It had been years since Ace and Arnold's encounter at the academy in the royal capital. "I don't know why but my guts are telling me to hold out my hand. I can feel the urge of not wanting to be looked down upon by this guy. And then there is these words and feelings feeling my head." Monlogued Ace as he extended his hand and said "Nice seeing you again, Prince." With a fiery and determined expression on his face. "Same here Ace. Glad to see you again." Said the prince with an enthusiastic and confident expression and air about him.
Having found each other, they went straight to a bar and shared a few drinks while Tina followed behind them. As they drank, they recounted the events that had happened after their parting from the royal capital. The prince explained that as he was going back to the castle after visiting a noble, the sky was filled with a blinding light and the next thing he knew he had found himself near the city which was at the time a ruined town with few survivors. As he continued to try to rally them up under his banner, he gained allies. As they were in a place unfamiliar to them, they decided to settle down in the area.
As his tale continued, little by little people started gathering there in hopes to surviving their harsh environment. And as more and more people came by, exploration range could increase and that is how they managed to build such a town in such a place. On his side, Ace told him what happened to him and his assumptions on who is responsible for this disaster. "Well that would explain a lot. But still when my sister said that you and Isabella would end up together, I couldn't believe that she was stating facts." Said the Prince. "Stop it with the teasing. Either way I want a rematch. And this time I'll beat you." Said Ace as he extended his fist in front of Arnold.
As fate would have it, Arnold easily accepted. "Follow me. I'll go up against you." He said as they went out of the bar. As they made their way towards the place of their duel, Isabella saw them from afar as she was returning to the inn. During that time, Shaw had went to search for his brother. As they arrived at their destination, Tina went to observe from a distance. As their gazes met, their fight stated and then escalated into a fierce duel, a clash of powers and wills that echoed through the streets. The tension crackled in the air as they faced off, each fueled by their own motivations and history.
Under the watchful gaze of onlookers who came to see what the commotion was, Ace and Arnold stood as formidable opponents. Their swords clashed with resounding force, the clang of metal ringing out amidst the gasps of the crowd. For Ace, this duel held more significance than mere combat—it was a test of his strength, his resolve, and his identity. Arnold, his enigmatic rival, fought with a ferocity that matched Ace's own. The two were evenly matched, their movements fluid and precise, each anticipating the other's next move. As they danced across the makeshift arena, the crowd held its breath, captivated by the spectacle unfolding before them.
In the midst of their intense battle, amidst the flurry of strikes and parries, Ace and Arnold exchanged words that cut through the tension like the sharpest of blades. "You've grown stronger, Ace," Arnold remarked, his voice tinged with a mixture of admiration and challenge. "As have you, Arnold. My gut feeling tells me that you were strong when I faced you before losing my memories but," Ace replied, his eyes narrowed in determination. "Strength alone is not enough to face what lies ahead."
Arnold's gaze softened briefly, a flicker of something akin to regret passing through his eyes. "Indeed, we've both faced trials beyond measure since the cataclysm. But those trials have forged us into the warriors we are today." He said. Their blades clashed once more, sparks flying as they pushed each other to their limits. As the battle raged on, they spoke of their shared past, of the struggles they endured in the aftermath of the cataclysm, and of the paths they had chosen to walk since then.
And then, in a moment of clarity amidst the chaos, Ace issued his challenge. "I propose a duel, Arnold," he declared, his voice ringing out with unwavering conviction. "Not just to prove our strength, but to reaffirm our commitment to pursuing our objectives." Arnold's gaze hardened, a silent acceptance of the challenge laid before him. "So be it, Ace. Let our blades decide the outcome." With a nod of agreement, they unleashed their full power, weaving together magic and swordsmanship in a dazzling display of skill and strength. The air crackled with energy as they clashed once more, their every movement a testament to the years of training and discipline that had brought them to this moment.
And when the dust finally settled, it was Ace who emerged victorious, his determination and newfound mastery over his power shining brightly for all to see. As Arnold conceded defeat with a wry smile, Ace felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. But their duel was not just about proving their strength—it was about reclaiming a piece of themselves that they thought lost forever. With a newfound respect for one another, Ace and Arnold stood side by side, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. For in each other, they had found not just rivals, but allies in the fight for a better tomorrow and friends.