Back in Nannu, King Relon was making his way to meet with the leaders of the enemy armies, accompanied by Arthan. They rode in silence, the weight of responsibility heavy on both of their shoulders. Relon was apprehensive, his gaze distant as he watched the landscape pass by.
Arthan, noticing the king's unease, broke the silence. "My liege, what troubles you?"
Relon hesitated for a moment, but Arthan's sincerity in his eyes encouraged him to speak. "I wished to be a king half as strong as my father was. Even my terrible brother Morfrey had the flame to be king. I was not meant to sit on the throne of a great nation like Nannu," he confessed, his voice thick with insecurity.
Arthan nodded, understanding the young king's anguish. "My liege, I too feared I would not be like my father. The dragon's blood that runs in my veins is not as powerful as the late General Marcus's. This made me doubt my abilities for a long time."
Relon looked to Arthan, surprised to hear such a personal confession. "You, Arthan? I always thought you unshakeable."
Arthan smiled lightly, a shadow of sadness in his eyes. "In the battle against Shiera Felwave at last year's Waters Festival, I used more power than I should have and ended up losing control. I was embarrassed by it for a long time."
Relon listened intently, feeling a growing kinship with his companion. "But you always seemed so sure of yourself."
Arthan sighed, gazing toward the horizon. "I promised my father on his deathbed that I would not be better than him, but that I would be better than I could be. I carry that promise with me every day."
Arthan's words resonated deeply with Relon. He realized he was not alone in his insecurities, and that even the strongest also faced their own inner battles. "Thank you, Arthan. Your words mean much to me."
Arthan nodded, a reassurance in his smile. "We are in this together, my liege. And together, we will find a way to protect Nannu, even if we must die."
Relon felt some of the weight lift from his shoulders. With gratitude, he and Arthan continued their ride toward the enemy camp, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their determination was palpable, and despite uncertainties, they knew they could rely on each other to overcome any adversity.
Approaching the enemy camp, Relon and Arthan stopped, waiting for the other party to approach. From the back, they saw a man with long silver hair on his horse, a woman with red hair in heavy armor, and a carriage being pulled by two horses. The tension in the air was tangible as the two groups drew near each other.
As they approached, Relon realized his aunt Alexandria was in the carriage. When they got closer, she mocked Relon. "I cannot believe you were stupid enough to meet us, accompanied by only a single guard. The people of Nannu must have abandoned what remains of the usurpers."
Relon interrupted Alexandria, saying: "If you want so badly the life of an Aquarion, I will give my life in exchange for the life of my people."
Relon's proposal only made Alexandria laugh. "Your life holds no value as currency for exchange. I will not be content merely killing you and not punishing the traitors who stood with the usurper and not with me."
Relon then challenged her to a one-on-one duel instead of a pointless war. "I will face anyone you choose. If your champion wins, my sister and I will leave these lands and head east, leaving Nannu for you to rule. Otherwise, you will return to Volkaron and never trouble Nannu again."
Alexandria gave a wicked smile and, in a strange way, accepted Relon's offer. "Even wearing the Aquarion relics that should have been mine, you will have no chance." She chose Set to be her champion. Ionna, who was on the horse next to her, felt an intense rage at not being chosen and thought terrible things about Alexandria, calling her a 'Golden whore' in her mind.
Arthan offered to fight in Relon's place, but the king said it had to be him. "If I die, you will have to care for my people. Leaving the country in Alexandria's hands could spell the end of Nannu."
Relon dismounted from his horse, his gaze determined as he walked toward the center of the field. Set, Alexandria's champion, did the same, his long silver hair shining in the rising sun.
The two adversaries faced each other, silence falling over the field as all awaited the battle's start. Alexandria watched with a cruel smile, confident in her champion's victory.
Relon gripped Wavebringer firmly, feeling the weight of the Aquarion relics on his body. He knew this battle was not just for him, but for all the people of Nannu. "I am ready," he said, his eyes fixed on Set.
Set did not say a word, merely kept his gaze locked on Relon, the tension between them growing with each second that passed.
Arthan watched with concern, ready to intervene if necessary. He knew Relon was at a disadvantage, but also knew the young king's determination. "You can do this, Relon," he murmured to himself.
The scene was set for the confrontation, with all awaiting the unfolding of events. Relon felt the pressure but knew he could not fail. He was ready to defend his people, whatever the cost.
Relon and Set faced each other in the center of the battlefield, the tension in the air almost palpable. Without losing time, Relon advanced with his spear Wavebringer, moving with swiftness and precision. Set, however, easily evaded the attacks, his movements fluid and agile. Without even drawing his sword, Set delivered a powerful kick to Relon, throwing him far away.
Relon fell to the ground but rose quickly, apparently uninjured. Set, however, felt a small pain in his foot. Observing Relon's armor, Set commented: "The armor you wear is very powerful. Besides protecting you from my kick, it even generated a reverse impact that hurt my foot."
Relon, rising, replied: "This armor is a legendary artifact, passed down through generations in my family."
Set asked: "What is the name of this artifact?"
Relon answered proudly: "Leviathan."
Set smiled, recognizing the name. "I've heard of the famous armor of the Aquarion, but I never imagined it would be so powerful."
Relon thanked Set for the kindness, but Set quickly interrupted him: "You shouldn't thank me. I was only praising the armor's ability, as its wearer is weak enough to be hit by a weak kick like that." He concluded by saying: "Next time, I won't kick so weakly."
Relon smiled with irony. "I know I am weak. The Aquarion's main affinity with magic is water magic. However, I have little affinity with water, making me a great failure of the Aquarion."
Determined to retake the offensive, Relon attacked again with his spear. Set easily avoided the blows and tried to repeat the movement, kicking Relon with even more power. This time, however, the young king planted his feet firmly on the ground, and Set's stronger kick merely pushed Relon back a bit, placing Set within reach of the Wavebringer spear.
Seizing the opening, Relon conjured the innate magic of the spear: "8th Circle Water Magic - Raging Sea." An immense whirlwind of water formed, descending upon Set with enormous force.
Set, caught by surprise, was enveloped by the whirlwind. The water spun with overwhelming fury, each drop seeming to weigh a ton. Relon maintained his position, gripping the Wavebringer firmly, his expression determined. "I may be weak," he shouted above the roar of the water, "but I still have a duty to protect my people!"
Inside the whirlwind, Set struggled against the crushing force of the water, his abilities being tested to their limit. He tried to free himself, but the intensity of Relon's magic kept him imprisoned. The audience watched in silence, impressed by the turnaround. Queen Alexandria grew frightened, as she had not expected Relon to be able to do anything against Set.
Relon, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, channeled all his mana into the magic, feeding the whirlwind with everything he had. "I cannot fail," he thought, his heart pounding hard. "Nannu depends on me."
While Set fought within the whirlwind, he realized he had underestimated Relon. The strength of the water magic was greater than he expected, and he began to understand the young king's determination. "He may be weak in some areas, but his willpower is undeniable," thought Set.
The whirlwind finally began to lose power, and Set, using all his skill, managed to free himself, emerging from the water with difficulty. He was injured, but his gaze at Relon was different now, more respectful.
Relon, exhausted, still kept the spear at the ready, prepared to continue fighting if needed. Set straightened, water streaming from his armor, and looked Relon directly in the eyes. "You surprised me, young king," he said, breathlessly. "But this battle is far from over." Finally Set drew his sword from its sheath.
Relon nodded, knowing the challenge was far from over. Both prepared for the next exchange, aware that each move could be decisive. The battle for Nannu's honor and the safety of its people continued, and Relon was determined to fight to the end.