Chapter 17 – The Sword Throne
The walls of Reverb's capital rose in the distance, tall stone ramparts lined with banners bearing the silver sword emblem of the kingdom. No shimmering towers, no magical glow. Just solid gray stone and disciplined order. A city built for warriors.
Kaze stared at it with cautious awe. "So this is it… the Sword Capital."
Reverb wasn't grand in the way Elvon's magical spires were. Instead, it was raw and resolute. Watchtowers rose like clenched fists. Practice fields and dueling rings stretched just outside the gates. The clang of steel on steel echoed through the breeze, not ceremonial—practical, relentless.
Atlas grinned. "Feels like home already."
"I can smell the sweat and pride from here," Lyra muttered, shielding her eyes from the sun.
They passed through the main gates after a brief inspection. The guards wore leather and chain, swords sheathed at their hips—not showpieces, but worn weapons with nicks and scars. No wands. No sigils. Just steel.
Inside, Reverb bustled with life. Blacksmiths hammered blades while vendors hawked boiled meat and dried herbs. Warriors of every rank passed through the cobbled streets, some training, some resting, all watching the newcomers with wary curiosity.
Kazuki led them to the upper district where a stone keep loomed—the Swordhold.
The guards at the gate recognized Kazuki immediately. One of them bowed slightly. "The King's expecting you."
They were led into the great hall. Torches flickered on stone pillars. The throne itself wasn't gold or jeweled—it was iron and oak, built like a warbench with two great blades crossed behind it.
And sitting on it was King Scar.
A tall man, broad-shouldered and statuesque, with a jagged black scar slashing down from his left eye to his cheek. His eyes were the cold gray of forged steel. His armor was plain, but polished. Not a crown on his head—just a long sword resting beside him.
When Kazuki entered, Scar's eyes narrowed slightly. "Didn't expect you back alive."
Kazuki bowed lightly. "Neither did I."
Scar stood. His presence was immense—not magical, but commanding. "Who are these three?"
Kazuki motioned behind him. "Kaze of Gage Village. Wind mage. Atlas, sword apprentice. Lyra… smart mouth. Good aim."
Lyra tilted her head, smirking. "Charmed."
Scar stepped down from the throne and approached Kaze first. His gaze was sharp, assessing. "A wind mage, walking into Reverb."
"I walk where I want," Kaze said without flinching.
Scar raised an eyebrow. "Hm. I like that. You'll either die fast or do something stupid enough to be remembered."
He turned to Atlas. "You carry yourself like a duelist."
Atlas stood straighter. "I plan to be more than that."
"We'll see," Scar muttered, then looked to Lyra. He didn't speak. Just gave her a brief nod.
Scar walked back to his throne. "You'll stay in the South Hall. Training begins tomorrow. You'll be evaluated like everyone else."
Kazuki crossed his arms. "You still run this place like a bootcamp."
"It keeps the weak from lying to themselves," Scar said, sitting back down.
Kaze narrowed his eyes. "And what about monsters outside these walls? The things that steal faces and children?"
Scar's expression didn't change. "Sword or claw, doesn't matter. You bleed either way. Learn fast."
A long silence followed.
Then the king added, "Rest tonight. There's no softness in the morning."
⸻
That evening, the group settled in the South Hall—a stone barracks lined with cots, straw mattresses, and armor racks.
Atlas flopped onto his bed. "This place smells like honor and old socks."
Kaze stared at the ceiling. "The king… he's intense."
Lyra sat near the window. "He didn't even blink at us. Just sized us up and moved on."
Kazuki spoke quietly from the corner. "He's the strongest man in Reverb. Stronger than me. Stronger than anyone here."
Atlas frowned. "You're not usually so humble."
Kazuki leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "I'm not. That's just how serious he is."
Outside, swords clashed in the dark. Warriors trained even after sunset.
Kaze looked out the window. His fingers curled slightly as wind stirred around them.
Tomorrow would be a test. And he was ready.
⸻
End of Chapter 17