Chapter 40 — Aric Learns the Rhythm of Combat

The arena had grown tense, a place where skill, strategy, and willpower intertwined. After his duel with Selryn Duskblade, Aric’s confidence had risen, but he knew that true mastery was far from achieved. Every opponent, every style, was a lesson waiting to be learned.

Kaelen stood at the edge of the arena, hooded and calm, observing. His golden eyes tracked every subtle motion of Aric, analyzing both strengths and areas that needed refinement.

“Aric,” Kaelen called softly, his voice carrying just enough to reach the prince, “fighting is more than offense and defense. Each opponent has a rhythm, a pattern, an intention behind their movements. Learn to feel it, anticipate it, and use it to your advantage.”

Aric nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. “I understand, Master. I’ve learned to adapt, but I want to go further. I want to anticipate before they even act.”

Kaelen’s lips curved faintly. “Good. That is the beginning of true combat awareness. Observe carefully, and let the rhythm guide you.”

To practice, Kaelen orchestrated a series of sparring exercises in the arena. Knights, each with a unique fighting style—heavy swords, long spears, twin blades, and rapid daggers—stepped forward one by one. Aric faced them in rapid succession, each duel teaching him new patterns, timing, and strategies.

At first, Aric struggled, misjudging speed or missing a subtle feint. Kaelen’s calm guidance, however, helped him analyze each mistake. “Notice the shift in their weight,” Kaelen instructed. “Feel the tempo of their movements. The rhythm tells you everything you need to know.”

Gradually, Aric began to sense the patterns, reading opponents’ intentions before their attacks even fully formed. His movements became fluid, precise, and anticipatory. Where once he reacted, now he predicted. Where once he struggled, now he flowed.

The knights watched in awe. Some whispered among themselves, recognizing the transformation in the young prince. “He’s not just skilled… he’s adapting faster than anyone I’ve seen.”

Kaelen’s golden eyes softened as he observed. This is how mastery begins—not by copying blindly, but by understanding rhythm, intention, and flow. Aric is learning. He will surpass many before him.

By the end of the day, Aric had faced dozens of styles, his body aching but his mind sharper than ever. Sweat and blood marked his armor, yet determination shone brighter than exhaustion. He had learned to read rhythm, predict attacks, and adapt instantly—a foundation that would serve him in the most dangerous duels of the Royal Grand Tournament.

Princess Lysandra, watching from her balcony, smiled softly. She could see the growth, the refinement, and the calm confidence now radiating from the young prince. She had begun to understand why Kaelen chose him as a student—because the prince possessed not just talent, but the drive and heart to truly become legendary.

Kaelen’s voice echoed faintly in Aric’s memory as he sheathed his sword. The rhythm of combat is the soul of battle. Learn it, feel it, master it—and no opponent will ever be unbeatable.

The arena was quiet for a moment, but beneath the silence, the heartbeat of countless future battles began to stir. Aric had taken another crucial step toward mastery, and the tournament—along with the challenges yet to come—was ready to test him further.