The sound of horse hooves echoed through the dirt road as our carriage moved forward, leaving our home behind. The interior was cozy, lined with soft cushions, and the gentle sway of the ride made the atmosphere strangely relaxing.

Sylphy sat across from me, her elegant white hair catching the sunlight that peeked through the carriage window. Her piercing green eyes stared out, lost in thought. 

I leaned back, stretching my arms. "So, what’s this all about? Why were you summoned back?"

She glanced at me, then let out a soft sigh. "It’s about a trial… one that hasn’t been completed in over 500 years."

That caught my attention. "A trial?"

Sylphy nodded. "There is a pair of legendary dual swords—the Celestial Blades—that are said to choose their wielder. According to ancient records, the swords have been waiting for someone worthy to lift them. But despite countless attempts over the centuries, no one in the Elven Kingdom has succeeded."

I raised an eyebrow. "So they think you might be the one?"

She smirked slightly. "I don’t know. But my bloodline is closely tied to the elves of old, so the elders want me to try. They believe it’s a sign that I was born in this era."

I tapped my fingers on my knee. "Sounds like a big deal."

Sylphy nodded. "It is. If I succeed, it will change everything. If I fail…" she trailed off, then looked at me. "That’s why I didn’t expect you to come. You realize this trial isn’t just some sightseeing trip, right?"

I smirked. "And? What if I just wanted to come because I like annoying you?"

She rolled her eyes. "You never stop, do you?"

"Nope."

She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head.

I leaned forward slightly, resting my chin on my hand. "So, do you actually think you can lift them?"

Sylphy looked out the window again, her expression unreadable. Then, quietly, she said—

"I don’t know. But I have to try."

I could tell she was serious, so I didn’t push it further. Instead, I just watched her for a moment. The way her green eyes reflected the passing scenery, the way the sunlight highlighted her features—it was kind of mesmerizing.

Before I realized it, I had spoken without thinking.

"You know… you’re really pretty when you’re serious."

Sylphy blinked, then turned to me, her cheeks slightly pink. "H-Huh?"

I grinned. "I said you’re pretty. What, did you mishear me?"

Her face turned a deeper shade of red. "I heard you! I just—" she crossed her arms and looked away. "You’re impossible."

I chuckled. "I know."

For a few moments, she stayed silent, but then, as the carriage rocked gently, she mumbled—

"Thank you."

I blinked. "For what?"

She glanced at me, then quickly looked away again. "For coming with me. Even if you’re annoying, it’s… nice having you here."

For some reason, hearing that made my heart feel a little lighter.

I smirked. "Well, someone’s getting soft."

Sylphy sighed dramatically. "I take it back. I should’ve left you behind."

I laughed.

And just like that, the journey continued—toward the Elven Kingdom and a destiny neither of us fully understood yet.

---

Arrival at the Elven Kingdom

The journey had been long, but finally, we neared the borders of the Elven Kingdom. The moment we arrived, I could feel the difference in the air—something ancient, something untouched by time. The trees stood taller than any I’d ever seen, their leaves glowing faintly with an ethereal light. The sky above seemed clearer, the air purer. It was a land straight out of a legend.

But while the land was beautiful, the people? Not so much.

As soon as we stepped out of the carriage, I felt the weight of countless glares.

The male elves stationed at the border weren’t just staring—they were glaring. Their piercing eyes, full of anger, locked onto me like I was some kind of intruder.

I had heard stories before—how elves rarely spoke to other races, how they saw humans as lesser beings, how they refused to mingle. But this wasn’t just distance or indifference—this was hostility.

And I had no idea why.

Sylphy, however, acted as if this was completely normal. She stepped forward with her usual grace, her expression unreadable.

"I am Sylpiette Vaelora. I have returned in response to the High Council's summons."

The guards immediately stood straighter, their expressions shifting from cold hostility to forced formality. One of them, with silver hair tied in an elaborate braid, stepped forward.

"Lady Vaelora, your presence is expected. Your father is awaiting you in the capital."

His eyes briefly flickered toward me, full of disdain.

"And… the human?"

Sylphy barely reacted. "He is with me."

The guard's jaw clenched, but he said nothing more. Instead, he stepped aside, motioning for us to proceed.

"Very well. Welcome back, Lady Vaelora."

I almost snorted. Not even a fake ‘welcome’ for me?

I didn’t say anything, though. I wasn’t here to pick a fight with a bunch of pointy-eared nobles.

Instead, I followed Sylphy as we entered the heart of the Elven Kingdom.

---

Meeting Sylphy’s Father

The Elven Capital was as breathtaking as the land itself. It was built into the massive trees, the buildings seamlessly blending into nature. Crystal-clear rivers flowed through the city, and bridges of woven vines connected the towering structures. It was a place of beauty and grandeur—but also pride.

Every elf we passed gave me a look that ranged from disapproval to outright disgust. It was like I was a stain on their perfect world.

