Chapter 4: Clash of Blade and Magic
The training yard buzzed with excitement that morning. Roan stood barefoot, sword in hand, facing an opponent he had never trained against before—not his mother, but his sister.
Selene Elion.
At ten years old, she was taller than him by a head, her rose-pink hair tied into twin braids. Her smile was mischievous, but her fingers glowed faintly with magic—traces of wind energy curling around her palm.
"Ready to lose, little dumpling?" she teased.
Roan frowned. "Stop calling me that."
Selene twirled her staff playfully. "You'll always be my dumpling."
Roan tightened his grip. "Then I guess you'll be the first one I defeat."
"Ooooh, so serious today," she giggled. "Alright then. Let's dance."
Their mother, Lyria, stood to the side, arms folded and smiling faintly. "No dangerous spells, Selene."
"Just the basics," Selene chimed. "Promise!"
Roan charged first. His sword cut the air cleanly as he aimed for her midsection. Selene twisted sideways, her staff flicking upward to parry. The wooden weapons clashed, then separated.
"Not bad," she said. "But I've got tricks!"
A gentle gust of wind burst from her hand. Roan skidded back, bracing himself with both feet.
He narrowed his eyes. "You're holding back."
"Maybe."
He ran forward again, feinting left before ducking low. Selene was caught off-guard—he swept his sword and tapped her thigh.
"Point for me!"
Selene gasped. "Hey! No fair!"
"You left your stance open."
"Cheeky," she grinned, and with a flick of her wrist, a soft gust lifted his cloak and flipped it over his face. Roan yelped, pulling it off—only to get tapped on the shoulder.
"Point for me."
Roan groaned. "You're impossible."
Selene grinned like a fox. "And you're slow!"
---
The match went on, neither side willing to surrender. Roan moved with focused footwork, using the drills Lyria taught him. Selene weaved between his strikes like wind, her laughter blending with the rustle of magic.
They traded hits, taunts, and playful spells—wind puffs, minor barriers, and even a floating feather attack that had Roan sneezing mid-duel.
Eventually, both were panting and smiling, bruised but happy.
"Draw?" Roan offered, sword resting against his shoulder.
Selene leaned on her staff, face flushed. "Draw."
They collapsed onto the grass together, staring up at the blue sky, side by side.
"I thought magic would make you unbeatable," Roan said between breaths.
"It helps," Selene admitted. "But your sword's getting scary."
He smiled faintly. "Thanks."
> [System Log Updated]
Sparring Session: Selene – Completed
Progress: +2% Sword Path
Magic Resistance Gained: Wind (Lv. 1)
Relationship: Selene – +12 Affection
> System Note: "Siblings that clash together, grow together."