Yozaro was thirteen.
His childish appearance had begun to fade.
He stood around 165 cm tall, with black hair reaching his shoulders and calm crimson eyes that seemed to observe everything.
At the academy, many students admired him.
Not because he was the strongest.
But because he never looked down on anyone.
If a first-year asked for help…
He taught them.
If someone challenged him…
He accepted with respect.
That quiet confidence earned him many friends—and many rivals.
Every year, nobles from across the kingdom gathered to watch the Royal Academy Tournament.
The king himself would attend.
Winning the tournament meant fame, scholarships, and invitations from powerful families.
Instructor Orion gathered Team Seven.
“This year…”
“You’ll all participate.”
Kael cracked his knuckles.
“I’ve waited for this.”
Rex grinned.
“I’m going to crush everyone.”
Luna sighed.
“Please don’t embarrass us.”
Mira laughed.
“I think we’ll be fine.”
Yozaro smiled.
“Let’s just do our best.”
The royal carriage arrived.
Thousands of students bowed.
Out stepped King Aurelius.
Beside him…
Princess Elenia.
She had grown into a graceful young woman with silver hair flowing to her waist and sapphire-blue eyes.
The crowd couldn’t stop staring.
A noble whispered,
“The princess is even more beautiful than last year.”
She smiled politely…
But her eyes searched only one person.
Yozaro.
When their eyes met…
She gave him a small smile.
He returned it with a respectful nod.
Cedric noticed.
His jaw tightened.
The tournament bracket was announced.
Kael vs Damon.
Rex vs Victor.
Luna vs Helena.
Mira vs Sophia.
Cedric vs Leon.
Yozaro Asgard vs
Arden Blackthorn.
The arena fell silent.
Kael looked worried.
“…Seriously?”
Arden was the academy’s third-year champion.
He had never lost a duel.
Arden entered the arena.
He was seventeen, tall, with long black hair and a calm expression.
Unlike Cedric…
He smiled politely.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Yozaro bowed.
“I’ll do my best.”
Arden nodded.
“Good.”
“I dislike opponents who make excuses.”
“Begin!”
Arden disappeared.
“So fast!”
The audience gasped.
Yozaro barely raised his sword in time.
CLANG!
The impact sent him sliding several meters backward.
‘He’s stronger than anyone I’ve faced.’
Arden smiled.
“Excellent reflexes.”
“But can you keep up?”
For several minutes…
Neither fighter landed a decisive blow.
Arden’s technique was flawless.
Yozaro’s observation kept him alive.
The audience watched in amazement.
“They’re only using basic swordsmanship.”
“No flashy magic.”
“No unnecessary movements.”
“It looks like two masters fighting.”
King Aurelius leaned forward.
“Interesting.”
Suddenly…
Arden knocked Yozaro’s sword into the air.
The blade landed several meters away.
Silence.
The match was over.
Instead of attacking…
Arden stepped back.
“Pick it up.”
The referee frowned.
“You can finish the match.”
Arden shook his head.
“I want to see his best.”
Yozaro picked up his sword.
“…Thank you.”
Arden smiled.
“Now.”
“Show me.”
Yozaro closed his eyes.
His breathing slowed.
He remembered Gareth’s words.
“Don’t fight to win.”
“Fight to protect.”
He opened his eyes.
The world became quiet.
One step.
Two.
Their swords met.
CLANG!
Neither moved.
Then…
A tiny crack appeared in Arden’s wooden practice sword.
His eyes widened.
“…You predicted my strike.”
Yozaro smiled.
“I observed your rhythm.” Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Arden laughed.
“Outstanding.”
He infused mana into his blade.
One final swing.
CRACK!!
Yozaro’s sword broke in half.
The referee raised his hand.
“Winner…”
“Arden Blackthorn!”
The crowd applauded.
Some students expected Yozaro to be disappointed.
Instead…
He bowed.
“Thank you.”
“I learned a lot.”
Arden placed a hand on his shoulder.
“You’ll surpass me.”
“Not today.”
“But someday.”
Those words became Yozaro’s greatest motivation.
That evening…
Yozaro sat alone beside the academy lake.
“…I lost.”
A familiar voice answered.
“You also grew.”
It was Elenia.
She sat beside him.
“You looked disappointed.”
“I wanted to win.”
She smiled gently.
“Do you know why I admired you the first time we met?”
Yozaro looked at her.
“You never cared about looking impressive.”
“You cared about improving.”
She handed him a small blue ribbon.
“I believe one day…”
“You’ll become someone this world will remember.”
For a while…
Neither spoke.
The moon reflected across the lake.
The silence between them felt comfortable.
Hidden behind a nearby tree…
Luna watched quietly.
She lowered her eyes.
“…Why…”
“…does seeing them together hurt?”
She didn’t know the answer.
Not yet.
Elsewhere…
In the ruins beneath the continent…
The man with white hair smiled as he looked at a floating projection of the tournament.
“He lost.”
A servant looked confused.
“Should we be pleased?”
The man chuckled.
“No.”
“A child who has never lost…”
“…can never become a king.”
He closed his eyes.
“Prepare the next trial.”
“The academy’s peace…”
“…is about to end.”