Chapter 21: A New Horizon
The morning sun cast a warm glow over the now-quiet training grounds where Sylas and Diamante stood for one last time. Sylas's bare chest gleamed with sweat, the faint scars from his relentless training a testament to his dedication. His once-slender frame was now honed into a powerful, chiseled form.
Diamante studied him, his eyes glinting with pride and a hint of sadness. "To think you've come this far in just two months... You've exceeded every expectation I had. You're no longer a mere boy, Sylas. You've become a warrior, and this small place can no longer contain your potential. Your destiny lies beyond Florence."
Sylas nodded, the weight of Diamante's words settling on his shoulders. "Master, I'll never forget what you've done for me. But now, it's time for me to take the next step. I have to find the artifact that will help me awaken my Ring."
Diamante gave a small, approving smile. "I knew this day would come, which is why I've prepared something for you."
He crouched, drawing a rough map of the Redwood Kingdom in the dirt.
"Pay attention, Sylas," Diamante said, his tone firm. "There are four duke houses in the kingdom: Nox, Lumos, Silva, and Frost. The Nox house is widely regarded as the strongest, though their exact strength remains a mystery. Despite this, the Lumos family won the last noble competition ten years ago. Still, the Nox family holds an aura of supremacy, one that even the other duke houses respect."
Sylas frowned. "If Lumos won, why hasn't their influence surpassed Nox?"
Diamante shrugged. "That's a question I can't answer. Rumors abound, but none are reliable. For now, their politics are irrelevant to you. What matters is the competition that takes place every ten years. It's a gathering of all noble houses to determine their rankings. This time, the Silva duchy will host it."
Sylas's expression sharpened. "And you think I should use this competition to gain their favor?"
"Exactly," Diamante said with a nod. "Although the main events are reserved for pureblood nobles, there will be other contests open to rogue warriors and outsiders. These contests are your best chance to impress the Silva family and earn their support. That could make your search for the artifact much easier."
Sylas clenched his fists. "Then I'll do it. I won't waste this chance."
Diamante straightened, brushing the dirt from his hands. "Good. Then our training ends here. Remember, Sylas, the path you've chosen is fraught with danger. But if anyone can overcome it, it's you."
Sylas bowed deeply, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down."
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Sylas set out early the next morning, his belongings packed tightly into a sturdy bag. His journey to the Silva duchy took him through vast, rolling plains and dense forests. He traveled light, relying on the physical endurance and survival skills Diamante had drilled into him.
After several days, he found himself standing before the gates of Warheaven, the outermost city governed by the Silva duchy.
Warheaven was a city with a storied past, its very name a testament to its resilience. Located on the border between the Redwood Kingdom and the neighboring kingdom of Helios, it had borne the brunt of countless battles during the wars of two decades past. The city had stood firm against Helios's assaults, earning its reputation as a bastion of defense and earning its moniker, "Warheaven."
The massive stone walls of the city towered above Sylas, their surfaces marked with the scars of old battles. Soldiers in polished armor patrolled the ramparts, their watchful eyes scanning the horizon. The gates themselves were reinforced with iron, a testament to the city's militaristic heritage.
Sylas joined a long queue of travelers, merchants, and adventurers waiting to enter the city. The line moved slowly, as guards thoroughly checked each person's papers and belongings.
As he waited, Sylas overheard snippets of conversation.
"Did you hear? The Silva duchy is hosting the noble competition this year," one man whispered to another.
"Of course! That's why so many people are heading to Warheaven. The contests are open to outsiders this time," his companion replied.
Sylas smirked to himself. "Looks like the competition is already drawing attention."
When it was finally his turn, a gruff guard stepped forward, his piercing eyes scrutinizing Sylas. "Name and purpose of visit?"
"Sylas. I'm here to participate in the open contests during the noble competition," he replied confidently.
The guard raised an eyebrow but waved him through. "Stay out of trouble, outsider."
Sylas stepped through the gates, his heart pounding with anticipation. The bustling streets of Warheaven stretched before him, a mix of ancient architecture and lively markets. The city hummed with energy, and Sylas could feel the weight of its history in every stone.
This was the first step of his journey—a journey that would test his strength, his resolve, and his will to protect what he held dear.
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End of Chapter