The clash of steel rang through the air as Darius Greystone swung his massive greatsword in a wide arc, aiming directly for Reynard Caine's head. The blow was fast, heavy, and vicious—enough to send most first-years stumbling backward.
But Reynard didn't flinch. His golden eyes locked onto the attack, his body moving with perfect precision as he stepped aside. The greatsword slammed into the ground, sending a shower of dirt and dust into the air.
"Still too predictable, Darius," Reynard said calmly, his own sword gleaming faintly with golden energy.
Darius growled, wrenching his weapon from the dirt and resetting his stance. "Keep talking, Caine. Let's see if you're still smug when I crush you."
The gathered students watched with bated breath. The sparring ring felt alive with tension, the sheer energy of the duel drawing everyone's attention. Even the instructors stood at the edges, their expressions unreadable as they observed the academy's two brightest stars clash.
Orin stood near the back of the crowd, Finn beside him, craning his neck to see over the taller students. "They're insane," Finn muttered, his voice filled with equal parts awe and disbelief. "Darius fights like a wild beast, and Reynard… Reynard moves like he's dancing."
Orin didn't respond. His eyes were glued to the duel, his chest tight as he watched the effortless grace with which Reynard deflected Darius's relentless attacks.
Each strike of Darius's greatsword sent tremors through the ground, but Reynard was never where the blow landed. He dodged, parried, and countered with an elegance that seemed almost inhuman.
"They're on a different level," Orin said quietly, gripping the hilt of his katana.
"Different world, more like," Finn replied, shaking his head.
Darius roared, activating his skill: Titan's Rush. His greatsword pulsed with a fiery red glow as he charged forward, his movements faster and more aggressive. Each strike came down with brutal force, aiming to overwhelm Reynard with sheer power.
The crowd gasped as one of Darius's swings came within inches of Reynard's shoulder. But Reynard didn't panic. He sidestepped, his sword glowing brighter as he activated his own skill: Radiant Blade.
A shockwave of golden light erupted from Reynard's weapon, forcing Darius to skid to a halt. The two stared each other down, their weapons humming with energy.
"You're improving," Reynard said, his tone calm but tinged with genuine respect.
"Don't patronize me," Darius snapped, his grip tightening on his greatsword. "I'm not some obstacle for you to brush past."
"Then show me," Reynard replied, his golden eyes narrowing.
Darius roared again, his energy flaring as he leapt forward. Their swords clashed in an explosion of light and force, the impact sending a gust of wind through the crowd.
As the duel reached its peak, Darius swung with all his might, his greatsword crackling with energy. But Reynard met the blow head-on, their weapons colliding in a brilliant flash of light.
For a moment, it seemed as if they were evenly matched. But Reynard shifted his stance, redirecting the force of Darius's attack and spinning around him. In a blur of motion, Reynard's blade stopped just short of Darius's neck.
"Yield," Reynard said, his voice calm but firm.
Darius froze, his chest heaving as he stared at the blade. After a long moment, he sighed and lowered his weapon. "Fine. You win."
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the tension dissipating as Reynard lowered his sword and stepped back. He extended a hand to Darius, who hesitated before gripping it firmly.
"Good fight," Reynard said, a faint smile on his lips.
Darius grunted. "You're still insufferable."
---
As the crowd began to disperse, Orin stood in silence, replaying the duel in his mind. The gap between him and the likes of Reynard and Darius felt insurmountable, a chasm he had no idea how to cross.
"Hey, you okay?" Finn asked, nudging him.
"I'm fine," Orin replied, though the words felt hollow.
He glanced toward Reynard, who was now surrounded by his companions. Amara was offering him water, her expression calm and supportive, while Selene examined his sword with curiosity. Darius stood to the side, brooding but clearly still part of the group.
"They're so far ahead," Orin muttered, gripping the hilt of his katana.
"Yeah, but it's not like they started there," Finn said, shrugging. "Even legends have to start somewhere, right?"
Orin wasn't so sure.
---
As Orin turned to leave, he caught sight of Cassandra Aelmire standing at the edge of the training grounds, her sharp green eyes fixed on him. She wasn't watching Reynard or Darius like everyone else.
She was watching him.
Orin frowned, unease creeping into his chest as Cassandra approached, her confident smile as disarming as ever.
"Interesting duel, wasn't it?" she said, her tone light.
"Yeah," Orin replied cautiously. "Though I doubt I'll be anywhere near their level anytime soon."
Cassandra tilted her head, her smile widening. "Maybe not. But you're not as far behind as you think."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Orin asked, narrowing his eyes.
She shrugged. "Just an observation. I'll see you around, Orin."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Orin more confused than ever.
---
That night, as Orin sat alone in the dormitory courtyard, he replayed the day's events in his mind: the sheer brilliance of Reynard and Darius's duel, the way Cassandra had singled him out, and the faint pulsing of the artifact in his chest.
He stared at the katana resting across his knees, his grip tightening on the hilt.
"I can't stay at the bottom forever," he murmured. "I have to find a way to catch up… somehow."
The artifact pulsed faintly, as if responding to his determination.