《Shattered chains Of Fallen Emperor》 The authors prison "This is a joke. A cruel, twisted joke." Valen Veridian opened his eyes to nothingness. A vast, endless void stretched in all directions, neither bright nor dark¡ªjust an existence without meaning. It was silent, yet he could feel something unnatural pressing down on him. He tried to move, but his body felt weightless. No ground beneath him. No sky above. Just emptiness. "I died." He remembered the blade. Marcus Alderwood¡¯s blade. The way it had torn through his chest with effortless precision. The cold that followed. The fading light in his eyes. The end. "So why... why am I here?" A flicker of movement drew his attention. Sitting across from him, as calm as ever, was Marcus Alderwood. His once-rival. His murderer. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Valen¡¯s hands clenched into fists. His breath hitched, and rage surged through his veins. But Marcus? He sat there in silence, unbothered, his gaze unreadable. "Damn you..." Valen wanted to shout. He wanted to lash out, to demand answers. Why? Why did you betray me? But no words left his lips. And then, a voice. Not Marcus¡¯s. Something greater. Something beyond comprehension. A presence filled the void. No form, no face¡ªjust power. Overwhelming, suffocating, inescapable. And then it spoke. "Tell your story." It was neither a request nor a suggestion. It was a command. A force pressing into his very existence. Valen¡¯s body tensed. He scanned the void, searching for the speaker, but there was nothing. Just Marcus, just himself... and the presence. Then, a third figure appeared. A shadow, a being draped in an aura of authority and chaos. Unlike Marcus, unlike himself¡ªthis figure was beyond them. Beyond fate. Beyond death. Tormentor of Peace. The name burned into his mind, as if it had always been there, waiting to be remembered. A smirk tugged at the figure¡¯s lips. The Author. The one who wove the threads of their existence. "Ah, Valen," the voice hummed, neither mocking nor kind. "You do love your delusions, don¡¯t you?" Valen¡¯s breath hitched. A chill ran down his spine. Who was this being? Was it a god? A devil? Or something worse? The shadowy figure tilted his head. "I have given you a chance, Valen. A chance to speak. A chance to be heard. But tell me... can you even recognize the truth?" Silence. Valen swallowed the lump in his throat. He didn¡¯t know what game this entity was playing, but one thing was certain¡ªhe had no choice. He turned his gaze away from Tormentor of Peace, away from Marcus, and faced the endless void before him. A slow exhale. His fists relaxed. His eyes hardened. "Dear readers," he spoke, his voice steady, echoing in the abyss. "You will hear my story now." The void trembled. And so, his tale began. The Prophecy and Dragons --- Chapter 2: The Prophecy & The Birth of Dragons The Night of Fate The night was stormy when two children were born into the world¡ªone into the grand halls of a duke¡¯s mansion, the other into the simple embrace of a commoner¡¯s home. Though separated by status, fate had intertwined their destinies before they even took their first breath. --- Valen¡¯s Birth Valen Veridian was born under the crimson moon, a rare celestial phenomenon said to herald the birth of those who would shape history. His first memory was of warmth¡ªthe soft arms of his mother holding him close. But in that warmth, there was a creeping coldness. He didn¡¯t understand it then, but she was dying. His father, the mighty Duke Veridian, stood by the bedside, watching as the light faded from his wife¡¯s eyes. There was no grief in his expression¡ªonly a calculating gaze, as if he had merely sacrificed a piece on a chessboard. "He was willing to kill his own wife for my birth." That realization wouldn¡¯t come to Valen until much later. For now, he simply forgot. His mind, too young to process the trauma, buried the memory deep within the void. Instead, his childhood was spent in the halls of nobility, where power dictated worth. A genius. A prodigy. A monster. He had been called many things. But he knew only one truth: The strong rule. The weak perish. --- Marcus¡¯ Birth On the same night, in a small village at the empire¡¯s borders, another boy entered the world¡ªMarcus Alderwood. There were no crimson moons, no grand ceremonies. Only a mother and father, weeping in joy as they held their son. