Tirnanog (Season 1: The Rebellious Knight)

The elf let out a grunt of frustration, his sword swinging wildly as he tried to overpower Youth. But Youth was fast, his movements fluid and calculated. He dodged and parried with ease, matching Schneizal's every move.

Finally, with a decisive blow, Youth struck Schneizal's sword aside and landed a hit to his shoulder, sending him tumbling back. Schneizal stumbled, his arrogance now replaced with a look of stunned disbelief.

Youth stood tall, breathing heavily but composed, his spear steady in his hands. "You were right about one thing," he said with a faint smile. "You should be shown respect… but that doesn't mean I'm going to pay you for a job I didn't ask for."

Schneizal stood up slowly, brushing the dirt off his armor. He was no longer grinning. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "You've got guts, kid. I wasn't expecting that."

Youth didn't respond. He simply turned, walking past Schneizal with a sense of finality. "Next time, don't make demands you can't back up."

Schneizal watched him go, his mind racing as he processed what had just happened. It wasn't often he found someone who could challenge him. But this boy… there was more to him than met the eye.

After the intense clash, Youth gave Schneizal one final look, his gaze steady and unwavering. The elf was still recovering, his pride bruised from the defeat, but Youth had no time for him. Without saying another word, he turned and began walking away, his footsteps quiet and determined.

However, as he moved deeper into the forest, he heard Schneizal's voice call out from behind him.

"Hey, wait up!"

Youth sighed, his frustration mounting as he slowed but did not turn around.

"I've never met a Grade 2 before," Schneizal continued, his voice now more casual, almost friendly. "Most of the people here on the surface are just lowly Grade 1s. Grade 2s are rare down here."

Youth clenched his jaw, clearly annoyed. He hadn't come all this way to be followed by someone he barely knew.

But Schneizal wasn't discouraged. He quickly caught up, matching Youth's pace with ease despite his size.

"I'm serious," Schneizal persisted. "You're not like anyone I've met. I've been around long enough to know there's something different about you." He looked at Youth, his blue eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I want to be your friend."

Youth's hand tightened around his spear, irritated by the elf's persistent attitude. "Friend?" he repeated, shaking his head. "I don't need friends. Not from someone like you."

Schneizal chuckled, unfazed by the rejection. "Come on, don't be so stiff. I get it, you're not a big fan of talking to random strangers, but look at me—I'm a Grade 2 as well, We should stick together. Think about it. Not everyday you meet someone with a sword the size of their body, right?" He grinned widely, trying to break through Youth's serious demeanor.

Youth sighed, clearly bothered by how nonchalant Schneizal was about the situation. "Just because we're both Grade 2s doesn't mean we have anything in common. I've got my own mission. I don't need you tagging along."

Schneizal's grin didn't fade. "Come on, what harm could it do? I'm not asking for much. I just want to stick around and see what you're about. Who knows? Maybe we'll make a pretty good team. You're obviously strong, but even strong guys need a friend, right?"

Youth paused for a moment, glancing over at Schneizal. The elf's persistence was grating, but there was something strangely earnest about him—he wasn't just after something for himself this time.

"You're really going to follow me, aren't you?" Youth muttered under his breath.

Schneizal grinned wider, clearly pleased by the response. "That's the spirit! You won't regret it. Who knows? We could make history together. You, me, and a giant sword."

Youth groaned in frustration, but he couldn't bring himself to shake Schneizal off completely. "Fine. But don't get in my way."

Schneizal gave him a mock salute. "I wouldn't dream of it. We're going to be great friends!"

Youth rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small, reluctant smile that tugged at the corner of his lips as they walked together into the unknown.