After the tense negotiations between Clan Origin and the Arden Family concluded, the Grand Elder and the Arden members departed for their residence, summoned by a call from the head of their family regarding an urgent matter.
King Carlos approached Rey, a warm smile on his face. "Duke Ace, I am genuinely delighted by your presence. Because of you… even the Head of the Arden Family nearly stepped in."
Nolan leaned in and whispered, a trace of concern in his voice. "Your Majesty, perhaps you shouldn't speak so openly. Haven't you noticed your surroundings?"
King Carlos paused, momentarily startled, before masking it with a cough. "Duke Ace, would you and the members of Clan Origin happen to have any free time? I would like for you to attend a banquet prepared by the Chriss Family at the palace."
Rey glanced toward Alex, who subtly signaled with a nod. 'Okay,' the gesture read—they were allowed to attend the palace for the moment. Alex then addressed King Carlos politely. "Your Majesty, we are grateful for your invitation, but we can only stay briefly. We have preparations to attend to tomorrow."
King Carlos's smile remained unwavering. "That's quite alright, Rockers. After the banquet, you may return to Clan Origin and prepare for the tournament tomorrow."
With that settled, the group set off toward the palace. On the way, Nolan approached Rey's carriage. "Duke Ace… was it you who unleashed that power during the negotiations earlier?"
Rey's expression remained calm. "Why do you ask?"
Nolan chuckled, shaking his head. "Hahaha… it doesn't matter. I was just curious. But now, we've arrived at the palace gates."
The gates they approached were familiar—this was Rey and Alex's second visit to the palace. At the entrance, Elizabeth, accompanied by the queen and several servants from the Chriss Family, greeted them warmly.
Among the attendants was a young woman with a sword, her blue hair neatly tied, exuding a disciplined aura. She was Nina, Nolan's daughter and Elizabeth's personal guard. Her power level was an impressive 92. Approaching Nolan, she reported, "Commander, preparations for tomorrow are complete."
Nolan's smile broadened as he replied, "Nina, there's no need for such formalities. We have guests from Clan Origin."
Hearing the name of her childhood allies, Nina's eyes lit up. Her excitement was palpable, for she had trained with some of them since she was a child. Memories of being called the 'Deadly Duo' came rushing back. Without hesitation, she rushed toward Eris.
"Eris! It's me—Nina!"
Eris turned, momentarily startled, before recognition dawned upon her. She embraced Nina tightly. Around them, Willson, Tristan, Drax, Evelyn, and Vincent all smiled at the reunion, recognizing Nina immediately from Eris's past.
Nina's voice was tinged with curiosity. "Why did you disband Clan Rose?"
Eris shook her head gently. "Oh, Clan Rose wasn't truly disbanded. It was reorganized and expanded—it became Clan Origin."
Nina's gaze shifted to Willson. "I heard Willson became the head of Clan Origin," she remarked, patting his shoulder proudly.
From behind, Nolan interjected firmly. "Willson is the external leader, but the true leaders are these two," he said, pointing toward Rey and Alex.
Nina's expression shifted to disbelief. "Father… is that true? But I see their levels are far below Willson's."
Curiosity getting the better of her, she activated her 'Appraisal' skill to scan Alex and Rey's stats.
Rey's aura flared slightly, subtly pressing against Nina, and he asked, his tone laced with warning, "Do you have a habit of checking other people's stats?"
Eris quickly intervened, sensing the tension. "Ace, Nina didn't mean any harm. Please forgive her." She bowed slightly toward Rey, a silent plea.
Rey inhaled, allowing his aura to recede, and said simply, "Very well. But don't make a habit of it."
Eris noticed Nina sag slightly, overwhelmed by Rey's immense aura. Even from a distance, she could sense the power nearly rivaled that of her father.
Nolan laughed heartily. "Ace, there's no need for such formalities. Those who err must face consequences."
Rey waved him off with a faint smile. "That's alright, Lord Nolan. I was only joking with her."
At that moment, Elizabeth approached, her presence bright and commanding. "I have an idea," she said, her eyes gleaming. "After the banquet, why don't we have a little sparring session in the palace arena?"
Nina's face lit up, her voice firm. "I agree with the Princess. What do you say, Duke Ace?"
Rey blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Alex, ever calm and decisive, responded immediately, "Very well. We agree."
