In the middle of the courtyard, two warriors faced each other: Adrian Falter and Baron Leonard Durk. The air was thick with tension as a large crowd gathered, eager to witness the clash. The onlookers' eyes darted between the combatants, anticipation mounting with each second.
"Show me what you've got, rookie," Leonard growled, his voice dripping with malice as he struggled to restrain his urge to crush Adrian on the spot. His ash-blonde hair, streaked with silver, gleamed under the midday sun, and his green eyes glinted with cold fury.
Adrian's mind raced. This wasn't just a fight—it was life or death. Leonard Durk wasn't here to teach a lesson or spar for sport. The Baron was one of the Breles Empire's fiercest warriors, and he wanted revenge for his son's death. Adrian's pulse quickened, his thoughts locking onto a singular goal: survival.
He tightened his grip on his sword. This has to end fast.
With a sharp exhale, Adrian steeled himself. His muscles tensed, his mind narrowing in on his opponent. He couldn't afford to hold back.
"[Battle Roar!]" Adrian shouted, unleashing a guttural cry. His body responded, surging with raw strength, adrenaline pumping through his veins as his aura flared brightly, swirling around him like a living thing. With a swift, determined motion, he charged at Leonard, sword in hand, ready to strike.
Leonard smirked. He didn't even flinch as Adrian came barreling toward him. Instead, he raised his own massive sword to parry the incoming blow, meeting Adrian head-on with a casual swipe. The clang of metal echoed through the courtyard, sending vibrations through the earth.
"You little whelp!" Leonard spat, his voice full of venom as their blades clashed again and again. "How dare you take my son's life?"
His attacks came faster, harder, fueled by a rage that threatened to overwhelm Adrian. Each blow rattled Adrian's bones, his muscles straining under the immense pressure of Leonard's strikes. It felt as though Leonard's sword weighed a thousand pounds, and with each swing, the gap in their strength became more painfully apparent.
Adrian's arms trembled as he struggled to block each powerful strike. His feet slid back with every impact, his grip on his sword weakening. Blood seeped from cuts along his arms and legs, trickling down his body as his vision blurred with exhaustion and pain.
Blow after blow rained down on him, his sword barely managing to parry. The crowd watched in tense silence, each strike drawing gasps and murmurs. Adrian's breath came in ragged gasps, his body teetering on the edge of collapse.
I can't fall here… not now!
Lucas, watching from the balcony, felt frozen with shock. He had never seen Adrian so battered, so close to defeat. His fists clenched in frustration, knuckles white as he pounded the railing.
"Damn it! I should be out there helping him!" Lucas muttered, anger boiling in his chest. His heart ached, knowing his best friend was struggling against an opponent far beyond his current capabilities.
Beside him, Rowan, the vice-captain, placed a firm hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Stay calm, lad," Rowan said quietly. "I'll call Captain Mohan. He'll know how to stop this madness." Without waiting for a reply, Rowan darted off, his boots pounding against the stone floor as he rushed to fetch their captain.
Back in the courtyard, Adrian fought to stay on his feet, his body battered and broken. His thoughts flashed back to the countless hours of training he had shared with Lucas, the moments of camaraderie and hope they had fostered. He couldn't die here. Not after coming this far.
Adrian gritted his teeth, forcing his battered body to rise once more. His muscles screamed in protest, but he ignored the pain. Drawing on the last vestiges of his strength, he steadied his sword, his hands shaking as he prepared for one final move.
In his mind, Adrian visualized the Crown Prince Karl's sword stance, the one he had seen executed perfectly on the battlefield. His hands adjusted, his blade lifted into a precise arc. His movements, though faltering, held a newfound confidence.
Leonard scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. "You? Using a royal sword art? Don't make me laugh!"
With a roar, Leonard lunged at Adrian, his sword blazing with dark energy. He aimed for a lethal blow, confident in his overwhelming strength. But to his shock, Adrian executed the first form of Karl's sword art flawlessly. His blade moved in a perfect arc, cutting through the air with deadly precision.
The crowd gasped in unison as Adrian's sword slashed across Leonard's chest, slicing through armor and flesh. Blood poured from the wound, staining Leonard's armor red. The Baron staggered back, his face contorted in shock and disbelief.
"You insolent brat!" Leonard roared, his rage bubbling over. His aura flared to terrifying levels, the dark energy surrounding him surging like a violent storm. With a crazed gleam in his eyes, he raised his sword high, preparing to deliver the final blow.
Adrian, weakened and barely able to stand, watched as the Baron's sword came crashing down. Time seemed to slow, his body refusing to move. This is it… I'm sorry, Mom… Dad… Brother… I won't be coming back.
But just as Leonard's sword was about to strike, a blinding flash of light filled the courtyard. An electric hum echoed through the air, and in the blink of an eye, Captain Mohan appeared between them, his gauntleted fists raised to block the lethal strike.
With a powerful counter, Mohan delivered a crushing blow to Leonard's midsection, sending the Baron flying across the courtyard. Leonard's body slammed into the stone wall with a thunderous crash, knocking him unconscious.
"Are you alright, lad?" Mohan's voice was filled with concern as he knelt beside Adrian, his eyes scanning the young knight's bloodied form.
"I-I'm okay… thanks, Captain," Adrian murmured weakly before his vision went dark. The last thing he saw was Mohan's face, his expression a mixture of relief and controlled fury.
"Get him to the infirmary," Mohan ordered, his voice firm as Rowan and Lucas rushed forward to carry Adrian away. "He needs to rest."
As Adrian was whisked away, Mohan turned his gaze to the crowd. His voice boomed across the courtyard, commanding authority. "That's it! Clear out! Now!" The crowd quickly dispersed, not wanting to be caught in the aftermath of the intense battle.
Whispers spread like wildfire as the onlookers fled.
"That kid… he fought Baron Durk and lived?"
"Yeah, but Mohan had to step in. That Baron is a monster!"
As the courtyard emptied, Leonard stirred, slowly regaining consciousness. His eyes snapped open, filled with fury. "Where is he?" he snarled, his aura flaring again as he pulled himself to his feet.
"You're awake," Mohan said coldly, arms crossed as he watched Leonard struggle to stand.
"Where is he?!" Leonard growled, his voice venomous. "Don't try to stop me, old man. I'll kill him!"
Mohan's brow furrowed. "What did he do?"
"He killed my son!" Leonard roared, his aura crackling with murderous intent. "I will avenge Terrance's death!"
Mohan's eyes narrowed. "You think I'd believe that? You've always been a hothead, Leonard, but this… This is just causing more trouble."
Leonard's rage boiled over. "I'll kill you too if I have to!" His aura surged once more, dark and violent, threatening to consume the entire courtyard.
Mohan's own aura flared in response, the two warriors standing at the edge of a battle that could destroy everything around them. The courtyard trembled beneath their power, the ground cracking under the weight of their auras.
The battle between two titans was about to begin.