The Moonlight Swordsman



More than 200 years ago...

A lone figure sat in silent reflection before a tragic scene as the village went about its business. The white strands of the young man's hair fluttered in the wind like a reflection of the turbulent feelings he was experiencing.

His eyes, blurred by tears, landed on the lifeless bodies before him, and the weight of their presence crushed his spirit.

"I am sorry, mother and father. You weren't able to see me become a reputable mage with your own eyes.

"But I promise you, I will become a worthy mage."

The man's actions spoke volumes about the level of respect he felt for his parents. He gently gathered them in his arms, protecting them from further injury by cradling them in his arms.

He carefully buried the bodies in the graveyard, where they would spend their final days in peace. The holiness of the moment surrounded him as he carried out the ritual with great concentration and respect.

A few weeks later,

"Oye Kishin, why are you drinking alone? Come and join us." A scrubby man spoke.

Kishin's lips curled into a warm smile. He got up gracefully from his lonely table and joined the other patrons at the busy bar.

"We heard you finally got to join the Goldwyn family." A bulky man spoke.

"Oh yes, I finally passed their assessment to become Goldwyn's family mage. I hope I can do well for them for the opportunity they are giving me." Kishin replied shyly.

"Hehe," Another man thumped his back as he chugged down the drink with another hand and then said, "Don't worry, Kishin *BURP* You are the first mage from our village. You should be more proud of it,"

"Yes, Kishin is the hope of the village."

"I will teach my kid to become like Kishin."

"Only if your parents were alive and able to see you today. They must be watching you from the other side and must be feeling proud, Kishin."

"T-Thank You, everyone," Kishin said, standing up and bowing.

Having said his goodbyes to his friends, he left the noisy tavern and set his sights on the town of Tidalheim.

The road ahead beckoned, and not just because he was a respected mage within its walls. The enigmatic pull of Tidalheim promised him a new chapter in his life, one in which his responsibilities and his fate would become intertwined.

In Tidalheim, inside the Goldwyn family mansion,

Kishin stood tall and unwavering, dressed in his new white and golden robe, his gaze fixed upon the figure before him.

The aging man, revered as a renowned Grade VI mage within the Goldwyn family, commanded respect and admiration.

His aura was heavy with the authority that came from years of experience and knowledge.

His name was 'Damius Goldwyn'.

"What's your name, young man?" Damius asked.

"Kishin sir,"

"I see, so you are the new mage that has been appointed here. You are a Grade II mage at such a young age—not bad.

"What weapon do you use?"

"A sword, sir," Kishin replied.

"Why do you use a sword? Why did you become a mage?"

Kishin's face showed a flash of confusion as he thought about a lot of things at once.

"I-I have only used a sword since I was young. And I wanted to become a good mage to make my parents proud."

"So, are they proud?"

"I don't know, sir; they died due to old age before seeing me become an official family mage."

"You will become stronger, Kishin; you are young and talented.

"But you won't be able to cross a limit. You will be an average mage for the rest of your life. Neither you nor your sword have any resolve or desire.

"You can leave now."

Kishin bowed respectfully and left.

"What does it mean by desire or resolve? I have already become a mage. What more do I need now?"

In the years that followed, Kishin devoted himself wholeheartedly to the service of the Goldwyn family.

Every moment of his day was dedicated to his duties, which included protecting the complex network of trade and merchant routes from the hands of malicious bandits.

His presence was a shield against the dangers that lurked in the shadows as he vigilantly patrolled the areas entrusted to his protection.

One day, Kishin enjoyed a fantastic supper while sitting in a cozy restaurant in the center of a Carangut village.

The restaurant was located on the beautiful coastline of the kingdom, providing a spectacular view of the endless blue of the ocean near the Theodora Kingdom.

The sounds of seagulls and lapping waves transported Kishin to a serene location where the boundary between land and sea was hazy.

Kishin's eyes, caught in a moment of coincidence, wandered the room until they landed on a lone figure.

The woman sat serenely; her slim figure lit by the sunlight pouring in through the window.

Her dark black hair moved in sync with the sea breeze, framing her face like a swath of black silk. Her pale skin gave off an ethereal glow as the light caressed it.

"Beautiful," Kishin murmured.

Should I talk with her? Is she alone? Is she waiting for someone?

Kishin patiently watched the woman from a distance for an hour while time passed like a whisper in the wind. Kishin approached her after making sure she was all by herself.

He walked up to her table and pulled out a chair; as he sat down, his gaze fell upon hers, and that was all that was needed for him to fall in love.

"Isn't the weather very good here?" he said.

"Yes, I love the weather here. It's very calm," the woman replied.

"I am Kishin, the mage who is posted here."

"Oh, so you are the mage who recently beat those bandits? I see you are strong; I am Liza."

"Hehe...they were just normal thugs wanting to steal the rations."

Kishin and Liza's meaningful chats caused time to fly by like sand through an hourglass.

He set out on an exciting adventure with Liza, leading the way through the delightful village and along the breathtaking coast.

She served as his guide, revealing hidden gems and weaving tales of the land's history. Together, they explored winding streets, admired vibrant market stalls, and witnessed the sun's descent over the tranquil waters.

Liza promised Kishin they would reunite the following day at the same restaurant when the sun set, bathing Xelgar in a golden glow.