The sun stood high over Avelon City, casting a golden glow over its central arena—a massive, awe-inspiring structure representing the Imperial Church's power and the heart of its knightly training grounds. Inside, the air rang with the sounds of clashing swords, shouted commands, and the steady rhythm of armored feet as hundreds of young knights drilled under the watchful eyes of their instructors.
Training was intense. Groups of knights practiced swordplay, footwork, and archery, each honing their skills in their respective disciplines. Senior knights walked among them, correcting stances, refining forms, and pushing the younger ones to their limits. For those training here, this was not merely practice.
Near the center of the arena, a roped-off section attracted a crowd of knights and trainers alike. Here, the attention focused on a striking young girl with golden hair and bright, determined eyes. She was surrounded by ten knights her age, each taking turns testing her strength and skill in combat. She wielded a golden sword of the highest grade, cutting through her opponents' defenses with effortless precision and grace. To the onlookers, she was a legend in the making, the future Saintess of the Imperial Church—Evelindra Sunflare.
As she overpowered her final opponent, a murmur swept through the crowd, quieting as a tall, dark-haired woman approached. Her presence commanded immediate respect; her beauty was unparalleled, with a calm, commanding aura that captivated anyone who looked upon her. Only the future Saintess herself could one day match this woman's elegance, though Evelindra was still young, with much yet to grow into.
Evelindra turned as the woman approached, immediately recognizing her.
"Why are you here, big sister?" she asked. Though they weren't sisters by blood, this woman had cared for her like family after her mother passed away. The woman leaned in and spoke softly.
"Young Master Aiden Thunderhart has arrived and wishes to see you," she said, her tone making it clear that she held little regard for Aiden. Evelindra's face twisted in distaste.
"He never learns," she muttered, irritation flashing in her golden eyes. Her voice carried just enough to draw more attention their way.
"How many times do I have to make it clear I don't like him, and I don't want him here?"
Shaking her head, she resolved to finish her training and meet him later, knowing he would wait as long as necessary. She fully intended to teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget and make it clear that he should abandon any thoughts of marriage to her younger sister. Yet Evelindra couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her sister, it's because of her that she would be bound to marry a man as evil as Aiden if their union went forward. She knew persuading him to withdraw wouldn't be easy; if anything, he would demand something in return. The only way to stop him was to make him despise both her and her sister so much that he would break off the engagement himself.
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Later that night, in a forest on the outskirts of Avelon City, Aiden prowled through the trees, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of what he sought. Behind him, Maxwell and Elsa followed nervously, both visibly tense as Aiden's frustration grew.
"Why can't I find it?" Aiden's voice cut sharply through the darkness. He pressed forward, undeterred, his gaze fixed on the hunt. Unknown to him, the ancient magic concealing the skeleton and its box had lifted, and he was closer than ever to his goal.
After what felt like hours, Aiden's eyes caught the unmistakable glint of bone in the moonlight—a skeletal figure resting against a tree, clutching an ornate box. With a triumphant smirk, he moved forward to claim his prize, while Maxwell and Elsa watched from a safe distance, silently praying that Aiden's temper would ease once he found what he sought.
Aiden opened the box, revealing a vial filled with a vivid green potion. His gaze sharpened as he looked up at the twins.
"This potion is very rare," he said, his tone cold. "My grandfather told me to find it, and that's why I brought both of you."
Maxwell and Elsa exchanged a fearful glance, understanding his words. Though the family believed the two were completely loyal due to intense brainwashing, Aiden knew from the game that they hadn't been brainwashed.
Yet he had brought them here anyway because he intended to make them his allies, particularly Maxwell, who would later become a major villain.