Sylas's voice of commencing still echoed in my head. The fight has started, but we are standing still like statues.

  I stood my ground, the Crimson Dragon Edge in my right hand, gleaming faintly, my saber ready in my left. Opposite me, Kael was motionless, his stance calm but prepared.

  My mind raced. Why isn’t he moving? Usually, Kael would strike fast. His hesitation felt like a trap. I knew that the dagger in his hand was deadly, even before the upgrade. And now with those new poisonous runes, just one scratch and the poison would end the fight. Still, its range was a disadvantage. My two swords could keep him at bay—if I played this smart.

  "You think Duke’s going to rush in first?" Mira asked from the sidelines, her voice tense.

  Kaldor shook his head. "Not a chance. He knows Kael’s baiting him. This is going to be a battle of patience."

  The loud crunch of Jorven biting into a snack made them both glance his way. The blacksmith was reclining comfortably in his chair, legs stretched out. "You all worry too much. It’s a win-win for me. My work is shining on both sides." He grinned and waved a half-eaten snack in the air. "Relax, will you?"

  Mira crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "Relax? You’re just sitting there while your weapons are out there clashing!"

  Kaldor chuckled. "Pretty bold of him. If one of those breaks, guess who’s getting the blame?"

  Jorven shrugged. "Oh please, they won’t break. My craftsmanship’s too good for that. Now, shh, I’m enjoying the show."

  I couldn’t afford to focus on their commentary. My mind raced as I analyzed Kael’s stance. The short range of his dagger was his disadvantage, but it also made him harder to predict. I needed to close the gap carefully—or bait him into attacking.

  Then it happened.

  A faint noise—a sweeping motion—came from behind me. I ducked instinctively, and Kael’s dagger sliced through the air just above my head. My heart jumped. How the hell did he get there?!

  I swung my saber toward his main arm, trying to disarm him, while thrusting the Crimson Dragon Edge toward his body. Kael countered by throwing his dagger into the air,

  leaping after it in a fluid motion that left him untouched by my attacks.

  I staggered a bit because of the force of the Crimson Dragon Edge, the buffs are insane. Even if I already know that new strength I will get but in real battles, this sword is… way too strong.

  "He’s fast," Mira muttered.

  Sylas smirked. "Shadowfang Style. Kael’s always had a knack for making

  people second-guess themselves."

  "Yeah, but Duke’s no slouch either," Kaldor pointed out. "He’ll find a way."

  Jorven nodded, popping another snack into his mouth. "Good weapons help with that. You’re welcome."

  I clenched my teeth, frustrated but impressed. He tricked me. That wasn’t him standing still—it was an afterimage.

  Enough thinking, Duke. I decided to make my move. The Crimson Dragon Edge's runes flared as I rushed forward, my speed leaving a streak of light behind me. Kael danced around my strikes with precise footwork, his movements growing sharper but slower with each dodge. Small cuts began to show on his arms and clothes.

  Desperate, Kael hurled his dagger straight at me. I tilted my head, dodging it by inches as the hissing noise lingered in the air.

  "Now you’re unarmed!" I called, surging forward to end the fight.

  But Kael was gone.

  "Where did he go?" Sylas’s voice cut through the tense silence.

  Mira scanned the arena, and her worry was evident. "He just… vanished."

  I followed their gazes to the dagger lying on the ground. The shadows of Vaelrik’s house crept toward it as the afternoon sun dimmed behind a passing cloud.

  I exhaled sharply. I know what you’re planning, Kael.

  The moment the shadows touched the dagger, Kael reappeared behind me. I turned just in time, swinging the Crimson Dragon Edge in a wide arc. The blade sliced through Kael, right when I thought have killed my friend, fear engulfed me—but he faded, just like an afterimage.

  "The real ones—" I spun again, too late. Kael’s dagger grazed my cheek. A sharp sting spread as blood trickled down my face. Up close, I could see the faint light of the dagger’s runes. It had lines that looked like those on my right-handed sword.

  "That’s it!" Jorven exclaimed, sitting up straighter. "Kael’s got him. Poisons in the bloodstream now."

  "Not yet," Sylas said, her tone firm. She leaned forward, her eyes locked on

  me.

  Kael retreated, keeping his distance as he prepared to let the poison take effect. I clenched my teeth, counting the seconds.

