The arena was silent.
Thousands of eyes locked on one boy—Kael Virelion, the "powerless" first prince—now standing across from Valessia Dawncrest, the academy's undefeated elite.
She stood with elegance and power, her silver armor gleaming in the sunlight, her two-handed blade nearly as tall as she was. A perfect noble. A daughter of generals. The shining hope of the empire.
Kael wore a simple black tunic. No armor. No magic gear. Just... confidence.
"You really think you can beat me with no magic?" Valessia asked, tightening her gloves.
"I already have," Kael replied calmly.
⚔️ Duel Start – The Crowd Roars
The headmaster raised his hand.
"This duel will not be stopped until one yields—or cannot rise."
The bell rang.
Valessia moved first—blinding speed, blade flashing downward.
Kael stepped to the side effortlessly. Her blade missed by a whisper.
"What—" she hissed.
He was reading her.
No, more than reading—predicting.
System: Divine Insight Activated – 6 seconds remaining.
Valessia launched a flurry of strikes. Swordplay at its finest. A blur of steel.
But Kael didn't fight back. He dodged. Parried without a weapon. Always one step ahead.
Then—he spoke.
"Next, you'll spin, drop, and try to sweep my legs."
She blinked—he was right.
She stopped mid-swing. Kael smiled.
"You're strong. But I've fought gods who bent time."
He finally moved.
With one flick, he redirected her blade and knocked her off balance. She hit the ground, stunned.
🩷 The Arena Goes Wild
People gasped. Cheered. Some stood in shock.
Lyria, Elira, Selene, Myra, and Aeris all watched from the VIP stands—each with a different reaction:
Lyria clenched her fists. "He's… incredible."
Elira smiled gently. "His presence is changing everything."
Selene bit her lip. "Dangerous and hot? Ugh, yes please."
Myra was screaming and scribbling notes.
Aeris whispered a prayer of loyalty. "My lord… this is only the beginning."
Valessia rose, sword shaking.
"How are you this skilled?! You were a nobody a week ago!"
Kael's gaze turned cold.
"I've just stopped pretending."
He charged. Not with strength, but with technique. Every move was surgical.
And then—his aura flared.
System Notice: Divine Core Sync – 12%Skill Unlock: Celestial Strike (1 use/day)
Kael whispered the name.
"Celestial Strike."
He touched her blade—and it shattered into a thousand stars.
Valessia fell to her knees, panting, defeated.
🏆 Kael Wins
The arena went dead silent—then erupted.
Even nobles in the royal box leaned forward, whispering.
"That boy… he's not normal.""He might be… divine?""He's the first prince? But wasn't he powerless?!"
Kael turned and walked away.
Valessia stared after him… eyes wide… cheeks flushed.
"I've never lost before," she whispered. "Why does this feel… exciting?"
❤️ Later That Evening – Garden Scene
Kael sat under the moonlight, tired.
Valessia approached him, now out of armor, dressed in a formal gown.
"You humiliated me," she said quietly.
"I didn't mean to."
"I know. That's what makes it worse… and better."
She knelt.
"I lost. I meant what I said. I'm yours, Kael. My sword—and… me."
She took his hand, kissed it.
System Notification: New Companion Bond Formed – Valessia Dawncrest
Far away, in the shadows of the empire, a cloaked figure watched a glowing orb.
Kael's face flickered inside it.
"So… you've returned, Zareth."
The figure lifted her hood—revealing silver hair, and an eye glowing like the stars.
"I was your last love once. And your greatest enemy. I'm coming for you."