ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 149: DREAMS AND PROMISES

Kaelen sat cross-legged on the cliff, his breathing deep and steady, eyes closed as he immersed himself in meditation. He was trying, with all his might, to grasp the fleeting moment of enlightenment the Mysterious Swordsman had shown him. The faint traces of sword dimension lingered in his mind, but no matter how hard he focused, something always seemed just out of reach. His body, already fatigued from recent battles and trials, was at its breaking point.

Suddenly, he sensed a presence approaching. Without opening his eyes, he knew who it was. Lila.

"Kaelen," her soft voice broke through the silence. Gently, she knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You’re overdoing it. If you push any further, you’ll hurt yourself." Her tone was full of concern.

Kaelen reluctantly opened his eyes and sighed. He could feel the exhaustion settling into his bones, the weight of his weariness finally catching up to him. He gave a small, tired smile. "I know, but... I’m so close, Lila."

"Close to collapsing, maybe," Lila responded with a half-smile, pulling him up gently. "Come on, let’s sit properly for a while."

They moved away from the edge of the cliff and found a smooth, grassy spot where they sat side by side. The cool breeze from the Veilwood Forest brushed against them, carrying with it a calming serenity. The two of them sat in silence for a moment, gazing out at the vast landscape below, the horizon bathed in the fading light of the setting sun.

Lila broke the silence first. "Do you remember the first time we came up to a place like this?" she asked, a wistful look in her eyes. "We were kids... I think it was right after our first training session."

Kaelen smiled, nodding slightly. "Yeah. You told me about your dream... of becoming the greatest magician in the world."

Lila chuckled softly. "I still have that dream, you know. To be the best. To be a magician so powerful that no one can stand in my way." Her voice, though light, carried an unmistakable determination. "I’ve been chasing it ever since."

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Kaelen glanced at her, her silhouette glowing softly in the twilight. She had always been like that—resolute, fierce, yet with a kindness that ran deep. He admired her for it.

"That’s a dream worth chasing," he said quietly. "You’ll make it. I know you will."

Lila turned her gaze toward him. "And you, Kaelen? What’s your dream?"

Kaelen hesitated for a moment, but then a small, determined smile crossed his face. "To be the strongest swordsman in the world. To stand at the pinnacle where no one can challenge me."

Lila grinned at that, but there was a warmth in her eyes. "The strongest swordsman and the greatest magician, huh? That’s a powerful duo."

Kaelen’s expression softened, and he looked at her more seriously. "But... more than that, Lila, I promised something long ago. Back when we were just kids."

Lila blinked, a little surprised. "What promise?"

He met her eyes, his voice gentle but firm. "I promised I’d protect you. No matter what. Whether I become the strongest swordsman or not... I will always keep that promise."

Lila stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a soft smile spread across her lips, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of gratitude and affection. "You’ve always been like that, Kaelen. Always looking out for others. I believe you will keep that promise."

The two of them sat there, close together, the warmth of their bond stronger than ever. The world around them seemed vast and full of challenges, but in that quiet moment, it felt like anything was possible. They had their dreams, their promises, and each other. And for now, that was enough.

While Kaelen and Lila sat side by side, enjoying the peaceful scenery of the cliff, the world seemed to slow down for them. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. They could hear nothing but the faint rustling of the wind and their own steady breaths. In that tranquil moment, everything felt right.

However, high above them, hidden in the clouds, a gathering of the Academy’s most formidable figures overlooked the scene. The Vice Chancellor stood in silent observation, with General Cao, Vlahiç, Bowen, and Carmilia flanking him. The expressions on the faces of the pillars varied, each having their own thoughts about the bond forming between Kaelen and Lila.

General Cao crossed his arms, watching the two with a sense of approval. "The boy’s heart is strong, and so is hers. They draw strength from one another—something rare, especially in times like these."

Vlahiç nodded in agreement. "He’s right. Bonds like that can fortify one’s resolve. It could make them both sharper, more focused in their pursuits."

