As we reached the training court, I was struck by its sheer size and the intensity of the activity within. Royal soldiers were practicing their elemental abilities alongside their swordsmanship, some engaging in fierce duels while others attacked training dummies with precision and power.
The knight Alex approached us and bowed deeply to the king. "Your Majesty, Knight Alex paying respects."
"Alex, I am here to witness a duel between the second prince and Noah. Prepare one of the courts for them," commanded the king.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Alex swiftly ran toward one of the courts, organizing the preparations for our duel.
The king turned to us. "So, Noah and Draken, are you ready for the duel?"
Draken's confidence was palpable. "Yes, Father, I am more than ready."
I nodded, trying to match his determination. "Yes, Your Majesty, I am ready."
"Good, then go and take your positions in the court," the king instructed.
Draken and I moved to the center of the court, standing opposite each other. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the king, the princess, and the other spectators watched from a safe distance.
Knight Alex approached us, taking on the role of match referee. "The rules are simple: no lethal moves. The first person to fall outside the court loses the match."
We both nodded, acknowledging the rules. I was calm and confident that from the class I am right now no one of my peers will be of any match for me
Alex raised a whistle to his lips and blew sharply, signaling the start of the match.
Draken moved first, charging at me with remarkable speed and confidence. His sword, imbued with a fiery aura, sliced through the air toward me. I easily parried the blow, feeling the heat of his elemental power.
"You're fast," he remarked, slightly surprised.
Without replying, I countered with a strike of my own, my blade crackling with lightning. Draken's eyes widened as he barely managed to block the attack. My sword's electric charge sent jolts through his weapon, making him wince.
The crowd watched in tense silence as our swords clashed repeatedly. Draken's attacks were relentless, but I matched him blow for blow, my lightning element giving me an edge. Sparks flew with every clash, illuminating our determined faces.
Realizing he needed to change tactics, Draken unleashed a torrent of fiery slashes, but I evaded them with ease, my movements swift and precise. Drawing on my lightning element, I created a dazzling display of electric arcs that danced around me, making it difficult for him to predict my next move.
"You think you can intimidate me with flashy tricks?" Draken growled, frustration evident in his voice.
I smirked, raising my blade high. "Let's see if you can keep up."
With a surge of power, I launched a series of rapid strikes, each one infused with the crackling energy of lightning. Draken struggled to parry, his defense faltering under the relentless onslaught. He staggered back, the electric shocks coursing through his body weakening his resolve.
"Is this all you've got, Draken?" I taunted, pressing my advantage.
Draken's eyes blazed with determination, but it was clear he was struggling. His movements became sluggish, and his confidence waned. Seizing the opportunity, I executed a powerful overhead strike, my blade descending like a thunderbolt.
Draken attempted to block, but the force of my attack was too much. His sword flew from his grasp, clattering to the ground outside the court. The whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.
The court erupted in cheers and gasps of astonishment. Draken lay on the ground, dazed and humiliated, struggling to catch his breath. I stood over him, my sword crackling with residual electricity, a triumphant look on my face.
The king stepped forward, his expression a mix of surprise and respect even though he was disappointed that his son lost but he to acknowledge my abilities "Noah, you have proven yourself today. Your skills and abilities are extraordinary."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing respectfully.
Roselyn rushed over, her face glowing with pride. "I told you, brother! Noah is amazing!"
Draken was seething with humiliation, the sting of defeat burning in his chest. He glanced toward his brother Raven, hoping for some sign of support, but Raven's expression was one of utter disgust.
His eyes, cold and judgmental, conveyed everything: disappointment, contempt, and a lack of faith in Draken's abilities. Without a word, Raven turned and exited the training court, dismissing the entire scene.
The dismissal wasn't lost on me. I knew Raven didn't consider me a worthy opponent, not after how easily I had bested Draken. What Raven didn't realize was that I hadn't even tapped into half of my potential. If I had, the outcome would have been even more decisive, and Raven might have had second thoughts about challenging me.
Short after raven gone Draken to didn't stay there and got up and got out of the court
Queen and king wanted to console him and teach him about not to underestimate other but he was already gone so they decided to lecture him another time
"I knew Noah was powerful," Roselyn said, breaking the tense silence. Her voice was filled with pride and admiration. "More powerful than my brothers."
The king's face softened into a pleased smile. "Great job, Noah. You've not only shattered my son's confidence but also inspired my daughter."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing respectfully.
The queen, looking thoughtful, added, "I think you should teach my daughter here in this court so that she can compete against her brothers."
But then, Shadow's voice echoed urgently in my mind. "No, Aric. We shouldn't stay here any longer. You have to return to your family. There are only four years left before the academy."
"You're right, Shadow," I thought back, feeling a pang of urgency. "We've already stayed too long."
I addressed the royal family with a respectful bow. "It will be my honor, Your Highnesses, but I must return to my family. They are waiting for me and beside I want roam the city and go on a adventure"
Roselyn's face fell, her eyes glistening with disappointment she too wanted to go adventure but she knew that she is not strong enough and would be aburden for Noah which made her determined to get stronger
Seeing her sadness tugged at my heart. I walked over to her, speaking softly but firmly. "Don't worry. I know you'll be at the academy, and I'll meet you there. You just have to be strong enough so that we can have a duel. Will you be willing?"
Her eyes lit up with determination, and she nodded vigorously. "Yes, I will train hard so one day I can compete with you. And don't forget to come to the academy. I'll be waiting for you."
"I promise I will," I assured her, my voice steady.
She hesitated, then asked, "But can you at least show your face to me?"
I shook my head gently, feeling the weight of my decision. "I'm sorry, but you'll recognize me at the academy by yourself. As my friend, you can do that much."
Roselyn smiled, her resolve unwavering. "I will. See you at the academy, Noah."
"So your majesty I have to go now "I said bowing toward the king Edward
"Alright Noah it was really great to know a potential warrior at your age in our kingdom hope we will meet again" said king Edward with smile in his face
Then turning towards everyone queen Sylvia, Roselyn levi and Alex and bowed to them said my goodbye
Roselyn was looking at me with smiling face but I can see that she was having hard time saying goodbye to me she has grown attached to me in this one week of our adventure in forest
And then exited the castle with final goodbye and started heading towards the city for my next adventure trip