Aldes's face hardened. His leg muscles tensed against the stone floor. He prepared for the worst.
Klaus raised one hand. "Martius, are you sure?" he asked with a furrowed brow. "He just returned to training after a long time."
A long time?! You bastard Aldes. You were that lazy?!
Frustration filled Aldes's chest.
Suddenly, fragments of past memories flooded his head. Moments of wasted time surfaced one after another. Sleeping. Drinking wine. Doing nothing.
Aldes closed his eyes briefly, his head throbbing.
Wait... I realize something.
Will my memories surface if there is a trigger?
Like the training earlier—I immediately remembered how to use my magic.
And when Klaus spoke just now, the memory of Aldes's laziness appeared instantly.
Martius laughed loudly. His voice echoed throughout the circular room.
"Hahaha. I am just joking."
He lowered his hands casually.
"I know. I know."
His gaze shifted to Aldes, sharp and condescending.
"My pride is not that low."
Martius sighed, then turned around and walked away slowly.
"Develop quickly. So I can beat you up later."
Aldes tilted his head slightly. His jaw clenched tight.
His ego was provoked.
In an instant, Aldes focused energy into both of his legs. His body dashed forward, closing the distance immediately.
He leaped to Martius's chest level and twisted his waist mid-air.
Martius glanced from the corner of his eye. A wide grin spread across his face.
"Oh?"
Aldes's right leg struck hard.
Martius blocked it with a single open palm.
The impact echoed sharply throughout the room.
"Not ba—"
His words were cut off.
Aldes used Martius's palm as a pivot. His body spun mid-air with precision.
His left foot shot out.
It aimed straight for the side of Martius's neck.
Martius reacted instantly. He raised his left arm and blocked the second kick.
This time, the impact was stronger.
Martius's body was pushed back one step. His boots scraped harshly against the stone floor.
Aldes remained suspended in the air.
Without hesitation, he aimed both palms forward—directly at Martius's face.
Telekinesis energy flared.
A blinding blue light burst inches away from the red-haired prince.
Martius's eyes widened.
His right hand moved like lightning. He grabbed the collar of Aldes's uniform.
With overwhelming force, he threw him to the side.
Aldes's body was launched away.
But he stayed calm.
He refocused instantly. A stream of blue energy resisted the momentum.
His boots touched the stone floor.
He skidded back two meters—
then stopped.
Standing firm.