Sylphy, still acting like nothing was wrong, led me through the capital until we arrived at the grand estate of the Vaelora family.

The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a tall figure standing in the grand hall.

His presence was commanding. His silver hair, much like Sylphy’s, shimmered under the light, but his red eyes held a sharpness that sent a clear message—power.

This was Vaelion Vaelora, head of the Vaelora family, one of the strongest elves in the kingdom, and Sylphy’s father.

His gaze landed on me immediately.

And it wasn’t welcoming.

"So." His voice was deep, smooth, but carrying an edge of judgment. "This is the human you brought with you."

Sylphy didn’t flinch. "Yes, Father."

Vaelion’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You’ve always been different from the others, Sylpiette, but I did not expect you to bring… this into our home."

I bit back a sigh. Ah. So we’re starting with insults already?

Still, I forced a polite smile. "It’s an honor to meet you, Lord Vaelora."

His eyes flickered with something close to amusement—like he was mocking me.

"Is it? I find it strange that a human would think so highly of our land."

Sylphy’s expression darkened slightly. "He is my guest. I expect him to be treated as such."

Vaelion gave her a long, unreadable look before finally speaking.

"Of course. If that is your wish, then I will tolerate his presence."

Tolerate.

I almost laughed.

Sylphy sighed. "We came because of the summons. I assume the trial has been prepared?"

Vaelion nodded, his sharp gaze shifting back to me for a brief moment before dismissing me entirely.

"Yes. The High Council is awaiting your arrival. But be warned, Sylpiette—this trial is no simple matter. Many have tried and failed. I expect you will not disgrace our family name."

His words weren’t particularly warm, but Sylphy didn’t react. She simply nodded.

"I understand."

Vaelion finally turned, motioning for us to follow.

"Then let us not waste any more time."

---

The Trial of the Twin Blades

They led Sylphy to the grand chamber where the trial was to be held, but I was not allowed to accompany her. Instead, I was guided to a separate waiting room, away from the ceremony.

Like hell I was going to stay there.

The moment the elf assigned to me turned his back, I slipped out, moving silently through the halls. It didn’t take long before I arrived at the trial room, slipping inside without drawing attention. The chamber was vast, illuminated by a soft, mystical glow. At the center stood a raised stone platform where two legendary swords lay, their blades partially buried in the ancient ground.

I could feel the power radiating from them.

The first sword was black as the void, its blade absorbing the surrounding light. It gave off an ominous, yet oddly calming, aura—like the embodiment of silent strength and hidden depths.

The second sword was white as pure snow, glowing faintly with an otherworldly brilliance. Unlike its counterpart, it emanated light, carrying a presence that felt proud, noble, and unyielding.

These were the legendary twin swords—blades that no elf had been able to lift in 500 years.

Sylphy stepped forward, her gaze steady. She reached out and grasped the hilt of the white sword first. A heavy silence filled the chamber as she exerted her strength, attempting to lift it.

The sword did not budge.

The murmuring began.

"She can’t even move it."

"How shameful for the Vaelora family."

"To think she was summoned, only to fail like the rest."

I clenched my fists as the whispers turned into outright mockery.

"A half-elf like her was never worthy in the first place."

"Perhaps they should have called a true high elf instead."

"Disgraceful."

The words hit me harder than I expected. Not because they were aimed at me, but because they were aimed at her.

I couldn’t just stand there.

Before I even realized it, my voice boomed across the chamber.

"How about giving me a chance, then?!"

The entire room fell silent.

Sylphy turned sharply, eyes wide with alarm. "Nether, no—"

But it was too late.

The elves scoffed, some outright laughing.

"A human? Lifting the twin blades? What a joke!"

"Let him try. He’ll humiliate himself."

"Perhaps this will teach him his place."

Vaelion, Sylphy’s father, watched from his seat among the high-ranking elves, his expression unreadable. But deep within, a storm of confusion was brewing.

"A human? Does he not understand? No one has lifted those blades for five centuries… not even our strongest warriors."

Yet something in my stance must have made him hesitate, because after a moment, he gestured with his hand.

"Very well. Let the human embarrass himself."

I ignored their laughter, ignored their scorn.

I stepped onto the platform, reaching out without hesitation.

My right hand wrapped around the black sword.

My left hand grasped the white sword.

The moment my fingers curled around the hilts—

Everything changed.

A surge of power—raw, untamed—rushed through my veins. The air itself seemed to crackle, the very earth trembling beneath me. Gasps filled the chamber as the ground around me fractured.

Then, without effort—

I lifted both swords at once.

The entire room froze.

The arrogant expressions of the elves vanished, replaced by pure, utter disbelief.

Vaelion’s thoughts, once dismissive, now echoed with shock.

"Impossible."

His eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat.

"For centuries, no one… not even our greatest champions… could lift even one of them. And yet… this human…"

Silence reigned, every elf staring at me like I had just shattered their reality.

I smirked.

"Still think it was a joke?"

---

To Be Continued…