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. His birth wasn¡¯t recorded in royal histories. He was just another commoner, destined for a quiet life. But fate had different plans. --- The Dragon¡¯s Warning That same night, deep within the empire¡¯s sacred lands, the Guardian Dragon awakened from its slumber. Summoned by the emperor himself, the colossal being coiled within the throne room, its golden eyes piercing through time itself. The nobles and royals stood in anticipation, waiting for its decree. And then, it spoke. "A dragon has been born." Murmurs spread through the chamber, but the dragon continued. "No... Two dragons. Bound by fate. Their clash will shake the heavens themselves." The emperor¡¯s expression darkened. Two dragons? But before he could speak, the dragon¡¯s voice rumbled with an ominous warning. "Stop it before a third head is grown." Silence. The meaning was unclear, but one thing was certain¡ªsomething had to be stopped. The emperor clenched his fists. Who were these dragons? What was this third head? The dragon refused to answer. Its gaze lingered on the emperor one final time before its body turned to golden mist, vanishing into the shadows of the throne room. The prophecy had been spoken. The future was now set in motion. --- A Glimpse Into the Unknown Far from the empire¡¯s throne room, in a place untouched by time, two figures stood in the endless void, observing the events unfolding. One figure loomed in the darkness, his presence hidden, yet suffocating in its intensity. The void itself trembled under his gaze. The second figure stood beside him¡ªan imposing man with flowing black hair, his golden eyes gleaming with something beyond human comprehension. The first figure, his form barely visible, spoke in a familiar yet distorted voice. "So this is where it begins." The second figure, whose presence radiated both wisdom and power, remained silent for a moment before replying. "No. It began long before this." The shadowy figure chuckled. "And yet, despite everything, they still make the same choices." The black-haired man¡ªHarwinder¡ªglanced at him. "Are you disappointed?" The shadowed figure did not respond. He simply continued watching as the prophecy unfolded. Then, as if sensing something, Harwinder turned his gaze towards the reader, staring directly through the pages of the story itself. "You shall know the truth about me soon. Keep patience till then." And then, in the blink of an eye, the two figures vanished, leaving only the whispers of fate behind. --- Valen¡¯s Perspective: Understanding the World Years later, sitting in the grand library of House Veridian, Valen flipped through an ancient tome. He was only ten years old, but his mind had long surpassed that of his peers. "The world is built on power." He read about the Eight Realms of Sword, Spear, and Magic¡ªthe limits of human capability. Sword Realms: 1. Iron Realm ¨C The foundation of swordsmanship. 2. Silver Realm ¨C Mastery of movement and precision. 3. Crimson Realm ¨C The fusion of intent and blade. 4. Phantom Realm ¨C Speed and illusionary strikes. 5. Dragon Realm ¨C The birth of elemental power. 6. Sovereign Realm ¨C The peak of mortal swordsmanship. 7. Celestial Realm ¨C A blade that defies reality. 8. Eternal Realm ¨C The domain of sword gods. But blessings were an even greater force. He turned the page, his gaze sharpening. "Blessings are ranked from F to S, bestowed by gods upon those they deem worthy." F-Rank: Barely above an ordinary human. E-Rank: Minor enhancements, useful for commoners. D-Rank: Basic abilities, often given to soldiers. C-Rank: Slightly above-average talent, common among knights. B-Rank: The level of skilled warriors and lesser nobles. A-Rank: The mark of true prodigies, often held by high-ranking nobles. S-Rank: The power of the chosen¡ªmonsters among men. Valen''s eyes darkened as he read the final passage. "Only a handful in history have been granted S-Rank blessings... The gods choose them for a reason." His heart pounded. He already knew he had received an S-Rank blessing from the God of War, Ares, and the God of