An unusual clamor broke the silence of Viremont Manor in the early morning hours. The entire household had gathered around the training grounds. Despite the overcast weather and the biting cold, the atmosphere was warm—almost festive.

  ?At the center sat Sylas. To his right were Lucien, Vivianne, and Wilkram; to his left, Celdric sat alone.

  ?“Shouldn’t we have held this somewhere else? The Imperial Arena, perhaps?” Celdric asked, glancing around curiously.

  ?The training grounds had been renovated over the past week for this very match. They were ready to host, but they still lacked the grandeur befitting the Viremont family.

  ?“It would have drawn too much attention,” Sylas replied instantly. “Otherwise, I would have.”

  ?Borrowing the Imperial Arena might have been easier, but if things went wrong, the fallout would be catastrophic.

  ?Celdric glanced at the gathering crowd and then turned to his brother, Lucien. “Where is Cassian?”

  ?“H-he said he was checking on Lysric.”

  ?“It’s better if he is,” came the curt response.

  ?At the entrance, Aelira stood watching as people slowly took their seats.

  ?There are too many people…

  ?She couldn't recall ever seeing the grounds this crowded before. Before arriving, she had believed her anger would blind her to the audience. But now, she just waited nervously.

  ?Lost in thought, she flinched when a hand touched her shoulder. Turning, she found Zaek.

  ?“Sensei…?”

  ?“Yo, kid! Nervous?”

  ?She averted her eyes, trying to hide it. “A little.”

  ??“A little, huh?” He closed his eyes, his voice dropping to a calm, serious tone. “Be ready for anything. Don’t lower your guard. And most importantly—don’t hesitate.”

  ?She looked at him, her eyes wide and unfocused, clearly overwhelmed by the crowd.

  ?Zaek stepped closer, blocking her view of the people, forcing her to look only at him.

  ?“Now repeat after me.”

  ?Aelira blinked, her breathing hitched. She looked up, trying to focus on his face.

  ?“Say it,” Zaek commanded softly but firmly. “I won't hesitate.”

  ?Aelira swallowed hard. “Ah-h... I won't hesitate?”

  ?Zaek grinned, the tension breaking. “Good enough. Now go get him.”

  ?“O-okay.”

  ?“Good luck, kid.” He waved and left to join the crowd.

  After watching him leave, Aelira looked at the crowd. It didn't look scary like before, yet it was still scary.

  She turned toward the voice. Cassian was standing there.

  ?“Cassian? What is it? It’s about to start.”

  ?“Yes… about that. Could you please—just lose to Lysric?”

  ?A chill ran down her spine. Her voice trembled, barely a whisper. “What do you mean?”

  ?“I know how it feels, but listen first. If you lose, everything ends here. My father will retain control. Lysric will be the next hero. All the commotion we've had will vanish.”

  ?“...”

  ?His smile vanished, leaving behind a cold, hollow stare. His voice dropped, heavy with warning.

  ?“But if you win… it will only bring chaos to this family. It will fuel Aunt’s ambition even further. Things will spiral out of control.”

  ?“What are you talking about…?”

  ?She stood frozen, shock rooting her in place.

  ?Ignoring her confusion, he stepped closer. “So, what I’m asking is simple: lose this match. I’ll make sure no harm comes to you or your mother. You won't have to worry about anything.”

  ?While Aelira struggled in silence, fighting for breath, Cassian smiled faintly again. He placed a hand on her shoulder—heavy and suffocating.

  ?“I’m sure you understand what I mean.”

  ?He turned and headed for the exit. “Think carefully about what I just said.”

  ?She remained motionless, eyes wide.

  ?Is it better if I lose here…?

  ***

  The sound of drums echoed, followed by the rhythmic marching of knights.

  ?Watching the spectacle from the other side, Lysric chuckled to himself. “They even hired drummers for this? …But I have to admit, the place looks completely different. No wonder they cast me out.”

  ?He finally tore his eyes away from the surroundings and focused on his opponent. Across the vast grounds, she was little more than a silhouette.

  ?Okay… let’s do this.

  ?His breath hitched in his throat. Ignoring the tremor, he closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and stepped forward.

  ?As both entered the grounds, the drums grew louder, vibrating in their chests. But when they finally met in the center, the noise seemed to fall away—swallowed by a heavy silence.

  ?Now close enough to see her face, he searched her eyes.

  ?He had expected fear, anger, determination, or even arrogance. Instead, he saw a girl weighed down by turmoil, struggling with an unseen burden.

  ?“…”

  ?Slowly, Sylas rose to his feet. His voice carried across the grounds.

  ?“Today, we gather to witness the resolve of those prepared to claim their destiny. First: my grandson, Lysric Viremont, standing for his right to heroism. Second: my granddaughter, Aelira Viremont, standing for the same. The loser will relinquish their claim.”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  ?A hush fell over the crowd.

  ?Sylas raised his hand.

  ?“Let the match begin.”

