The Rosetta Dukedom's training courtyard was quiet, the morning sun casting long shadows over the polished stone. Alex had spent the week meticulously preparing for the auction, mastering the heirloom and scroll he had acquired. Today, he had finally set aside time to test his newfound abilities—and he intended to do so with a familiar sparring partner.
A soft shuffle echoed across the courtyard, and a familiar voice broke the calm.
"Ah… Cupcake, finally inviting me to your courtyard," Riven said, stepping into the sunlight with a sly grin. "So… what do I owe this pleasure?"
Alex smirked, his dark tunic embroidered with silver filigree moving fluidly as he assumed a ready stance. "I thought it was time we tested a few things," he said, gesturing to the open space. "Come, let's see what you've got."
Riven's black-and-silver hair glinted in the sunlight. He approached with feline grace, purple obsidian nails catching the light. "I see… Snowflake has been busy with the auction. Very well, Cupcake, let's make this worth my while."
Kael, standing off to the side, observed closely, ready to practice Air mana alongside Alex if needed.
The duel began. Fire danced from Alex's palms, intricate patterns guided by the heirloom and scroll, while Riven countered effortlessly, dark mana forming shields and arcs that split the flames.
"You've improved," Riven remarked between movements, clapping a hand on Alex's shoulder after a particularly smooth combination. "Not bad, Cupcake."
Alex let out a faint smile. "And you… still full of theatrics."
Riven leaned back slightly, grinning. "Names aside, it's always a pleasure to spar with someone who keeps me on my toes."
Kael, practicing nearby, sent gusts of wind to subtly challenge both of them, maintaining his stance and observing the flow of their techniques.
The session slowed as both Alex and Riven breathed steadily, eyes locked in mutual respect.
"You've truly mastered some of the techniques from your new tools," Riven said, nodding appreciatively. "Impressive, Snowflake."
Alex allowed himself a small smile. "Then I guess the preparation paid off."
As Riven stepped back toward the courtyard's exit, he gave Alex a playful glance. "We make a great team, Cupcake. Don't forget that."
Alex nodded, gathering his mana, feeling the pulse of both the heirloom and the scroll. "I won't."
The courtyard returned to its calm, but the duel had left its mark: a sharpening of skills, a testing of limits, and a subtle deepening of trust and camaraderie between Alex, Kael, and Riven.