Outside the kingdom - morning

In a lush green forest full of small critters that are scurrying around the woods. The wind pushes past the trees, bushes, and grass. Making a mesmerizing sound that eases the soul of any who listen. One such man is taking in this easing sensation from nature. He moves with a sword strapped to his waist, armor covering his torso, shoulders, and kneecaps. His grey hair that is tied up into a ponytail sways as the wind hits it. His loose bangs get in the way of his crimson eyes.

“Gah, knew I shoulda gotten this cut off,” he complains as he pushes them up.

As he continues down his path, a dreadful roar bellows within the forest. The man stops in his tracks, not out of fear, but for the anticipation of a wild animal. As he waited, the soothing effect the rustling leaves and bushes had disappears Now, they only build up the anticipation for the monster to arrive. The swordsman steels himself as the threat draws closer. He places one hand on his sword’s hilt, waiting for the monster to show itself to him. As the sound of a dangerous creature approaches, he grins as he pushes out air from his nose... Then, without warning, the creature that was approaching bursts into view. Its body is that of a bear, its hide thicker than that of a horse, and its claws sharper than that of a sabertooth tiger. A moment isn't wasted as the beast swipes its claws for the swordsman. Surly, the swordsman is destined for death… But no, that is not what happened. He easily blocks the attack with only one hand. A hit from this beast would normally kill a man, even if they blocked with a sword. However, this lone swordsman blocked it with ease.

The swordsman simply sighs to himself. “What a weak blow. Aren’t you supposed to be a predator?” A fraction of a second is all it takes for the swordsman to slash the beast. It leaves a wound on the beast’s chest as blood pours out. It whales out in pain, tossing and turning on the ground.

“Shouldn’t have fought a beast you can’t kill.”

His tone is cruel, colder than ice. He swipes his blade over empty air, ridding his blade of any blood, then sheathing it in such a smooth motion. The swordsman takes his leave from the animal. Its cries continue as he walks further away. He is going to leave it to cry on about its wound and possibly die from blood loss because a swordsman feels nothing from beating their opponent… At least, that’s what he wanted to do, but as the animal cried out in pain, his conscience kicked in. He immediately went back to patch up its wound with his emergency first-aid kit.

“There ya go. Don’t go hunting for animals while it’s recovering.” A light moan comes from the animal. “...Also, don’t be hunting people that could kill ya, ‘kay?” Another moan comes from the animal. “Good, now be on your way.” Doing as he said, it moves on fours, leaving the open trail the swordsman is taking. The soothing nature of the forest has returned. The swordsman looks down the path he is taking. Once again, he sighs to himself, slumping his shoulders. “Kill without hesitation - rule #3 of being a swordsman… How the hell am I supposed to kill a crybaby beast like that?” His attention goes toward the sky. A clear blue sky with nothing resembling a cloud. The frustration he’s feeling goes away as he takes in a deep breath. “Eh, whatever, whining ain’t gonna do me good. I still got a job to do, so I better hop to it.”

With his mind clearing up, he sets off after his target. What could his target be? Well, that will have to wait for later...