Rey's hand instinctively went to his head. His companion always seemed to make decisions independently, leaving him curious—and slightly anxious—about the full extent of Nolan's strength when serious.
The group continued into the banquet hall. Elizabeth seated herself next to Rey, and as conversation flowed, she gently offered him a piece of fruit, cutting it neatly with a spoon and feeding it to him.
King Carlos and the queen smiled at the charming scene. Nolan commented, a twinkle in his eye, "Ah… Princess has made the first move. Duke Ace, you are indeed fortunate."
Alex and Floryn stifled small chuckles at the sight. Yet the expressions of four others seated nearby—Elysa, Luna, Melvin, and Emily—shifted dramatically. Rey noticed their faces change from casual interest to something far more intense.
Emily, who had been cheerful seeing Elysa and Melvin's apparent interest in Rey, suddenly looked almost enraged. Feeling the tension rise, Rey, in a bid to lighten the mood, opened his mouth and ate the fruit Elizabeth had given him, attempting a small jest.
Nolan clapped loudly, the sound echoing through the hall. The others joined in, applauding, but Rey's gaze fell on the four seated nearby. To him alone, their auras were unmistakable—a silent, lethal warning—but Floryn, having long been aware of the situation, rose and approached them. She explained the true feelings harbored by the four toward their cousin, helping to diffuse the tension slightly.
Rey couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude toward Floryn. Her timely intervention had eased the tension among the four, preventing what could have escalated into an awkward, even dangerous, confrontation.
The banquet continued in a lively atmosphere, punctuated by laughter, reminiscences, and the subtle undercurrents of unspoken rivalries and admiration. The palace hall, grand and adorned with the heraldry of the Chriss Family, seemed almost alive with the mingling of past, present, and the promise of future trials.
As the meal drew to a close, Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with playful challenge. "Shall we move to the arena now? Let's see whose skill surpasses whose!"
Nina jumped slightly, eager to test her strength against her childhood friends and allies. Even Willson's calm confidence did little to hide the anticipation in his eyes, while Rey's aura simmered quietly, waiting for the right moment to gauge the true extent of Nolan's power.
King Carlos leaned back in his seat, observing the youthful energy with amusement. "These young warriors… they carry the potential to surpass even the greatest of us. The coming days will be truly extraordinary."
Eris, ever mindful of the group's safety, kept a careful eye on Rey. She could sense the delicate balance of strength, camaraderie, and rivalry—all intertwined in ways that might define the fate of the tournament tomorrow.
Once the brief reunion and the playful chaos settled, King Carlos summoned the kingdom's master blacksmith, Christophe, renowned for his creation of rare and powerful artifacts. Today, he was here to present an extraordinary artifact: the Basilisk Sword, crafted specifically for Rey.
Rey and Alex approached the blacksmith, and the man's eyes widened upon seeing Rey. "Hey… are you the owner of the Spear of the Dragon Slayer?" he asked, voice tinged with disbelief.
Rey and Alex exchanged startled glances. How does he know about the Spear? Rey thought, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Why do you say that?" he asked cautiously.
Raven, the blacksmith, smiled knowingly. "Your presence… I've seen it before, in a journal of history hundreds of years old," he explained.
Alex frowned, whispering to himself, "Hundreds of years… what does he mean?" He turned to Raven. "We don't understand. What are you talking about?"
Raven's gaze sharpened, and his voice rose slightly, just enough to catch Rey off guard. "Answer me simply—are you the owner of that spear?"
Rey hesitated for a moment, taken aback by the unusual pitch in Raven's voice. Then, nodding, he replied, "Yes. I possess the Spear of the Dragon Slayer."
Raven laughed heartily, the sound echoing across the hall. "Hahaha! Then the artifact I've been refining all this time can be upgraded to the next tier!"
Rey's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Raven's eyes sparkled with the thrill of revelation. "The Basilisk Sword can be upgraded… but only if you have the Spear of the Dragon Slayer."
Alex leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Is that true? But… I don't think you want to waste that spear. Its tier is already higher than the Basilisk Sword."
Raven's face twisted into a scowl, tinged with impatience. "Child, are you foolish? Tier isn't everything! Haven't you seen the attributes of the Basilisk Sword?"
Rey responded respectfully, though firm. "I have seen them… but the spear still seems more valuable to me."
