The tension in the alley was suffocating, the faint glow of the streetlamps casting long shadows as Linda's blade hovered dangerously close to Luina. The metallic ring of their weapons clashing moments before still echoed in the narrow space. Linda's fury was palpable, her eyes blazing with the intent to strike, while Luina stood her ground, knowing full well the gravity of the situation.
Luina: (firm but with a hint of urgency in her voice) "Linda, stop. You don't know what you're doing."
Linda: (her voice low and venomous) "You're going to lecture me now? After everything you've done? After getting in my way?"
Linda's grip on her sword tightened, her knuckles white with the effort of holding back her anger. She wanted nothing more than to strike, to teach Luina a lesson she wouldn't forget. But Luina's words cut through the rage like a sharp blade.
Luina: (taking a cautious step back, her spear still raised defensively) "If you hurt me, or worse—kill me—you'll be signing your death warrant. Do you think the Novac family will survive if you spill my blood?"
Linda faltered for a split second, her blade hovering in midair. She glared at Luina, her mind racing. Luina's words were calculated, cold. They stung because they carried the truth, and Linda knew it.
Linda: (snarling, trying to dismiss her) "Don't make this about politics, Luina. This is between us. It has nothing to do with our families."
Luina: (her voice sharp, her gaze unwavering) "You think that matters? If you kill me here, it's not just you who suffers. It's your entire family. The Novacs will lose everything—their standing, their influence, their power. And you know what? If I'm dead, my father won't just seek vengeance—he'll make sure your family is erased from the Royal A-Rank families entirely. Maybe even hanged."
Linda's heart pounded in her chest. She hated Luina—hated her smugness, her interference, her very presence. But the idea of her family suffering for her actions gnawed at her insides. The Novac family had spent generations building their reputation, and their power. To lose it all because of a single, impulsive act...
Luina: (pressing on, her voice steady but firm) "Think about it, Linda. You've always been so proud of your family and of your legacy. But if you kill me, that pride will turn to shame. Your mother and father could be dragged through the streets, labeled as failures who couldn't teach their daughter proper manners or discipline. The king won't forgive a murder like this. You'll be responsible for the downfall of the Novacs."
Linda's breath came in short, angry bursts, but her sword arm wavered. Her mind raced with the consequences. She could see it—the shattered reputation, the disgrace, the punishment. Her family was cast out, possibly hunted, if not by the law, then by Luina's father, Boldon Igedvon. Even as much as she despised the Igedvons, she couldn't deny their power.
Linda: (snarling, lowering her sword slightly) "So, what? I'm supposed to let you walk away after all this? After you stole my kill?"
Luina: (taking a step closer, her tone softening slightly, though her eyes remained cold) "I don't care about the demon, Linda. What I care about is not giving my father a reason to come after yours. Because he will. You know how ruthless he can be."
The name Boldon Igedvon hung in the air like a dark cloud. Linda's grip tightened again. She despised that man—his arrogance, his cruelty, his manipulation. And she knew what Luina said was true. Boldon would use this as an excuse to destroy the Novacs, once and for all. Even if they managed to escape the noose, the Novac name would be smeared in shame, and their power reduced to dust.
Linda: (through clenched teeth) "I could still take you down, Luina. No one would know it was me."
Luina: (her voice turning icy, a smirk playing on her lips) "And if you're wrong? If anyone finds out? My father will tear you and your family apart, limb by limb. He's been looking for an excuse to do it, and you'd be handing it to him on a silver platter. Face it, Linda, even with all your strength, you can't win this fight."
SFX: The sound of Linda's blade scraping against the ground as she slowly lowered it, the tension in the air thick and suffocating.
The two women stared each other down, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Linda's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, her rage boiling just beneath the surface. She hated that Luina was right, hated that she was forced to think about the consequences, about how every action could ripple through their families and bring disaster.
Finally, with a sharp exhale, Linda sheathed her sword, her expression still dark with fury.
