Training Grounds

Conan's arrogant smirk slowly faded as he tried to process the situation. Aiden, the base keeper, had just thrown down a challenge. For a moment, Conan stood frozen, still struggling to grasp the boldness Aiden had displayed.

Just then, murmurs from the surrounding soldiers broke his stupor.

Soldier 1: "Is Aiden serious? Does he really think he stands a chance?"

Soldier 2: (smirking) "I think he's gone insane. What's he going to do against a knight like the Vice Commander?"

Aiden: "Why aren't you answering, Conan? Are you scared?"

Hearing his men's dismissive remarks about Aiden's capabilities, Conan's pride surged. His expression hardened as he faced Aiden directly.

Conan: (smirking) "Fine, Lord Aiden. I'll accept your challenge. But considering you haven't even materialized your Aura yet, it's only fair I don't use mine either. We'll make this a duel based purely on swordsmanship."

Aiden gave a nod of approval but added with a calm smile.

Aiden: "Agreed. But where's the fun without a little something on the line? Let's make it interesting. Whoever loses has to bow and apologise to the winner—in front of everyone."

The crowd of soldiers exchanged intrigued glances, the tension between their commander and Aiden electrifying the air around them. Conan's face twisted into a self-assured grin, clearly convinced of his imminent victory.

Conan: "As you wish, Lord Aiden. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Both men took their positions in the centre of the training grounds, drawing their swords. The soldiers gathered around, forming a ring of spectators eager to witness the match. Muinin, watching with wide eyes, stood at the edge, silently cheering Aiden on.

The soldiers exchanged glances, their voices low as they whispered among themselves, barely containing their grins. Some chuckled quietly, while others stifled their amusement, each speculating just how long Aiden would last in the duel. Bets were murmured and coins exchanged, their smirks hinting at a shared skepticism about his chances.

The Duel Begins

Aiden took a deep breath, steadying himself. Conan, a trained knight with countless duels under his belt, wielded his sword with an ease. Aiden, by contrast, had only honed his combat skills recently, focusing more on strategy and leadership. But today, he had no choice but to face Conan head-on.

Conan: "You Look pretty relaxed, my Lord. Please take care not to hurt yourself." He spoke, his voice sharp with irritation,

The duel started, and Conan immediately took an aggressive stance, pressing Aiden with quick, precise attacks. Aiden managed to block, parrying each swing with calculated defence, but it was clear Conan held the upper hand. The Vice Commander's strikes were powerful and relentless, his sword slicing through the air as he tried to break Aiden's defence.

Conan: (sneering) "What's the matter, Lord Aiden? Afraid to strike back?"

Aiden stayed calm, focusing on reading Conan's movements. His strategy was simple: defend until Conan let his guard down.

The soldiers around them laughed as Aiden was pushed back, cornered by Conan's unyielding assault. Emboldened by his apparent advantage, Conan's arrogance swelled, and he began to underestimate his opponent.

Finally, in a moment of overconfidence, Conan allowed a brief lapse in his defences, leaving a small opening. Aiden's eyes gleamed as he seized the opportunity. With a swift maneuver, he broke past Conan's guard, knocking him backward with a powerful thrust that left the vice commander stumbling.

Before Conan could react, Aiden's blade was at his throat, marking the end of the duel.

End of the Duel

Aiden: (calmly) "You call yourself a knight, and this is the best you've got?" he taunted, standing over the fallen knight with a look of disdain. He had defeated Conan, a fully trained knight, as if it were nothing.

Turning to the referee, he added with a smirk, "I want to give Conan another chance."

The referee nodded, glancing at Conan. "Yes, if Sir Conan is okay with this…"

Conan struggled to his feet, disbelief etched into his face. "How could I… be defeated by a mere keeper?" he muttered, his voice laced with shock and humiliation.

Aiden: "That should be enough," he said, casting a cool glance at Conan, who stood frozen in disbelief, struggling to process his own defeat. "I've changed my mind—no point in giving him another chance after all," he said, disappointment clear in his voice.

With a smooth motion, Aiden re-sheathed his sword and turned to walk back toward Muinin, leaving a stunned silence in his wake. The soldiers, who had jeered moments before, stood frozen, eyes wide with shock.

Conan, humiliated and furious, clenched his fists, his pride stinging from the unexpected defeat. Rage flickered in his eyes, and in a moment of irrational anger, he gripped his sword tightly, summoning his Aura.

With a roar, he lunged at Aiden from behind, his Aura blazing.

Conan: (angrily) "You think you can humiliate me like this?"

But before Conan's blade could reach its mark, a swift figure intercepted him. Marius stepped in, catching Conan's blade with a powerful block, the force of his own Aura flaring as he locked eyes with the vice commander.

Marius: (coldly) "What do you think you're doing, Vice Commander? Are you attacking our Lord from behind like a coward?"

Conan's face paled as he stared at Marius, whose gaze was unyielding, his voice a quiet fury that held no room for argument.

End of Episode 13