"After several days, the team had reached a good level of strength. Aether could now control most of the scythe's movements, while Emily showed a natural talent for magic and incantations, accelerating her progress. She had mastered the beginner and intermediate stages of magic, learning to summon spiritual energy, accumulate it, and transform its properties into healing attributes. Meanwhile, Claire had parted ways with the group, as her duties required her to remain at the palace as a member of the royal family."
"Begin!"
"Another training round started between Scar and Aether. Scar moved with his usual astonishing speed toward Aether, who blocked Scar's sword with the scythe's blade. The clash ignited enthusiasm in both of them, and each launched into an attack. Aether threw the scythe rapidly, sending it like a blade toward Scar, who deflected the attack with his sword, redirecting the scythe back toward Aether. As sparks flew from the collision, Scar surprised Aether with a swift strike before Aether could reach his weapon. Aether evaded Scar's attack, dropped to the ground, and said quickly:
"Vanish!"
The scythe disappeared mid-air, and in the blink of an eye, Aether shouted:
"Blade!"
The scythe reappeared in his hands, and with terrifying force, he swung it toward Scar before stopping abruptly
The two halted, panting heavily... They looked at each other before standing together."
Theer spoke before either of them could:
"You managed to perform a swift summoning in a short time... Well done, Aether. It's true that this is the only technique you've mastered beyond the basics, but it's more than enough."
Aether smiled and said cheerfully:
"This is just the beginning, Theer... Until I reach Garn's level, I'll consider myself unprepared."
"Scar nodded in agreement. Aether then glanced toward Emily, who was studying a technique nearby, and called out"
"Emmmmily! We're done!"
Emily looked at them, closed her book, approached, and sat down in front of them.
"Come on! On your knees!"
"The two knelt before her as she charged her hands with energy and began healing the fatigue from their training, ensuring they could maximize their training time. Emily continued her task, her hands moving across the backs of both Aether and Scar."
"Ahhh, this feeling is refreshing," Aether said, relaxing.
After they recovered from their injuries, Scar turned to them and said:
"Hey, guys, do you know what day it is today?"
Both shook their heads in confusion before Scar continued:
"Today is the Royal Guard Selection Day in the Eastern Kingdom."
Aether raised an eyebrow and asked:
"Is this some kind of celebration?"
Scar laughed and replied:
"No, no. It's a ceremony to select new guards for the royal palace."
"Okay, and what does that have to do with us? We haven't finished our training yet,"
"Aether responded, wondering why Scar brought thisup."
Scar answered:
"Come on, think about it. We can see how much you've improved if you participate in that ceremony. Plus, you'll get to see one of the royal family members—not Claire, but her older sister, Victoria."
"Alright? And what if I meet her?"
Aether asked. Scar replied:
"The winner of the ceremony can face the princess one-on-one in a duel, or they can join the Royal Guard. But most people ignore the duel and prefer to become guards—and I understand that. No one wants to face her saber, a special-class weapon. But what about you? You're not interested in joining the Royal Guard, so you could give it a try. It's said that the princess will grant any wish if the challenger defeats her."
Aether looked at Emily, waiting for her opinion. She said:
"Well, I don't see any harm in it. Besides, it'll give us information about the warriors and weapons of this world. Anyway, I'm not interested in participating as much as I am in who will participate and how they'll perform."
Aether agreed and said to Scar:
"Alright, I'll participate in the ceremony. Let's see if I can defeat this woman or not."
"Good. The ceremony is held at noon today, so let's hurry and register before it begins."
"Aether tossed his scythe into the air, and it vanished before the three began their journey toward the palace grounds where the selection ceremony would take place. After a long walk, they arrived at the crowded venue. After some effort, they managed to register Aether for the ceremony and waited for his turn."
"After a few rounds, it was Aether's turn. His opponent was an ordinary citizen, and the mere appearance of the scythe in Aether's hand made the opponent withdraw. Aether was disappointed by the refusal to fight but considered it a win and continued through the rounds. He advanced through the ranks until he reached the finals, standing among the winners of the ceremony."
"Aether stood among the winners while glancing at Scar and Emily in the crowd. Then, the guard captain, Garn, approached and asked each of the winners, "Do you want the duel?" A "no" meant joining the guard, and a "yes" meant facing the princess. When he reached Aether, he paused and smiled. His eyes gleamed as he looked at his former opponent, the one whose battle remained unfinished. He said quietly"
"You made your way here, then. Well, don't disappoint me now. Do you want the duel?"
Aether smiled calmly and replied:
"Yes, I do."
"Those words silenced the entire crowd. The other winners looked at Aether in confusion—why had he come if not to join the Royal Guard? Garn smiled, a look of satisfaction on his face, as this was the answer he had been waiting for. From afar, Princess Victoria looked at him with surprise, as everyone usually avoided facing her."
"This scene caught the attention of the king, queen, and the public. Challenging the princess was unprecedented—it was a mere tradition that had faded with time."
"Aether stepped into the arena calmly and stood waiting for her to meet him. Then, Victoria, the fierce princess, stepped forward. She said with a mix of astonishment and amusement."
"You've challenged me... Victoria, the most renowned saber fighter in the Eastern Lands. Do you realize what you've gotten yourself into?"
"Yes, I fully realize it," Aether replied confidently, smiling at her.
She laughed and said mockingly:
"You're either very brave... or a huge fool."
"I think the outcome of this battle will determine that. What do you say?"
"She agreed, and the duel between them began. They both circled the edges of the arena. She noticed he was unarmed and asked sarcastically"
"What? Will you fight me with bare hands?"
"Aether glanced at Scar and Emily before looking back at her and summoning his scythe."
"Blade."
The scythe appeared in his hand, and a look of satisfaction crossed her face.
Then...
the clash began....