do I talk to?” Edward raised his eyebrows.

“That can wait, for now your father wants to see you, he’s been coming here a lot for the last five days.”

“Oh okay… wait did you say five DAYS?”

“That’s correct, the battle happened five days ago, and to be frank, you’re lucky it’s only been that long. Considering the state they found you in.”

Edward took a moment to take in the information.

Five days, he was in a worse state than he thought. He looked over his body, he noticed faint scars covering his arms, as well as his torso. There were probably a couple more on his legs too. But other than that there were no signs of anything wrong with his body.

‘Is it because of the legend?’

Leaving those kinds of questions for later, he asked the doctor whether or not he can see his father now.

Not long after the man left, somebody entered the room. The person was a middle-aged man, with a shaved head and a thick brass beard, a similar shade to Edward’s hair. He looked around the room and walked up to Edward. His expression was stalwart, but one could notice concern hiding behind his eyes.

“Hey son, how are you feeling?”

“Don’t worry father, I’m already healed. I believe I’ve been recognized by a Valkyrie!” Edward announced, expecting to see a shocked expression from the old man.

His father’s brows raised slightly. But he didn’t show the celebratory reaction Edward’s been waiting for.

“Yes, that was our guess… don’t get me wrong, I am proud of you, more than you know. I can see how much you must’ve suffered for it. But the situation right now is… complicated.”

He faltered.

“I’m not allowed to reveal more to you right now, you’ll find out soon enough anyway. For now just get yourself back together. Tomorrow we’ll go to speak to somebody about all of this.”

Walking out of the room, he stopped for a moment in the doorframe.

“Good job son.” And left.

Edward smiled slightly.

“Thanks dad.” He said to the empty air.

The next morning Edward was doing some recovery stretches, when the door slid open, and his father stepped into the room.

“Hey Ed, I see you’re getting back on your feet.”

Edward smiled. “Yeah, I feel like I can recover very quickly now. In a couple of days I should be back in shape again.”

“I’m glad to hear that, now as we discussed. Get dressed, we’re going to meet somebody.”

Edward picked up his shirt from the floor. “Can you finally tell me who it is that we’re meeting?”

“I suppose it doesn’t matter, since you’re going to find out anyway in a moment. We’re going to meet Alexander.”