Chapter 39 — The Unexpected Challenger

The arena had barely settled after Aric’s last victory when a murmur spread through the crowd. Whispers of disbelief and curiosity rippled like a wave.

“Who is that?” a noble exclaimed. “I’ve never seen him before!”

Through the grand gates strode a figure unlike any the tournament had seen. Clad in light armor that shimmered in the sunlight, he moved with unmatched grace, a pair of curved twin blades strapped to his back. His hood shadowed his face, but an aura of lethal precision emanated from him.

Kaelen’s golden eyes narrowed. He recognized the type of fighter immediately—a master of dual weapons, agile and unpredictable, a style designed to overwhelm opponents with speed and deception.

“This is going to be… interesting,” Kaelen murmured to himself, observing silently from the sidelines.

The challenger stepped into the arena, tossing one of his twin blades in the air and catching it effortlessly. “I am Selryn Duskblade,” he announced, voice calm yet commanding. “I’ve heard tales of a prince guided by the legendary Mirrorblade. Let’s see if your skill matches the stories.”

Aric’s heart raced. Twin blades meant speed, deception, and constant pressure. I’ve trained under Master Kaelen… I can do this.

Kaelen’s gaze met Aric’s. “Remember what I taught you,” he said quietly. “Predict, adapt, and use your opponent’s style against him. Twin blades require rhythm—disrupt it, control it, and you control the fight.”

The duel began without warning. Selryn’s blades flashed in a blur, striking from multiple angles at once. Aric barely managed to block, feeling the sting of a near miss. Every strike was calculated, every movement designed to force mistakes.

The crowd gasped, leaning forward in anticipation. “He’s fast… unbelievable!” someone shouted.

Aric recalled Kaelen’s lessons, moving fluidly, observing Selryn’s patterns, and predicting his next attack. He dodged a spinning strike, countered with a precise thrust, and used Selryn’s own momentum against him.

Selryn’s eyes widened, surprised. “Impressive… you anticipate my moves. Few can do that.”

Aric pressed the advantage, blending offense and defense seamlessly, testing his limits. Yet, Selryn’s speed and unpredictability pushed him to adapt constantly. Each strike was faster, each feint more deceptive.

From the sidelines, Kaelen remained calm, analyzing every move. He is learning, adapting… but he must not let confidence cloud judgment. Observe, then strike.

Finally, after a series of rapid exchanges, Aric found a momentary opening. With precision, he disarmed Selryn, pointing his sword toward the challenger. The crowd erupted in cheers.

Selryn stepped back, lowering his gaze in respect. “You’ve truly trained under a master. This is no ordinary prince… your skill is remarkable.”

Aric exhaled, gripping his sword tightly, heart pounding. He had survived the unexpected, adapted, and prevailed.

Kaelen’s golden eyes softened with approval. Good… every challenge strengthens him. This is the path to true mastery.

The Royal Grand Tournament had shifted again. With each new, unexpected challenger, Aric’s growth accelerated, and Kaelen’s mentorship proved its worth. The prince was no longer just a student—he was becoming a force to be reckoned with.