  Different from the daily normal Kael, a talkative and funny individual. During battles, he didn’t say a word nor make any unnecessary noises. I feel that my black-haired friend has turned into a completely different person…

  Based on my speculation earlier, Kaldor took approximately 6 seconds to get paralyzed. But his wounds were on the arm, and mine are on the cheek, which is closer to my brain. However, I don’t know if this poison affects the nervous system or the muscles of the limbs. If it’s the second, I would have about 6 seconds, and if it's the first, I am done for… But, just let's hope for better luck. 6 seconds? That’s more than enough.

  I will go all out. I haven’t used this ability since my fight with Arthur’s on the rooftop a year ago, or I would say I have got another chance to use it. When I burst my speed to approach him as fast as I could. The ability that I can only use 1 every week or else I will destroy every single muscle in my leg. I called it Flash Burst.

  I have to admit that my magic is not very good, but somehow, I feel like I can control the flow of mana easily and fluently. This helped me reach a higher level of battle aura faster than Kael or Kaldor. Using this, I controlled the flow of mana and concentrated it on my feet.

  Condensed it and then released it slowly, repeated that process 3 to 4 times, and then increased the amount of mana in my feet while moving forward. Resulting in a Flash Burst. The stronger the aura, the faster Flash Burst

  becomes.

  I have found out my talent in controlling mana I when I studied magic with mom and Sylas. That time, I felt like magic won’t come out of my body, but the mana itself seemed to concentrate at my palm, like a traffic jam. But 3 years ago, I felt like that was my own issue to bear, so I tried to fix it myself, resulting in my ability to control the flow of mana through the body 2 years later.

  I think it is pretty convenient since I can protect a specific part of my body more easily by concentrating mana in that part.

  However, there are some drawbacks. First, It will take time for me to concentrate, condense and release. And worse is that I need to stay still during the process. Second, If I abuse this too much, my muscles will be torn apart, making me disabled for the rest of my life.

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  So I feel that it is best to only use Flash Burst in dangerous situations and once a week.

  I shifted my stance, the Crimson Dragon Edge glow intensifying. This was risky, but there was no other choice. With Crimson Dragon Edge buffs, I feel that I can use Flash Burst even faster and am likely to get fewer drawbacks. I gotta thank Jorven again for this.

  "Here we go," Mira whispered, her hands clasped tightly.

  For a heartbeat, everything seemed to freeze. Then I moved.

  The world blurred as I closed the gap between us in a flash, the force of my speed cracking the air like thunder, faster than the speed of sound. Kael’s eyes widened in shock as I appeared right in front of him.

  "Damn it—" Kael tried to sidestep, but I was already swinging. My rapid strikes forced him into a desperate defense, and I swept his legs out from under him with a final strike.

  Kael hit the ground hard, struggling to rise. I stomped down, pinning him, and leveled the glowing blade of the Crimson Dragon Edge at his chest.

  Kael’s chest heaved as he raised a trembling hand. "I yield."

  Sylas stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension. "Battle over! Duke is the winner!"

  Cheers erupted around me, but the sting on my cheek demanded my focus. It wasn’t just pain; something else was wrong. A strange coldness crept from the wound, crawling along my neck and shoulder like frost.

  "Duke!" Mira’s voice was sharp, her panic cutting through the noise. She bolted toward me as I stumbled forward, my legs refusing to cooperate.

  Kaldor growled, his usually calm tone laced with urgency. "The poison—it’s spreading fast!"

  Sylas dropped to her knees beside me. "Duke, stay awake! Look at me!" Her hand pressed firmly on my shoulder, steadying me as my strength faded.

  Jorven, still in his chair, stood abruptly, the snacks forgotten. "This isn’t a game, kids. If that’s the poison I think it is, he’s got seconds."

  My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground, the Crimson Dragon Edge slipping from my hand. Every muscle felt sluggish, and my breath was shallow and uneven. The faint chill in my chest deepened, wrapping around my lungs.

  "Duke!" Mira knelt beside me, her hands trembling. Then, with sudden determination, she reached for her pouch, pulling out a small, glowing crystal.

  “Okay, it was the same thing that happened to Kaldor. Don’t panic, don’t panic.” Her voice was steady, but her hands moved with frantic speed as she pulled out her golden, newly upgraded wand and cast a detoxification spell on my cheek. "Stay with me, Duke."

  The gem on the wand pulsed with a soft light, and warm energy coursed through my veins. The creeping coldness retreated, replaced by an almost fiery warmth that surged from my cheek to the rest of my body. I gasped as the weight in my chest lifted, my muscles regaining their strength bit by bit.

