Scene 1: A Return to the Training Grounds
Alistair stepped through the familiar gates of the Agarest estate, a surge of emotions washing over him. The scent of the earth after rain and the distant sound of clashing swords greeted him, reminding him of the rigorous training that once consumed his days. Determined to reclaim his place among the Agarest, he made his way toward the training grounds.
As he approached, he noticed a commotion. A group of knights surrounded a new recruit, their laughter echoing through the air. One of them, a burly knight with a twisted grin, kicked at the young man's legs, sending him sprawling into the dirt.
"Get up, you pathetic wretch! Is this all the Agarest can produce?" the knight taunted, eliciting roars of laughter from his comrades.
Alistair clenched his fists, anger bubbling within him. He recognized one of the bullies as a servant of Leopold, known for their disdain toward him. "Enough!" he shouted, stepping forward with unwavering confidence.
The knights turned, their expressions shifting from amusement to surprise. "Look who it is—the weak little lord," one knight sneered. "What do you want, Alistair? Here to get beaten again?"
Alistair took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I'm here to stop this. Pick on someone your own size."
Scene 2: The Challenge
The knight who had mocked Alistair stepped closer, his bravado unshaken. "Why don't you step up and take a swing, weakling? Or are you just going to stand there and whimper?"
Without hesitating, Alistair replied, "I accept your challenge. Let's see who's weak."
The tension in the air thickened as the knights exchanged glances. They believed Alistair was just a foolish boy, unaware of his hidden potential. As they prepared for a duel, the sound of approaching hoofbeats echoed in the distance.
Suddenly, the gates of the estate opened, and a grand procession emerged. Duke Varen von Agarest, flanked by his two trusted generals—General Kael and General Rowan—rode in, their presence commanding respect. Beside them were the Duke's two wives and all of Alistair's siblings, returning from the continental war.
The knights paused, realizing the Duke's arrival. Panic set in, and they lined up before the gates, unsure of how to proceed.
Scene 3: A Father's Authority
"Father!" Alistair called, raising his hand to capture the Duke's attention. "I wish to fight this knight. He insulted me and bullied a recruit."
Duke Varen turned his gaze toward the knight who had mocked Alistair. The atmosphere grew heavy as he released a sliver of his aura, causing those nearby to instinctively step back. The raw power emanating from the Duke left the knights wide-eyed with fear and awe. "So this is the power of one of the strongest in the continent," a knight whispered, trembling.
"Let me handle this, Father," Alistair insisted, stepping forward, his eyes burning with determination. The Duke hesitated, sensing his son's fervor.
"Very well," Duke Varen said, his voice steady yet cautious. "But this is no simple duel. If you truly wish to fight, we will do so in the Agarest Coliseum."
The knights exchanged glances, their confidence dwindling in the face of the Duke's authority.
Scene 4: Setting the Stage
With the Duke's approval, the group made their way to the Agarest Coliseum, an imposing structure that had witnessed countless battles. The arena was filled with anticipation as warriors gathered to witness the confrontation.
Duke Varen took his seat at the front, flanked by his family on one side and his generals on the other. The two trusted generals, General Kael and General Rowan, stood vigilant, prepared for any disruption.
As Alistair stood in the arena, he felt a rush of adrenaline. This was his moment—not only to prove his strength but to show that he was no longer the weak boy they once knew. The time for his transformation had come.