The towering gates leading to the estates of the Branch family were pushed open, allowing in the continuous flow of cars.
Soon the cityscape was no more, having long shifted into rows of dojos and mansions.
Some were still under reconstruction from the incident Vanessa had brought about days ago, leaving the place somewhat in disarray, and yet its presence never diminished.
Truth be told, as the Patriarch of the family, this was where our father, along with us, should have lived, but the frequent disputes with his brother Kain, along with different priorities, led to us staying in Steel City.
I never understood the reason for that until I observed the mass crowds rallied across the sidewalks leading to an enormous stadium... no, scratch that—a coliseum. Yes, like the one found in Rome back on Earth.
The Bladeheart estates far eclipsed a town in size, and they freaking had a coliseum where our duels would be duked out. Seeing the row of people marching to watch our fight in the circular coliseum, I found my anxiety return.
You know, when I pictured a duel, I expected a private event where the elders and most of the important people of our family would gather and observe... not a freaking wrestling match.
"I want out!" I blabbed out, trying to disguise my anxiety with jokes, but all I earned was a disappointing smile from Abel, who stepped out of the limo, his coat fluttering behind him.
For a while now, I'd been suspecting my brother of having a portable VFX machine somewhere, because how was his coat fluttering when there was no wind?
"Should I have also worn a coat?"
Looking at Lady Camilla, Sir Felix, and Selena, who all expected me to follow, I sighed and received a pat on my back.
"Ouch!" I yelped, the force launching me out of the vehicle.
Staggering forward, I glared daggers at Umbra, who shrugged innocently even though I was without a doubt confident he pushed me.
"Go get 'em, Tiger!"
As Selena also got off, Umbra screamed with all his might. What a supportive friend he was, giving his friend's opponent an actual good farewell.
"How is your finger?"
Joining me as we walked between the crowd, I inquired about her condition... not because I cared or anything.
"I didn't know you cared," she said, grinning from ear to ear.
"I don't... I just don't want you saying you were in bad condition after you lose to me."
Was I being too kind to her after everything she had done to me last year? Probably.
I couldn't forgive her, but I also wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe back then she hadn't been in her right state of mind, just as I was now. Maybe her sadism was because she was sick, or whatever—her training me to be tough had been right after all.
Excuses upon excuses... I was doing everything I could so I wouldn't hate her.
Why was that? I wondered.
"You can save your sympathy, sister lover. You might pose more of a threat than you were last year, but... your dear cousin has been doing some leveling up recently. I won't lose, Alex... so come at me with all that untapped revenge."
"Heh!"
Of course, who am I to feel sympathy for a girl who once bullied me? I was the victim and she was the culprit.
She might be less crazy now, but her crimes were undeniable. Normally, one would think my revenge would be breaking her like she did the old Alex, but no.
My revenge would be my victory.
I want her to know her bullying ended up indeed toughening me up—and that led to her defeat today.
"I will crush her." Clenching my fist, I promised myself such satisfaction.
"Good~" She grinned, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"I didn't mess you up for nothing!"
----------
"I can't believe the famed day is finally upon us."
Changing into combat wear alongside his brother, the enigmatic first child of Klaus Bladeheart murmured under his breath.
Ever since the death of his father, he had known the day would come—the day when his uncle would stop hiding and take charge of the situation.
That man... as usual, went far above his expectations and seemed to have recently joined with the demons, but it wouldn't change the outcome—at least he wanted to believe that.
"Little brother!"
Halting his change, Abel took a seat on one of the benches in the changing room and glanced at Alex, who was now in a plain tunic and dark pants.
Responding to his call, the young boy stopped whipping around the dart rope in his grasp and turned to face his brother.
"Huh?"
"I just wanted to say, whatever happens today, don't blame yourself."
"I won't lose though!" Alex shrugged, surprised by how little faith people had in him.
Like, he wasn't the strongest of his generation or anything of the sort, but after the days he had experienced, he was now in no way inferior to Selena.
Sure, he needed a cheat to close the gap, but at the end of the day, that was still his power. It wasn't borrowed—it was all his—and as long as he had it, victory was possible.
"It's not about faith," Abel sighed.
Alex might not believe it, but to Abel, the sibling he always trusted to do the right thing was always Alex. He might not be the strongest, but in terms of determination, he was far superior to all of them. His determination even rivaled their father's, which was the greatest compliment anyone could ever be given.
"You know what... just be safe, and like Father always said, even when the odds are zero, never hesitate. Because it is trial that breeds true results, not simulations."
"You added your own quote, didn't you?"
Alex laughed at his brother's attempt to sound deep. Even Abel couldn't help but cringe inwardly.
After a few laughs with Alex, he grasped the hilt of the longsword leaning against his bench before standing up.
"You're not going to wish me luck?" he muttered sadly, seeing his brother still engrossed in playing around with the rope dart.
"Come on, big bro... it's not like you'll lose."
Assured of his elder brother's victory, Alex kicked the dagger at the end of the rope into the air and retracted it back with a swift pull.
Abel sighed, but was Alex wrong?
Not really.
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A/N: After so long, the anticipated duel is happening. And as stated before, Abel will go first.
For his fight, don't expect a long one—spoiler, it's one-sided on his part.
Anyway, I finally got another book contracted after so long. I'm so happy but extremely stressed because university is back in session for me. Long lectures, pages of assignments, and so little time to write.
To say I'm managing would be a lie, but with your support and reviews, I'll be more determined to continue. So I look forward to that.
Have a good day and good luck to you all.