Chapter 7: **Clash of Honor**
The atmosphere at the knight academy remained charged with tension as the echoes of rivalry reverberated through its hallowed halls. Synoh, driven by a sense of justice, found himself in the midst of a situation that would test not only his skills but also his commitment to protecting those who couldn't defend themselves.
**Narrator:** One day, as the sun hung low in the sky, Synoh witnessed Edward Belmont and his gang tormenting fellow students. Unable to turn a blind eye, Synoh approached the scene, determined to put an end to the bullying.
**Synoh:** "Enough! Bullying is not what knights should stand for."
**Edward:** *Smirking,* "Look who decided to play the hero. Synoh, mind your own business."
**Synoh:** "Protecting others is everyone's business."
The tension escalated, and Edward, feeling challenged, proposed a confrontation at the training ground.
**Lux:** *Interfering,* "Edward, is this the noble way? Resorting to bullying and picking fights?"
**Edward:** "Lux, stay out of this. We're settling it like knights. Synoh, you asked for it."
Later that day, at the training ground, the clash of honor unfolded. Edward, accompanied by his gang of six, faced Synoh alone. Lux, concerned about the academy's reputation, acted as an impartial observer.
**Lux:** "Remember, this is a fight of honor. No unnecessary harm. Let the best knight prevail."
The battle commenced, and the clash of swords echoed through the training ground. Synoh, outnumbered but fueled by a sense of justice, held his ground against Edward and his gang.
**Edward:** *Frustrated,* "You think you can stand against us, commoner?"
**Synoh:** "Nobility means nothing if it's stained by dishonor and cruelty."
As the fight raged on, Lux's watchful gaze and the academy's silent whispers became witnesses to a pivotal moment that would shape the reputations of those involved. The clash of honor tested not only Synoh's combat skills but also his resilience in the face of adversity.
**Narrator:** The outcome of this confrontation would not only determine the balance of power at the knight academy but also set the stage for the intertwined destinies of Synoh, Lux, and the enigmatic Edward Belmont.
**Narrator:** Synoh got unexpectedly overwhelmed by Edward and his gang. It feels something is not right..
**Lux:** "Synoh, why did you fight like that? That's not you."
**Edward:** "Don't you understand, Lux? It's because he's weak." *Laughs with his gang.*
*Synoh remains silent, defending and dodging their attacks.*
**Edward:** "What's the matter, commoner? Can't even speak up for yourself?"
*Synoh, still calm, suddenly speaks up.*
**Synoh:** "Lux, about your question earlier. I fought like this because I didn't want it to end so soon. They're so weak; it's like fighting babies."
*Edward and his gang, infuriated, launch a coordinated attack, using all their magic and might. Synoh calmly counters by coating his sword with dark magic, dodging their attacks effortlessly.*
**Lux:** *Observing with surprise,* "Synoh, you could have ended this sooner. Why let them attack for so long?"
**Synoh:** "Sometimes, Lux, it's not just about winning. It's about teaching a lesson. Now, watch."
*Synoh swiftly dodges, parries, and defeats each opponent with ease, leaving them on the ground defeated.*
**Edward:** *Frustrated,* "You think you're so clever, commoner?"
**Synoh:** "It's not about being clever. It's about fighting with honor and skill. Maybe next time, think twice before picking on others."
*Synoh and Lux share a knowing look, understanding that sometimes, a lesson in humility is more powerful than a swift victory.*
**Synoh:** "Edward, you and your gang will seek apologies from those you bullied."
**Edward:** "Why should we listen to you?"
**Lux:** "Because if you don't, I'll expose your actions to the higher nobility. Your family's status won't protect you then."
