Three days earlier Marcus a 32-year-old man with a towering physique red hair and a scar across his left eye lived a disciplined life as a knight.
Fully aware of the responsibilities of his rank he had always demonstrated his seriousness and devotion to defending Ednia.
But behind this noble figure lay a deep wound: the loss of his wife, who had passed away from an illness four years earlier.
Before her death she had dreamed of becoming a teacher. Wishing to honor her memory, Marcus decided to pursue her dream in her place.
Although he turned out to be an excellent teacher, none of the students he had trained had managed to complete his rigorous training program.
Over time, he had gradually resigned himself to the thought that he might never find a true disciple who could follow his teachings.
That all changed when he met Kaylen—a young man unlike any other from the first day, this serious and determined boy demonstrated that he was ready to tackle any challenge Marcus could throw at him.
What took Marcus fifteen years to master, Kaylen accomplished in just seven months. In the art of swordsmanship there were five levels: Aspirant, Expert, Ascendant, Enlightened, and Sage. Kaylen reached the Enlightened level in two years—an extraordinary feat.
His pragmatism and intelligence also shone in his studies. In the Academy's military assignments his essays were always the best. Marcus couldn't help but feel immense pride in having taken him as his disciple.
Some time after the end of the war against the Coalition, during a training session with Gilbert the latter mentioned that His Majesty was seeking competent personnel to strengthen the kingdom's ranks. Upon hearing this Marcus requested an audience with the king and spoke highly of his disciple Kaylen extolling his unique talent and potential. Marcus believed that if these two men met something great would come of it.
Now back in the present Marcus, seated in the castle's garden with a cup of tea in hand gazed at the blue sky and thought to himself:
— "At this time Kaylen must have meet the monarch by now. I'm sure they both of them will like each other.I will not be surprise if those two become friend they are destined to understand each other."
He smiled.
Ednia Amiria Academy
Back at the Academy, a studious atmosphere filled the chess tournament hall.
Kaylen faced Jonady the kingdom's new monarch, who now sat across from him with a calm and confident demeanor.
The two players competed under the watchful eyes of the spectators, their moves on the chessboard precise and almost surgical.
Kaylen still reeling from the revelation, was visibly intrigued.
Jonady raised a hand to calm Kaylen's reaction a smile on his lips as he murmured softly:
— "I'd prefer we keep this between us for now. Today, I'm just another ordinary student like everyone else."
Kaylen blinked stunned. The idea that the new monarch had decided to participate incognito in a chess tournament at Ednia Amiria Academy was almost too incredible to believe. Regaining his composure, he smiled.
— "Very well, Jonady. I suppose I'll have to make sure I give my best against you, then."
The game resumed, but this time, Kaylen was determined not to let himself be distracted. Fully focused on his opponent, he played with newfound seriousness—the first time in many years he had taken a match this seriously.
— "I must admit, you're very different from any opponent I've faced before, Jonady," Kaylen said.
Jonady Kaya smiled broadly in response to his words.
The two young men concentrated intensely on the chessboard.
Each move became a strategic dance, as they clashed in a battle of wits and logic.
The spectators unaware of Jonady's true identity watched in awe as the two geniuses faced off.
A palpable atmosphere of mutual respect developed between them—a connection forged through this magnificent competition.
With every turn, the tension grew. Kaylen analyzed every future possibility, while Jonady anticipated each of his moves.
As the game progressed, Kaylen realized that Jonady wasn't just talented—he was capable of reading his thoughts. For the first time in a long while, Kaylen felt genuinely challenged.
The intense match continued as it reached its climax, with the spectators holding their breath. Finally after a bold move from Jonady, Kaylen nodded in acknowledgment.
— "Well played, Jonady. Few people can claim to have surprised me like that."
Jonady smiled, standing at the same time as Kaylen.
As they prepared to leave the arena together a sudden, deafening noise shattered the atmosphere.Suddenly they ears an explosion echoed from a nearby building.
Spectators panicked and began screaming, while Kaylen and Jonady exchanged a grave look.
— "Follow me!" Kaylen said.
Jonady nodded, his face serious, and followed him at a run.
A new trial will awaited them and this time it wouldn't take place on a chessboard.