The Lion's Dawn

The embers of battle still lingered in Escanor's mind as he returned to the village. Though he had saved the villagers from the magic beast, the encounter had exposed a glaring weakness—his power was still tied to the sun. At night, he was vulnerable. That needed to change.

As he walked through the village, the people showered him with gratitude. Mira and Rowan were among them, their faces filled with concern and pride.

"You were incredible, Escanor," Mira said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "But… it was dangerous. What if something had gone wrong?"

He met her gaze, his expression calm yet determined. "If I hadn't been there, who would have protected them?"

Rowan sighed. "The boy's got a point, Mira. Still, if you're gonna fight monsters, you need to be prepared."

Escanor nodded. "Which is why I must grow stronger." He clenched his fists, determination burning in his golden eyes. "I need to control my power—all the time. Not just during the day."

Mira looked worried, but she didn't try to stop him. She knew there was no changing his mind.

Rowan crossed his arms. "Then you need a teacher."

Escanor blinked. "A teacher?"

"Aye. Strength ain't just about raw power—it's about knowing how to use it. Lucky for you, I know someone who might be able to help."

Escanor raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

Rowan smirked. "A retired Magic Knight."

The next morning, Escanor followed Rowan deep into the forest, far from the village. The trees stretched high above, their leaves filtering the golden sunlight. Birds chirped in the distance, and a soft breeze rustled through the branches.

After a long walk, they arrived at a secluded cabin built from rough stone and aged wood. Smoke curled from the chimney, and the scent of roasted meat filled the air.

Rowan approached the door and knocked.

For a moment, there was silence. Then—

CRACK!

The door burst open, and an axe whizzed through the air, embedding itself in a nearby tree.

Escanor didn't flinch. Instead, he watched with mild amusement as an old man with a wild white beard and a muscular frame stepped out, arms crossed. His scarred face was stern, his eyes sharp like a predator's.

"Rowan, you bastard," the man grunted. "What the hell are you doin' here?"

Rowan chuckled. "Good to see you too, Master Reinhardt."

Escanor raised an eyebrow. Master Reinhardt?

The old man eyed Escanor before spitting to the side. "Who's the runt?"

Rowan smirked. "This 'runt' just saved our village from a magic beast. Thought he could use some training."

Reinhardt scoffed. "You're jokin'. This kid took down a magic beast?"

Escanor stepped forward, his golden grimoire appearing at his side. "Yes. I did."

The old knight studied him for a moment, then grunted. "Tch. Show me."

Escanor didn't hesitate. He flipped open his grimoire, calling forth his magic. "Sunburst."

A small orb of golden light formed in his palm, radiating warmth.

Reinhardt stroked his beard. "Hmm. Not bad." Then, faster than lightning, he moved.

WHOOSH!

Before Escanor could react, Reinhardt's foot slammed into his chest, sending him skidding backward through the dirt.

Pain flared through Escanor's body, but he didn't cry out. He simply planted his feet and forced himself upright.

Reinhardt smirked. "Good. You ain't soft."

Rowan sighed. "Did you have to kick the kid?"

The old knight ignored him. "Listen, boy. You've got power, I'll give you that. But power alone won't keep you alive." He jabbed a finger at Escanor's chest. "You wanna control your magic? You gotta train your body, your mind, and your instincts."

Escanor met the old knight's gaze and nodded. "Then train me."

Reinhardt grinned, his teeth sharp as a wolf's. "Oh, you're gonna regret saying that."

Training under Reinhardt was hell.

Each morning, before the sun rose, Escanor was dragged out of bed and forced to run through the forest while carrying heavy logs. By midday, he would spar against Reinhardt, who never held back. His strikes were brutal, his movements precise—each lesson was a painful reminder that power meant nothing without technique.

But the worst part?

Training at night.

Since his magic was weaker without sunlight, Reinhardt focused on teaching him hand-to-hand combat and survival tactics. Escanor had to adapt, to fight using his surroundings instead of relying purely on magic.

Some days, he collapsed from exhaustion. But he never quit.

Weeks passed.

His body grew stronger. His reflexes sharpened.

And most importantly—he learned to control.

His magic no longer flared wildly. He could summon flames without burning out too quickly. Even at night, though weaker, his magic no longer faded entirely.

One evening, as the sun set, Reinhardt stood before him with arms crossed. "Alright, boy. Time for your final test."

Escanor wiped the sweat from his brow. "What is it?"

The old knight smirked. "You're gonna fight me. And this time? I won't hold back."

Escanor's eyes widened slightly. Then—he smiled.

The night air was cool as Escanor faced Reinhardt in a clearing beneath the stars. The old knight stood tall, a massive battle-axe slung over his shoulder.

"No magic at first," Reinhardt said. "Let's see what you've learned."

Escanor nodded.

Then the fight began.

Reinhardt lunged forward, his speed insane for someone his age. He swung his axe with deadly precision, forcing Escanor to dodge at the last second.

WHAM!

The axe gouged the earth where he had stood.

Escanor countered, stepping into Reinhardt's guard and aiming a punch at his ribs.

But the old knight was faster. He caught Escanor's wrist mid-strike.

"Good try, boy," he grunted—then drove his knee into Escanor's stomach.

THUD!

Pain explodes through his body, but Escanor grits his teeth. He refused to fall.

"Not bad," Reinhardt admitted. "But not enough."

Escanor took a deep breath. It was time.

His grimoire glowed, pages flipping rapidly.

"Solar Flare!"

A burst of golden light exploded outward. Reinhardt cursed, momentarily blinded.

Escanor moved.

He rushed forward, his fist glowing with radiant energy. "Dawn Strike!"

His punch connected—right into Reinhardt's jaw.

The old knight stumbled back, stunned.

Then—he laughed.

"HAHA! You got me!" He rubbed his jaw, grinning. "You've got talent, boy."

Escanor exhaled. He was exhausted, but he had done it.

Reinhardt crossed his arms. "Alright. You pass."

Escanor blinked. "…Pass?"

Reinhardt nodded. "You're ready. Ready to enter the Magic Knights Entrance Exam."

Escanor's heart pounded.

This was it. The next step toward his true goal.

The sun within him burned brighter than ever.

And soon, the whole kingdom would see it shine.