The Smiling Sword: Hunt for the Muri Khan

While they were still in that wonderful, fragrant garden, the Smiling Blade ; known also as the Smiling Sword –turned to them with a calm but playful air. "Enjoy the rest of the morning," he said, his voice as bright as the sun above. "Later this afternoon, we continue training. Rest your minds, prepare your spirits."

Valerie and Aren nodded, relief and excitement flickering across their faces. They found a wide old tree, its shade cool and comforting. Sitting side by side, they began chatting quietly. Aren, as always, kept the mood light with his jokes and silly impressions, making Valerie laugh until her sides hurt. Under that tree, for a little while, they were just two young people ; not warriors, not chosen ones , simply human.

Time slipped by, soft and golden. Before long, the Smiling Blade signaled them. It was time.

They followed him to a new place within the garden ;a hidden grove where the earth itself seemed alive. Patterns and symbols were carved into the mossy ground, glowing faintly as if they contained the breath of ancient spirits. The air there hummed, carrying a soft, otherworldly energy.

The Smiling Blade stood at the center, turning first to Aren. "Your turn, Aren," he said with a firm nod.

Rank Four

Aren stepped forward, his usual grin turning serious. The master guided him through rigorous physical motions, swift cuts and flowing stances. Sparks of energy danced around Aren's blade, each movement sharp yet filled with quiet grace. The Smiling Blade pushed him further, forcing him to balance strength with stillness, laughter with focus.

Finally, Aren fell to one knee, sweat glistening on his forehead but eyes burning with determination.

The Smiling Blade's expression softened. "You have completed the Fourth Rank," he declared.

At that moment, the fourth spiral etched into the Smiling Blade's handle shimmered bright blue, like moonlight trapped in crystal. He handed Aren a small, ornate badge marked with ancient runes which just appeared and floated in the air. Aren took it from the air with trembling hands, feeling its warmth flood into his chest. Pride and gratitude danced across his face, his smile genuine and bright.

Then, the Smiling Blade turned to Valerie, his bright eyes narrowing as though he could see right into her soul. "Now, Valerie… your turn."

Valerie swallowed hard and straightened her back, closing her eyes slowly. The Smiling Blade guided her into a deep, slow meditation, urging her to hear her heartbeat, to feel the air between each breath. He painted visions in her mind — an endless ocean, a field of lilies swaying in moonlight, a sky scattered with a thousand stars.

When her mind was quiet, he gave her the first task. "Stop the birds from singing," he murmured, like a father calming a restless child.

Valerie's brow furrowed. The birds' cheerful songs trickled through the garden like a thousand silver bells. But she focused, pushing her will outward, weaving her intent like an invisible net. Slowly, impossibly, the songs fell silent.

The Smiling Blade nodded, pleased. "Good… now, stop the hush of the wind."

This took longer. The breeze brushed her hair, whispered against her skin, tugged at the edges of her mind. She fought to still it, her whole body trembling. At last, the air grew still, so silent she could hear her own pulse echoing in her ears.

For the final task, he told her to lift the small fishes in the stream nearb to float in the air .Valerie strained, sweat streaming down her face. The fishes only wobbled, never truly lifting from the water's surface.

The Smiling Blade shimmered blue and said"Enough for today," he said softly. "You've done well."

As the sun began to dip low, painting the sky in streaks of orange and deep purple, Aren slumped next to Valerie.

"Are we going to eat fruits here every day?" Aren asked, half-teasing but also genuinely curious.

The Smiling Blade let out a warm chuckle. "Yes, but these are no ordinary fruits. They come from the Mysterious Lunar itself. Each bite strengthens your heart, your mind, your spirit."

Aren tilted his head, pretending to pout, but deep down he trusted every word.

That evening, the two of them sat beneath a sky sprinkled with the first stars. Valerie and Aren lay down beside each other, hearts and minds still buzzing from the day's challenges. Aren clutched his new badge close, a quiet smile curling at his lips. Valerie lay next to him, her eyes fixed on the stars above, her spirit calmer, stronger.

The Smiling Blade stood watch nearby, his presence a silent promise against the dark.

Tonight, under the moonlight and the scent of night-blooming flowers, they rested ;warriors in training, dreamers at heart. Each carried unspoken hopes, quiet fears, and the fragile beginning of something stronger growing inside them.

Tomorrow would bring new trials, new laughter, new tears. But tonight, they slept as one ; together under the vast, endless sky.

But something wasn't right.

Aren's mind kept turning over the thought like a restless wheel. The Smiling Sword had never given him a badge before, even after he completed all those other ranks. Why now?

The question itched at the back of his mind until he couldn't hold it in anymore.Slowly, Aren turned to face the Smiling Sword, his brows knit in confusion.

"Why did you give me that badge… now?" he asked quietly, his voice low but edged with curiosity and unease.

..

The air felt cool around him, the blade shimmering softly. It seemed to breathe, almost alive.

Then, in a low, echoing voice, it finally spoke:...