Chapter 17: Training and Rivalries
Bioletta, Kingdom of Wind (Sylphe)
The sun was setting over Bioletta, and Queen Kelyra's palace gleamed with a golden light. In the grand throne room, King Lumière and Queen Kelyra watched the city below, remaining silent for a moment.
Lumière broke the silence, his deep voice resonating through the hall:
"Kelyra… what do you think of Britania's proposal for an alliance? Arthur wants to unite the kingdoms… do you think it's wise?"
Kelyra turned her gaze to him, thinking deeply:
"I'm not sure… Britania has lost some of its strength. An alliance might seem advantageous, but I doubt it truly serves our interests."
Lumière sighed, a look of disdain crossing his face:
"I've always found him arrogant. From our first meeting… he thought himself above all. This arrogance deeply offends me."
Kelyra nodded slowly:
"If we refuse this alliance… and Britania were to fall, it would benefit us. They are no longer invincible, and their downfall would strengthen our kingdoms."
Lumière fixed his gaze on the horizon, a cold smile on his face:
"Then let Arthur dream of unification… Britania will weaken, and we will take advantage."
Kelyra agreed:
"I think that is the wisest decision. Our people must come first."
Night fell, and Hawks was invited to the palace for strategic reasons. He made his way to a private wing and saw Rhea. The two hunters—#4 for Hawks and #9 for Rhea—were from Sylphe, and this palace represented their ancestral foothold.
Rhea stepped forward with a light smile:
"Hawks… I didn't expect to see you here so soon."
Hawks looked at her, torn between relief and concern:
"Rhea… with the alliances and the rumors about Britania… I don't know where to start. Seeing you here reassures me a little."
Rhea gazed at the moon through the palace windows:
"There's much to prepare. Alliances, betrayals… and our missions ahead. We must be ready."
The wind blew softly, and a comforting silence settled between them, punctuated by their shared understanding and sense of duty.
---
The Next Day, November 3rd, X545 – 1:30 PM, Etheria Academy
The training grounds at the Academy were filled with students and instructors. Alma had chosen Seth as her sparring partner with swords.
Alma leapt forward, her movements precise and fast:
"Ready to lose, Seth?"
Seth tightened his guard:
"I won't go down easily!"
The first assault was launched. Alma struck from right to left with a bewildering fluidity. Seth blocked the first blow, stepped back slightly, but was surprised by his opponent's speed.
"Wow… look at that!" whispered a student. "She's only sixteen… if she keeps this up, Class A will be hers in a year."
Alma feinted a low thrust. Seth tried to block, but she quickly changed direction, striking from the side. Seth stepped back but managed a counter, grazing her arm slightly.
"Not bad!" Alma exclaimed, laughing. "You're improving!"
They continued, exchanging blows, dodges, and parries. Every movement of Alma's was like a dance: fast, unpredictable, yet always calculated. Seth focused, gradually adapting, anticipating her strikes, but she remained formidable.
Alma delivered a circular attack that Seth barely dodged. She followed with a descending strike, which Seth blocked with effort, feeling the pressure rising.
"One more time!" shouted Alma, her eyes shining with challenge.
Seth attacked with greater force, delivering three rapid strikes. Alma dodged the first two, but the third grazed her shoulder. She stepped back, smiling, and countered with a series of rapid, precise movements, almost invisible to the untrained eye.
"Look at her!" another student shouted. "Even a Veteran would struggle to keep up!"
Seth concentrated all his strength, striking Alma from every angle. She dodged one, blocked another, then leapt aside, hitting directly at his exposed shoulder. Seth retreated quickly, sensing an opening in her guard.
Alma seized the opportunity and placed her blade on his chest:
"Victory!"
The students erupted in applause and cheers.
"Incredible!" "She's phenomenal!" "At only sixteen… Class A will be hers next year if she continues like this!"
Seth caught his breath, smiling despite his defeat:
"You're amazing… but I'll get better."
Alma looked at him proudly:
"I have no doubt. Keep this up, and soon, no one will be able to surprise you."
They took a brief pause.
---
Kael found Tara in the hallways, exhausted:
"The teachers are too strict… their exercises multiply every day. I wonder if I made the right choice following Seth."
Tara placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder:
"Yes… but I owe you my life. I'll help you as much as I can. Even from afar, I'll support you."
Kael sighed:
"I hope all this will be worth it… sometimes I feel overwhelmed."
Tara smiled:
"You're not alone. And you'll see, all of this will make you stronger. Trust me."
---
At the same time, Roy, the boy in the red cloak, stood at the center of the room, his gaze burning with defiance. A teacher approached, visibly irritated:
"Roy, you must follow the order I gave you. It is essential for your learning."
Roy crossed his arms, a provocative smile on his face:
"I'm not going to obey. Why? Because what you're asking is pointless. You impose rules to control, not to help me progress. I want real challenges, not ridiculous orders."
The teacher Bastien, red with anger:
"If you refuse, we'll settle this right now. You'll apologize in front of the class if you lose."
Roy sneered, provocative:
"And if you lose, teacher? If I win, you stop teaching. And we'll face off in Arena A at the Academy. I want to see if you're truly a teacher or just a ridiculous obstacle."
Murmurs spread throughout the Academy. Excitement and anxiety filled the hallways.
---
That evening, Seth and Damian sat on the window ledge, gazing at the stars.
Damian broke the silence:
"So, your duel with Alma… not bad! But if you want to compete with the elite… listen closely, I'm much stronger than her. And believe me, that's not vanity."
Seth smiled, embarrassed and amused:
"You're bragging again…"
Damian laughed:
"Bragging? No, I'm instructing you! But you're improving… you know, one day you'll be able to challenge me seriously."
Seth frowned:
"Really? And you really know how to beat Alma?"
Damian shrugged:
"Easy… if I use strategy, read her movements, and a bit of flair. But you… you're still raw, instinctive. You hit hard, but not always in the right place."
Seth nodded, thoughtful:
"I'll train even harder."
Damian smiled mischievously.
To be continued…