Raven sighed dramatically. "Fine… you truly are stubborn. There is another way to increase the Basilisk Sword's tier. You need the right monster core. Once you have it, I can combine it with the sword myself."
Rey's curiosity spiked. "What kind of monster core?"
Raven nodded. "A dragon-type monster, level 150 or above, or a Snake-type monster of the same level. But the core must match the magic attribute of the Basilisk Sword."
Rey's eyes widened. Magic attribute of an artifact…? he thought. He had never encountered this concept before.
"You are truly naïve," Raven continued, exasperated. "Magic attributes are rare even among legendary-tier artifacts. The Spear of the Dragon Slayer has its own unique magic attributes, doesn't it?"
Rey quickly confirmed through the system. He found that the Spear possessed two magic attributes—Fire and Lightning—while the Basilisk Sword carried Wind and Lightning. Raven's lips curved into a thin smile. "You must find cores with the exact matching magic attributes."
Understanding dawned on Rey. He turned to Raven. "Sir… do you have time to discuss about a project with me in detail?"
Raven shook his head. "I'm busy… but if you truly want to negotiate this, you'll have to fulfil one of my requests first."
"What request?" Rey asked.
"I want you to bring me a core imbued with Air magic," Raven said, his tone firm. "Once both cores are collected, I will personally upgrade the Basilisk Sword."
Rey bowed slightly. "You have my word. I will do it as swiftly as possible."
"Good," Raven said with a nod. "Now, tell me what you want to discuss. I will hear it, but I will only consider your request after you provide one of the cores."
Rey and Alex presented their plans, explaining the details of their upcoming strategies and intentions. After listening, Raven chuckled softly. "You show little respect, don't you? Do you think I can't handle trivial matters myself?"
With a dramatic flourish, Raven revealed a long list of artifacts he had created. Rey and Alex's eyes widened in astonishment—so many masterpieces, each more powerful than the last, lay before them.
Raven's tone softened slightly. "If you give me one of those cores, I promise I will join your project. Together, we can make something truly extraordinary."
Rey's heart leapt with excitement. Finally, someone of Raven's caliber was willing to ally with them. After a brief conversation, Raven departed, leaving Rey and Alex to digest the encounter.
Moments later, Princess Elizabeth approached Rey. "Duke Ace, everyone is waiting for you both in the arena," she said, her voice filled with gentle authority.
The trio made their way toward the battle arena, carefully prepared for the friendly sparring match between Clan Origin and the military forces of the Chriss Family. Elizabeth held Rey's arm lightly as they walked, a gesture that did not go unnoticed by Elysa and the others observing nearby. Floryn, however, cast a calming glance at the group, silently signaling that all matters would be settled once they returned to Clan Origin.
Inside the arena, a powerful figure stood ready—one of Nolan's three strongest lieutenants. A warrior armed with a thin, samurai-like sword, he exuded lethal confidence. Alex's inner voice whispered, His strength rivals Tristan's. Is the royal military really this powerful? Why haven't they completed Floor 7 yet?
From Clan Origin, Drax entered the arena, taking his position. The rules were simple: no time limits, and the first to be struck by a decisive blow would lose.
Princess Elizabeth raised her hand, beginning the countdown. "Three… two… one…"
Boom! Drax launched the first attack, swinging his blade with explosive speed. The thin sword of Lieutenant Ryu met his strike, halting it. Ryu smiled faintly. "I've heard of you, Drax the Hyper."
Drax laughed heartily, spinning his sword in a flourish. "Hahaha! It's been a while since I've heard that title. My power has increased far beyond before—let's see if you can handle it."
Ryu's grin widened, his eyes reflecting genuine interest and a spark of excitement. The arena seemed to pulse with anticipation. Each clash of steel, each movement, each strategic maneuver would reveal the true extent of both sides' abilities.
Rey watched intently from the sidelines, his aura simmering faintly as he observed the battlefield. Alex, too, stood ready, calculating every possibility in his mind. Both of them understood that this was more than a simple friendly match. Every move, every observation, would contribute to the preparation for tomorrow's tournament.
The sound of metal clashing, the roar of exertion, and the sharp hiss of air slicing past swords filled the arena. Even the palace walls seemed to tremble slightly under the intensity of the young warriors' power.