Death, Thanatos. But he was not alone. Somewhere out there, his rival¡ªthe one destined to challenge him¡ªhad received the same level of power. A boy born in obscurity. A boy named Marcus Alderwood¡ªblessed by Archangel Lucifer and the Goddess of Light. Valen closed the book, his mind racing. "I was born to rule. To conquer. To wield the power of the dragon." He didn¡¯t yet know that another had been born that night. Nor did he realize that his greatest rival¡ªthe one who would change history itself¡ªwould be the third head of the dragon. And that head had yet to awaken. --- End of Chapter 2 Shadows of the past Shadows of past Valen sat in his chamber, the weight of the past pressing down on him. The distant memory of his father, the Duke of Veridian, remained clear in his mind, a man of tremendous power and influence. However, this power came at a terrible cost, one that Valen couldn¡¯t entirely understand, though the echoes of it haunted him. It was his father¡¯s cruelty that changed the course of Valen¡¯s life. To awaken his Thanatos blessing, Valen''s father had made a dreadful decision¡ªhe poisoned Valen¡¯s mother to ensure she would not survive his birth. This act of violence was carried out to claim the power he needed, breaking through to the Seventh Realm of the Sword. But Valen had always believed that his own awakening of power had come as a natural result of his bloodline, the truth hidden from him. Valen had never known the full story. All he knew was the guilt that weighed on him, the dreams that plagued his sleep, the strange feelings that came with the faces he could never place. Dreams of a child, around the age of eight or nine, standing over a dead woman. The face of the woman was always unclear, but the image was vivid. Every night, he woke drenched in cold sweat, feeling as though something was terribly wrong. But the truth was locked away in the recesses of his mind, hidden by his own subconscious. --- Marcus''s Story: The Village¡¯s Demise A time came when Valen¡¯s life intertwined with that of Marcus Alderwood, a commoner whose family had once been part of a royal bloodline before they were overthrown. Marcus was a man forged by tragedy, having lost everything at a young age. At the age of nine, Marcus¡¯s village had been destroyed by the royal family. It wasn¡¯t Valen¡¯s family, but the Alderwood family¡¯s fall had caused upheaval across the land. Soldiers, under orders from the new rulers, had razed the village, leaving no one alive. It was a ruthless act, carried out for reasons only those in power understood. But Marcus had survived, thanks to his grandfather, an old knight who had once served the royal family. Though the knight was aging and no longer as powerful as he once was, he fought fiercely to protect Marcus. In their final moments, the old knight had managed to protect Marcus, ensuring his escape from the flames. As they fled, the grandfather spoke to Marcus, his words heavy with wisdom. "Darkness will always pull you toward it, Marcus. It will seem comforting, as it lets you escape the harshness of reality. But never forget, once you fall into the darkness, you cannot escape to the light. You will only imagine light for the rest of your life, but you will never see it. Power, true power, is meant to have a purpose. Don¡¯t lose yourself to it. It will change you, and you may never come back.¡± Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The old knight¡¯s words stayed with Marcus throughout his life, even after his grandfather passed away. --- The Sword: The Legacy of the Knight After the death of his grandfather, Marcus found himself standing at the edge of the life he had once known. Alone and without a home, he wandered the broken world. But his grandfather had left him with something important¡ªhis sword. It wasn¡¯t just any sword; it was a weapon that had seen countless battles and victories, a relic of the past, forged to protect the weak. Marcus stood alone, holding the sword in his hands. It was heavy, but not just in weight. It carried the legacy of a knight¡¯s honor, a history of loss, and the burden of protecting those who had no voice. It was this very sword that would define Marcus¡¯s path forward. "You must carry this sword not as a tool