Valerius sprinted toward Aloenwyr, his fist raised, closing the gap in just a few steps. His punch flew straight at Aloenwyr's face, but Aloenwyr remained calm. At the last second, he tilted his head to the side, avoiding the attack with precise movement.
Without hesitation, Aloenwyr countered with a fast punch aimed at Valerius's torso. But Valerius saw it coming. He lifted his leg, blocking the hit and using the momentum to push himself backward, creating space between them. He studied Aloenwyr carefully, his gaze sharp. This guy is strong… I need to watch him closely.
Aloenwyr narrowed his eyes, surprised at the speed and reflexes of the so-called "crippled fifth prince." He hadn't expected Valerius to react so quickly. Determined, he lunged forward and launched another punch.
Valerius was ready. He caught Aloenwyr's fist with his palm, but the force of the strike pushed him back a step. A confident smirk appeared on Aloenwyr's face, he had landed a solid blow. He pressed the attack, throwing punch after punch, convinced he was about to overpower Valerius. "Are you ready to give up?" he taunted, arrogance dripping from his voice.
Valerius stayed composed, his focus unwavering. He ignored the taunt entirely. Frustrated that his words had no effect, Aloenwyr kept attacking, relentlessly. Valerius remained calm, studying Aloenwyr's movements, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Then, it came. Aloenwyr left himself exposed as he threw a punch. Valerius seized the moment, delivering a powerful kick that sent Aloenwyr flying out of the ring.
The students were stunned. A Class E student had defeated a Class A student, and not just any opponent, but the rumored "not so crippled anymore" fifth prince. He had beaten the eldest son of Duchess Hackenwynn. Zepharion frowned, his thoughts grim. His Highness will not be pleased. He looked down at the fallen Aloenwyr and shook his head before announcing, "The winner is Valerius!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd. Valerius smiled but didn't spare Aloenwyr a glance. He simply walked toward his classmates. Bram watched him grimly as he passed. Meanwhile, Aloenwyr pushed himself up from the ground, anger flashing in his eyes. I didn't even manage to injure him like His Highness instructed, he thought bitterly. As he made his way back to his classmates, he caught Zepharion's disappointed expression, it was clear what it meant. You failed your task.
Aloenwyr stood in silence, his gaze fixed on Valerius's retreating figure. Though his expression remained calm, a sharp glint flickered in his deep blue eyes.
This isn't over.
He clenched his fists, suppressing the frustration within him.
Zepharion's voice rang out, snapping everyone's attention back to the training grounds. "Alright, I've seen enough of your duels. Tomorrow, we'll begin real combat training. You'll be using weapons and mana, and I'll personally instruct you in the academy's combat techniques. And That will be all for today."
With that, he turned and strode away, leaving the students murmuring among themselves.
Valerius exhaled, 'Finally I can go home,' he thought as he made his way out of the training grounds.
Elowen and Cassian caught up to him as they made their way toward the academy gates. Their conversation flowed naturally, a mix of excitement and admiration.
"I still can't believe it," Cassian said, shaking his head. "You actually beat someone from Class A."
"And not just anyone," Elowen added, her eyes sharp with intrigue. "Aloenwyr Hackenwynn. He's considered a genius, you know."
Valerius simply gave a small nod, his mind elsewhere. A genius, huh?
They parted ways at the gates, bidding each other farewell.
As Valerius walked toward the palace, his thoughts circled back to Aloenwyr and Bram. The way Aloenwyr had acted, the subtle provocations, it wasn't random. There was something beneath the surface, something deliberate.
And Bram was involved.
His instincts screamed that this wasn't just about school rivalries or status. There was a larger scheme at play, one he had yet to uncover.
Even Instructor Zepharion… Valerius had a nagging feeling that he wasn't just a bystander in all of this.
Before he could dwell on it further, the towering palace gates came into view. The guards saluted him as he passed through.
As he approached his chambers, a familiar figure stood waiting.
Seraphina.
The ever-composed maid greeted him with a gentle smile. "Young Master, how was your first day?"
Valerius exhaled, a smirk tugging at his lips. "It was Interesting. I can't wait for tomorrow."
"I see. That's good to hear." She tilted her head slightly before asking, "Would you like something to eat?"
"Yes, please. I'm starving."
Seraphina gave a small nod. "Right away, Young Master."
With that, she turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving Valerius alone with his thoughts once more as he entered his room.
Valerius set his katana down on the bed, its polished steel gleaming under the dim candlelight. The weight of the day still clung to his muscles, a dull ache spreading through his body, reminding him of every hit he took today. Without hesitation, he stripped off his clothes and made his way to the bath.
The warm water enveloped him, soothing the tension in his limbs. As steam curled around him, his mind drifted back to the fight with Aloenwyr. The movements, the footwork, the split-second decisions, all played back in his head like a vivid dream. I won today, and it seems like that win brought out more troubles for me. His grip tightened on the edge of the tub. I need to get stronger. Much stronger.
By the time he stepped out, the scent of freshly prepared food filled his quarters. The meal had already been set on the table, still warm. Seraphina must have brought it while he bathed. Without wasting time, he sat down and began eating.
Tomorrow's going to be even more interesting. A smirk tugged at his lips.
By the time he finished, the moon was already up in the sky, its silver glow casting long shadows across his room. With a quiet call, he summoned Seraphina. She arrived quickly, collecting the empty dishes.
"Good night, young master," she said with a small bow.
"Good night, Seraphina," he replied, watching as she disappeared beyond the doorway.
Now alone, Valerius sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes. His breathing slowed, his heartbeat steadying as he activated the Waterfall Regeneration Technique. Mana flowed through his veins like a cool stream, washing away the exhaustion weighing down his body. The day's battles had pushed him to his limits, he needed to recover some energy so he will be ready for tomorrow.
Thirty minutes passed. The energy within him settled. He recovered some of his energy.
Exhaling one last breath, Valerius lay down, his gaze lingering on the moonlit ceiling.
Tomorrow… I'll push myself even further.
With that final thought, he closed his eyes and drifted into sleep.