Elizabeth's gaze flicked between the fighters, her hand still resting lightly on Rey's arm. She smiled softly, seeing the potential in both Drax and Ryu. "This match," she thought, "will test not just strength, but strategy, instinct, and heart."
Meanwhile, Floryn's calm presence reminded Rey that balance was key. Observing their allies, their enemies, and the unfolding dynamics, he knew that the Basilisk Sword and the Spear of the Dragon Slayer were only part of the equation. The true test would come in how they applied their knowledge, skill, and cunning on the battlefield.
The clash continued, a symphony of strikes and blocks, with each fighter pushing the other to their limits. Drax's speed and raw power met Ryu's disciplined technique and precision, creating a spectacle of combat that drew gasps from those watching.
Drax drew a second sword, swinging it with precise speed along another angle. Lieutenant Ryu reacted instantly, activating his skill Hypersonic, pushing his reflexes to their absolute limit. With a swift movement, he redirected Drax's strike, forcing the two blades to clash in a sharp Clank. Drax's eyes widened. His tactics… his fighting style… it's like facing an assassin.
But experience tempered Drax's surprise. Years of training alongside Willson had honed his reflexes; facing an assassin-class opponent was no obstacle. With a smirk, he adjusted his stance, preparing for the next strike.
Channelling lightning-infused magic into his blades, Drax unleashed Electro Wave, a sweeping arc of electricity that surged toward Ryu with immense power. The sheer force of the storming strike forced Ryu to attempt a block, but the attack's impact was overwhelming. Sparks flew as Ryu's arms were scorched, and he staggered slightly, a faint grimace flashing across his face. Yet, a thin smile remained; the thrill of combat was evident in his eyes.
Using Hypersonic again, Ryu activated his ultimate skill, Phantom Execution. He thrust his sword forward, leaving behind five afterimages, each executing a lethal stab. But Drax was caught off guard by the subtle effect embedded in Ryu's ultimate—Slow Target, which reduced Drax's movement speed by 25% for three seconds.
Time seemed to stretch. With his movements hampered, Drax struggled to evade the onslaught. Ryu's combo of Hypersonic with the ultimate made each strike nearly unavoidable, and Rey, observing from the sidelines, noted the effect with interest. The combination of speed, skill, and debilitation meant Ryu's attacks had an 80% chance of landing successfully.
Just as the final strike was about to connect, Drax's Warforged Armor activated.
Warforged Armor
Tier: Rare
Source: Lv 87 Monster Drop
Requirement : Level 55
Role: Warrior/Assassin
Stats
END (Endurance): +80%
AGI (Agility): +75%
DEF (Defense): +150 (base)
Passive Ability: Armor Breaker
Each attack received increases DEF by 15% for 5 seconds
Stacks up to 3 times → maximum DEF bonus +45%
Internal cooldown: 1.5 seconds
Special Ability: Armor Slayer
Trigger: After Armor Breaker activates
Effect: Next physical attack gains +35% critical chance
Note: Only applies to one attack after Armor Breaker triggers
With his Armor and special abilities active, Drax retaliated immediately. Channelling the bonus critical strike, he swung his swords with lethal precision. Even without activating a skill, the attack was deadly. Ryu, slowed and with minimal room to react, had no way to escape.
Just as Drax's blade was about to pierce Ryu's defenses, a silver spear flashed across the arena. Nolan had arrived, intercepting the strike with his own gleaming weapon. The two collided in a burst of energy that threw sparks into the air.
"Enough," Nolan's voice boomed, steady and commanding. "Ryu… you've lost."
Ryu and Drax stepped back from each other, laughing and exchanging a firm handshake. Their camaraderie was evident, even after such a brutal exchange. Outside the arena, Rey observed Nolan, who rubbed his shoulder with a grimace. Nolan himself felt the force of that strike… Rey thought. Drax's Armor is truly worthy of the strength he possesses.
Using Invisible Sight, Rey had been tracking every movement of Drax. He had confirmed when the Warforged Armor activated and understood the implications of the passive and special abilities. The tactical depth of Drax's combat style was impressive.
The arena shifted as Nina entered, fully equipped for battle. Her gear gleamed under the sun, and her presence radiated readiness for war. Eris moved forward, preparing to join, but Alex's hand stopped her gently.
