---
Veyrin Malzev's House – The Final Decision
Azrael Kaelthorne sat across from Veyrin Malzev, his mind focused, determination burning in his eyes. Elaris Velmira sat beside him, her expression unreadable as she listened intently. The room was dimly lit, but the tension was palpable, thick enough to be cut with a sword.
Azrael's voice broke the silence. "It's time. I've decided what I must do next."
Veyrin raised an eyebrow, his relaxed posture betraying his calm demeanor. "Oh? Do tell, Azrael. What is it that's burning inside that head of yours?"
Azrael leaned forward, a slight smirk appearing on his lips. "I'm going to challenge my eldest stepbrother for the position of Young Grand Duke. Once I defeat him and claim the title, I'll be in a position of power. Then, I can go to the frontlines and end this war once and for all, without the interference of the Kaelthorne and Asrock families."
Elaris's expression softened, her gaze steady. "You know that this won't be an easy task, Azrael. The position of Young Grand Duke isn't just given; it's a symbol of the family's strength. Your eldest stepbrother—Cedric Kaelthorne—is not weak."
"I know," Azrael replied, his voice quiet but resolute. "But I'm stronger now. I've tested my strength, and I'm more than ready to take what should be mine."
Veyrin nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "So you plan to push forward alone? I'm guessing you won't be seeking any help from your family, then?"
Azrael's gaze hardened. "No. I need to prove that I can do this on my own. I won't let the Kaelthorne or Asrock families control my future. Once I'm Young Grand Duke, I'll be free to act."
Elaris glanced at him, her voice thoughtful. "And what about us? Will you need help from the Velmira family in the future?"
Azrael paused for a moment, considering her words. "I'm not sure yet. But I know one thing—I can't afford to have anyone stand in my way. This war… I'll end it quickly, before it destroys everything."
Veyrin grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Well, if you're going to be playing with the big dogs, you might as well have a plan. Don't forget, you'll have to deal with the fallout from your actions. But if you're sure, I'll support you in whatever way I can."
Azrael stood up, his resolve unwavering. "I appreciate it, Veyrin. But I need to leave now. I can't waste any more time."
Elaris stood as well, her expression serious. "Be careful, Azrael. The Kaelthorne family won't take kindly to your challenge, and your stepbrother will likely have every intention of crushing you."
"I'll be fine," Azrael said, his smile cold and calculating. "I'm more than ready."
With that, Azrael gave them both a nod before leaving the room, the weight of his decision heavy in the air. Veyrin's voice echoed behind him, teasing but supportive.
"Don't get yourself killed, Azrael. The Kaelthorne family is filled with snakes."
---
The Journey to Kaelthorne Estate
Five days later, Azrael arrived at the Kaelthorne family estate, alone. The vast mansion loomed ahead, its towering spires reaching into the sky as if daring him to challenge it. He hadn't been back here in years, and now, as he walked through the gates, the memories of his past—of his treatment as a bastard child—came rushing back. But this time, there was no fear. No hesitation. Azrael was no longer the weak, cursed child who had been tossed aside. He was a force to be reckoned with.
His heart raced with anticipation as he made his way toward the family head's chambers, each step bringing him closer to the duel that would define his future. There would be no turning back now.
Azrael stood before the massive doors, the Kaelthorne family seal emblazoned on them. He pushed them open, stepping into the dimly lit room where the family head sat, his posture straight and commanding.
"Father," Azrael said, his voice as cold as steel.
The family head didn't look up immediately. Instead, he continued to peruse the papers in front of him. "So, you've returned," he said finally, his voice laced with a mixture of disdain and curiosity. "I assume the mission went well?"
Azrael's eyes flashed with a mixture of pride and confidence. "I completed the mission. It took two weeks, but I've spent the last two months testing my strength. I defeated monsters in an ancient dungeon, pushing my limits."
The family head's eyes narrowed as he looked at Azrael. "Two months? And now you come here with your request?"
"I'm ready," Azrael said simply. "I want to challenge Cedric for the title of Young Grand Duke. He's weak compared to me, and I will prove it."
The family head studied Azrael for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Very well. You've grown strong, but you're still a long way from defeating Cedric. You've trained hard, but you still don't have the experience he has. But…" He paused, as if considering something. "If you truly believe you can do it, then I will allow it."
Azrael nodded, his expression stoic. "I'll show you that I'm stronger than he is. I'll defeat him and take my place as Young Grand Duke."
The family head leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "Very well. The duel will take place in two days, in front of the whole family. Be prepared. If you fail, the consequences will be dire."
Azrael turned to leave, but the family head's voice stopped him. "One more thing, Azrael. Why didn't you return sooner? Why the delay?"
Azrael hesitated before answering. "I needed to test my limits. To see how strong I truly am. And now… I know I'm ready."
The family head nodded slowly. "I see. Very well. Two days from now, the duel will happen."
---
The Duel – Two Days Later
Azrael stood in the center of the family's courtyard, surrounded by Kaelthorne family members, their eyes filled with curiosity and skepticism. At the far end, his eldest brother, Cedric Kaelthorne, stood with his arms crossed, an arrogant smirk on his face.
Cedric was a man of average height, with dark hair and a sharp, angular face. His aura radiated power—level 7. His mana cycle was at the 7th stage, a significant accomplishment in its own right. But compared to Azrael, Cedric's power was nothing.
"You still think you can defeat me?" Cedric sneered. "You're a weakling, Azrael. Always have been. And you always will be."
Azrael's gaze remained cold, his hands resting at his sides. "We'll see about that, Cedric."
The family head stepped forward, signaling the start of the duel. "Begin."
Cedric wasted no time, charging forward with his sword raised. He swung with impressive speed, but Azrael was ready. His aura surged around him, an overwhelming force that pushed against Cedric's attack. Azrael's level 9 Aura collided with Cedric's weaker aura, sending a shockwave through the courtyard.
Azrael's movements were swift and precise. With a flick of his wrist, his sword, Necrilith, slashed through the air, meeting Cedric's blade with an audible clash. The sound of metal on metal rang out, but Azrael's strength was undeniable. He was like a whirlwind, effortlessly parrying Cedric's strikes and countering with precision.
"You're slow," Azrael taunted, his voice calm and mocking. "You're nothing compared to me."
Cedric gritted his teeth, frustration mounting as he struggled to keep up. His aura flared as he attempted to unleash a more powerful strike, but it was too late. Azrael's sword cut through the air, faster than Cedric could react, and with a single strike, he knocked Cedric's blade from his hand.
The courtyard fell silent as Cedric stumbled back, panting heavily, his aura flickering. Azrael stood tall, his eyes cold, his grip on his sword unwavering.
"I'm the stronger one, Cedric," Azrael said, his voice low but filled with power. "And now, I'll take what's mine."
---
With that, Azrael Kaelthorne had claimed victory, not just over his brother, but over his own fate. The Kaelthorne family would never be the same again.