*Edward and his gang hesitate.*
**Synoh:** "You're only brave because of Edward's status. Without him, you're nothing."
**Lux:** "You think I won't do it? My family's influence surpasses Edward's. Your family will be ruined."
*They reluctantly seek apologies, leaving only Edward standing defiantly.*
**Synoh:** "Looks like they have more courage than you, Edward."
**Lux:** "Apologize, Edward. You're not above admitting your mistakes."
*Edward, looking down, refuses.*
**Synoh:** "You really should learn some humility."
*Lux interjects with a stern tone.*
**Lux:** "Edward, do you think your noble status will protect you forever? I know more than you think."
*Edward remains silent.*
*After the apologies, Synoh and Lux discuss Edward.*
**Lux:** "He'll likely not do anything after this."
**Synoh:** "Are you sure? He didn't even apologize to the one he bullied."
**Lux:** "He's stubborn. I hope this teaches him a lesson."
**Synoh:** "People like him need humility and lessons. I hope he changes for the better."
**Lux:** "Agreed. Let's hope for the best."
*As they talk, Synoh curiously asks about Lux's relationship with Edward.*
**Synoh:** "What's your relationship with Edward, Lux?"
**Lux:** "Maybe I should tell you..."
**Narrator:** Lux then tell his story to Synoh..
**Lux:** "Synoh, Edward and I, we were childhood friends. We used to dream together, play together. But life has a cruel way of changing people."
**Synoh:** "What happened, Lux? Why did Edward turn like this?"
**Lux:** "It's a tragic tale, Synoh. Edward's family faced a terrible scandal, accusations that led to their downfall. He lost everything—status, wealth, and the respect of others. The weight of his family's disgrace pushed him into bitterness."
**Synoh:** "I had no idea..."
**Lux:** "And that's not all. Akane(white hair girl with a ice shape eyes), the princess we both care for, had dreams of a kingdom free from societal constraints. She wanted change. I made a promise to her, Synoh. I promised to become a general, to bring about the change she envisioned."
**Synoh:** "So, you're not just chasing your dream but fulfilling hers too."
**Lux:** "Yes, Synoh. I want to create a world where Akane's dreams can thrive, where people like Edward won't be consumed by despair. But for that, I need to rise to a position of power."
**Synoh:** "I never knew about the struggles you all faced. We'll face these challenges together, Lux. Your dream and Akane's dream, I'll make them come true. And I'm the one who will become General"
**Lux:** Let's see about that.
**Narrator:** Flashback to a time when three young friends, Lux, Akane, and Edward, roamed the halls of their childhood home, their laughter echoing through the corridors. Little did they know that their innocent adventures would one day shape the course of history.
**Lux:** *(excitedly)* "Hey, guys, look what I found! It's a hidden passage behind the library!"
**Akane:** *(intrigued)* "Really? Let's check it out!"
**Edward:** *(cautious)* "I don't know, guys. What if we get caught?"
**Akane:** *(determined)* "Come on, Edward! We've always talked about exploring new places and discovering hidden secrets. This could be our chance to do something extraordinary!"
**Lux:** *(encouraging)* "Akane's right. Besides, what's life without a little adventure?"
**Edward:** *(hesitant)* "I guess you're right. Lead the way, Akane."
**Akane:** *(grinning)* "That's the spirit! Together, we'll uncover the mysteries of this passage and maybe even change the world!"
**Lux:** *(playfully)* "Change the world, huh? Well, if you're going to do that, Akane, then I'll become a general to help you fulfill your dream!"
**Akane:** *(smiling)* "Thanks, Lux. I know I can always count on you."
**Edward:** *(chuckling)* "Well, if you two are going to change the world, then I'll just be a noble and watch from the sidelines!"
**Lux and Akane:** *(bursting into laughter)*
**Narrator:** Akane, driven by a deep-seated desire to alleviate the suffering of others, dreamed of a world where no one would endure pain or hardship. His vision extended beyond the confines of their childhood adventures, encompassing a realm of compassion and empathy.
**Lux:** *(teasingly)* "Oh, come on, Edward! You know you'll be right there with us, fighting for justice and honor!"
**Edward:** *(joining in the laughter)* "Alright, alright. Count me in, then. To changing the world, together!"
**Lux and Akane:** *(raising their fists in solidarity)* "To changing the world!"
**Narrator:** Little did they know that their youthful aspirations would one day converge with destiny, shaping the future of their world in ways they never imagined.