  "It’s working!" Sylas exclaimed, relief breaking through her fear.

  Mira focused, beads of sweat forming on her brow as the light from the gem dimmed. "Almost… there."

  Kaldor hovered nearby, his eyes locked on my face. "Come on, Duke. You’ve been through worse."

  Finally, Mira let out a breath, her shoulders slumping. "The poison’s neutralized."

  I blinked, my vision clearing as I looked up at them. "You all…" My voice was hoarse, but I managed a small smirk. "Panicked over nothing."

  Mira’s expression turned stormy as she poked my forehead. "You idiot! Don’t

  joke about this!"

  Sylas crossed her arms, shaking her head. "You’re lucky Mira’s magic worked in time."

  Jorven leaned back into his chair, grabbing his snacks again. "Well, that was dramatic. Still, good to see my weapons in action."

  I laughed weakly, the warmth of my friends' concern washing over me. "Guess

  I owe Mira… and all of you."

  Kaldor patted my shoulder. "We’ll settle that later. Just rest for now."

  Before anyone could respond, Kael appeared in front of me, his hand outstretched. "Don’t push yourself," he said, pulling me up gently. A grin spread across his face. "Congratulations, Duke. You won—exactly what I’d expect from the leader of our team."

  I took his hand gratefully and let him help me up, though my legs still wobbled slightly. "Thanks, Kael," I said with a faint smile. "But seriously… your Shadowfang Style? It’s a nightmare to deal with. You’re too slippery, and those afterimages? Bothering doesn’t even begin to describe it."

  Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, come on. You’re one to talk to. That Twin Blade Flow of yours is impossible to keep up with, let alone counter. And that speed at the end? Completely unfair."

  We stared at each other for a moment, then burst into laughter. Despite the intensity of the fight, there was no resentment—just respect. Kael slapped me lightly on the back. "Still, I’ll accept my defeat this time. But next time? Don’t think I’ll make it so easy for you."

  I grinned at him. "I’d be disappointed if you did."

  As we walked back toward the house, Mira shot Kael a pointed look, her gaze flicking to the shallow cuts on his arms. "Kael, let me heal those. You’re not going to walk around bleeding everywhere."

  Kael groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "They’re just scratches, Mira. I’ve had worse. I’ll manage."

  Mira stopped walking and crossed her arms. "Sure, you will. Right up until they get infected and you’re too proud to admit it. Just let me handle it. Or do you want me to tell everyone how bad you are at first aid?"

  Kael sighed in defeat, holding out his arms. "Alright, alright. Do your thing."

  Mira’s hands glowed with a soft green light as her magic worked, the cuts disappearing seamlessly. She smirked as she finished. "See? You’ll live to sulk another day."

  Kael muttered something about healers being too nosy, but his faint smile betrayed his gratitude.

  As we approached the house, Jorven stood up from his chair, tilting the bowl of snacks into his mouth before tossing it aside. He stretched dramatically, then sauntered over, clapping both Kael and me on the shoulders.

  "Alright, boys," he said with a grin. "Now that you’ve put my weapons to the test, I want a full review. Let me hear it."

  Kael held up his dagger, admiration clear in his voice. "This thing is crazy good. The balance is perfect, and it’s way sharper than my old one. It’s almost unfair how much better it is."

  I nodded, unsheathing the Crimson Dragon Edge briefly before sliding it back. "Both my blades are incredible. The buffs on the Crimson Dragon Edge are unreal, and the durability is leagues ahead of what I’ve used before. Thanks, Jorven. You really outdid yourself."

  Jorven smirked, clearly pleased. "What can I say? I’m the best."

  Sylas chimed in, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, we should organize more fights like this. It’s the perfect way to test ourselves—and our gear. The way things are going, the challenges ahead aren’t going to be this forgiving."

  Kael nodded, and I found myself agreeing as well. "He’s right. We’ve got to push ourselves if we want to be ready for what’s next."

  But Mira threw her hands up in mock horror. "No way! You’re not turning this into a daily event. I’ll be burned out healing you all before we even leave for our next adventure. If you insist on fighting like this, you’d better be ready to pay healer fees. I’m not running a charity."

  Everyone burst out laughing at her dramatic outburst. Even Kael cracked a rare grin, muttering, "Noted. Mira’s healing services come with a price tag."

  Before the banter could continue, the door to the backyard creaked open.