"Eris… are you sure? I can feel it. If you fight her, you might lose decisively," Alex warned, his voice calm but firm.
Eris faltered, uncertainty flickering across her face. Tristan leaned closer, whispering cautiously. "Alex… Eris has faced both Drax and me many times. She knows how to counter a warrior's strength."
Rey's voice carried from behind, steady and measured. "I agree with Alex. Nina is no ordinary opponent… she's Nolan's daughter. Eris would be at a disadvantage."
Eris turned, her expression resolute. "It doesn't matter. I want to train with an old friend."
Both Rey and Alex understood her resolve. They had seen this spirit before—the desire to test one's limits, even against a formidable adversary.
With a quiet nod, Eris entered the arena. She exhaled deeply, centering herself, and called over to Nina, a light smile on her face. "Nina… don't take it too seriously, okay?"
Nina's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Hehehe… Eris, you'd better be ready," she replied, the glint in her eyes reflecting the excitement of the duel to come.
The arena, vast and meticulously prepared, held an electric tension. Every movement, every glint of metal, every twitch of muscle was a prelude to the clash. The crowd—composed of military personnel, Clan Origin members, and palace attendants—watched silently, anticipation coiling like a spring ready to release.
Rey, standing on the sideline, observed every detail. His mind analyzed Nina's equipment, her stance, the subtle way she balanced her weight on her toes. The magical energy surrounding her was palpable. He noted that her aura carried both refined combat training and raw potential—a combination that could overwhelm even experienced warriors if underestimated.
Alex, calm as ever, mirrored Rey's observation. He calculated trajectories, possible openings, and the likely first moves from both combatants. Timing and prediction will be key here, he thought.
Eris and Nina faced each other, both sizing up their opponent. Eris' eyes reflected experience and strategy, while Nina's sparkled with confidence and youthful determination. Both knew the stakes of this friendly duel; while it was a training exercise, every strike would carry the weight of potential insight into each other's abilities.
Without further warning, the duel began. Nina lunged first, her movement fluid and precise, each step landing like a dancer's. Eris sidestepped gracefully, her sword tracing arcs in perfect rhythm, countering Nina's strikes. Sparks flew, energy crackled, and the air seemed to hum with the intensity of the battle.
Rey noted subtle variations in Nina's attack patterns—predictable moments masked by deceptive feints. Eris, however, was responding instinctively, her training evident in every parry and counter. The match was as much about strategy and intuition as it was about raw power.
Nina grinned, spinning elegantly and changing her strike's angle mid-air. "Come on, Eris! Show me what you've learned all these years!"
Eris replied with a calm but firm tone, "I won't hold back either, Nina. Stay sharp."
Every clash of metal sent vibrations across the arena. Rey's eyes narrowed, using Invisible Sight to detect the magical energies imbued in each strike. He noted the subtle differences in how Eris channelled her aura through her blade versus Nina's more aggressive, kinetic approach.
Alex murmured to Rey, "Her technique is impeccable, but she's holding back slightly. Eris is forcing Nina to reveal her limits first."
Rey nodded, understanding immediately. Eris isn't just fighting… she's teaching, testing, and observing simultaneously.
The fight intensified. Nina's strikes became faster, sharper, her afterimages almost indistinguishable from reality. Eris responded with calm precision, each swing of her blade countering multiple potential threats.
From the sidelines, Tristan, Drax, and even Floryn watched in silent awe. The duel was more than a test of strength—it was a study in skill, adaptability, and the interplay of magical and physical power.
Rey's internal analysis continued. If Eris can maintain composure and read Nina's movements accurately… she might just turn this duel into a strategic advantage.
Nina lunged once more, her aura flaring, energy crackling with anticipation. "Eris… let's see who's really stronger!"
Eris met her strike head-on, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "Let's find out, Nina."
The collision of blades echoed like thunder. Sparks danced across the arena as metal met metal, and the duel escalated, a symphony of combat that reflected both mastery and mutual respect.
Every movement carried weight—every feint, every parry, every thrust had consequences. Rey and Alex observed in silence, knowing that this duel would leave a lasting mark on both combatants, shaping their readiness for the challenges yet to come.
And so, under the gleaming sunlight of the palace arena, the duel continued—a dance of steel, aura, and strategy that would be remembered long after the clashing swords fell silent.