of violence but as a symbol of justice," his grandfather had said before he passed. "Let it remind you of your duty, even when the world seems to want to crush you beneath its weight." The sword became Marcus¡¯s companion, his reason for continuing his fight, for refusing to allow the darkness to consume him completely. It wasn¡¯t just a sword; it was a promise¡ªa promise to carry on his grandfather¡¯s legacy. --- The Meeting at Elara''s Funeral The death of Elara, Valen¡¯s maid, marked a turning point in Valen''s life. It was during her funeral that Valen finally crossed paths with Marcus. Valen stood in silence, the air heavy with the loss. Elara had been one of the few people in Valen''s life whom he had trusted completely. She had been loyal, always there to support him through his darkest moments. Her sudden death left him with a deep sense of emptiness that he couldn¡¯t explain. Marcus, standing at the edge of the crowd, met Valen¡¯s gaze for a brief moment. The two had never truly met before, but they shared a bond of tragedy. Marcus stepped forward, moving toward Valen with a somber expression. "Valen," Marcus said quietly, his voice steady yet filled with grief. "There¡¯s something you need to know." Valen looked at him, confused. "What are you talking about?" His heart was heavy, filled with unspoken questions. Marcus hesitated for a moment, his hands clenched at his sides. Then, in a voice that seemed to carry the weight of years, he spoke the words that would haunt Valen forever. "I killed Elara," Marcus said with a bitter smile. "Revenge. Her father was your father¡¯s guard. But he did nothing to save us when the village was burned. I had to make him pay." Valen''s heart pounded, a storm of emotions swirling within him. "But... why take her life?" Valen''s voice was filled with confusion and pain. "Because," Marcus continued, his gaze never leaving Valen, "I knew what it would cost me, but I couldn¡¯t let you be weak. You needed to see the world for what it truly was. I took that burden, so you wouldn¡¯t have to carry it." Valen stood frozen, his mind racing. The words didn¡¯t make sense, but the conviction in Marcus¡¯s voice was undeniable. His world, already filled with confusion, was now even more fractured. The one person he had trusted, the one who had always been loyal, was now tied to the death of someone he held dear. --- End of Chapter 3 The price of ascension --- Chapter 4: The Price of Ascension Scene 1: The Awakening of Lucifer¡¯s Power ¨C Marcus¡¯ Escape After hearing the truth, Valen is paralyzed by shock. Marcus sees his only chance. He grips the Celestial Blade, feeling a strange pull¡ªsomething ancient, something alive. A voice whispers in his mind, resonating from the depths of the sword: > "You¡­ you are worthy." A surge of dark celestial light erupts from the blade, shaking the hall. The force sends Valen and the nobles reeling back as the energy explodes outward. Marcus barely controls it¡ªbut it¡¯s enough. He vanishes, escaping into the night. As he flees, a single black feather drifts to the floor¡ªa silent mark of Lucifer¡¯s presence. --- Scene 2: The Duke¡¯s Offer ¨C A Path to Power Valen remains frozen, his mind racing. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. But the Duke of Veridian stands beside him, unfazed. Duke Veridian: "Now, you know the truth. What will you do?" Valen, trembling, asks if he was just a pawn all along. The Duke smirks. > "All of us are pawns until we rise above the board." The only way forward is clear: To become the heir, Valen must eliminate his competing siblings. > "If you are weak, you will be discarded." A trial of blood awaits. --- Scene 3: The Heir¡¯s Bloodbath Valen does not hesitate. He hunts down and kills his siblings, one by one. Each strike changes him. The last remnants of his innocence shatter as their blood stains his hands. Yet, he spares his youngest sister, whispering that this is mercy. Finally, he stands before his father, coated in the blood of his kin. > "I am the heir now." The Duke nods in approval. --- Scene 4: The Trial of the Fallen Archangel (Marcus¡¯ Perspective, after escaping) Marcus, exhausted and injured, stumbles into a dark forest. The Celestial Blade pulses in his grasp, burning