Dark Ascension

2

### Chapter 2: The Brother's Path

While Arthur was dedicated to his dark journey of power, his brother, Ethan, decided to change his destiny. Feeling powerless after the events that led to their father's death, Ethan decided to join the army, where he would learn about magic and martial arts. He wanted to become stronger, not just to protect himself but also to protect his family.

Ethan's journey to the capital, Aranthia, was long and exhausting. He traveled through various villages and cities, facing challenges and dangers along the way. Each encounter tested his resolve, but it also made him stronger and more determined. He met other young aspirants to the military, sharing stories and dreams of greatness.

Ethan's sense of humor and sarcasm became his coping mechanism. He often complained about the long walks, the harsh weather, and the uncomfortable lodgings, but he always did what needed to be done. His altruistic nature shone through, as he would go out of his way to help others he met on the road.

---

One rainy afternoon, Ethan trudged through the mud, his boots squelching with each step. The downpour had turned the dirt road into a mire, and his cloak was soaked through.

"Why did it have to rain today?" Ethan muttered to himself. "Of all the days to be caught in a storm, it had to be today. Perfect. Just perfect."

As he continued, he spotted an old man struggling to push a cart out of the mud. Sighing, he shook his head and approached him.

"Need a hand, sir?" he asked, already rolling up his sleeves.

"Oh, young man, would you? This cart is stuck, and I can't move it on my own," the old man replied, his voice gruff.

"Of course, because why not? It's not like I have anywhere to be," Ethan grumbled sarcastically, though he smiled warmly at the old man. He put his back into it, pushing the cart free of the mud.

"Thank you so much, young man. You're a true hero," the old man said, his eyes shining with gratitude.

"Yeah, yeah, just doing my good deed for the day," Ethan replied, waving off his thanks. "Now, if only the gods could do something about this rain."

The old man laughed, and Ethan felt a little lighter despite the rain and mud.

---

The old man introduced himself as Garrick, and the two quickly became companions. Garrick was a seasoned traveler with a wealth of stories and wisdom. He took an interest in Ethan's journey to join the army and offered to accompany him to Aranthia.

Over the next few days, Garrick began to teach Ethan the basics of swordsmanship. Ethan was eager to learn, but he quickly realized that his skills were far from adequate. His strikes were sloppy, and his footwork was uncoordinated. Garrick, however, was patient and encouraging.

"Don't worry, lad. Everyone starts somewhere. You'll get the hang of it," Garrick said with a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, right. If I don't trip over my own feet first," Ethan replied with a sarcastic grin.

Garrick proved to be an excellent teacher, and under his guidance, Ethan's skills slowly began to improve. The old man's experience and expertise were evident in every lesson, and Ethan absorbed as much as he could.

---

A few days later, as they approached a small town nestled in a valley, they noticed a commotion in the marketplace. A group of bandits was harassing the townspeople, demanding money and goods.

"Looks like we've got some trouble," Ethan muttered, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword.

"Stay close, lad. Follow my lead," Garrick instructed, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.