The smell of her skin, her ointment, and her gentle moan were the only things Kael had on his mind. He couldn't even concentrate when he was sparring with Commander Rael. "Damn it, Kid!" he yelled, thrusting his sword to the ground. "Your mind is not here with me!" Kael rubbed his forehead gently. "I am sorry," he said gently with a long sigh. "Are you scared? Is that what this is all about? I can ask the king to make you drop out. All you need to do is just tell Zeuxis that you are sorry and probably stop seeing Nira. Is that what you want?" Kael was dead silent. He knew his heart was beating towards another lady now. Could he actually do away with Nira?And there's Tiffany, who wanted him at all costs too. But Selene was specific; she didn't want his love. Was that evening nothing to her?"Kael!" Commander Rael thundered, clenching his sword angrily. "Are you even listening to me? Do you want this fight or not? You are the realm's hope, and I won't allow you to throw away you

Dareth looked at King Almond; he slowly smiled as he walked out of his seat. His gaze darted at Commander Rael, who hadn't touched his food and his wine, then slowly went to Kael, who almost looked like he was going to hide behind Rael."Why don't we talk about the pending fight between my son and Kael?" he said with a smirk, his hand adjusting his regalia. "That is my work as a king. The last time I checked, you don't have a day in that!" Almond barked, his hand slightly hitting the cup on his table. The wine spilled, soaking the white clothes and changing their color. "It is now. Now that Zeuxis is my son. I believe I have a say in the matter as his father." Dareth said again. The hall went into a frenzy mode with each of them wondering and looking at themselves. Here was a boy whose father died a sudden death. No one knows who killed him and how he was killed. "What is this madness, Dareth?!" Almond said angrily, getting off the high seat he sat on. His boot made a loud sound

Kael’s words rang out, sharp and accusing, echoing through the cold, empty corridor as if the walls themselves wanted answers. Commander Rael stopped walking. His back stiffened, his shoulders rigid like a man carrying both pride and shame at the same time. Slowly, he turned to face Kael.The torchlight along the passage threw shadows across his scarred face, deepening the lines carved by years of battles. His eyes—usually stern but composed—burned with something Kael had never seen before.“Do you really think I would waste my life lying to you?” Rael’s voice was low, almost dangerous.Kael clenched his fists. “Then explain! All this time you told me I was chosen because of my Hakana, because I was the only one who could end this bloodshed. But now you’re saying you took me in because of my father?” His voice cracked slightly. “Was this pity? Or worse—some twisted sense of loyalty to a dead man?”Rael’s hand gripped the hilt of his sword so tight the leather squeaked under his palm.

[ After two days ] Commander Rael had tried all his luck to track who the assassin was. He even went into the neighboring kingdoms but he could not find the swordman. It was as if he didn't exist. It has been two days, since the death of Kael. He corpse was laid on the table still. Rael couldn't bring himself to tell King Almond that the boy was dead or maybe he was expecting a miracle. At first crow on the day of the fight, he was already on his way to the palace to see the king. A lot of people were already trooping into the kingdom to watch the fight between Zeuxis and Kael. All the legendary Sowrdmasters and mage were all eager to see the fight also. While some who heard about the mystery boy who could channel an Hakana without having to kill anyone also came. The palace was jam-packed. They whispering and murmur stopped immediately Commander Rael walked in. Dareth who was seated at the corner with Zeuxis beside him smirked. " And where is your boy? Too scared to walk in."

The hall was silent, but the silence was not peace. Everyone was eager, anticipating to hear the words that were going to come out of Dareth's mouth, and Rael was equally anticipating. His hand was slightly clenched on the top of his sword. Zeuxis saw reheated tension and slightly walked back, trying to avoid the bloodbath. Dareth’s lips twitched into a small smirk, though his eyes glimmered with fury. He stepped closer to Rael, their noses almost touching. “Careful with your words, Commander. Accusations without proof are nothing more than barking.”Rael’s hand pressed harder against the hilt of his sword. The scrape of steel nearly sang through the air as he half-drew the blade. His voice cracked like lightning. “Then let me prove it by cutting the truth from your throat!”“Stop!” Elder Greyworm’s voice thundered louder than both men combined. The old man’s staff slammed the ground, and an unnatural vibration spread through the marble floor. The runes carved into his staff flicker