Selene was in her private quarters, seated in her usual comfortable chair. The golden runes in the room shimred at their highest level of saturation, while the windows and stained glass trembled slightly, as if the internal pressure was about to burst the fras and hinges.
Her eyes glowed with a rare intensity, her skin was flushed, her breathing calm and steady, and subtle traces of emotion colored her face.
She wore a sleek and elegant pair of pants, made of an opaque fabric in deep shades of beige and black. The pants were adorned with delicate embroidery in gold and silver threads, forming intricate patterns reminiscent of constellations and mystical runes.
On her upper body, a structured corset combined aged leather with tal details studded with gemstones. The corset accentuated her powerful silhouette and well-defined physique. It had a front opening in a "V" shape, revealing a black inner shirt with long sleeves, made of fine silk and decorated with golden lace. She wore tall, elegant boots made of dark leather, with a low heel and tal accents.
Long gloves, reaching up to her elbows, matched a necklace featuring a large red crystal at its center, harmonizing with the color of her eyes.
In front of her, leaning against her desk, two large weapons rested on a stand. They were black and pulsed with a mysterious blue and yellow energy that flowed from the center to the edges. On the desk, inside a small, exquisite chest, were two gloves resembling small gauntlets from a war suit. Two stones were embedded in the palms, and a third was hidden in the wrist area.
Selene held a small piece of paper in her hand. It was a report Elian had sent her frequently about Glenn's training. This ti, there were only four sentences written:
"Elian, twenty to zero.
Lesley, twenty to zero.
Dália, twelve to eight.
Hera, eleven to nine."
A small smile ford on her lips.
'Well done, my consort. Let's see if you are truly destined for greatness!'
"Knock-knock," two taps sounded at the door.
The runes in the room began to lose intensity until they all turned completely gray.
"Co in!" Selene said after a few seconds.
Lesley entered the room, accompanied by Rose.
"They've arrived. It's ti!"
"Very well. Let's start moving the pieces on the board!"
**
The duel was scheduled for nine in the morning. I had more than enough ti for a bit of morning training. Nothing too heavy, just a light run, a bit of magic here and there, and a lot of ditation to calm my nerves.
At the mont, I was sitting in one of the chairs in my room. My fingers drumd on the table as I waited for soone to co and fetch for the duel. I was wearing an elegant robe, made in dark blue and adorned with yellow lightning bolts. It had been specially tailored for this occasion. Master Elian had told that, more than winning, it was important to make a good impression—not that I was particularly concerned about that at the mont.
The door to my room opened, and two demons entered. Dália in the lead and Hera behind, carrying a small tray with a cup. She approached and offered its contents.
"What's this? So kind of potion?"
"No, young master. Just tea made from a fairly common herb."
"Tea? No resistance potion? Agility? A super buff?"
"No, young master. In a match like this, with so many experts watching, any trick of that sort would be easily detected," Hera explained.
"Phew... Alright."
I brought the cup to my lips. The taste was bitter, very bitter. I made a face, glaring at Hera and questioning why she would give sothing like this. But before I could voice my thoughts, as soon as the tea reached my stomach, a natural sweetness manifested in my mouth, spreading down to my stomach.
"It's... strange and interesting. What is this?"
"It's stevia leaf tea," Hera replied. "It's just to remind you that no matter how bitter sothing may seem at first, things tend to align and find the sweetness of success!"
I was genuinely impressed by Hera's words. If there was one thing that had improved over the past few days, it was our closeness. Actually, the closeness between the three of us—, Dália, and Hera.
My early morning training sessions now had two 'teachers' who alternated days, and I don't even know how they ca up with that arrangent.
Dália took the initiative and hugged from behind.
"Dália?" I asked, surprised.
"Finish him, young master!"
Hera, not wanting to be left out, also hugged from the front, pulling my head into her ample bosom.
"Hmm... Rub his face in the dirt!" she said, more violently.
The nervousness that had been dominating began to transform into fuel for sothing I was still learning to build: determination.
The pounding in my chest cald, my mind reached its best state in days, and a thirst for victory sprouted in my chest.
"What a beautiful mont," a deep voice interrupted our embrace. "But it's ti, champion. Let's go," said Elian, who had co to escort to the arena.
With long strides, I followed him in silence. We were heading to the main training center of the queen's castle.
"So, how are you feeling?" Elian asked.
"Great!" I replied confidently.
"Excellent!"
"Master!?"
"Yes!"
"Do you think it's possible? What if he really has broken through to the champion level?"
"Hahaha," Elian's laughter was all the response he gave.
Not wanting to press further, I continued to nurture my good spirits. After a few minutes of walking, we arrived at the grand training center, which was enormous—perhaps thirty tis larger than what I was used to in the consort's tower.
To the side, only one set of stands was occupied with spectators. All of them were well-dressed, of all ages, from young to old.
"Hoo... All the walking fossils from the council ca to watch your fight," Elian said, pointing to a special area with six reserved seats. In them sat four n and two won. One of them I recognized as Senior Silas.
The six exchanged glances with Elian, and both parties greeted each other from a distance.
As we walked toward the arena, two people approached us. Thaddeus, with his intense green eyes, red hair, pale skin, and black horns, and beside him a man I assud was his father, given their similar physical traits.
"Grandmaster Elian," the man greeted respectfully.
"It's always a pleasure, Talon," Elian replied.
"So, how are we doing this?"
"The usual. A good fight until one side is incapacitated, unconscious, or out of prana."
"No deaths?" Talon asked.
"Are you sure you want to add that rule?" Elian asked, pointing to the opposite side of the arena, where three imposing won were arriving to take their seats of honor.
"You're right," Talon said, clearly intimidated by the queen's presence. "And the referee?"
"Who would be more qualified than ?" Elian questioned.
Talon looked at him with a bit of suspicion, but no words or questions left his mouth.
While the quick exchange took place, Thaddeus and I stared at each other. His eyes burned with fury, and his body restrained itself from imdiately lunging at .
'His presence feels more defined. It's similar to Dália and Hera's,' I assessed.
'Phew... So it's true. He's broken through. Well, we were already expecting the worst.'
"Very well, boys. Take your positions. Let's begin!" Elian's voice pulled out of my thoughts.
I walked toward the center of the arena. This ti, Thaddeus was farther away than in our previous fight—more than fifty ters.
'He ca prepared.'
"Ladies and gentlen, it is a pleasure to once again set foot in this incredible and imposing city. It is an even greater joy to finally reveal to the world that the great Elian has, at last, chosen a worthy disciple, and it is he who will fight in a few monts!"
A small commotion arose in the stands. Words of disbelief and surprise, and sharp glances turned toward .
My face also showed surprise at the announcent.
'That son of a bitch is pouring fuel on the fire. It's almost a demand forcing to win!'
"Without further ado! Let the battle begin!!!" Elian's voice sent a shockwave through the arena, marking the start of the fight.
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