Ground One!
Students crowded around the arena's edges, their voices hushed with excitement and curiosity.
A duel between Kael—the quiet, unremarkable newcomer—and Darius, the rank third of
second-year, was not something anyone expected to witness today.
Kael stood in the center, his hands wrapped around the hilt of the heavy tungsten sword.
The weapon dragged slightly against the ground, leaving faint scratches in the dirt.
He tried to steady his breathing, but even holding the blade upright made his arms ache.
Across from him, Darius stepped forward with a glare that could cut sharper than his sword.
His stance was confident and arrogant. The polished blade in his hands gleamed under the sunlight, much lighter and swifter than the burden Kael carried.
"Kael," Darius said coldly, pointing the tip of his blade forward.
"I don't care what excuses you have. Today, I'll show everyone why you don't deserve to stand near her."
