Klaus stood at the gates of the White Lion headquarters, taking in the sheer scale of the fortress before him. Unlike the regal splendor of the Lionhart estate, the White Lion’s stronghold was built with a singular purpose—military efficiency. Located far from the bustling city centers, it stood in a remote area, away from prying eyes. Towering stone walls enclosed an expanse nearly five tis the size of the Lionhart Youth Training Grounds, reinforcing the notion that this was not rely a place of training—it was a fully operational ard base.
Banners of white and silver draped the high towers, each emblazoned with the iconic crest of the White Lion—a majestic beast with piercing blue eyes, its mane flowing like the wind. Within the walls, drills were already in full motion, squads moving in perfect synchronization, weapons clashing against training dummies, and commanding officers barking orders that echoed across the open courtyards.
Klaus stepped forward, unhurried. His presence, though not announced, did not go unnoticed. The White Lion was an elite force, and word of a Swordmaster joining their ranks had already spread. So recruits and officers eyed him with open curiosity, while others offered wary glances, asuring him up.
This was his new battleground.
***
Before arriving, Klaus had faced a different battle.
Explaining to Dudu that he couldn’t follow had been more difficult than expected. The small black dragon—still far from his full strength—had refused to leave Klaus’s side, gazing at him with its unblinking, golden eyes.
But Klaus had no choice. The order ca directly from Roman Lionhart. The White Lion was too large, too exposed. The risk of Klaus’s connection to a black dragon leaking was too high.
Standing in the courtyard of the Annex Mansion, Klaus had crouched down, locking eyes with Dudu. "You’re staying here," he had said firmly.
Dudu’s wings ruffled, his tail swishing with clear defiance.
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Klaus exhaled. "Protect my mother."
That made Dudu still.
Klaus didn’t know how much the dragon truly understood, but sothing in its gaze shifted. It blinked once, then twice. Then, instead of stubbornly trailing after him, it turned its head toward Elisabeth, who stood nearby watching the exchange.
Elisabeth smiled softly. "Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of him."
That was enough.
When Klaus turned his back and walked away, Dudu did not follow.
***
As Klaus stepped further into the base, a familiar figure stood waiting for him near the central barracks.
Kalix Williams.
Dressed in a White Lion uniform with a high-collared coat over his broad fra, Kalix carried himself with the usual mix of authority and easygoing confidence. His ssy brown hair and the faint smirk on his lips made him appear relaxed, but Klaus knew better—there was sharp calculation beneath that deanor.
"Well, well," Kalix called out, spreading his arms as Klaus approached. "Look who finally decided to show up. The youngest Swordmaster to ever walk these grounds."
Klaus stopped a few feet away. His expression remained unreadable. "Captain Kalix."
Kalix chuckled. "You make it sound so formal. But I suppose that’s what happens when you get recruited into the finest squad in the White Lion!" He threw his arm dramatically toward the rows of training squads. "Behold! This is what an elite force looks like."
Klaus followed his gesture but said nothing.
Kalix observed him for a mont before rubbing his chin. "You’re not the type to get overwheld, huh? Guess that was to be expected."
Before Klaus could respond, another voice cut in.
"I still can’t believe this is happening."
Klaus turned to see Alexandra Lionhart, standing off to the side with arms crossed, glaring at him like he had personally offended her entire existence.
"You just had to ruin my life, didn’t you?" she huffed. "You had every elite ard group throwing themselves at you, but no, you had to pick this one."
Klaus tilted his head slightly. "I told you. That’s what you get for yelling in the coliseum."
Alexandra twitched, nostrils flaring. She was clearly still not over her mont of weakness—her loud demand for Klaus to join the White Lion, which had sealed her fate in ways she never anticipated.
Kalix, watching their exchange, grinned. "Ah, family tension. It really warms the heart."
Alexandra shot him a glare.
Kalix clapped his hands together. "Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get you introduced to your squad, "Team 55"."
***
Klaus followed Kalix deeper into the base, where they entered an open training ground. Several seasoned warriors and younger recruits stood in small formations, sparring and discussing tactics.
Kalix motioned for Klaus to stand beside him as he addressed the group. "Everyone, gather up! It’s ti to et your new squad leader."
As they approached, the squad mbers reacted with mixed reactions. So whispered amongst themselves, exchanging glances as they assessed Klaus’s appearance. Others, particularly those who had spent years working their way up the ranks, eyed him with obvious skepticism.
A burly man with short dark hair and a scar across his nose crossed his arms. "So, this is the kid they put in charge of us?"
A woman with braided silver hair scoffed. "A Swordmaster or not, leadership isn’t just about skill with a blade."
Klaus t their stares evenly but said nothing.
Kalix, still grinning, nodded toward Klaus. "Go ahead, introduce yourself."
Klaus glanced at the squad. His voice was calm but firm. "Klaus Lionhart."
A mont of silence stretched between them.
"That’s it?" the burly man snorted. "No speech? No ’let’s work together’?"
Klaus shrugged slightly. "If you need words to be convinced, you’re in the wrong squad."
A few chuckles spread through the group. So of the more experienced mbers smirked, appreciating the confidence, while others still seed unsure.
Kalix let the tension settle before stepping forward again. "Now, now, I know so of you might feel a bit... let’s say offended that soone new is leading your squad, but here’s the thing—you’re all White Lion. You earn your place here. And he is no exception."
So of the skeptical mbers exchanged looks.
"So," Kalix continued, voice carrying through the air, "we’ll be holding a welco assessnt."
A few murmurs rose. So of the more competitive mbers straightened with interest.
"A sparring session," Kalix confird. "Because let’s be honest, you won’t respect him until you see what he can do firsthand."
Alexandra groaned. "Oh, co on."
Kalix grinned. "Hey, fair’s fair. Let the boy prove himself."
Klaus remained silent, but a small glint flickered in his eyes. He had expected sothing like this.
Kalix turned back to the squad. "Now then—who wants to go first?"
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