Blades of the Infinite Path

The journey to the hermit's dwelling was treacherous, winding through dense forests and rocky trails. The rocky sections were especially dangerous, appearing as though they might collapse under even the slightest pressure.

Kieran pushed forward, his determination unyielding. The elder's words echoed in his mind: "He might be harsh, but his knowledge is unparalleled."

By the time he reached the hermit's clearing, the sun was high in the sky, casting golden light over a modest hut nestled against a cliff face. A small garden surrounded the home, it's neat rows of herbs and vegetables suggesting a disciplined hand. Kieran approached cautiously, his sword sheathed but within reach.

"My name is Kieran. I seek training in the Blade Paths. The elder in the valley said you could help me."

The hermit snorted, rising to his feet with surprising agility. "The Blade paths aren't something to be taken lightly. What makes you think you could handle them?"

Kieran's hand tightened around the journal.

"My master, Kaelus, believed I had potential. He... he died protecting our village from bandits. I swore that day to honor his legacy by winning the Hollow Blade tournament and mastering the Blade Paths."

The hermit's gaze softened briefly at the mention of Kaelus, but quickly hardened again.

"Words are cheap. If you want my help, you'll have to prove yourself."

The Hermit led Kieran to a clearing marked by weathered stones arranged in a rough circle. "This is where we will test if you are worth my time. Your trial is simple: land a single strike on me."

Kieran's brow furrowed.

"That's it? My worth is determined on landing one blow on an old man? This will be easy."

The hermit smirked.

"That's it. But don't mistake simplicity for east. Now show me if you're worth even a second of my time."

Drawing his blade, Kieran assumed the Foundation Guard stance. The hermit stood unarmed, his hands resting at his sides. Kieran hesitated, unsure whether to feel insulted or intimidated by the lack of preparation. 

"Whenever you're ready. 

Kieran lunged, his blade slicing through the air with practiced precision. But the hermit sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid and deliberate. Again and again, Kieran attacked, each strike faster and more aggressive than the last. Yet, the hermit evaded them all, his feet barely leaving the ground.

After what felt like hours, Kieran dropped to his knees, panting. Sweat dripped from his bow, and his arms trembled from exertion. The hermit approached, crouching down to meet his gaze.

"You're relying too much on your sword. The Blade Paths are about more than technique. They require awareness, intuition, and balance. Until you understand that, you'll never land a singular blow on me.

The next morning, the hermit introduced Kieran to a different kind of training. Instead of sparring, he was tasked with meditating by a waterfall, balancing on narrow logs, and carrying heavy stones up steep inclines. At first, Kieran was frustrated. None of it seemed to relate to swordsmanship.

"This is pointless!"

The hermit shook his head. 

"Discipline and focus aren't built in the heat of battle. They're forged in moments like these. You'll see the difference when you're ready."

Reluctantly, Kieran persisted. As days turned into weeks, he began to notice subtle changes. His movements grew more fluid, his mind sharper, his sense more attuned to his surroundings. The journal's teachings, once abstract, now felt tangible.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kieran stood in the training circle once more. The hermit faced him, the same smirk playing on his lips.

"You've trained hard these past few weeks. Let's see if it's paid off."

Kieran nodded, his grip steady on the hilt of the blade. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. When he opened them, his focus was razor sharp. He moved, not with brute force, but with purpose. Each step was deliberate, each feint calculated.

The hermit's expression shifted as Kieran's blade grazed his sleeve. A flicker of surprise crossed his face before he chuckled.

"Not bad, you've earned my guidance."

For the first time, Kieran felt a glimmer of pride. The path ahead was still long, but he had taken an important step. With the hermit as his mentor, he knew he was one step closer to mastering the Blade Path, and fulfilling his promise to Kaelus.