The spring wind swayed the banners over the training courtyards of the Royal Academy. Around the white-stone field, dozens of soldiers and nobles watched in silence as two young fighters faced each other.

  Adriele moved like a stream of petals in the wind. The **Primaviera** shimmered in her hand, releasing a perfumed mist that left trails of white flowers across the ground. Every thrust carried the precision of someone born to fight.

  — *Focus, Lukas,* — she said, her voice soft but full of authority.

  — *I am focused!* — he growled, barely dodging a lateral strike.

  The training blades clashed against the Primaviera and were easily repelled. Each defense of hers seemed effortless — as if the sword itself read her thoughts.

  Lukas pressed forward, striking in a flurry of cuts. Adriele spun gracefully, dodging with such elegance that sighs escaped the crowd.

  — *See?* — she said mid-movement — *You don’t need a weapon to accept you. You can make any blade bend to your will.*

  Lukas stepped back, panting, planting his feet firmly.

  — *Easy for you to say! You were chosen by the Seasons… by a sword that feels alive!*

  She lifted her chin. The sunlight caught her golden hair and the translucent blade that breathed perfume.

  — *Maybe. But none of that matters if there’s no heart behind it.*

  He took a deep breath and lunged again. The sound of steel echoed through the courtyard. When their blades crossed, the Primaviera burst in a green flash — like a flower blooming.

  From the battlements, the Cardinal placed a hand over his chest, moved: — *What a vision… The Sword of Spring blossoms in a pure heart. It is as if Yggdrasil itself blesses them…*

  — *Cheesy,* — Lukas muttered, shoving Adriele back. — *I don’t need a tree to bless me.*

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  She smiled, pleased by his stubbornness. — *Then prove it.*

  Adriele stepped back twice and raised the Primaviera above her head. The wind swirled around her. Suddenly, translucent petals shot in every direction — each one a sharp blade of mana.

  The soldiers in the stands recoiled.

  Lukas’ heart raced. — *That’s dangerous!*

  — *Dodge, Lukas!* Adriele shouted. — *You said you wanted to be stronger than anyone!*

  He closed his eyes and charged, letting instinct guide him. The petals grazed him — some tearing his tunic, others burning his skin. But he didn’t stop.

  When his eyes opened, he was face to face with Adriele. In one motion, he swung his training blade down on her shoulder.

  The sound cracked like thunder.

  But the Primaviera rose in the last instant, blocking the strike. For a heartbeat, the world seemed frozen. Only the two of them existed.

  She breathed deeply, lowering her sword. — *See?* — she said with a calm smile. — *You don’t need blessings. Only your own strength.*

  Lukas dropped his blade, his arm throbbing. — *Maybe… but even so, it won’t be enough to kill the Disasters.*

  — *Then train until it is,* — she answered.

  Adriele placed a hand on his chest. — *And I’ll be at your side.*

  He turned his gaze away, flustered, but a faint smile touched his lips.

  Around them, the crowd erupted in applause. Some shouted that they wished to enlist under their command. Others knelt, swearing loyalty.

  In that courtyard, hope bloomed that even after so much destruction, something new could rise.

  Lukas lifted his head and, for the first time, felt that maybe he wasn’t only the Blood Demon.

  Maybe he could also be someone worthy of inspiring others.

  And if needed, he would break down as many walls as it took to become stronger.

  End of Chapter 4