like a living thing. The world around him blurs¡ª And suddenly, he is somewhere else. --- Lucifer¡¯s Realm ¨C The Trial of Intent Marcus finds himself in a void of stars, surrounded by celestial ruins and chains. A towering figure stands before him¡ªLucifer. Once Heaven¡¯s brightest light. Now a being bound in exile. > Lucifer: "Why have you taken up this blade, child of Alderwood?" Marcus, still burning with hatred, declares his intent. > "I will bring down the Empire. I will kill them all." Lucifer¡¯s golden-black wings unfurl. His eyes darken, filled with storms. > "Then let us see your truth." --- The Trial ¨C Two Paths Marcus is forced into a vision. 1. The Path of Revenge He sees himself slaughtering the Imperial Family and nobility, leaving the empire in flames. Yet, he also sees his own mind break, consumed by bloodlust. He becomes no better than those he hates. 2. The Path of Rebellion Instead of destruction, he tears down the corrupt system. He leads a revolution, not as a monster, but as a leader. He frees the people, wielding power not for vengeance, but for justice. --- Lucifer¡¯s Judgment Lucifer¡¯s voice booms, shaking the void. > "If you seek only blood, then know this¡ªI will shatter your mind the moment you strike down the Imperial Family." > "You may borrow my strength, but not for senseless slaughter." --- Scene 5: Marcus¡¯ Resolve ¨C The Celestial Blade Evolves Marcus kneels, gripping the sword tightly. He breathes heavily¡ªand chooses his path. > "Then I will use your power¡ªnot for revenge, but to end this corrupt rule." The Celestial Blade ignites, glowing with dark celestial energy. Its once Spirit-grade form shatters¡ª It is no longer just an old family relic. It is now a weapon that will evolve alongside Marcus, capable of surpassing even Divine-grade. > Lucifer: "Then rise, Marcus Alderwood. Wield my power and break your chains." The trial ends. Marcus awakens, drenched in sweat, the sword humming with newfound power. --- Final Scene: The Two Paths Are Set Valen stands over the corpses of his siblings, the new heir to House Veridian. Marcus wields the newly awakened Celestial Blade, now Lucifer¡¯s chosen. Both have taken their first true steps. Their paths will collide¡ª Not as friends, but as the unstoppable force against the immovable object. And in the shadows, Lucifer watches, awaiting the day his own fate will be decided. The Imperial academy Pre trial Measure of potential Chapter 5 ¨C The Imperial Academy Pre-Trial: The Measure of Potential Narrated by Valen Veridian 4 years Had passed since the cruel truth --- The Imperial Academy stood before us, an unyielding fortress that had shaped generations of rulers, warriors, and strategists. It was not a place for the weak. Those who could not endure would break before they could rise. This was the path of the strong. I adjusted the insignia of House Veridian on my uniform, my expression unreadable as I stepped forward. Around me, the gathered heirs of noble families whispered among themselves, their gazes shifting between awe, fear, and determination. It was here that the future of the empire would be decided. The academy was where the greatest of our generation would clash, not just with each other, but against the trials designed to break us. And yet, I knew one truth above all: I would not break. I had already endured the worst that the world had to offer. --- Potential Stages The Blessing Pillar determined not just our blessings, but also our potential¡ªthe highest realm we could ever hope to reach. Mortal Tier ¨C The limit of ordinary humans, destined to remain insignificant. Knight Tier ¨C The level of trained warriors, capable but replaceable. Elite Tier ¨C A step beyond, where talent begins to shine. Grand Tier ¨C A rare level, marking those with the potential to lead. Saint Tier ¨C The realm of prodigies, those who could change history. Divine Tier ¨C A level so rare and powerful that only a handful in history had ever reached it. No one here had the Divine Tier. But that did not mean it was impossible to surpass our limits. We would see who could defy fate. --- The Arrival of the Noble Heirs Each noble house carried its own legacy, its own ambition. This was not just a gathering of students¡ªthis was a battlefield, where the strongest bloodlines sought to carve their names into history. