ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 57 AN UNDYING VOW

'Eh? Personally train me? What about the tournament?' Kaelen thought in confusion as soon as he heard what the Vice Chancellor said. Luckily, General Cao was able to ask what was currently plaguing his mind.

"But what about the Rookie tournament Vice-Chancellor? Isn't he going to participate?"

"Oh he will participate but only from the round of 32. Right now his attention needs to be focused on the training am about to give him since the blade chose him to help defeat the orb of chaos bearer" The vice chancellor answered with a calm look on his face.

"Well if so then I will take my leave then vice chancellor" General Cao said as he did a slight bow before he suddenly vanished from the tomb. Right after General Cao left the tomb, the vice chancellor then put his attention on Kaelen.

Clueless on what to do next, Kaelen had no choice but to ask "So what are we doing first?"

"Well we are supposed to start with the basics of swordsmanship but first, let me show you something" the vice chancellor replied as a scabbard suddenly appeared in his hands.

Suddenly, Kaelen's breath hitched as the Vice Chancellor came to a stop in front of him, revealing the object in his grasp. It was a blade, similar in form to the Blade of Eternity that Kaelen carried, yet different in a striking way. The metal of this blade was a deep, blood-red, as if it had been forged from the very essence of war and chaos.

The same intricate designs etched into Kaelen's blade were present on this one, but they seemed more aggressive, more twisted, as if corrupted by some darker force.

The Vice Chancellor held the blade out for Kaelen to see, his eyes locked onto Kaelen's, searching for a reaction. "This," he began, his voice low and resonant, "is a replica of the Blade of Eternity. But it's no ordinary replica. It is known as the Crimson Echo."Kaelen's eyes widened as he took in the blade's sinister appearance.

The Crimson Echo pulsed with a malevolent energy, a stark contrast to the balanced, almost serene power of his own blade. There was a sense of danger about it, a feeling that this weapon was not meant for the faint of heart.

"This blade was forged long ago," the Vice Chancellor continued, his tone almost reverent, "by one of the great Alaric's personal disciples. But where the original was created to preserve balance, the Crimson Echo was made with a different purpose—destruction."

Kaelen reached out, almost instinctively, his fingers hovering just above the blade's hilt. He could feel the energy radiating from it, a dark whisper that seemed to tug at his very soul. But he hesitated, sensing that this weapon was not one to be wielded lightly.

Before he passed, I made a promise—an unbreakable vow—that I would never take another master, that his teachings would be the only ones I would carry forward."

There was a long pause as Kaelen's words hung in the air. The Vice Chancellor's expression hardened, a mixture of surprise and dissatisfaction crossing his features. His eyes flickered with a subtle annoyance, but he quickly regained his composure.

"You realize the weight of what you are refusing, don't you?" the Vice Chancellor pressed, his tone laced with a hint of menace. "This is not a matter of sentiment. This is your future, Kaelen. Your growth, your power, could surpass even your former master's teachings."

Kaelen's heart tightened at the mention of his former master. The memories of his training, the bond they shared, the lessons imprinted into him—they were sacred. His eyes flashed with a determined light as he took a deep breath. "I understand the gravity of your offer, Vice Chancellor," he said, his voice firmer now. "But I cannot break the vow I made.

My master's teachings are my path, and I will honor that, no matter what."

The Vice Chancellor's gaze darkened, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features, though he masked it quickly. He remained silent for a moment, studying Kaelen, weighing his sincerity.

"So be it," the Vice Chancellor finally said, his tone cold and clipped. "But know this, Kaelen—there are few opportunities in this life as great as the one I offered you today. You may find that loyalty to the past can sometimes hold you back from achieving your true potential."

Kaelen didn't waver. "Perhaps," he replied quietly, "but I will live with that choice. My path is clear, and I intend to walk it to the end."

'Seems like I can't persuade him to do what is best for him' The vice chancellor thought with a helpless expression on his face before he said in a weak tone.

"Very well then. But know this, the future won't be as forgiving as the past."

"I will keep that in mind Vice Chancellor" Kaelen replied calmly with a small bow of acknowledgement. When the vice chancellor saw this, he felt a little better before he said.

"Now then, let us begin your training"