In the Library…
Kiett and Princess Sonia were engaged in a pleasant conversation, though Kiett couldn't help but feel uneasy as Sonia examined him from head to toe.
"What is it? Why are you looking at me so closely?" Kiett asked, still holding a few books.
"I'm just curious… why does Kael feel so threatened by you?" Sonia mused. Kiett's eyes widened in surprise.
"I don't understand. Why would that guy feel threatened by me?" Kiett questioned. Sonia chuckled mischievously, and Kiett, noticing her expression, blushed slightly.
"You're talented. I've been observing you discreetly." Sonia admitted, stepping closer and placing her hand on Kiett's left shoulder.
"Tell me this—what is a swordsman doing so buried in the arcane spells section of the library?" she asked. Kiett hesitated.
"It's personal, Your Majesty. I apologize, but I'd prefer to keep it to myself" Kiett replied. Sonia smiled at his response.
"That's fine, I respect that. You know, I love reading too—perhaps we'll see each other here more often." Sonia remarked. Kiett was intrigued by her attitude toward him.
"I would be delighted to share a reading with you, Your Majesty" Kiett said, bowing politely. Sonia grinned.
"You can count on it. We'll meet again soon—I must go now" Sonia said. Kiett bowed once more, and as Sonia turned to leave, she glanced back at him before walking away, leaving Kiett utterly bewildered.
"What just happened?" Kiett muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, in the Averford Academy Arena…
A large crowd of recruits had gathered around the arena, fervently watching the duel between Margott and Claire. Lon, Amber, Sakura, Marth, and Lucas struggled to keep up with the swift and skillful movements of the two combatants.
Margott and Claire exchanged powerful blows, dodging and countering with such precision that their fight felt almost choreographed. After an intense exchange, both took a step back, catching their breath.
"What's wrong, getting tired already?" Margott taunted.
"What are you talking about, crazy? I'm just warming up—you haven't even tasted dessert yet." Claire shot back, smirking. Margott laughed loudly at Claire's words.
"What's so funny? Did I say something amusing?" Claire asked, frowning. Margott smirked.
"The dessert is waiting for me in the library!" Margott teased. The moment the words left her lips, Claire's expression darkened with fury, and the entire arena overheard the comment.
"This just got personal." Marth chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment.
"You shouldn't find joy in their fights." Amber scolded him, shooting him a disapproving glare.
"Well, at least someone else is enjoying the show" Sakura pointed out. The group followed her gaze toward another part of the arena where Blumiere stood, surrounded by several recruits. With curiosity, they approached.
To their shock, Blumiere had set up an entire betting station.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment is here! Two of the most talented swordswomen in the arena are battling for the heart of a lowly peasant! Who will claim the beggar? Who will win this duel of love? Place your bets! Will it be Margott Blackwell, the protected of Liliam Bright-Windham or Claire, the Orphan?" Blumiere shouted, turning the match into a full-blown spectacle.
Before he could continue, Amber landed a solid punch into his stomach, causing him to collapse to his knees, gasping for air.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, you idiot? Have you lost your mind?" Amber yelled furiously. The crowd backed away in fear, as Amber had a reputation for beating down anyone who pissed her off.
"What's your problem, woman? Don't interrupt a business meeting!" Blumiere groaned, still clutching his stomach.
"You're such a schemer, as always." Amber scoffed before releasing him. Just then, a loud commotion erupted from the arena, drawing everyone's attention back to the duel.
Margott delivered a powerful upward strike from her left, throwing Claire off balance, followed by a kick to her stomach, sending her flying backward. The crowd roared with excitement as Margott lunged to finish the match—
—But Claire quickly recovered, blocking the attack and landing a solid punch on Margott's face, forcing her to stumble back.
"I must admit, you're tougher than I expected. But I'm betting it all on this final attack!" Margott declared, charging a mystical spell into her wooden sword. The audience gasped in shock.
"She's going to use mystic energy on a wooden sword!?" the recruits whispered in disbelief.
"Oh? If that's the case, then I'll respond in kind." Claire said. Her stance firm. Without another word, Margott's sword began emitting white smoke as ice magic enveloped it.
Claire's wooden sword burst into flames, the fire dancing hungrily across its surface.
Recruits: "They're going to end it with this attack!"
All eyes were locked on the two warriors. Then, with a battle cry, Margott and Claire charged at each other, clashing their swords in a devastating impact—A massive explosion erupted, engulfing the arena in a dense fog and a shockwave so powerful that it stunned almost everyone nearby.
As the smoke settled, the recruits slowly regained their senses, struggling to stand.
"What just happened?" asked Sakura.
Lon and the others finally gathered their bearings and peered into the arena.
"Look—they're both on the ground!" Marth shouted before rushing into the arena to check on his friends.
"Girls, are you alright?" Marth asked. Both Claire and Margott attempted to stand but struggled from exhaustion. Sakura, Lucas, and Amber hurried to help—
—But they were interrupted by a commanding voice.
"What is going on here? What was that explosion!?"
They all turned to see Princess Liliam Bright-Windham standing at the edge of the arena.
Meanwhile, in the Ruins of Aldelviewreld…
The monarchs stood near the active portals, discussing the growing crisis with King Mustaffa.
"Unexpected events have unfolded. The Scarlets are reaching further than we ever anticipated!" declared the wise King of Aledis, the eldest of all present.
"We understand this. That's why we must redouble our efforts to decipher the seals of the Eighth Gate—we're close to unlocking this ancient Elvish language!" Queen Aurora stated, and the kings nodded in agreement.
"So, tell us, what is this suspense about? What do you have to discuss with us?" King Ezequiel questioned. Mustaffa gazed at them, his expression solemn.
"You must understand… after what has happened, I have no other choice. You were right—we must stand united!"
Mustaffa approached the still-active portal. The monarchs stiffened in shock as a woman stepped through—
Fiora Bright-Windham had arrived at the Ruins of Aldelviewreld.
TO BE CONTINUED…