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. These were the ones who would shape the empire¡¯s future. --- 1. House Veridian ¨C The Empire¡¯s Sword Heir: Valen Veridian (Me.) Blessings: Ares (War), Thanatos (Death) ¨C S-Rank Potential: High Saint Tier House Veridian did not rise through inheritance¡ªwe forged our destiny through strength. We are the shield of the empire and its most loyal guardians. --- 2. House Evernight ¨C The Shadows of the Empire Heir: Selene Evernight Blessing: Shadow Empress (Stealth & Illusion) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier Masters of espionage and intelligence, the Evernight family ensures the empire¡¯s enemies remain invisible corpses before they can strike. --- 3. House Vortigern ¨C The Empire¡¯s Shield Heir: Galahad Vortigern Blessing: Archangel Michael (Holy War) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier A warrior of unshakable honor, Galahad carries the legacy of the empire¡¯s mightiest knights, those who fight not for personal glory, but for duty. --- 4. House Caelum ¨C Lords of the Sky Heir: Lucian Caelum Blessing: Storm Deity (Wind & Lightning) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier Rulers of the skies, their aerial cavalry dominates battlefields with unrivaled speed and precision. --- 5. House Dragunov ¨C The Dragon Slayers Heir: Siegfried Dragunov Blessing: Dragon Slayer (Fire & Strength) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier A warrior without equal, forged in battle, feared even among his peers for his sheer strength and tenacity. --- 6. House Morvan ¨C Masters of Wealth Heir: Cyril Morvan Blessing: Merchant King (Wealth & Schemes) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Low Saint Tier Power is not always found in swords and magic¡ªCyril controls the empire¡¯s wealth, and through it, the future. --- 7. House Lysander ¨C The Divine Vanguard Heir: Seraphina Lysander Blessing: Goddess of Light (Holy Magic & Purification) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Low Saint Tier A warrior-priestess said to receive divine revelations, a beacon of light in a world filled with shadows. --- 8. House Albrecht ¨C Masters of Alchemy Heir: Vesper Albrecht Blessing: Philosopher¡¯s Gift (Alchemy & Transmutation) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Low Saint Tier A genius whose knowledge surpasses even the greatest scholars, seeking forbidden truths that others fear to pursue. --- The Commoner Contenders Then there were the commoners. Among them, I saw Marcus Alderwood. A name that should have been forgotten, a remnant of a dynasty long erased. But he would not let go of the past. Where I sought to protect the empire, he sought to tear it down. He was strong¡ªthere was no denying that. His presence alone had earned him a place among us, and the academy¡¯s trials would forge him further. --- 1. Marcus Alderwood ¨C The Rebellious Flame Blessings: Lucifer (Rebellion), Goddess of Light ¨C S-Rank Potential: High Saint Tier He was a contradiction, a warrior blessed by both divine light and the archangel of rebellion. A symbol of conflict. --- 2. Ellis Runestone ¨C The Hawkeye Archer Blessing: Artemis (Archery & Precision) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier A master archer whose arrows never miss their mark. --- 3. Michael Ollivier ¨C The Battle Strategist Blessing: Hermes (Tactics & Speed) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier A genius on the battlefield, able to predict and counter his enemies before they even move. --- Their presence was a reminder¡ªthe empire was changing. Strength was no longer limited to noble bloodlines. And that was why this academy existed. To separate the worthy from the weak. --- The Pre-Trial: Measuring Potential The first test was not a battle, but a simple truth. A stone pillar stood at the center of the courtyard, ancient runes glowing faintly across its surface. This was the Blessing Pillar, an artifact that would measure both our blessings and potential¡ªa reflection of what we were born to achieve. One S-Rank Blessing ¨C Low Saint Tier. Two S-Rank Blessings ¨C High Saint Tier. The crowd murmured as the