"The Stonewyrm house is one of the most important in the entire Anima Empire — a family of legendary dragon slayers," explained Princess Alexia, leaving Daniel so shocked he nearly fainted.
"A family… of dragon slayers…" Daniel gasped, barely staying on his feet as Michael held him up.
Alexandre looked at him with mock sympathy, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Daniel, remember — I've always cared about you."
"That's a lie! You'll be happy when he beats me so bad you won't recognize me!" Daniel shouted, exasperated.
"You caught me," Alexandre replied with an evil grin. "We'll all take front-row seats."
"Bastards! So you're just going to abandon me!?"
"Guys, this isn't something to joke about," Alexia intervened firmly. "If you start believing defeat is certain, then what are you even fighting for?"
The group huddled together — excluding Daniel."Alright, I bet he won't last more than two minutes," said Alexandre.
"I'm more optimistic. Let's say four minutes," added Leon.
"Wait, you can bet over a minute? I thought we all agreed he wouldn't even reach that," Andrea chimed in.
Alexia looked at them in disbelief. These boys are truly strange… They can shift from serious to completely brainless in an instant.
"Princess, since this Doran is your subordinate, you must know his weaknesses or something like that," asked Enea.
Alexia thought for a moment. "Strictly speaking, he doesn't have any weaknesses."
Daniel looked even more desperate. "He doesn't even have weaknesses…"
"However," Alexia continued, "there is one major disadvantage in this fight. He's actually very slow — both in movement and reflexes."
"That's important. Daniel, on the other hand, is very agile and quick," Enea pointed out.
"Normally, yes," Alexia nodded, "but he's turned that flaw into a strength."
"What do you mean?" Michael asked.
"During battles, he stays still and takes the hits."
"What!?" Daniel looked utterly confused.
"His enhancement magic makes him like an impenetrable fortress. Any regular soldier's attack can't even scratch him. Especially when he activates Dragon Skin: only certain unique magics can harm him."
"And you, Princess?" Enea asked, making Alexia turn toward him. "You said you defeated him — what magic did you use?"
"I can't reveal that. My father forbade it. It's a unique spell known only to my family, General Howard, and Doran himself."
Enea nodded. "I see… So you're implying it's a magic of incredible power. That's the requirement to pierce the vice-captain's unique ability."
"Exactly. For now, I must admit — there's no realistic chance of victory. But that doesn't mean giving up hope."
Daniel looked at her with pleading eyes. "Easy for you to say, Princess…" he muttered.
"The Princess is right," Enea said, wrapping an arm around Daniel's shoulders. "Right now, victory might be impossible, but at least we know what you need to focus on: improving your stamina and reaction speed."He looked Daniel straight in the eyes. "We're used to challenging the impossible, aren't we?"
Daniel's eyes lit up again. "You're right."
"That's the spirit." Enea smiled slightly, then turned to the others. "That's how we should all be. The King is putting us against opponents way beyond our level — but we can't give up here. We already knew things would get tougher the moment we accepted this mission."
"True," Andrea said, stepping forward. "The odds are completely against us, but in the end, our goal is to become heroes. Facing hardships — whether in victory or defeat — will only make our journey stronger."
"Let's give our opponents a lesson!" Leon shouted energetically.
The group cheered in excitement, while Alexia watched them with a gentle smile.These boys… perhaps the general was right. They really are special. They always lift each other up — if one stumbles, the others carry him.But then her gaze shifted toward Enea.And yet… it feels like he's the one holding all of this together…