4 years have passed since Ozar's death. Although A'keal has been practicing diligently every day, he has failed to improve on his swordsmanship or combat prowess. A'keal once thought to be the shining hope of the Albertine family, could barely be considered a trainee warrior.
During training, A'keal could feel something was blocking him from improving. He just couldn't comprehend what it was. Although frustrated, all A'keal could do was release an enormous sigh.
Although A'keal couldn't improve his dragon class, it didn't mean that he was vulnerable. Trying to compensate for his lack of power and technique, A"keal has studied formations and strategies for defeating enemies of higher rank. One unique formation that caught A'keal's eye was the "Power suppressing formation," which can be used by a weaker opponent when it is set up correctly to reduce the power of a stronger opponent's attacks.
While studying these formations, A'keal heard a few people whispering about his cousin Leonard Albertine.
'Did you see how Leonard defeated the black scale knights' vice-captain? Knight 1 said excitedly.'
Knight 2 replied, "Yeah, he is truly 1 and a century genius, not many people can compete toe-to-toe with the vice-captain. The vice-captain must feel humiliated, though, letting a 14-year-old kid beat him when he's 26."
"You seem to be acting like you would defeat Leonard if you faced him," said Knight 1 with a teasing expression on his face.
"No way," said Knight 2. "Leonard is considered a genius in his generation. At the young age of 14, he reached the rank of an Experience Warrior, a third-class Dragon Knight. The last person to reach that rank at such a young age was our king Gunnar Albertine, who achieved it at the age of 19."
"Yeah, it's too bad prince A'keal can't even advance from trainee warrior after so many years of practice." To be honest, Leonard should be crowned prince instead. He is a much better candidate for the throne." Knight 1 sneered.
"Shhh, quiet down, you can't say that out loud," said Knight 2. "Besides, you know how much the king favors prince A'keal, there is no way that will ever happen".
In response, Knight 1 said, "I'm just saying what we're all thinking. There's no way A'keal could be a component king, particularly compared to Leonard."
The knight captain, who was listening in, finally interrupted the conversation before it escalated.
"Hey, what are you two talking about? Go back to your post!" the knight captain said sternly"
"Sorry, Captain, we will return to our post now!" the two knights said while bowing their heads and shaking."
"Good grief, when will these guys learn?" said the knight captain, while sighing.
It wasn't like the knight captain didn't agree with what they were saying. He, along with the king, always had high hopes for A'keal. They always believed he would one day become a prominent warrior and leader. The recent events, however, indicate otherwise, to the point that it has become frustrating for him."
After witnessing all this, A'keal was saddened. He wanted to prove his worth to his people. He wanted the others to see he wasn't going to give up. Now he had the perfect opportunity. Moments later, Leonard had challenged A'keal to a duel.
Leonard was always jealous of A'keal. He felt inferior to him, as A'keal was from the direct line of the Albertine family. He had status, looks, and intelligence. Even though people recently started calling Leonard once in a-century genius, he still felt inferior to A'keal.
Leonard became confident after defeating the vice-captain of the Black Scale Knights. He, who was a 3rd rank dragon knight, challenged A'keal, a first-rank knight. Many had different opinions on this matter, as it was a humiliation for a higher-rank knight to pick on a lower-class knight in this way.
Despite all the warnings and mockery, A"keal accepted the challenge.
Soldiers started to gather on the training grounds to witness the duel between A'keal and Leonard. Some soldiers even started making bets on who would win. To no one's surprise, the majority picked Leonard, as he was the favorite to win this duel.
Before the duel started, A'keal and Leonard were each given light armor and a wooden sword. The vice-captain told Leonard to limit his power and not use Scale Hardening, as that was the special power only accessible to rank 3 and up Dragon knights. The power of this technique made it so that the scale of the dragon knight using the technique was sturdier than most metals on the Alaad Continent. It was considered a superior defense and offense.
As soon as the vice-captain signaled the start of the duel, Leonard quickly swung his sword to the left. After that, he launched a barrage of attacks, but A'keal dodged and defended against most of them.
"Stop dodging and swing back!" said Leonard. A'keal ignored his taunts and kept on analyzing his fighting style.
Seeing A'keal continuously dodge his attacks, Leonard made a plan to feint one of his attacks and counter. A'keal was about to dodge a knee kick when Leonard swung his wooden sword, striking him in the chest.
"You can't even see through such a simple feint. Let me show you the difference between an Experience Warrior and a Trainee," Leonard said mockingly.
In the face of Leonard's attacks, it seemed like the battle was about over, as A'keal was unable to defend himself.
During this barrage of attacks, A'keal was thinking, "Hold it, don't give in. With a little more time, my formation will take effect."
Leonard swung a deadly blow on A'keal's arms and legs, sending him flying and crashing into the wall.
"How could he deliver such a heavy blow with a wooden sword?" A'keal thought.
A'keal chuckled for a moment and remained calm. As Leonard was about to do his last attack, he froze... Yes; the Power Suppressing Formation A'keal had learned previously was in effect. In an instant, Leonard found himself strapped to a bunch of invisible golden chains, unable to move or control his energy.
A'keal fiercely stared at Leonard with his gorgeous emerald green eyes and deep black pupils. His gaze could put anyone in a trance. "Strength isn't all you need to win a battle," said A'keal.
Feeling mocked, Leonard was pissed. He struggled to get out of the formation, but couldn't.
" How dare you, a trainee who hasn't upgraded in six years, try to lecture me on how to win a battle?" Leonard said angrily.
Now, Leonard is usually calm when he fights opponents. He always analyzes every move and counters his opponent's attacks. However, seeing that A'keal, who he should have easily won a duel, was putting up a fight. He couldn't control his blazing anger.
A'keal counterattacked Leonard using the Power Suppressing Formation. The crowds were riled up as they saw the odds turning in A'keal's favor. Many doubted him, but today he proved he could put up a fight, even when facing stronger opponents.
Feeling embarrassed by the turn of events, Leonard couldn't hold it anymore. In the moment of anger, he used his Scale Hardening technique and broke free from the formation. Everyone was stunned, as Leonard had to use such drastic measures to defeat prince A'keal. Many people in the crowd disapproved of Leonard's actions, including the vice-captain.
"This is the difference in rank between you and me," said Leonard in an obnoxious tone.