  Vaelrik stepped through, his face lit up with excitement. "I’m back! And I’ve got amazing news—"

  His voice trailed off as his eyes fell on the wrecked backyard. The garden was a mess of flattened flowers, overturned soil, and broken stakes. His jaw dropped.

  "No… no, no, no!" Vaelrik wailed, rushing to the ruined plants. "Do you have any idea how long my wife has spent in this garden? She’s going to kill me!"

  We all froze, exchanging guilty glances. Vaelrik spun around, glaring at us with wide, desperate eyes. "What happened here?! Who’s responsible?"

  Mira and Sylas hesitated, then stepped forward sheepishly. Sylas rubbed the back of her head. "We’ll fix it," she promised. "We’ll help Kyla rebuild it. We’ll even make it look better than before."

  Mira nodded quickly. "Yeah, we’ll decorate it together. She’ll never even notice it was damaged."

  Vaelrik sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You two better. And it had better be perfect."

  Turning to Jorven, he narrowed his eyes. "And you. What were you doing while all this was happening?"

  Jorven raised his hands defensively, casually brushing crumbs off his shirt. "Supervising. And snacking."

  As Vaelrik sighed over the mess in his backyard, I decided it was the perfect time to change the subject. "By the way, Vaelrik," I said, straightening up and gripping the hilts of my swords, "I finally got my weapons back."

  Vaelrik’s demeanor shifted, and he gave me a curious look. "Your weapons? Weren’t those with Jorven for upgrading?"

  I nodded, holding up the Crimson Dragon Edge in my right hand and my saber in the left. "Exactly. He finished them recently, and this was my first time testing them out after the upgrades."

  Vaelrik tilted his head. "Testing them out? How’d that go?"

  Kael chimed in, smirking as he pointed at the scorch marks and footprints on

  the ground. "Duke and I had a little… friendly duel."

  Vaelrik raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Friendly duel, huh? And by friendly, I assume you mean the kind that left my backyard looking like this?"

  "Hey," I said, grinning sheepishly, "we didn’t expect things to get so intense. But honestly, it was worth it. Kael’s improved a lot—and his new dagger is no joke. He almost got me."

  Kael laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Almost isn’t good enough. But yeah, your swords weren’t exactly a picnic to deal with either."

  Vaelrik sighed again but couldn’t entirely hide a smile. "Well, it sounds like you two have been busy. I suppose it’s good practice, but maybe next time, consider not destroying my property in the process?"

  "Noted," I replied with a slight laugh. "But really, Vaelrik, these weapons are incredible. Jorven outdid himself."

  Jorven puffed out his chest. "Of course, I did. You think I’d let my craftsmanship fall short?"

  Sylas chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, we know you’re the best blacksmith in town. Don’t let it go to your head."

  Vaelrik shook his head with a sigh. "Just… try not to turn every sparring session into a battlefield. My wife’s going to have my head if she sees this mess."

  "Don’t worry," Sylas added, grinning. "We’ve already agreed to help fix the garden. She won’t even know we were here."

  Vaelrik rolled his eyes but let it go.

  Clearing his throat, he clapped his hands together. "Now, back to what I was saying—there’s good news. You’ve all been invited to a royal party at the palace tonight!"

  Everyone froze, disbelief and excitement spreading across our faces. And then all of us shouted in excitement, and Jorven joined. "Wait… a royal party? Are you serious?"

  Vaelrik nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Every Drakonian is invited to celebrate, though most will be attending from their homes. But we’ve been invited to the palace itself, together with some other noble families."

  Kael frowned slightly. "Why us? What makes us so special?"

  Vaelrik shrugged. "I don’t know for sure, but my guess is it’s because of you all. After all, you helped expose Daryn, Cloner, and Serak."

  The group erupted in cheers, the weight of the honor settling in. Even Mira couldn’t suppress her grin.

  Vaelrik, however, scanned us critically. "But looking at your clothes… yeah, no. You can’t go to a royal party looking like that. Lucky for you, I know the

  best place in town for a wardrobe upgrade."

  Jorven smirked. "Being friends with Vaelrik is such a win. Free parties, fancy clothes… maybe I’ll even find myself a noblewoman tonight."

  Vaelrik raised an eyebrow. "I never said you were going, Jorven." His smirk widened. "And with your ‘no-girls problem,’ I doubt it."

  The laughter that followed carried us all the way back inside, excitement bubbling as we prepared for what promised to be an unforgettable evening.