The training grounds buzzed with anticipation. Servants and family members gathered in a wide circle around the arena. The morning breeze rustled through the trees, carrying whispers of excitement.
I stood in the middle of the grounds, my gaze steady on Veyron. His lips curled into a smug grin, confidence radiating off him like heat from the sun.
Edwin stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. "This duel will be conducted without the use of mana. Only physical strength is allowed. The first one to fall loses."
Morgana, seated beside Zephyrin, gave a smug smile. Her voice carried just enough for me to hear. "This will be over in a minute."
Selene stood beside me, her presence as gentle as ever. She placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned closer. "Be careful, child."
I gave her a slight nod, my expression indifferent.
"Begin!" Edwin's hand dropped.
Veyron launched himself at me like an overeager beast. His punch was wild and predictable. I sidestepped with ease, watching as he stumbled past me.
"What's the matter?" he taunted, regaining his footing. "Scared already?"
I said nothing. There was no need to respond to such petty provocations.
He came at me again, fists swinging without form or precision. I dodged each attack effortlessly, my mind detached.
I know enough martial arts to end this in a blink. But staying low-profile is crucial.
I continued dodging, letting him tire himself out.
His frustration was palpable. "Why are you dodging? Fight me directly!"
How predictable.
I decided to indulge him. Letting his punch graze my side, I staggered slightly to make it believable. His eyes gleamed with triumph, mistaking my feint for weakness.
Enough was enough.
I stepped forward, unleashing a series of calculated moves. A strike to his torso, a sweep to destabilize him, and finally—my leg swung high in a perfect arc—a spinning kick landed squarely on his head.
The impact echoed through the grounds. Veyron's eyes widened before he collapsed onto the dirt, unconscious.
Silence fell.
I straightened, brushing imaginary dust off my sleeve. My heart rate hadn't even increased.
"Young Master Aren Wolfhart is the victor," Edwin declared.
There was a murmur of disbelief. Morgana's face twisted in shock.
Selene's lips curved into a proud smile. Aleric stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
"As promised," Aleric said, his voice steady, "the winner shall be granted one wish. Aren, you may ask for anything."
I met his gaze, my voice cold. "I'll save it for later."
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. "Very well."
Later, Aleric summoned me to his study. The room was dimly lit, the scent of aged wood and parchment heavy in the air. He sat behind his grand desk, his sharp eyes fixed on me.
"That final move in the duel," he said. "Where did you learn it?"
I kept my expression neutral. "It was unconscious."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I see."
As I left his study, Edwin was waiting outside. His expression was composed, but there was a glimmer of approval in his eyes.
As I walked down the dim corridor, Edwin’s words echoed in my mind—the "Elemental Affinity Rite" at the "Celestial Sanctum" in "Eldoria", the heart of the Avalon Empire.
It was just another step in the long journey ahead. Nothing more, nothing less.
My path remained unchanged. Steady, resolute, and mine to carve.
To be continued...
Please log in to leave a comment.