The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 35: Sword Qi and Silent Resolve

As Zen walked along the quiet path back toward his dormitory, the silence of the academy grounds whispered through the cold breeze. The night had dried the rain away, but the heaviness in his heart lingered.

Yet something caught his eye — a soft glimmer in the distance. Just beyond the main walkway, nestled beside the east wing of the campus, stood a building with soft lantern light spilling from its arched windows. A plaque read "Initiate Combat Hall" — a training space for first-year students.

Zen paused, then quietly stepped inside, drawn not by curiosity, but instinct.

Inside, the hall echoed with soft grunts and steel slicing through air. A girl with dark violet hair and sharp blue eyes was practicing her sword technique alone. Her movements were fluid, sharp, and beautiful — a dance of purpose and strength under the silver glow of the moon.

She noticed Zen enter but said nothing, only offering a brief glance before returning to her practice.

Without a word, Zen walked to the rack of wooden training swords, selected one, and began swinging. There was no aura, no magical flow — only raw movement. Yet he poured his emotions into each slash.

Minutes passed. The girl eventually stopped, her gaze lingering on Zen as he trained.

"You're not using sword qi," she said, approaching him calmly.

Zen paused. "Sword... qi?"

"Yes. It's like mana, but channeled differently. Sword qi flows from your core, but instead of casting spells, you let it flood into your blade. It enhances your speed, sharpness, and control. You can think of it as focusing your spirit into your sword," she explained, her voice clear and slightly authoritative.

She stepped closer. "To awaken it, close your eyes. Imagine your sword is not an object but an extension of your body. Focus on your breath, feel your heartbeat — your life force. Direct it into the blade."

Zen quietly nodded.

"Also," she added, looking back toward her own sword, "combining sword and magic creates the most powerful forms of attack. It's difficult, but when done right, even gods tremble."

Without another word, the mysterious girl returned to her practice. Her figure moved with elegance and quiet power.

Zen remained still, then closed his eyes. He focused inward, breathing deep, imagining his soul flowing into the wooden blade.

Time passed.

The girl eventually left, offering a nod toward Zen.

But Zen stayed.

Hour after hour, he trained relentlessly. Sweat drenched his clothes. His arms trembled. But he refused to stop.

And then — a pulse.

A faint shimmer along the blade. His eyes widened.

The sword moved faster. Sharper. Stronger.

He had awakened his sword qi.

A flicker of happiness lit his face — quiet but proud.

Sunlight slowly spilled through the stained glass windows. Dawn had arrived.

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Outside, Zen made his way to the bench where he and Lyra always met.

As he stood there, a group of passing students snickered. "There's the no-magic guy again, waiting like a lost puppy."

Zen ignored them.

Moments later, Lyra appeared.

She playfully frowned. "Zen, you're so early today... or am I late?"

Zen smirked. "You're definitely late. I've been waiting forever."

"Pffft, liar. You just came too early," she crossed her arms, grinning.

They both chuckled.

"Come on," Lyra said. "Let's head to the Nourishment Hall before class. My stomach's threatening a rebellion."

They entered the hall and took a seat facing each other.

Moments later, a familiar voice chimed, "Mind if I sit here?"

It was Princess Arisella.

"Of course! Sit, Princess," Lyra replied, trying to hide her surprise.

Arisella sat beside Zen.

Lyra blinked. "Of all the places... beside Zen, huh?"

Arisella gave a sweet smile. "Is that jealousy I sense?"

Lyra pouted. "I am not jealous! Just... observing your suspicious behavior, Your Highness."

Zen sighed. "You sure are a troublemaker, Arisella. Now the whole hall's glaring at me."

Arisella giggled, "Let them glare. It's fun watching them boil."

The trio ate together, laughter softening the morning.

As they finished, Lyra turned to Zen. "By the way, I left a letter for our professor. We'll be leaving after class today."

"Leaving? For what?" Arisella asked.

"We're visiting the Five Gods' Shrines," Lyra replied.

Zen looked up. "Seriously?"

"Yes. It's important," Lyra nodded.

Arisella tilted her head. "But why?"

Zen hesitated, then said, "I can't use magic."

Arisella blinked, genuinely surprised. "Oh... Zen. That must be... difficult. I hope the gods bless you soon."

She leaned forward. "When you go, remember — you can only worship one god. Worship too many, and you'll lose your chance. Even if you have power, it'll fade."

Zen scoffed slightly. "Worship?

Lyra frowned. "Hey... what's with that face?"

Zen stood. "Nothing. I'll see you two after class."

He left the hall, walking to his class. More students whispered and snickered.

Fiora, seated nearby, glared at them. "That's enough."

One boy smirked, "Why? Are you his guardian now?"

Fiora coolly replied, "No. But unlike you, I have eyes."

They shut up.

Moments later, Professor Aurellan Vane entered the room. His long robe shimmered with enchanted runes.

"Today," he began, "we will cover the fundamentals of mana control and magical theory. Mana is your life's essence. You must guide it, not force it. Think of it like shaping water."

He illustrated simple techniques with glowing diagrams. Students watched, intrigued.

After an hour, class ended.

Being part of the Royal and Aetherion classes meant students could attend other lessons of their choice.

Zen left for the Swordmanship Hall, eager to learn.

He was taught new stances, footwork, and discipline. The instructor praised his raw focus.

After the third class, Lyra approached Zen. "Ready?"

"Did you get permission?"

She showed a glowing badge. "Six hours. Let's go."

Together, they walked to the academy gates. The Gatekeeper eyed them.

"Purpose?"

"We have some work to finish," Lyra said, holding the badge.

The man stepped aside. "Stay safe."

With that, Zen and Lyra stepped into the city — toward fate, gods, and perhaps... hope.