Linda: (voice cold and dangerous) "You got lucky this time, Luina. But if I ever see your face again—if you ever interfere with me or my family's business—I will kill you. And I don't care what happens after that."
Luina exhaled, relief flickering in her eyes, though she maintained her calm facade. She knew how close she'd come to death tonight, but she also knew she had struck the right nerve with Linda.
Luina: (nodding slightly, her tone neutral but with a faint hint of victory) "I'll remember that, Linda. But for now, I'd suggest you focus on the Gunxam, not on grudges."
Linda: (gritting her teeth, her voice a low growl) "Get out of my sight, Luina. Before I change my mind."
With one last glance, Luina turned and walked away, her spear still in hand, her steps slow and deliberate as if she knew Linda's eyes were burning into her back. The night had grown colder, the stars now scattered across the dark sky above them, watching the drama unfold.
SFX: The sound of Luina's boots fading into the distance as she disappeared into the shadows, leaving Linda standing alone in the alley, her mind a storm of anger and frustration.
Linda remained still for a long moment, her fists clenched at her sides, her heart racing with the lingering adrenaline of the fight that never happened. She knew Luina was right, but it didn't make the bitter taste of defeat any easier to swallow. Her mind screamed for action, for revenge, but she couldn't risk her family. Not yet.
Linda: (whispering to herself, her voice filled with venom) "Next time, Luina. I swear, next time you won't be so lucky."
With one final, frustrated growl, Linda turned and walked away, disappearing into the darkness of the night, her thoughts consumed by the unfinished battle and the storm that was sure to come.
In the kingdom, royal families are divided into three primary ranks that represent the hierarchy of power, influence, and responsibility within the realm. Each rank plays a distinct role in the kingdom's functioning, with Rank A, B, and C families occupying different spheres of influence.
At the top of the hierarchy is Rank A, home to the most dominant and powerful families in the kingdom. These families are revered for their unmatched martial prowess, magical abilities, and their legacy of fighting in the kingdom's most important battles. Known for their strength on the battlefield, Rank A families have led armies into war, often securing victory through sheer force, strategy, and raw power. The Novac and Igedvon families, for instance, are both part of Rank A, each wielding immense influence due to their role in defending the kingdom and expanding its territories. These families pride themselves on their military dominance and are often at the forefront when conflicts arise. Their members are trained from a young age in combat, magic, or strategy, and they are seen as the protectors and enforcers of the kingdom's might. However, their constant involvement in warfare and dominance can lead to fierce rivalries, both within and outside their own ranks.
Rank B families occupy a different but equally crucial space in the kingdom's structure. They are known more for their political acumen, innovation, and trade than for direct combat. These families manage the kingdom's internal affairs, ensuring that diplomacy, commerce, and innovation thrive. The king's family itself comes from Rank B, as governance requires a deep understanding of politics, economics, and leadership. Traders, inventors, scholars, and high-ranking officials often come from these families, shaping the kingdom's economy, technological advancements, and political alliances. Rank B families often engage in delicate negotiations, both within the kingdom and with foreign powers, ensuring stability through diplomacy rather than force. Their influence is no less significant than Rank A, as they provide the resources, innovations, and infrastructure that support the kingdom's growth. Their battles are often fought in council chambers and through strategic alliances, not on bloodied fields.
Rank C families, on the other hand, consist mostly of low-ranking soldiers, guards, and commoners who play a vital role in maintaining peace within the kingdom. They are the backbone of the kingdom's security, tasked with ensuring that local disputes do not escalate and that the law is upheld in everyday life. These families often serve as foot soldiers during times of war but do not possess the magical or strategic prowess of Rank A or B. Instead, their strength lies in their dedication to preserving order within the kingdom. Though they have less political and military influence, the peace they maintain ensures the kingdom functions smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Rank C families also rely on the protection of higher ranks and often look to them for leadership, support, and direction.
Together, these ranks form the delicate balance of power that keeps the kingdom strong, though tensions between them can sometimes cause conflict as each seeks to assert its role in shaping the future.