Chapter 46 — The Crowd’s Awe

The arena buzzed like never before. Aric stood in the center, chest heaving, sword gleaming under the sunlight, as the dust settled around him. Vorath, the Berserker Knight, had been forced to retreat after exhausting his full power. The crowd erupted into a roar that shook the stone walls, a mixture of astonishment, admiration, and disbelief.

“He… he survived Vorath’s full strength!” a noble whispered, eyes wide.

“Not only that… he adapted, predicted, and countered every move!” a knight added. “I’ve never seen anyone stand against him like this!”

Aric lowered his sword, feeling the weight of both exhaustion and pride. His heart still raced, but a newfound confidence surged through him. Kaelen’s lessons had guided him, and for the first time, he truly felt the power of understanding rhythm and flow in combat.

Kaelen’s hooded figure emerged from the sidelines, his golden eyes calm yet sharp, observing Aric closely. “Well done,” he said quietly. “You controlled the flow, exploited openings, and held your ground against overwhelming strength. This is a significant step in your growth.”

Aric bowed slightly, breathing deeply. “Thank you, Master. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance. But… there’s still so much more I need to learn.”

Kaelen nodded. “Indeed. Today you faced brute strength and survived. Tomorrow, you may face speed, cunning, or even magic. The lessons never end, and the challenges will only grow more dangerous. Remember this—your growth depends not on winning every fight, but on learning from each one.”

The crowd continued to cheer, some standing, some shouting Aric’s name. Princess Lysandra watched from the balcony, her eyes shining with pride and concern. She could see the determination in Aric’s gaze and the quiet approval in Kaelen’s demeanor. She knew that this young prince was destined for greatness, but also that the path ahead would test him in ways even she could not imagine.

In the stands, knights and nobles whispered among themselves, exchanging astonished glances. “The Mirrorblade’s student… he has surpassed expectation,” one knight said. “If he continues like this, he may become a legend in his own right.”

Kaelen’s voice cut through the noise, speaking softly to Aric. “Your reputation will grow, and so will the challenges that seek to test it. Do not let pride cloud your judgment. Learn, adapt, and prepare. The Royal Grand Tournament has only just begun, and far greater trials await.”

Aric’s grip on his sword tightened. He felt the weight of expectation, the thrill of victory, and the knowledge that the road ahead would demand even more from him. Every duel, every opponent, every lesson was a step toward true mastery—and he was ready to walk that path with Kaelen’s guidance.

The crowd’s awe was not just for his skill—it was for the birth of a new legend, a prince who had begun to wield the teachings of the Mirrorblade and leave his mark on the Royal Grand Tournament.