Bonds of Darkness: Swordmen's Redemption

Chapter Six: Memories of Steel

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Chapter Image Source: Pixiv Artist Code "72057969" / Pixiv Art Code "111991778"

-Flashback Start-

The training ground was bathed in the soft glow of dawn, a serene backdrop to a battle that transcended mere combat. Y/N and Jingliu stood face to face, their eyes locked in a fierce determination. They were not teacher and student, but the closest of friends, engaging in a sparring match that had become a cherished ritual between them.

Y/N, his towering figure clad in formidable armor, gripped his greatsword with the confidence of a seasoned warrior. Jingliu, her lithe form adorned in the attire of a disciplined fighter, brandished her lightsword with grace and agility. Both warriors eyed each other like hawks preparing for a dance of blades.

With a lightning-fast lunge, Jingliu initiated the attack. Her lightsword sliced through the air with the swiftness of a shooting star, aimed at Y/N, who settled into a defensive stance. Blow after blow, she unleashed a barrage of strikes, each one a testament to her speed and agility. Y/N, ever the stalwart defender, met her onslaught with a steadfast guard, the clang of their weapons ringing through the training ground.

But as the spar continued, Y/N's aura began to change. A cerulean hue, like the vivid sky before a storm, began to envelop him. It hummed with energy, resonating through his greatsword. It was a subtle shift, yet one that spoke volumes.

Jingliu noticed the change in her friend's aura, a sign that Y/N was ready to bring the match to a close. His determination blazed brighter, his movements more deliberate. The cerulean glow intensified, casting an ethereal light that danced along the blade of his greatsword.

In response, Jingliu redoubled her efforts, her strikes coming faster and more furious. She recognized Y/N' intent—to end the battle in one fell swoop. It was a challenge she welcomed, a testament to their mutual growth as warriors.

Their sparring reached its zenith, and with a mighty swing of his greatsword, Y/N launched his final strike. It was a calculated move, a culmination of their shared experiences and unspoken communication. Jingliu, her senses heightened, met the blow head-on, their weapons colliding with a resounding clash.

But as the clash reverberated through the training ground, Y/N didn't stop with a mere collision. With a sudden surge of strength, he raised his greatsword high and brought it crashing down with relentless force. The sheer power behind the strike caught Jingliu off guard, and she knew that to defend against it, she would have to muster every ounce of her strength.

Summoning her determination and skill, Jingliu met Y/N's overwhelming strike with unwavering resolve. Her lightsword crackled with energy as she held it above her, a last line of defense against the titanic force of Y/N' greatsword. The impact sent shockwaves through her body, and for a moment, it felt as if the weight of the world rested upon her shoulders.

But she held her ground. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she strained against the tremendous force, her muscles trembling with the effort. It was a test of strength and willpower, a testament to the unbreakable bond between them. Jingliu's lightsword held fast, and she averted the potentially devastating blow.

Finally, Y/N eased his stance, his greatsword lowering. Jingliu, panting heavily, lowered her lightsword as well. The spar had ended, and though it had pushed her to the brink, she had proven her mettle.

"Jingliu," Y/N said, his voice carrying the weight of a comrade's wisdom, "your growth as a warrior is truly remarkable. Trust in your instincts and the skills we've honed together. That's what makes you a formidable warrior."