-After discovering Ari's magic type, both Imperial and Master Kaien were left visibly stunned.
Kaien folded his arms, his gaze sharpening with interest. "Light magic," he said slowly, as if trying to make sure he hadn't misheard. "It's one of the rarest forms known to us… One of the top three magic types ever recorded."
Imperial stared at Ari for a beat, then let out a groan and flopped onto the grass, arms and legs sprawled dramatically.
"Great," he muttered, poking at the dirt. "Another reason for me to feel inferior."
Ari chuckled quietly, watching him sulk like a kicked puppy.
But Imperial's self-pity didn't last. Within hours, that moment of insecurity was replaced by a burning determination. He threw himself back into training with a fiery resolve, pushing harder than ever before. Every swing of his sword, every spark of lightning, carried the weight of a silent vow—to grow stronger, to surpass his limits.
The tournament loomed closer with each passing day. Imperial spent every waking moment refining his techniques, guided by Master Kaien's precise and often ruthless instruction.
At home, he trained in the Alden family's private grounds—a hallowed place where generations of warriors had once sharpened their blades. His father, Cyrus. His brother, Kai. Even his late grandfather. Imperial walked the same paths, swung his blade beneath the same cherry trees, sweat soaking into the earth just as theirs had.
Days bled into each other. And soon… only one day remained.
Now, Present Time
Morning before the tournament.
The sun was barely over the horizon as Imperial and Ari walked side by side, heading into the forest for one last session. Birds chirped lazily in the branches above, and a faint morning mist still clung to the ground.
Imperial exhaled slowly, stretching his arms. "Last day before the tournament. I'm not even nervous. Weird, right?"
Ari gave a soft smile. "Maybe you're just ready."
Before he could answer, Ari's communication crystal buzzed with a faint glow. She touched it lightly, and Lyra's voice came through—gentle but urgent.
"Ari, come home. It's important."
She stopped in her tracks and looked at Imperial. "You go ahead. I've got something to take care of."
Imperial shrugged, stretching again. "Alright. I'll meet Kaien first. Don't take too long."
He turned and jogged toward the training grounds, disappearing between the trees. Ari took a breath and turned back toward the estate.
At the Alden Residence
Lyra greeted Ari with a warm smile as she stepped inside.
"Ari," she said softly, leading her into the sitting room. "Tomorrow marks the beginning of Imperial's journey. I want to give him something special. A blessing, of sorts."
Ari tilted her head, curious. "Like a lucky charm?"
"Better," Lyra said with a glimmer in her eyes. "An outfit. Something he can wear into battle—something that carries our hopes with it."
Ari's eyes lit up with quiet joy. "That's a wonderful idea."
Lyra's voice lowered to a fond murmur. "He's grown so fast. Sometimes I still picture him as the little boy who used to run around barefoot, chasing lightning bugs."
She stood and picked up her purse. "I was hoping you'd help me choose something. You've come to know him well."
Ari hesitated. Her years of hiding among commoners had made her wary of high society. She imagined the sneers, the whispers. She didn't belong in a place like the royal shopping district.
But before she could refuse, Lyra touched her shoulder gently. "Stay close to me. You're part of this family now."
The words struck Ari deeper than she expected.
She nodded.
Royal Shopping District
The capital's noble shopping lane was lined with marble columns and golden storefront signs. Gem-encrusted displays sparkled in the sunlight. Nobles in embroidered cloaks walked with graceful pride, their guards not far behind.
Ari walked beside Lyra, her steps small, her gaze wary. Several shoppers gave her disapproving looks, but Lyra ignored them completely.
They entered a renowned tailor's boutique—a place known for designing clothing exclusively for the Alden lineage.
Inside, silk swatches hung from carved wooden shelves. Tailors bowed deeply at the sight of Lyra.
After browsing through dozens of styles, they settled on the perfect ensemble for Imperial:
A sleek, white high-collared shirt, cut close to the body to accentuate his athletic build.
Black combat trousers with a built-in sword holster—functional, yet stylish.
A deep navy-blue sash tied at the waist, embroidered with subtle lightning motifs.
And finally, a long black cloak. It was split in an inverted V at the back, allowing agile movement, and fastened with a silver clasp bearing the Alden crest.
Ari ran her fingers along the cloak's lining. "This... this suits him perfectly."
Lyra smiled. "Then it's settled."
After placing the order, she turned to Ari with a twinkle in her eye. "Now, let's find something for you."
Ari froze. "W-Wait—what? No! I don't need—"
"Nonsense." Lyra waved her off. "Think of it as a gift—from a mother to her son's first true friend."
Ari clenched her hands. For five long years, she had lived with nothing. Kindness had become a foreign language. And now… Lyra was treating her like a daughter.
She followed Lyra into the boutique's second wing. Nervously, Ari picked out a few modest dresses—soft fabrics in white, silver, and pale blue.
Before she could choose just one, Lyra instructed the clerk to wrap them all.
"You didn't have to do that," Ari said quietly, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
Lyra smiled and placed a hand over hers. "You deserve it."
Back at the Training Grounds
The sun had risen higher now, casting golden light across the grassy expanse.
Imperial sat cross-legged in the center of the field, his sword resting beside him. He was breathing slowly, deeply—just as Master Kaien had taught.
A warrior needs more than just strength, Kaien had said. A calm mind is the key to true victory.
Hours passed in silence.
Eventually, Kaien approached, arms folded behind his back.
"Imperial," he said in a low voice, "I need to ask you something."
Imperial opened his eyes, immediately sensing the shift in his master's tone. "What is it?"
Kaien hesitated a beat. Then, he said it.
Whatever the request was, it made Imperial's eyes go wide. He lowered his gaze, expression solemn.
"…Alright," he said softly. "If that's your wish… I'll do it."
Then, rising to his feet, Imperial added, "But I have a request too."
Kaien raised an eyebrow. "A request?"
"I want to spar with you. One last time. No holding back. I want to face you at your strongest—so I can go into that tournament knowing I've stood against the best."
Kaien stared at him, silent.
Then, he smiled.
"Very well. Let's have a real battle."
He drew his sword, the blade gleaming in the morning light.
Imperial did the same, gripping the hilt tightly. His heartbeat thundered in his chest, but his mind was steady. Focused.
Master and student stood across from each other, the wind whispering through the tall grass around them.
No more words.
Only steel, resolve, and the silent promise of a final lesson.
The true battle… was about to begin.