The courtyard was quiet again, sunlight warming the stones where the morning duel had taken place. Alex sat cross-legged, focusing on the hum of mana flowing through him. The heirloom and scroll pulsed faintly, a steady rhythm that mirrored his heartbeat.
Kael practiced nearby, Air mana swirling in subtle gusts around him. He shot Alex a quick glance, then continued, sensing that today was for Alex to reflect.
Alex closed his eyes, replaying the sparring session with Riven. Every movement, every counter, every nuanced control of fire and dark mana—it all left a resonance in his mind. He could feel the difference the auction scroll and heirloom had made. His fire now burned sharper, more precise, and his control over the element had deepened.
A small smile tugged at his lips. Riven is strong… but today, I held my ground.
He opened his eyes and looked toward the courtyard gate, imagining Riven's smirk and the teasing nicknames. Cupcake, Snowflake… he makes everything feel lighter, even in competition.
Kael, noticing Alex's thoughtful expression, finally spoke. "You've changed, you know. More refined, more… deliberate."
Alex nodded slowly. "The heirloom… the scroll… they've accelerated my cultivation. But more than that… sparring with Riven today—it tested me in ways practice alone never could."
Kael tilted his head. "Do you trust him?"
Alex considered this, the weight of the question heavier than the heat of mana coursing through his arms. "I trust his skill… and I trust that he respects what I've worked for. That's enough for now."
A gentle breeze stirred through the courtyard, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the estate's gardens. Alex rose, letting the mana settle. Preparation, control, alliances… Each duel, each practice, each connection sharpened him further.
Kael smiled faintly. "Well, Cupcake… not that I'll call you that."
Alex chuckled softly. "I think Riven might mind if I didn't hold onto it for him."
Together, they left the courtyard, the echoes of the duel still lingering—not just as fire and wind, but as a reminder that power was never just about strength; it was about trust, strategy, and the bonds formed along the way.