  ***

  ?The two stepped forward, swords drawn, and clashed. Steel rang through the air as blades swung left and right. Lysric smirked and pressed harder, forcing Aelira back. Overwhelmed by his strength, she stumbled.

  ?Not willing to give her space, Lysric lunged. Aelira, unable to regain her stance, was forced to counter blow after blow. His attacks came fast and fierce. She could not hold out for long—soon, she collapsed to one knee.

  ?In the silence that followed, Lysric smirked and leveled his sword at her.

  ?“Is that all you can do? I can’t even enjoy this. Get up!”

  ?The roar of the crowd shook the training ground. Only Aelira’s ragged breathing was audible to herself, her face shadowed by doubt.

  ?Zaek, standing with arms crossed in the crowd, watched intently. Closing his eyes, his thoughts drifted back to before the match—when he had overheard Aelira’s conversation with Cassian.

  ?I'm sorry you were pushed into something this complicated, and sorry that I can’t help you. Still… I know you’ll find your answer.

  ?“Come on, kid,” he muttered under his breath. “Show them you’re better than this.”

  ?Aelira reached for her fallen sword. Cassian’s words echoed in her mind:

  ?‘Could you please—just lose to Lysric?’

  ?‘If you win, it will only bring chaos to this family.’

  ?Her thoughts fell into darkness. Nothing but emptiness surrounded her—no sound, no light. Only her sword lay before her.

  ?Is it really better… if I lose like this?

  ?The world blurred into shadow. In her mind’s eye, Cassian stepped forward.

  ?“Your victory will only fuel your mother’s ambition. Nothing more, nothing less.”

  ?That’s not true…

  ?Cassian stepped back, his eyes cold. “Is that so? Do you really believe that?”

  ?He leaned close to her ear, voice low and sharp. “We both know she doesn’t care about you.”

  ?No… it’s not true. She—

  ?“You can’t even deny it.” His tone turned mocking. “Lose here. Make everything right. Don’t you love your family? Your grandfather? Your uncle?”

  ?She looked down, trying to escape his gaze, but his words clung to her like tar.

  ?“For your family’s sake—lose this match.”

  ?I… I…

  ?Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

  ?“Is she okay?”

  ?“Isn’t it already over?”

  ?“She never had a chance to begin with.”

  ?Even Lysric faltered, staring at Aelira in confusion. She hasn’t moved for a while. Should I attack?

  ?The image of the slain Isengrim flashed in his mind. His instincts screamed at him to be cautious. Is it a trap? She looked weak before she killed that beast too…

  ?Frustrated, he considered calling on his grandfather to end it. But before he could act—

  ?“DON’T THINK ABOUT WHAT OTHERS TELL YOU!”

  ?Zaek’s voice thundered across the grounds, startling the crowd. “DO WHAT YOU WANT!”

  ?The people near him drew back in surprise. Zaek sighed inwardly. Damn… that was embarrassing.

  ?Sylas’s gaze flickered toward him. Zaek? What are you saying?

  ?Lysric blinked, bewildered. “Huh? Is he… supporting her?”

  ?Turning back, he saw Aelira gazing toward Zaek. The light had returned to her eyes.

  ?“Tch.”

  ?Don't think about what others tell you. Do what you want!

  ?The words echoed in her heart, shattering the darkness. Reality rushed back in.

  ?“Sensei…?”

  ?He stood proudly in the crowd, arms folded, his presence firm.

  ?Aelira turned her gaze from him to Lysric, who still held his sword uncertainly. Then her eyes shifted to Cassian. He smiled faintly, tilting his head as if daring her.

  ?Her chest tightened. For an instant, the light in her eyes wavered—then she looked toward her mother.

  ?Vivianne, usually cold and distant, was leaning forward in her chair. Her face was different—earnest, intent, worried.

  ?The fire in Aelira’s eyes blazed back, brighter than before.

  ?Lysric charged—but his strike cut only air.

  ??!

  ?Dust rose, and Aelira met his next attack head-on, parrying in perfect time.

  ?“So, you finally decided to fight, huh?” Lysric growled.

  ?She said nothing—only met his gaze with unflinching resolve.

  ?“You really know how to make me angry, don't you?” He pressed closer, swinging with all his might.

  ?But each strike was met, perfectly countered.

  ?“What—?!” He gasped. Then, in a flash, her sword slipped past his guard. He twisted aside just in time—but not before her blade grazed his cheek, leaving a shallow cut.

  ?The crowd erupted. Zaek smirked.

  ?“Impossible!” Lysric shouted, clutching the wound. “How—how in the world did you become this strong?!”

  ?His thoughts whirled. Did she already surpass Telgit? Did she surpass me?

  ?But Aelira’s voice cut through his panic.

  ?“Even if everything he said is true—even if my victory tears our family apart… I don’t care. I don’t want to lose.”

  ?Lysric froze. His eyes widened, breath slowing. He trembled. “What are you talking about…? As if you can win whenever you want.”

  ?In an instant, he appeared before her.

  ??!

  ?She barely dodged his sword, but his kick struck her hard.

