The arena was packed with vampires from around the world.
Trial by combat was rare enough to be an event, and everyone wanted to see if the young Coordinator could defend his position against a centuries-old vampire.
Lady Viktoria entered first, dressed in traditional combat attire, her confidence evident. She was tall, powerful, moving with the grace of three centuries of experience.
Adrian entered second, wearing simple black, his ancient blood humming beneath his skin.
"Rules are simple," the officiator announced. "Combat continues until one submits or is incapacitated. No outside interference. No lethal force. Begin!"
Viktoria attacked immediately, testing Adrian's defenses. He blocked, parried, countered—Kieran's training evident in every move.
"Not bad for a baby vampire," Viktoria said, increasing her speed.
Adrian didn't waste breath responding. He focused on reading her patterns, finding weaknesses. She was strong and fast, but predictable—centuries of experience made her movements familiar, classical.
Adrian's style was more chaotic, incorporating techniques from multiple species, from his entity-fighting experience. It confused her, made her hesitate.
He found an opening and struck, his fist connecting with her ribs hard enough to crack bone. She gasped, backing away.
"Lucky hit," she growled.
"Calculated hit," Adrian corrected.
They circled each other, both reassessing. The fight continued for thirty minutes—longer than most vampire combats. Both were strong, neither willing to yield.
Finally, Adrian saw his chance. He feinted left, Viktoria committed to blocking, and he struck from the right. His hand closed around her throat, his ancient blood manifesting as a blade pressed to her heart.
"Yield," Adrian commanded.
Viktoria struggled, then stopped. She'd lost. Everyone could see it.
"I yield," she said bitterly.
Adrian released her immediately, helping her to her feet. "You fought well. Your concerns about vampire contribution are valid. Let's work together to address them within coalition framework."
The gesture surprised everyone. In traditional trials, winners often humiliated losers. Adrian extended partnership instead.
Viktoria stared at him, then slowly nodded. "Agreed. You've earned your position today."
The arena erupted in applause. Adrian had defended his authority and gained an ally simultaneously.