- Fleurette: [Opening lines] When I first saw the mask, I remember only that I found it so frightening. But from where did this memory come? Already five years had passed since the defeat of Xiphos, the Bringer of Death. The world was at peace. But for me, that had little meaning.
- Masked Announcer: [after a soldier is knocked down in a round] They fink it's all over... It is now! And the winner is... Swordmaster Dao!
- Swordmaster Dao: Hah, hah, hah, hah, hah! The passage of time has not dulled my blade... or my skills! Are there no others? No more young heroes willing to challenge an old man?
- [Dao turns and looks at the main hero]
- Swordmaster Dao: Ah-ha! You there! The son of my accomplished pupil, Claymore I believe. So? Are you ready to try your hand against your fathers master?
- Masked Announcer: Cor blimey! An invite from Swordmaster Dao 'imself! 'E's only gone an' challenged Claymore's son. Claymore bein' one o' the famous warriors wot defeated Xiphos the Deafbringa! An' wots more, 'e was a pupil of Swordmaster Dao too! Goddess only knows wot kinda match we're in for 'ere!
- Swordmaster Dao: I have been speaking with your father. Tomorrow will be your sixteenth birthday, I hear. When a young man of our land comes of age, he must undertake the Walk of the Worthy, it is tradition. You must focus your mind and spirit on the ways of the sword now. Come, I will instruct you.
- Swordmaster Dao: Yes, you are strong! You are well-centred. You may even posses the inner tranquillity required to execute the master stroke technique I taught your father long ago. Do you wish to try?
- Swordmaster Dao: Aah... Hah hah hah! Tiger father begets tiger son. You have inherited your father's command of the blade. Since Claymore lost his arm, he is no longer able to wield a sword, but you... The kingdom of Avalonia will be fortunate indeed to count you amongst its warriors. Hah hah hah!
- Masked Announcer: 'Ere ends the royal festival of swordsmanship commemoratin' the fifth anniversary of the defeat of Xiphos the Deafbringa... Phew!
- Claymore: You looked good out there, lad. Aye, that you did. Course old Dao was just playing with you, but still... If only I haven't messed up my arm so badly, eh? Then I could've trained you up good and sharp, and maybe it would've been you playing with Dao!
- Anlace: Ahh there you are! That last bout was quite a spectacle. I'm rather impressed!
- [Prince Anlace walks over to Claymore]
- Claymore: Prince Anlace! It's been a long time. You're a good deal tougher now than when you used to train under me, by the looks of it.
- Anlace: Quite right! You'll find that I never miss a day's training! So don't imagine you can outdo me, just because you come from heroic stock. We should spar together sometime.
- Claymore: Forgive me for asking, your highness, but where's Queen Curtana? I haven't seen Her Majesty all day.
- Anlace: Mother is... I am told she has been feeling unwell in recent days. She confines herself to her chamber and refuses to see anyone. Including myself.
- Claymore: Hmm... I was thinking of dropping in and saying how do, but maybe I'll save it for another time. Well, it'll be getting dark soon, son. Time to head home. Good to see you looking so well your highness. You take care now.
- [Claymore walks out of the room]
- Claymore: There you are, lad. You go on home ahead of me, alright? I've an errand to run. It's your sixteenth birthday tomorrow, after all. I suppose I'd best find you a present of some sort, eh?
- [Claymore walks away]