During a high-society gathering, I was introduced to Adrian von Riehart, the prodigious son of Marquis Riehart. He was two years older than me and already renowned for his prowess in both magic and swordsmanship. The moment he laid eyes on me, a confident smirk spread across his face.
"I hear the young lord of Althaus is something special," he said. "Care to prove it in a duel?"
I accepted without hesitation. The duel, held in the estate's courtyard, was watched by nobles and dignitaries alike. Adrian's swordplay was refined, his movements precise and deadly. But I was no ordinary ten-year-old—I had been training in secret, my divine blessings giving me an unparalleled edge.
Our blades clashed in a dazzling display of skill, neither of us yielding. I studied Adrian's movements carefully—his footwork was impeccable, his strikes were deliberate, yet there was still room for improvement. I countered each of his attacks with measured precision, feeling the magic flowing through my veins as I enhanced my speed and reflexes subtly.
When the match ended in a draw, Adrian laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. "Interesting. It seems I've finally met someone worth my time."
I knew then that Adrian would be both a rival and an ally in the future. Our paths were intertwined, and our rivalry had only just begun.C