***Five Days Later, The Armed Nation of Dwargon***
Eight figures sat around a rectangular table. The table was almost empty except for the map and some scrolls resting on it. These figures represented the powerhouse of the Armed Nation of Dwargon.
They were the members of the High Council, the ruling body of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. Sir Stoneforge of the House Stoneforge sat to the right of the vacant chair belonging to the High Chancellor. Opposite him sat Sir Fred of the House Ironfist. Beside Sir Fred was Sir Balmoral of the House Balmoral, and opposite Sir Balmoral sat Sir Geld of the House Goldvien.
Sir Giyu, Sir Dwarki, Sir Dwarta, and Sir Azaka occupied the remaining chairs. They were the leaders of the most prominent noble houses in the Armed Nation of Dwargon and members of the High Council.
Though all were powerful forces in the nation, four of them held the highest power.
"Welcoming Lord Dougor, the High Chancellor of the Armed Nation of Dwargon."
The voice of a regular soldier echoed around the room, alerting the members of the High Council to the presence of their leader.
His presence filled the room as he walked in with pride and power, his blue robe sweeping the floor as he moved. All eyes lowered to the floor as a sign of respect for their High Chancellor. He took a seat and then cleared his throat.
"It's nice to meet you all," Lord Dougor began, and the nobles nodded in response.
"This is the first time we are meeting this year. The Armed Nation of Dwargon has flourished under my reign, and our nation is expanding gloriously."
He continued, choosing his words carefully as his gaze shifted from one noble to another. It was true that for the past twenty years, the Armed Nation of Dwargon had not experienced any wars. The nation had been peaceful and had established trade relations with neighboring kingdoms.
"I believe we all know why we are here."
He completed his speech and relaxed in his chair, waiting to hear from his members, the lords of the prominent houses in the Armed Nation of Dwargon.
"Yes, Lord Dougor. Our nation has been prospering during your reign. Our internal trade has taken over the global market. We have no reason to gather for a meeting, but a rumor has been circulating. A rumor concerning the House Stoneforge," Sir Fred of the House Ironfist said, gazing directly at Sir Stoneforge, who had a smirk on his face.
"Hmm... A rumor concerning House Stoneforge? What rumor?" Sir Stoneforge asked, stroking his white beard.
"Don't act as if you're unaware, Sir Stoneforge. It is said that an intruder attacked the Stoneforge Mansion, and you adopted this intruder, making him your son," Sir Dwarki said.
"That isn't entirely true, Sir Dwarki," Sir Giyu opposed. "It is said that this intruder killed four of the elite guards sent to protect you and injured many others."
"You adopted him to protect him from the law. If I may ask, why did you do so?" Sir Geld asked, and Sir Stoneforge arched a brow.
"Who is spreading all these false rumors?" Sir Balmoral suddenly asked, banging his fist on the table, drawing everyone's attention.
"The House Stoneforge was attacked five nights ago under our noses, and nothing was said about it, yet you all poke your noses into the rumors spreading throughout the nation."
"Stay calm, Balmoral. Let Sir Stoneforge clarify things," said Lord Dougor.
"My lord, it is true that the House Stoneforge was ambushed, but thanks to my son, we survived."
"Your son? How is he your son? From the information I received, there were two intruders," Sir Dwarta added.
"Yes, the swordsman Kibutshi and my adopted son Kael. He is a distant cousin who came to the Armed Nation of Dwargon in search of me. He intended to surprise me and was caught in the tense situation. Thank God for his healing talent, Zoboda was able to defeat the intruder, Kibutshi," Sir Stoneforge explained.
"So why did you adopt him and make him your heir?" asked Sir Geld.
"That should be the affair of the House Stoneforge," Sir Akaza voiced out. He was also a noble from the House Stoneforge but not directly related.
"I apologize if I went too far."
"It's okay, Sir Geld. I know this comes suddenly, but I had no other choice. Kael is an orphan who lost his parents in an intercommunal war. He came to me with a letter. His parents entrusted him to me, but my life is also in danger. Adopting him is the best option to keep him safe from enemies," Sir Stoneforge clarified.
"Now I see the reason behind your action, Sir Stoneforge," Sir Balmoral said. "The boy is talented and has gained fame within just four days of his arrival."
"His healing potion is highly effective. My house guard leader showers him with praise," Sir Dwarti added.
"Is the House Stoneforge trying to turn the tables?" Sir Geld cut in.
"This is a new generation. The tide must change. He can't be here forever. He's getting older, and the house is weakening in its known trade - blacksmithing. It's a good thing that the House Stoneforge is gaining fame for trading healing potions. All we need is approval from the High Chancellor," Sir Akaza explained.
"I have no reason to object. I have also confirmed the effectiveness of the healing potion. I will sign the bill once the meeting is over," Lord Dougor added, and a frown appeared on Sir Giyu's face.
"What will then happen to my house, my lord? My house is known across the nation for its effective healing potions."
"I didn't stop your house from producing potions. Besides, it is great to see competition between two prominent houses," Lord Dougor answered.
"Is there anything else?" he asked, placing his hands on the table.
"Lord Dougor, my son Kael would love to join the competition for the Golden Ticket," Sir Stoneforge requested.
"That's a joke. Does your adopted son know the way of the sword?" asked Sir Balmoral.
"He has been training with Zoboda for the past three days," Sir Stoneforge replied.
"The competition kicks off the day after tomorrow. How sure are you that he can keep up?" asked Sir Fred.
