Under the clear blue sky, the atmosphere in the Knight's Arena was thick with intensity. It was now Robb's turn to enter the small arena on the right side of the grand battleground, where knights tested their strength and honor. The cheers of the crowd grew louder as Robb prepared to step in.
"Robb, remember! The bet's on, and I'm out—I lost my match; turns out my opponent was tougher than I thought. But I'll still join in if you end up buying dinner," Brisena warned, eyes fixed on the main arena in front of them. Vuuxi, standing beside her, caught the slight worry in Brisena's expression and couldn't resist teasing her.
"Lady Brisena, not willing to treat Robb? You just don't want to see us eat well without you, do you?" Vuuxi chuckled, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous grin.
Brisena straightened up, dodging the accusation. "This isn't about food. You two made the bet, not me. So don't expect me to rush through my fight to save time," she said, smirking.
Robb laughed at their banter. "Hahaha, you two never stop messing with each other, huh?" he said with a smile, watching the playful exchange.
Rogg, who'd been observing the knights and assassins from the Doliex tribe, simply smiled at the sound of his younger siblings bickering. "You lot never run out of chatter, do you?"
"Alright, I'm up," Robb finally said, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Fighting, to me, has always felt more like training." He clapped Vuuxi on the shoulder, brimming with energy.
Inside the smaller arena stood his opponent—a hulking giant of a man, towering over Robb, with a body that seemed more mass than muscle. Compared to Robb's lean frame, the contrast was striking. For a brief second, Robb felt a flicker of intimidation—but he didn't show it.
The crowd erupted in applause for the large knight. This would be his first official match on the sacred Knight's Altar, after years of struggling to lose the excess weight that once kept him from even climbing the arena steps. Though his body was still far from athletic, he now stood proudly, eager to face Robb.
Looking at his massive opponent, so full of confidence and spirit, Robb couldn't help but wonder how he would get this man out of the ring. But he pushed aside the doubt. He knew every opponent had a weakness—it was just a matter of finding it.
With resolve hardening in his chest, Robb stepped into the ring and faced the giant. "Let's see who's really stronger," he muttered to himself.
The match began. Robb understood that brute strength wouldn't win him this fight—he had to outthink his opponent. Noticing the man's eagerness, Robb decided to bait him.
Standing near the edge of the ring, Robb adopted a careless stance, as if he wasn't prepared to defend himself. It was a deliberate provocation.
And the giant took the bait. With a roar of enthusiasm, he charged at Robb—only to find his own speed betraying him. Unable to control his momentum, he overshot his target.
Robb, quick and agile, dodged with ease and let the man's weight do the rest. The giant stumbled right out of the ring.
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then burst into laughter. Robb stood at the center, hands on his hips, basking in his swift and effortless victory.
But the giant wasn't finished. Enraged, he scrambled back into the arena, determined to continue the fight. Robb didn't hesitate. With one powerful kick, he sent the man flying out again—this time for good.
The arena erupted with thunderous applause and cheers. Robb's nimbleness had amazed them all. Raising his hand, he saluted the spectators, who had now started seeing him as a rising star.
"Only took me forty seconds, Vuuxi! Better get your wallet ready!" Robb laughed heartily, clearly enjoying his easy win.
Vuuxi could only shake his head. The bet was settled, and he had lost. Still, he couldn't help but smile at Robb's carefree joy.
But Robb's victory wasn't the end. One more member of their group had yet to fight—Elandra Faelin.
Elandra was a renowned assassin known for her unwavering discipline. She had once ranked among the top twenty two years ago, and was part of the same elite team that joined Brisena in hunting down Lagosh on the other side of the Megido Continent. Her determination and willpower were unmatched—qualities that made Brisena trust her, second only to Vuuxi.
"Elandra, you have to win," Brisena said, eyes filled with hope.
Elandra, calmly preparing herself, gave a firm nod. "Yes, my lady. I will do my best."
With steady steps, she ascended the Knight's Altar, fully aware of the formidable opponent awaiting her—Zemiro Covarthis, a personal guard of Thaldrim Covarthis. Zemiro had also placed in the top twenty last year. Elandra knew this wouldn't be an ordinary match.
Brisena couldn't hide a flicker of concern. She was well aware of Elandra's capabilities, but also knew Zemiro was no pushover.
Watching his warrior prepare to face Brisena's protégé, Thaldrim Covarthis gave a sly, confident smirk, convinced his man would eliminate one of Brisena's best.
"She'll win. Just trust her," Vuuxi said calmly, noticing Brisena's unease.
"Elandra already proved herself in the fight against Lagosh. I doubt anyone can shake her," Rogg added, trying to ease the tension.
"She's a natural leader, always at the front line. Her composure is remarkable," Robb said in admiration.