  ?“Gah—!” She rolled across the ground, coughing, only to be struck again by his fist.

  ?Lysric leapt after her, aiming to finish it. Aelira threw herself aside, his sword burying itself into the dirt. She scrambled up, gathering magic into her palm. Noticing this, Lysric yanked at his blade desperately.

  ?She waited. Though her spell was ready, she stood firm, watching him.

  ?Finally, he freed the sword.

  ?| Fireball |

  ?He swung, barely deflecting it. The explosion left his sleeves scorched. The crowd roared in confusion and excitement.

  ?Zaek’s eyes flicked toward Sylas. The old man sat calmly, watching with satisfaction.

  ?They’re both strong… Strong enough to be the hero you want, Sylas. But what are you aiming for?

  ?Both fighters panted heavily, sweat dripping, shoulders heaving.

  ?Don’t hesitate. Be aggressive.

  ?Aelira steadied herself, then rushed forward. Lysric met her with a snarl.

  ?“Arghhhhhh!”

  ?“Ahhhhh!”

  ?Steel clashed again and again, the sound ringing through the arena.

  ?The tides shifted once more. Aelira deflected every blow, waiting for her opening. When his strike went wide, she ducked low and drove forward. His hair fluttered as her blade grazed it.

  ?Her sword pointed skyward—Lysric saw his chance. He brought his sword down on hers, trying to trap it. But she deflected—and his blade sank into the dirt once more.

  ??!

  ?Not wasting a beat, he stomped on her sword, pinning it to the ground. He smirked in triumph.

  ?Her expression darkened—then her fist flew.

  ?“Ghhhk!”

  ?Knuckles met bone. Her punch landed square on his face, sending him tumbling across the ground.

  ?The crowd gasped, silence falling for a heartbeat before erupting into wild cheers.

  ?Cassian’s mouth hung open in disbelief. Celdric’s face twisted in worry for his son. Vivianne’s lips parted, her cold composure shattered as her eyes widened.

  ?At last, the crowd found its voice, shouting in awe.

  ?Aelira stood, breathing hard, retrieving her sword. She pointed it toward Lysric.

  ?But he was smiling.

  ?He was covered in blood, his teeth stained crimson, yet a low, broken chuckle escaped his lips, chilling the air.

  ?The roar of the crowd faded into a dull hum. He caught his breath, muttering to himself as if she weren't even there.

  ?“She was always like this...”

  ?In that split second, a memory flashed before his eyes. The quiet girl in the garden, swinging her sword at nothing, day after day.

  ?It didn't matter if others mocked her.

  It didn't matter if her mother didn't look at her.

  It didn't matter if she was alone.

  ?Normally, none of this should have mattered to him.

  ?So what if she kept trying?

  So what if she was desperate?

  ?None of it should have mattered. He was older. He was a man. His victory should have been certain.

  ?But he had seen it.

  ?That strange, unsettling light in her silver eyes.

  ?‘I always knew,’ Lysric thought, a bitter realization clawing at his chest. ‘She wasn’t weak. She was just… different. Something else entirely.’

  ?“Not afraid to give everything she had…” he whispered, his grip tightening on the dirt until his knuckles turned white.

  ?“That always makes me angry.”

  ?His fear curdled into desperate rage.

  ***

  ?At the edge of the grounds, he raised his hand, magic gathering.

  ?Aelira braced herself.

  ?But there was nothing.

  ?Wait... Is it slow?

  ?When she focused, she could sense how sluggishly the mana was gathering in his hand.

  ?| Frost Javelin |

  ?Three jagged shards of ice materialized above him.

  ?After an agonizing pause, they flew forward, one by one.

  ?Taking a breath, she prepared herself.

  ?By dodging right and left, she evaded the first two effortlessly, and parried the last one with her sword, deflecting it into the dirt.

  ?Releasing a breath, she looked directly at her opponent.

  ?He was sitting on the ground, covered in blood and sweat. His hand was still pointing at her, refusing to give up, challenging her to the bitter end.

  ?Tightening her grip, she dashed forward, hoping to finish this once and for all.

  ?Yet… a strange sensation filled her with every step she took.

  ?All her senses felt incredibly sharp. The roar of the crowd faded.

  ?What is this? What's going on?

  ?Before she could think further, something in front of her caught her attention.

  ?His smile.

  ?Her opponent, who was battered and had missed his last move—who should have had no chance of winning—was grinning.

  ?Why?

  ?Looking carefully, she saw it. The mana gathering in his hand wasn't sluggish anymore. It was vibrating, accelerating by the millisecond, screaming for release.

  ?Zaek’s words rang in her head. The longer their magic lasts, the faster it becomes.

  ?He is a Reverse-burst!

  ?| Frost Javelin |

  ?In an instant, a blur of white snapped forward.

  ?She threw herself aside—the projectile tore past her, leaving a stinging scratch across her side.

  ?Frozen by shock, Lysric's smile faded slowly. “Huh—?”

  ?When their gaze met, a blade hovered before his throat.

  ?“You lost.”