"We have witnessed many aspirants dying. Do you want to risk that for your son?" asked Lord Dougor, and Sir Stoneforge nodded.
"My lord, I think we should give his son a chance to participate. After all, he is the heir to the Stoneforge Mansion," Sir Geld said with an evil grin.
"If so, then it is done. Your son will be added to the aspirants and will participate as one of the nobles in the Armed Nation of Dwargon," Lord Dougor said as he stood.
"I then declare this meeting over," he said, walking out of the room. Everyone began to leave, but two figures remained seated: Sir Geld of the House Goldvien and Sir Giyu of the Noble House.
"Why did you persuade Lord Dougor to accept the competition?" asked Sir Giyu, anger written on his face.
"That is the best way to get rid of the boy, or he will become a pest in the Armed Nation of Dwargon."
"Get rid of him how?"
"You know Stoneforge is my rival. He beat me in crafting the finest sword in the nation. Now his son has come, and your house will be ridiculed in the Armed Nation of Dwargon. Once everyone stops focusing on you, you will lose your seat on the High Council," Sir Geld explained.
"I don't want that to happen," Sir Giyu stuttered.
"Then you have to work with me. I have a plan," Sir Geld smirked evilly while Sir Giyu contemplated what to do.
***An Hour Later, Training Session***
The clanging sound of metal filled the air as Zoboda brawled against Kael, who was trying hard to keep up with his movements.
Zoboda was right-handed, while Kael was the opposite. His sword was most balanced when held in his left hand, but he could still handle it with his right.
Their movements stunned the onlookers. Zoboda was a very swift swordsman, in the middle stage of B rank, while Kael was in the first stage of C rank.
Zoboda was surprised; it took Kael just four days to rank up to the second stage of being a swordsman, something unusual and unheard of, especially given Kael's previous laziness in training.
Unbeknownst to him, the techniques Kael stole from Kibutshi had helped him rank up to this level.
"I see you're catching up with the pace," Zoboda complimented as they both disengaged.
"Watch how I beat you, man," Kael replied, charging at Zoboda, poising his sword for a straight attack. But Zoboda flipped into the air and balanced behind Kael, aiming to launch a kick.
Kael swiftly noticed his presence, sidestepping to evade the kick, which was followed by a slash that forced his body backward.
"That was a nice trick you pulled there. Now watch mine," he said, gripping his sword tightly and launching back at Zoboda, who was now standing on the ground. Zoboda prepared to evade his attack when suddenly Kael disappeared.
"Where did he go?" Zoboda muttered, scanning the area with his sword ready. He knew Kael to be cunning and prepared to counter any sneak attack.
Just as he had anticipated, Kael appeared behind him in the air, his sword raised high for a lethal strike.
"Ethereal Steps: Aerial Sneak Attack," Kael chanted, gripping his sword with both hands as it descended on Zoboda, who narrowly countered the attack with his own sword.
Kael landed on the ground before Zoboda, increasing the pressure on his sword and forcing the shocked Zoboda to his knees.
Zoboda was taken aback; he couldn't believe Kael could execute such a technique. If Zoboda had been any less skilled, the attack could have been fatal. "This boy is really something."
"I told you I'd beat you," Kael said, increasing his pressure, forcing Zoboda to support his right hand with the other.
"Young Master, I can't deny that I'm shocked, but you still need more to beat me," Zoboda said, pushing Kael's sword back with a force that sent Kael skidding backward. Zoboda rose to his feet.
"I underestimated you, Young Master. Now, I'll show you why I'm the leader of the Stoneguard Mansion," Zoboda said, launching at Kael with incredible speed that made Kael gasp. His sword twirled in his hand, screeching against the ground and producing sparks. He slashed the ground, causing stones to rise and hurtle towards Kael, who tried to evade them but was struck on the head by one, collapsing to the ground.
"He's too strong. I can't defeat him without using my skills," Kael said to himself as he struggled to get up.
"Do you give up, Young Master?" Zoboda asked as Kael stood. His sword lay on the ground. They were both using wooden training swords, not the real swords for combat.
"Give up? Giving up isn't in my dictionary."
"Then let's do this," Zoboda said as Kael steadied himself.
In a blink, Zoboda launched at Kael with blinding speed, but to Kael, a Radiant Adept Nexus Mage, his movements were slow. Kael didn't plan to counter.
He raised the wooden sword, letting out a war cry that echoed throughout House Stoneforge. Zoboda's wooden sword ignited sparks as it struck Kael's chest, causing a violent shockwave. Yet, Kael remained unmoved, as if nothing had hit him.
Zoboda stared in shock and confusion as a smirk curled on Kael's lips.
"I told you..." Kael muttered, launching a straight punch at Zoboda, who found himself flying backward before he realized what was happening. He crashed to the floor and tumbled loudly, rolling until he smashed into a wall.
Everyone, including the elite guards, was stunned. Young Master Kael, a mere C-rank swordsman, had bested a B-rank swordsman.
Unbeknownst to all, Kael was not just a swordsman but a Nexus Mage—a magic user at the Radiant Adept rank.
A man whose physical prowess could rival an armored knight. He was Kael, the former captive of the Reapers, now the future heir of the House Stoneforge of the Armed Nation of Dwargon. Kael, the great-grandson of Adam, an Earthling who came to the Realm of Aetheria with no idea of his origins.
Let the competition Begins!!