Now, Elandra stood face-to-face with Zemiro in the center of the arena, ready to fight. The tension was palpable. Support for Zemiro was loud and overwhelming, but those rooting for Elandra stood firm.
This wasn't just a battle of strength—it was a test of heart, discipline, and unrelenting resolve.
Up there on the altar, both warriors understood: this was more than just a fight. It was a battle of honor, and only one would emerge victorious.
Amid the deafening roar of the crowd that filled the air, the duel between Elandra Faelin and Zemiro Covarthis finally began. The sky above them seemed to watch every movement with quiet intensity. The grand, dust-covered arena stood as a silent witness to a battle that would test their resolve and mental fortitude.
Zemiro, wearing a cocky grin, was the first to speak."So, you're a Faelin, huh? Why don't you just grab your shield and go lift some rocks instead? Wouldn't a real Faelin be better off building houses or hauling bricks?"His voice dripped with mockery, deliberately provoking Elandra with stinging words.
But Elandra stood firm, completely unshaken. She answered calmly,"This construction worker is about to knock some sense into that oversized head of yours."Her words, delivered with unnerving composure, sliced through the air like a well-honed blade—adding a quiet intensity to the growing tension.
Zemiro's grin widened, clearly unsatisfied with his first jab."You're just a babysitter. A worthless assassin playing servant. You've got no real strength!"He pushed further, hoping to bait Elandra into making the first move.
Watching from the stands, Brisena clenched her fists, her face flushing red with anger."Finish him, Elandra! I'm done listening to his garbage!"she shouted, her voice booming across the arena.But Elandra remained unfazed. She didn't rise to the bait. Her focus never wavered.
Zemiro, frustrated by Elandra's unwavering calm, finally launched his attack. With lightning-fast precision, he swung his blade toward her. As a fellow elite assassin, Zemiro's strikes were lethal. His sword gleamed dangerously, slicing through the air like a whirlwind intent on tearing Elandra apart.
But Elandra was more than formidable. She moved with fluid grace, dodging each strike with astonishing speed. Her steps were light as air, her body spinning elegantly, evading every blow with flawless precision. Occasionally, she countered with a soft, measured strike—defensive and calculated, always maintaining the perfect distance.
The longer the fight went on, the fiercer it became. Zemiro, growing desperate to land a decisive hit, fought with reckless fury. His attacks turned wild and impatient, trying to force Elandra into a mistake. But Elandra remained serene—an impenetrable calmness shielding her as she glided between his blows, redirecting each one with effortless finesse, as if not a single strike could touch her.
The crowd began to stir with uncertainty. Confused expressions spread across the spectators."Why is she only defending?" some whispered."Why isn't Elandra fighting back more? This is too slow."Her strategy puzzled them—her patience misunderstood as passivity.
Even Brisena grew restless. She yawned more than once and leaned her head against Rogg's shoulder, her eyelids heavy from the seemingly slow pace of the match."Hurry up, Elandra," she muttered with an annoyed frown.
Vuuxi, sitting beside her, chuckled."Well, that's just how Elandra is. Doesn't matter how much the enemy throws at her—she always waits patiently. But in the meantime, we're the ones sweating it out up here," he said with a quiet laugh, trying to lighten the growing tension.
Rogg, who had been watching Elandra closely, spoke with quiet wisdom."That's her strength. She knows exactly when to wait, and when to act. When her opponent stumbles over their own missteps… that's when she strikes."
Back in the arena, Zemiro was beginning to show signs of fatigue. He darted back and forth, growing increasingly agitated as every one of his attacks missed its mark. Sweat streamed down his face, frustration flickering in his eyes. Meanwhile, Elandra kept moving with effortless composure, dodging every strike as if the escalating chaos had no effect on her at all.
Still, both fighters were beginning to show signs of exhaustion. They had battled long and hard, and their energy was nearly depleted. Time moved steadily forward, and the duel inched ever closer to its climax.
At last, after yet another haphazard assault from Zemiro, Elandra saw the opening she had been waiting for. In one fluid motion, she sidestepped his rushed attack. Seizing the moment, she moved swiftly—grabbing Zemiro's body with surprising force—and without mercy, hurled him clear out of the arena.
"And that's the match," Robb announced with a wide grin, clearly enjoying Elandra's dramatic finish.
Brisena, who had nearly dozed off, suddenly jolted upright."What? Elandra won?" she asked in shock, still leaning on Rogg's shoulder. Her half-lidded eyes now wide with disbelief.
Vuuxi, who had seen it coming, burst into laughter."Yep. Elandra took him down. All thanks to that unshakable patience and calm of hers."
Elandra stood in the center of the arena, gazing at her fallen opponent lying just outside the ring. She didn't smile. She showed no pride. Only that serene, unbothered expression that had become her signature.After all that waiting, her patience had finally borne fruit.Zemiro, in the end, had defeated himself.