A Blade Recognized
When Victor, Clara, and Lane left Fantom City, the sun was still high, casting long golden streaks over the stone roads behind them.
But far from the mountain paths they now walked—
Back in the Knight Academy, another story was unfolding.
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The training courtyard stood silent beneath a pale blue sky. Three Saint-ranked swordsmen sat upon elevated wooden chairs, their expressions unreadable, their presence heavy. Even the wind seemed reluctant to disturb the moment.
Before them stood Videl.
Her long blonde hair was tied neatly behind her, sapphire-blue eyes calm yet burning with quiet determination. The academy uniform fitted her well, but there was something different about her stance—something sharper than the average first-year student.
The test was simple.
Demonstrate one's swordsmanship.
Three Saint-ranked swordsmen would observe. They would judge.
No applause. No dramatics.
Only truth.
Videl drew her sword.
