As the date for the Isosceles Trials drew nearer, it was all anyone could talk about. Speculations ran rampant over whether Toleran would reclaim the trophy again this year.
"I think we will, especially with Lucien Canmore back in the competition," one student remarked.
"True, but I heard Zenas Kane and that useless Bemont are entering this year too," another student replied.
"Zenas Kane? Who's that?" someone asked.
"He was Avondale's champion for a while before an injury forced him out," came the answer. "But I hear he's fully recovered and coming back. Some say he's on Lucien's level—or even a little better."
"No way," the student replied. "Looks like this year's gonna be tough."
As the students continued discussing potential competitors, Fletcher couldn't help but notice the worry and curiosity flashing across Kenneth's face.
"How are you feeling?" Fletcher asked as they sat on the floor, waiting for Instructor Alexi to arrive.
Kenneth glanced at her, clearly unbothered. "Feeling about what?"
Fletcher rolled her eyes. "About the tournament. Aren't you guys leaving in a week?"
"Oh, that. I feel…normal?" Kenneth shrugged.
Fletcher stared at her, unamused. "Normal? Really?"
"How else am I supposed to feel? It's just a tournament."
Just then, they heard a scoff from behind. Turning around, they saw Durian glaring at them.
"Just a tournament?" Durian sneered. "How arrogant can you be?"
"Durian," Fletcher called, but the large boy ignored her, eyes still fixed on Kenneth.
"This is one of the biggest tournaments in the continent, and you're treating it like it's just another day at the candy store?" he mocked.
"I know how important it is," Kenneth said coolly.
Durian laughed wryly. "It's always the ones who talk big that end up losing."
Kenneth smiled, clearly amused. "Speaking from experience?" she asked.
Durian narrowed his eyes at her, about to respond, but just then, Instructor Alexi entered the room. Durian fell silent, shooting one last glare at Kenneth before sitting down. Kenneth rolled her eyes.
"Alright, class, I hope you're all well-rested. Let's not waste any time and get started," Instructor Alexi said.
*
That night, Kenneth tossed and turned in bed, her thoughts racing. The tournament loomed large in her mind, but so did the mysterious dagger she had found in the shop earlier. She'd never really stopped to reflect on why she had been sent to this world or why she had inherited the body of a girl who shared her name. Though she liked to think of this as a second chance, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was another reason she had been chosen.
Kenneth wasn't a saint by any measure. She wasn't even particularly proud of the person she used to be. She had taken countless lives, all in the name of duty, of justice. But even with the best intentions, the things she had done weighed heavily on her. She had been a soldier—a killer—and she couldn't escape the memories of everything she had done. For a time, she had justified her actions with ideals like patriotism and justice, but the war had crushed those notions. In the end, she had stopped killing for a cause and started killing because it was what she wanted.
Now, with a new life in a new world, Kenneth wondered if this was really a second chance or a kind of punishment. A punishment to let someone else—someone better—live the life she could never have. A chance for someone good and innocent to have a fulfilling life while she paid for the sins of her past.
Though she didn't know much about Caüs or Eternis, Kenneth understood that strength and recognition were her best means of protecting herself. The Isosceles Trials were the best way to get that recognition, and she would do whatever it took to win. To rise above the past that haunted her.
And she knew the best person to help her with that.
"You want me to teach you how to fight?" Lucien asked, his tone a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Kenneth nodded, her amber eyes glowing with determination. Lucien narrowed his gaze, studying her carefully. He could sense something different about her. Something had shifted in her during the past year. Though hesitant, he was willing to give her a chance.
"Can I ask why?" he questioned.
Kenneth hesitated for a moment, debating whether to be honest or give a more diplomatic answer. But looking at Lucien's stern face, she knew half-truths wouldn't help.
"I want to win the tournament," she said plainly.
Lucien blinked in surprise. He had expected some clichéd response like "I want to get stronger," but her answer was direct and almost arrogant. "The Isosceles Trials? You really think you can win?"
Kenneth didn't flinch. "Yes."
Lucien let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You do know that winning in your first year is unheard of, right? Maybe you should stop wasting my time with this nonsense—"
"But you won," she interrupted, cutting him off.
Lucien stared at her, momentarily speechless. "You know I won my first year?"
"Yeah," Kenneth replied, unphased. "I heard you won the Trials in your first year. If you can do it, why can't I?"
Lucien gaped, unsure whether to laugh or feel annoyed. She was right. Lucien Canmore, a name synonymous with dominance in the Isosceles Trials, had won in his first year. But his circumstances were different. He came from a powerful family and had been trained since he could walk. Fighting was second nature to him. Kenneth, on the other hand, didn't have that advantage.
"You're a little crazy, you know that?" Lucien said, shaking his head. "Most people wouldn't dare utter such arrogant things."
Kenneth gave a small smile. "Maybe. But that's how I've always been."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. This isn't something you can just walk into without paying the price. If you want to win, I'll make sure you earn it."
Kenneth nodded, her resolve hardening. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Lucien smirked, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Alright," He said after some time. "I will start with a trial run, but just know in the event that I do decide to teach you, those two months will be the most grueling and back breaking moments of your life." He warned her.
Kenneth felt a sense of quiet anticipation. She wasn't just fighting for a title or recognition anymore. She was fighting to prove something much bigger—to herself.
And Lucien Canmore, for all his power and experience, would be the one to help her get there.
A rare smile tugged at the corner of Kenneth's lips as she eyed the wolf. "I like a challenge."