The sun hung high in the sky as the training grounds buzzed with anticipation. News of a duel between Basil Eryndor and Amara, the fiery swordswoman of the royal family, had spread like wildfire. The royal family and their retainers gathered on a raised platform overlooking the arena, curiosity and skepticism clear on their faces.
Basil stood calmly in the center of the training ground, his demeanor relaxed and unbothered. He rolled his shoulders lazily, his smirk as infuriating as ever. Across from him, Amara stood with her swords drawn, flames licking the edges of the blades as her aura flared around her. Her green eyes burned with determination, but there was a shadow of unease in her stance.
"Don't hold back, Amara," Basil called out, his tone mocking. "I'd hate for anyone to think I'm bullying you."
Amara gritted her teeth. "You'll regret underestimating me."
She launched forward, her speed impressive and her movements precise. Her dual swords blurred as they slashed at Basil, flames trailing in their wake. To the untrained eye, her attacks were flawless—a deadly combination of skill and raw power.
But Basil moved like a ghost. His steps were measured and effortless, his body weaving between her strikes with ease. He didn't even bother drawing his weapon, instead using a single hand to parry or deflect the occasional blow.
Amara's frustration mounted as she intensified her attacks, her aura burning brighter. She unleashed a powerful combination of strikes, the ground beneath them cracking from the force of her swings. Yet Basil's smirk never faltered.
"You're good," he admitted, his voice calm even as he sidestepped another flaming strike. "But you're not quite there yet."
Amara roared in frustration, channeling her mana into her blades. The flames grew hotter, their color shifting to an intense blue. She leaped into the air, spinning as she brought her swords down in a fiery arc.
Basil finally moved. His hand shot out, catching both of her blades in his palm. The impact sent a shockwave through the arena, the flames extinguishing instantly. Gasps echoed from the crowd.
"Is that all?" Basil asked, his tone almost bored. He pushed her back with a flick of his wrist, sending her skidding across the ground.
Amara's breathing was heavy, her aura flickering as she struggled to regain her footing. She glared at Basil, her pride refusing to let her give up.
"You're insufferable," she spat, raising her swords again.
Basil sighed, his smirk fading slightly. "I gave you a chance, Amara. But it seems you're intent on embarrassing yourself."
With that, he vanished.
The crowd blinked in surprise as Basil reappeared behind Amara, his wooden practice sword resting lightly against her neck. She froze, the realization of her defeat sinking in.
The silence in the training grounds was deafening as Basil stepped back, tossing the wooden sword to the ground. He turned to face the royal family, his smirk returning.
"Is this the best the royal family has to offer?" he teased, his voice carrying across the arena.
The king's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. The queen exchanged a glance with her eldest daughter, who seemed equally intrigued and annoyed by Basil's display.
Celeste, seated among the royal family, watched the scene with a mix of pride and amusement. She knew Basil's reputation and his sharp tongue, but seeing him so effortlessly dominate the duel was a reminder of his unparalleled strength.
Amara lowered her swords, her pride wounded but her respect for Basil begrudgingly growing. "You're stronger than I thought," she admitted, her voice low.
Basil shrugged, his smirk softening. "And you're not as bad as I expected. Keep training. You'll get there eventually."
As Basil walked away from the training grounds, the whispers among the onlookers grew louder. His strength was undeniable, and for the first time, some began to question whether his reputation as a disgrace truly reflected who he was.
The chapter ended with the royal family watching him leave, their expressions a mix of curiosity, admiration, and unease. It was clear that Basil Eryndor was a man who could no longer be ignored.