Our training starts as hard as before. They instruct us not to use our swords right now because we need to learn first the defence and attack strategies. So they recommend us to use the training equipment. 

Sword training was not easy to handle. So many things you need to learn and need to catch up. But this training won’t let you mind the outside world. It gives you more focus on improving your strength and finding out your weaknesses. 

It took me 5 years to train here and finally, I can kill 7 monsters in one battle. But for me, it’s not enough. I need to be stronger than I am now.

“Ben! The teachers are here. They’re calling us.” Uno said

Aside from learning how to fight, they taught us how to read and write too. They said that it will be good for us to learn how the outside world works. 

So I found out about the nobles outside. If I remember, those monsters got the babies from the nobles. It is strange that the children they ate comes from the noble families. Nobles were one of the top priorities here in our land. So, why would they give their children to those monsters? 

I learned that our country was called Berithmun and we are here in the western lands which is the land of Canaan. Canaan was a small land and this is the territory of count Parish who protected us from other nobles specially from the eyes of Garnet. Count Parish was one of the victims of Garnet. That’s why when he found out he’s one of the count's sons, Lady Citrine helped him to be the next count of Canaan.

I also learned about Garnet too, who's the mother of those monsters. The ring I got that day was hers and I don’t know why it is in the church. I didn’t tell anyone about it but I need to tell it first to Mr. Alfred. I need to finished this training and I need to see Mr. Alfred too. 

After three months of learning, we finished our training. We will soon be deployed on our first mission. We were happy because we passed the training without anyone left behind us.

“So … you can now go to your loved ones again but as I said earlier, after two weeks you need to leave them again for your first mission. You can now celebrate the passing of training. Good luck guys.” Mr. Louise said

I hurriedly went to Mr. Alfred place but it’s locked and the lights were off. 

“Is Mr. Alfred on a mission again?” I asked myself

“No ..” I was startled by the voice I heard on my back. When I looked back, I saw a familiar face. He is Mr. Alfred’s friend who scared me before. 

“Hi Sir! Good afternoon.” I greeted him

He stared at me and smiled. But there was a difference in his smile. It looks like he is in pain. 

“You did grow up huh. I didn’t recognize you.” he said

I don’t know if he’s joking about my height. 

“It's been a long time, sir.” I said

“.....yeah it is.” he became serious as he replied to me. He suddenly took a key from his pocket and gave it to me.

“Uhmm .. is this the key from Mr. Alfred’s room?” I asked

“Yes… and from now on it’s yours now.” He said

“But why? …. Does Mr. Alfred won’t come back?” 

He sighed.

“I …… I am always waiting for you to finish your training. I know Alfred doesn't want to leave you like this. But ….. Alfred is dead. He died 2 years ago.” He said

The first time I heard that, my mind went blank. My heart won’t accept it.

I slightly laughed and said “You’re joking sir, right?”. He shaked his head.

I trembled. My heartbeat raced again as if I was nervous about something. 

My tears that never fall, have come again.  

“How? How did it happen?” I asked

“On his mission that was done five years ago. One of his comrades betrayed him because of the influence of the sword. The plan at that time was ruined and the monsters tracked them. He sacrificed himself to protect his comrades.” He said

Those swords we held were very dangerous. Unlike humans, those shadows inside the swords were deceitful. They will use your weakness to overpower you, their master. They make a fool of you to get what they want. That’s why on the first learning of wielding swords, we used training swords to avoid the shadows while training. After all, those powerful swords come from the blood of Lady Citrine, who is one of the monsters too.

‘Someone has died again .. on a second time.' I said to myself while crying.

I failed to protect a person who saved my life. Even if I knew him in the shortest time, he’s still part of my life. But because of those monsters, even these stupid swords. It’s still useless. 

“Brace yourself, kid. I didn’t tell you this to make you sad. I tell this to you for you to be brave. This is only the beginning.” He patted my shoulder.

“You need to have a strong heart. Many things will happen in the future.” He continued

I wiped my tears and calmed myself. I remember what I will do if I get outside.

“Sir… I need to meet Lady Citrine. I have something I need to ask.” I said

He nodded in response.

I need to find out if that ring will bring me any weaknesses on Garnet. I will wipe you out, monsters. I will stop people's sacrifices.

I will kill you all.