The morning sun cast golden rays across the training courtyard of the Augustus estate. A gentle breeze rustled the trees lining the white-stoned path, and the chirping of birds was replaced by the faint hum of concentrated mana.
Duke Richard stood at the center of the courtyard, arms folded behind his back, wearing a light dueling coat instead of his formal robe. His gaze was calm, but his body radiated power—controlled, yet vast.
On the opposite side stood Noah, Scarlett, Lyra, and Layla—each wearing their training attire, eyes focused.
Above on the balcony, Duchess Julia sipped tea calmly beside Alea, who leaned slightly forward, her eyes sharp as they observed the gathering below.
"They've grown a lot," Julia said with a serene smile.
Alea gave a small nod, arms folded. Her gaze paused on Lyra.
'That girl… she's already stronger than I was at her age. And she doesn't even realize it yet.'
"Four versus one?" Richard's voice broke through their focus as he stepped forward, smirking. "I'm honored. Let's see what my children are made of."
Noah's fingers tightened on his blade. 'He's not just testing us… he's judging how far we've come. How far I've come.'
Scarlett vanished first, a blur of shadows and speed. She reappeared beside Richard in a heartbeat, her daggers flashing forward in a cross slash. He leaned to the side, parrying her blows with his bare hands, each motion sharp and deliberate.
Before she could retreat, Layla followed up with Cursed Touch, casting a black sigil that exploded beneath Richard's feet. Chains of cursed energy sprang out like snakes.
Richard didn't flinch. A golden aura pulsed from his body, dispelling the chains mid-air.
"A coordinated attack already?" he remarked. "Not bad."
From the side, Lyra chanted under her breath, frost curling around her fingertips. With a motion, she launched Frostbite Shards toward his flank, followed by a wide Glacial Veil to blind his senses.
The moment the veil covered the field, Noah launched in with Phantom Edge, his body flickering into a blur behind Richard.
Now!
His blade came down with glowing wind mana—but Richard turned at the last second and blocked with a conjured mana gauntlet.
"Predictable," Richard muttered. With a twist, he threw Noah back and stomped, cracking the earth with a pressure shockwave.
All four were forced back.
Above, Julia leaned slightly forward. "He's not going easy. That pressure could floor a knight."
Alea's brows furrowed slightly, impressed. "But they aren't falling behind."
She watched her daughter now, standing her ground despite the shaking courtyard. She's fighting like a seasoned mage. Her ice control is precise, efficient—clean.
Layla grinned from behind a column. "Let's up the tempo!"
She unleashed Weight of the Damned, causing the space around Richard to darken, gravity folding unnaturally.
Richard's knees bent slightly under the pressure, and for the first time, his smirk faded into a more serious expression.
They're working together seamlessly… using layered magic, speed, and pressure. Scarlett's precision, Layla's disruption, Lyra's suppression… and Noah—he's the finisher.
Noah lunged again, blade glowing blue with flame-infused wind magic.
Eclipse Blade—Form II: Gale Dance!
This time, his sword arced in five rapid slashes, creating whirlwinds that surrounded Richard.
He deflected one—two—but the third strike slipped through and grazed his shoulder.
The Duke froze mid-motion.
A hush fell over the courtyard.
Scarlett appeared at his side, blades poised at his back. "Yield?"
"hahaha"
Richard raised a brow… then laughed.
"Well damn," he muttered, raising a hand in surrender. "You grazed me. That's a win in my book."
Above, Julia clapped softly, her smile touched with pride. "They've really grown."
Alea leaned back, exhaling slowly. "I wasn't expecting them to push him this far. Especially… Lyra."
Julia smiled knowingly. "You're proud."
Alea didn't reply, but her eyes softened slightly.
Later that night…
The mansion's garden was bathed in moonlight. The cobbled paths glistened faintly from the dew, and soft lanterns glowed under rose-laden arches.
Noah sat on a bench beneath the old willow tree, a blanket draped over his shoulders. He watched the stars above, his expression unreadable.
Footsteps echoed lightly across the stones.
Scarlett.
She sat beside him quietly, her hair down, a light shawl around her shoulders.
For a while, neither spoke. The silence was peaceful.
"…You're thinking about the invitation," she said softly.
He nodded. "It's… complicated."
Scarlett looked down at her hands. "You don't have to explain. I know she means something to you. Even if it hurts a little."
Noah turned to her. "Scarlett, that's not it. Charlotte… she's a part of my past. But you—you're my present. You're the reason I want to keep moving forward."
Her eyes shimmered faintly.
"I just… don't want to lose what we have," she whispered.
"You won't." He took her hand gently. "Whatever comes, we face it together. I promise."
The wind stirred the leaves overhead. She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder.
"Then let's go to that party," she murmured. "Let her see how far you've come. How far we've come."
Noah smiled faintly, closing his eyes.
"Yeah… Let's go."
—To be continued..