Both Kael and Lance assumed their stances.
Their eyes locked.
No signal was given.
No countdown was needed.
They moved.
Steel collided at the center of the platform. The sharp ring of metal echoed through the silent auditorium, clear and resonant. Every council member leaned forward, eyes sharpening as they attempted to track the exchange.
Lance's fencing sword flowed like a noble stream, elegant, refined, precise. Every thrust targeted blind spots, every step was measured and aristocratic.
Kael's swordsmanship, however, was different.
It was not flashy.
It was not extravagant.
It was art refined through efficiency.
No wasted motion.
No unnecessary flourish.
Every movement monopolized opportunity.
If Julian and Darius had embodied strength and mobility. Kael and Lance embodied technique and precision.
Blades flashed.
Clash. Slide. Redirect.
Between exchanges, Kael spoke calmly.
"The swordplay of the Glade family is beautiful… truly, and you have successfully managed to capture the essence."
Their blades locked.
Kael's eyes sharpened.
"But my freind you still have a long way to go."
A shift. A fraction of imbalance. A window, it was spotted by Kael.
| Flying Wyvern |
Kael thrust forward.
The blade pierced through air with such precision and force that it produced a sharp whistling sound, like a wyvern's wings slicing through the sky. It aimed directly at Lance's solar plexus.
Lance's face twitched.
He retreated instantly, forcing his body backward to avoid a lethal penetration.
| Flowing Sword |
Like a winding river, Lance twisted and diverted the trajectory at the last possible second. But he couldn't fully escape it the attack grazed him.
A thin cut opened across his left rib. A single drop of blood flung into the air. The audience inhaled sharply.
Lance glanced at the wound, teeth gritting.
He resumed his stance.
| Flowing Current |
His legs surged with explosive power.
His upper back tightened.
He charged forward like a raging river breaking through a dam.
Kael smirked faintly.
'Still so much room for refinement…', he thought then, ducked low.
Adjusted his grip. Compressed his muscles.
| Rising Wyvern |
This time,
Faster,
Sharper,
More terrifying,
Instead of the blade rising,
The tip ascended directly toward Lance's brain trying to price through his skull from below. The pressure behind it was suffocating. Lance felt it. He saw death in the approaching steel.
Time slowed,
He closed his eyes.
Accepted it.
…..
But nothing came..... Silence.....
He opened his eyes slowly. The sword tip hovered inches from his right eye.
Perfectly steady.
Not trembling.
Kael stood before him, composed, looking not at Lance, but toward the Council Pillars.
Smiling.
As if the result had been decided the moment he stepped onto the platform.
The message was clear.
I could have ended it.
Lance exhaled.
He straightened into his noble posture and sheathed his sword. Extending his hand, he smiled with genuine respect.
"I concede."
Kael withdrew his blade and returned to his relaxed stance.
He shook Lance's hand.
"It was an honor to witness the Glade family's swordplay."
Lance chuckled softly.
"You flatter me too much Kael."
Both turned toward the elevated seats.
Lyra Valecrest spoke, faint smile gracing her face.
"I applaud your composure and skill."
Her violet eyes rested on Kael.
"Kael Dravenheart… welcome to the council."
She snapped her fingers.
The oppressive atmosphere vanished instantly.
The once-cold hall was illuminated by warm candlelight. The mysterious council members who had watched in silence were now smiling, conversing, even laughing.
The four pillars descended from their seats.
The tension had dissolved.
Kael and Julian regrouped, quietly discussing their fights.
Then Ragnar approached.
His massive greatsword rested casually on his back.
"Congratulations," he said with a wide grin. "You two will make fine knights one day."
Kael nodded respectfully.
"Thank you for the praise, Senior."
Julian, meanwhile, stared at Ragnar's sword with visible fascination.
He bombarded Ragnar with questions.
who forged it, how it was balanced, what material it was made from, how he swung something that large.
Ragnar answered enthusiastically.
The two of them looked like battle-obsessed lunatics who had found each other at last.
While Ragnar and Julian were conersing like mad men. Viktor Voss approached Kael quietly.
His glasses reflected the candlelight.
"As newly inducted council members, your coronation ceremony will begin shortly."
He paused.
"Additionally, as a privilege of membership, you are granted a single commissioned weapon from the kingdom's top smithy - fully sponsored by the council."
Julian blinked.
"But didn't the academy already issue weapons during orientation?"
Viktor nodded.
"Yes. However, council members carry signature weapons."
He gestured subtly toward the others.
"Lance carries the Glade fencing blade. Darius wields twin short-handled axes. Ragnar bears his greatsword."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Its not compulsory for Students to carry their issued weapon, they can carry their own personal weapons but they are prohibited from wielding weapons above 'B' grade classification."
A deliberate pause.
"Except council members."
From inside his coat, Viktor retrieved two black cards embossed with golden lettering: Commission Authorization.
He handed one to Kael and one to Julian.
"Submit your weapon blueprint along with this card. The forge location is inscribed on the card."
His eyes met Kael's.
"I look forward to working with you, Mr. Kael."
Suddenly, a commanding yet graceful voice echoed through the chamber.
Sylvana Thornheart stepped forward.
"Greetings, to all the members present."
The room quieted instantly.
"We now initiate the coronation ceremony for our new members."
She turned toward the stage.
"Kael Dravenheart. Julian Grates. Please step forward. Ragnar Valdric will present the badges."
Applause filled the hall.
Lyra stood holding a silver tray upon which rested two golden council badges, engraved with ruby characters.
Ragnar stepped forward.
One by one, he sewed the badges onto Kael's and Julian's uniform coats.
The ruby inscriptions shimmered faintly under the candlelight.
And with that,
Kael Dravenheart was no longer merely a promising student.
He was now part of the academy's ruling authority.