The day of the Sword Festival had finally arrived. The academy was filled with students, nobles, and spectators from various regions of the kingdom. Colorful banners adorned the competition areas, and the sounds of laughter, applause, and conversation filled the air. It was an event that celebrated the spirit of swordsmanship, but for Eveline, this day felt like a far greater test.
She prepared in silence, away from the crowd and the other competitors. Her duelist uniform, with her family crest emblazoned on her chest, reflected the morning sunlight, but her gaze was fixed on her sword, holding it calmly as she tried to find her focus.
The training over the past weeks had been intense, but nothing could truly prepare her for what was to come. This wasn't just a competition of physical skill—it was an internal battle against the darkness that continued to try to seduce her.
"Hey, Eveline," Alaric's voice broke through her thoughts. He entered the preparation room with a smile on his face. "Are you ready? The festival has already started, and your duel is one of the first."
She looked at him, still focused. "I'm as ready as I can be."
"I know you're worried about Umbra," he said, crossing his arms. "But you've already proven that you can resist him. Trust yourself."
Eveline nodded, grateful for Alaric's words, though she knew the real test wasn't just about resisting. Umbra was a part of her, and trying to push him out of her mind was like trying to banish a shadow that never faded. She would eventually have to face him head-on.
Aria soon appeared, bringing a bottle of water and some encouraging words. "I did some research on the competitors. There's a noble from the neighboring city who's drawing a lot of attention. It seems he has a reputation for being unbeatable."
"He'll find out today that he's not," Alaric commented confidently, giving Eveline a light punch on the shoulder.
Eveline smiled slightly, but her mind remained focused on the competition. She knew each duel would be a different challenge and that at some point, she would need to use the darkness to win. The thought troubled her, but at the same time, she understood that mastering both sides of her power was crucial.
"Where is the first duel taking place?" she asked.
"In the main arena," Aria replied. "All the nobles are there. It's going to be a big show."
With a nod, Eveline took a deep breath and followed her friends to the dueling grounds.
---
The main arena was packed with spectators, and the atmosphere was pure excitement. The space was wide, with a circular arena surrounded by stands and decorated tribunes. At the top, in a prominent position, sat the Academy's Council, accompanied by several members of the nobility. All eyes were on the competitors, and when Eveline stepped into the arena, the murmurs grew louder.
She couldn't help but feel the weight of their stares. Many saw her as a promise of greatness; others, as a potential threat due to her connection with Umbra. However, she focused on herself and what needed to be done.
On the opposite side of the arena, her opponent was already prepared. It was the noble Aria had mentioned. Tall, muscular, and with a confident expression, he held a long, ornate sword, clearly meant to impress as much as it was to fight. His name was **Darius von Auer**, and his reputation preceded him.
"We've heard a lot about you, Eveline," Darius said with a disdainful smile. "But today we'll see if the rumors are true or just exaggerations."
Eveline remained silent, focused on her own sword. She had no interest in provocations. Her only goal was to win without losing control.
The referee, one of the academy's fencing instructors, stepped into the arena and raised his hand, calling for silence from the audience.
"The rules are simple," he said loudly. "No extreme magic is allowed. This is a duel of swordsmanship. Victory will be decided when one of the combatants is disarmed or incapacitated. Are you ready?"
Eveline and Darius nodded at the same time.
"Let the duel begin!"
The sound of the crowd faded into the background as Eveline advanced, her sword firmly in hand. Darius was the first to strike, moving with surprising speed for someone of his size. His blows were powerful, and each impact against Eveline's sword reverberated through her arms. But she wasn't there just to block; she was there to win.
Eveline dodged a heavy strike and spun, trying to find an opening. Her movements were fluid, a result of weeks of intense training. However, Darius was a formidable opponent, and it seemed like he anticipated her every move, blocking her attacks with ease.
The two continued exchanging blows for several minutes, each testing the other's limits. The crowd watched with anticipation, cheering for every skilled move. For Eveline, though, time seemed to slow, and the pressure in her mind began to grow.
"You're holding back, Eveline," Umbra's voice echoed in her mind. "Let me help you. With me, you can crush anyone who stands against you."
Eveline ignored the voice, focusing on Darius, who was preparing a powerful attack. She dodged at the last second, but the tip of his blade grazed her shoulder, lightly tearing the fabric of her clothes.
The pain brought her attention back to the duel. I can't lose focus. I can't give in.
Yet the pressure was mounting. With every blow exchanged, the darkness in her mind grew. She knew that to defeat Darius, she would need to use the darkness—she couldn't rely solely on the light. He was too strong, and the battle was dragging on longer than it should.
Darius noticed Eveline's hesitation and smiled. "It seems you're losing your composure. Is this all you've got?"
Eveline gritted her teeth, feeling the darkness stir within her, like a caged beast. She knew she was at a critical point. If she allowed Umbra to take control, she could win, but at a high cost.
"Just a little, Eveline. Let me help you," Umbra whispered again.
Eveline took a deep breath and, with a quick movement, changed her stance. Not completely—she thought—but perhaps a little darkness is necessary.**
She allowed a small fraction of the darkness to flow into her movements, making them faster, more precise. Darius didn't notice the change immediately, but within seconds, Eveline attacked with an agility and strength he hadn't expected.
She spun with a swift strike, disarming Darius in a move that surprised even herself. Darius's sword fell to the ground, and the duel was decided.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers of surprise. Eveline, panting, held her sword firmly, feeling the darkness within her retreat.
Darius, stunned, looked at his fallen sword and then at Eveline. "You... are strong," he admitted reluctantly.
The referee raised Eveline's hand, declaring her the winner.
But as the applause echoed around her, Eveline knew that the real victory was still far away. Umbra had proven his point.