But today was different.
This was not a clash between equals.
It was Lucius Ardentis, a boy once thought weak and useless, against Commander Darius, one of the strongest warriors in the kingdom.
Most of the audience had already made up their minds.
?? "The boy has courage, but this is madness. A child cannot best a war-hardened knight."
?? "Perhaps it's merely a test—Commander Darius will let him last a few moves before ending it."
?? "They say Lucius has changed, but strength isn't built overnight."
Despite the doubts, a strange curiosity filled the air. Lucius had been absent for years, rumored to be on his deathbed, yet now he stood here, prepared to fight.
Then, he stepped forward.
Lucius Ardentis.
A nine-year-old child, yet there was nothing childlike in his presence.
The moment he entered the arena, silence fell.
His golden-amber eyes burned with a quiet intensity—an unshakable focus. It was the gaze of a warrior.
His black attire was neither extravagant nor modest, but something else entirely. His tunic fit him perfectly, emphasizing a body that, while young, showed signs of perfect conditioning. He was lean but strong, his movements fluid and controlled, as if every step was carefully measured.
His dark brown hair, slightly messy, framed his face in a way that made him appear both handsome and dangerous. Though his features retained the softness of youth, his aura was anything but weak.
And in his hands…
A silver sword, its hilt finely crafted, the blade shimmering in the sunlight.
It wasn’t just any sword.
The Night Before the Duel
The night before the duel, his siblings came to him.
?? Selena (gently smiling): "We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but… we believe in you."
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?? Erene (hugging him tightly): "This sword was chosen with you in mind, brother. It is light, yet strong… just like you."
?? Adrian (grinning, patting his back): "Make sure to carve your name into the history of this house."
Lucius' grip tightened around the hilt.
The whispers in the crowd turned into murmurs of disbelief.
?? "Is that really Lucius Ardentis? The weakling?"
?? "No… he's different. His presence alone feels suffocating."
?? "But can he fight? Standing tall is one thing—winning is another."
Lucius took his place in the arena, completely unaffected by the murmurs around him.
The energy in the air shifted again as Commander Darius stepped forward.
He was a true warrior—broad-shouldered, wrapped in steel armor, and carrying a greatsword that had seen more battles than most knights ever would.
His aura was heavy, exuding the weight of experience. But despite his intimidating presence, he was smiling.
?? Darius (nodding): "You’ve improved a lot, kid."
Lucius bowed slightly—a sign of respect, but not submission.
?? Lucius: "I had a good teacher."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"His tone is confident… almost too confident."
"Not a single trace of fear in his voice."
Darius chuckled.
?? Darius: "Let’s see how far you've come."
Both fighters took their stances.
At the center of the battlefield, Marshal Reynard, the duel’s official referee, raised his hand.
?? Reynard: "The duel will now commence."
?? "Begin!" ??
The moment the words left Reynard’s lips, Lucius moved.
Faster than anyone expected.
He shot forward like a blur, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he attacked with pinpoint precision.
He struck at every opening he sensed.
His blade moved like flowing water, adjusting mid-swing with unnatural ease.
His speed was astonishing—far greater than expected from a boy his age.
The crowd fell into deep silence as they watched a miracle unfold before their eyes.
The Duke’s family was no different.
Cassius and Julius, his eldest brothers, watched carefully. They weren’t happy. They wanted Lucius to fail.
Selena and Erene were wide-eyed, thrilled that their brother was holding his own.
Adrian smirked, proud.
Duke Magnus and Lady Seraphina watched with unreadable expressions—but they were paying close attention.
At first, Darius dodged and blocked with ease.
?? "Hah… not bad, kid."
But then… something changed.
Lucius infused mana into his body—a golden energy surging through his veins.
His speed increased.
His strikes became heavier.
His attacks became relentless.
Darius, who had been relaxed at first, was now forced to take the duel seriously.
?? "What the—his strikes are… heavier than before!"
For the first time, Lucius’ blade found its mark.
A thin red line appeared on Darius' cheek.
Blood dripped down his fingers as he touched the wound.
The crowd gasped in shock.
?? "He landed a hit on Darius…!"
?? "That’s impossible…!"
?? "Is this really the same boy?"
Darius stared at the blood on his fingers, then looked at Lucius.
For a moment, he was completely silent.
Then…
?? Darius (grinning): "You’ve truly grown, Lucius."
His grip tightened on his sword.
?? Darius: "Since you've shown me this much… I won’t hold back anymore."
His aura flared. A storm of mana surged around him, the sheer pressure making the ground tremble.
?? Darius: "Now… let’s see how long you can last against me at full strength."