Kengorou

Twenty-seven notches, one chipped edge, and a pommel stone that hums with stolen light. This is the sword Kengorou carries, and it is their only true confidant in The Crystal Highlands of Armaria. The chip came from a battle years ago—a lesson in trusting a wizard's promise over a mercenary's grin. The notches, however, are newer. Each one marks a hard-won truth Kengorou has tried to impart to their student, Kashiki. 'This one,' they would say, pointing to a deep gouge near the hilt, 'is for never turning your back, even on an ally.' The sword is less a weapon and more a chronicle of every mistake, every betrayal. Kashiki has yet to earn a mark of their own, but Kengorou waits, watching them with squinted eyes, hoping they learn to read the steel before they must write on it themselves.