Bowen, with his usual enigmatic smile, added, "It’s the way of things. Darkness, light, power... all intertwined with connection. They’re stronger because they have something, or someone, to fight for."

But Carmilia, the Ice Queen herself, was not as convinced. She remained silent for a moment, her gaze piercing as it focused on her prized disciple, Lila. "I disagree," she finally spoke, her voice cold and resolute. "Emotional ties can weaken one’s resolve. Lila’s potential is vast—she has the capacity to be the greatest magician in the world. But emotional attachments, especially one as deep as this, could compromise that. It could hold her back."

The Vice Chancellor listened intently to Carmilia’s concerns, his expression unreadable. After a pause, he turned to her and spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable authority. "Carmilia," he began, "the power of bonds should never be underestimated. Yes, emotions can be a distraction, but they can also be a source of unimaginable strength."

Carmilia frowned slightly, about to protest, but the Vice Chancellor continued, his tone deepening as he offered a quote filled with wisdom. "As the ancient masters once said, ’A sword sharpened by duty may cut, but a blade honed by love and loyalty strikes deeper, for it carries the weight of the soul.’ Bonds do not hinder growth—they enrich it. They give purpose, direction. Without something or someone to fight for, raw power is aimless."

His words hung in the air, and even the clouds around them seemed to still in response. Carmilia remained quiet, her icy exterior slightly softened by the depth of his message. General Cao, Vlahiç, and Bowen exchanged knowing glances, their earlier approval now validated by the Vice Chancellor’s insight.

The Vice Chancellor’s gaze shifted back to the two young warriors below. "Kaelen and Lila will not be weakened by their connection," he concluded. "If anything, they will rise higher because of it."

Carmilia didn’t respond, though her posture relaxed just a fraction. Perhaps she wasn’t entirely convinced yet, but the wisdom in the Vice Chancellor’s words had given her something to think about.

As they watched Kaelen and Lila laugh quietly together, oblivious to the watchful eyes above, the scene on the cliff was not just a moment of companionship but a reflection of a much larger truth—bonds, when nurtured, could become the most formidable power of all.

But just then, Reeves suddenly made a statement which made of ripple through the air.

"You all should get ready, the tryouts for the battle convention is beginning soon"

.....

Morris and Ethan stepped out of the sleek black carriage that had just pulled up in front of the grand gates of the Grey family estate. The sprawling mansion loomed before them, an imposing structure of marble and stone, exuding both luxury and power. As the family residence of one of the most prominent and prestigious families in Eldoria, it was an architectural masterpiece—ornate carvings adorned the pillars, while lush gardens stretched out on either side, maintained to perfection by the best gardeners in the city.

Morris adjusted his jacket and took a deep breath, glancing at Ethan beside him. Ethan, his personal bodyguard, stood tall and composed, as always, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings, alert despite the peaceful atmosphere. The two had been through many trials together at Pacesetters Academy, and though Ethan’s role was that of protection, he had become more of a brotherly figure to Morris over time.

"Ready?" Ethan asked, his tone calm yet carrying the weight of knowing what lay ahead.

Morris gave a brief nod. "Ready as I’ll ever be."

They walked through the grand gates, the familiar path leading them toward the entrance of the mansion. The servants greeted them with respectful bows, recognizing their status within the household. As they moved deeper into the estate, the gravity of the upcoming meeting with Morris’s parents, the heads of the Grey family, began to settle in. Despite being a member of such a powerful family, Morris always felt a certain tension when facing his parents—his father especially.

They entered the mansion’s grand foyer, where chandeliers hung high, casting soft light across the intricately decorated floor. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the halls as they made their way toward the family hall, the designated place for formal meetings.

As they approached the large wooden doors of the hall, Ethan gave Morris a steady glance, silently reminding him that he had his support. Morris straightened his posture, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. Despite being one of the most capable students at Pacesetters Academy, facing his parents was always a different kind of challenge.