results were revealed, each noble heir standing tall as their destinies were confirmed. And then, it was my turn. I stepped forward, placing my palm against the pillar. The world seemed to hold its breath. For a moment, there was nothing¡ªthen, golden-red light erupted from the pillar, tendrils of energy crackling through the air. Blessings: Ares (War), Thanatos (Death) ¨C S-Rank. Potential: High Saint Tier. Then, Marcus stepped forward. His fingers brushed the stone, and instantly, radiant and abyssal light clashed, forming a storm of opposing energies. Blessings: Lucifer (Rebellion), Goddess of Light ¨C S-Rank. Potential: High Saint Tier. The crowd fell silent. Marcus and I were equals in potential. For now. But potential was not the same as strength. This academy would test more than just our talent¡ªit would test our resolve. And I would prove that strength alone is not enough to change the world. --- End of Chapter 5 Faction wars and allies Chapter: The Noble Families ¨C Their Heads & Heirs The war simulation Allies & Rivals The classroom was unusually silent as the instructor stepped forward, his sharp gaze sweeping over the assembled students. Today was a special lesson¡ªone that determined the standing of every noble present. "The noble hierarchy of the Kiel Empire is divided into several ranks," the instructor began, his voice firm. "At the very top, the Imperial Family reigns supreme. Below them are the Three Duke Houses, the pillars of the empire. The Marquis House stands as an elite force, while the Count Houses govern regions and specialize in various fields. Beyond them, rising commoners are proving that noble blood is not the only path to power." As the instructor continued, the students whispered among themselves. Some were confident in their family¡¯s prestige, while others eyed their rivals with thinly veiled hostility. --- 1. The Imperial Family (Current Rulers) Emperor Augustus Veridian ¨C A ruler shrouded in mystery, rarely seen in public. His strength is whispered about in fearful tones, and his rule is absolute. Crown Prince Alexander Veridian ¨C The heir to the throne. A brilliant strategist and powerful warrior, many see him as the future of the empire. --- 2. The Duke Houses (The Three Pillars of the Empire) House Veridian (Military Might & War Generals) Head: Duke Darius Veridian ¨C A battle-hardened warlord, feared even among his own soldiers. He raised his son to be a weapon, not a human. Heir: Valen Veridian ¨C The fallen heir. Once destined to rule, now walking his own path. Blessed by Ares and Thanatos House Vortigern (Knight Commanders & Imperial Loyalty) Head: Duke Dyke Vortigern ¨C The strongest knight of the empire, a living legend. One of the five people on the continent to reach the Seventh Realm. Heir: Galahad Vortigern ¨C A warrior bound by honor. Dedicated to protecting the empire, he believes strength should serve justice, not tyranny. House Evernight (Espionage & Shadow Warfare) Head: Duchess Morganna Evernight ¨C A ghost in the dark. Her name alone is enough to strike fear, for she controls the empire¡¯s network of spies and assassins. Heir: Selene Evernight ¨C A mystery even among nobles. She rarely speaks, but when she does, it is either in whispers or riddles. Some claim she can vanish into thin air. --- 3. The Marquis House (Specialized Warfare & Elite Forces) House Caelum (Aerial Cavalry & Griffon Riders) Head: Marquis Castor Caelum ¨C A master tactician, commanding the empire¡¯s sky forces. Heir: Lucian Caelum ¨C An arrogant yet skilled prodigy, leading the empire¡¯s griffon riders. Few can match his agility in aerial combat. --- 4. The Count Houses (Regional Powerhouses & Specialists) House Dragunov (Dragon Slayers & Military Commanders) Head: Count Viktor Dragunov ¨C A warrior so fearsome that he once killed a dragon with his bare hands. One of the five strongest warriors on the continent. Heir: Siegfried Dragunov ¨C A battle-hardened warrior who wields a dragon-forged spear. He laughs in the face of danger. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. House Albrecht (Alchemy & Magic Enhancements) Head: Countess Isabella Albrecht ¨C A master of alchemy, responsible for the empire¡¯s arcane advancements. Heir: Vesper Albrecht ¨C A reclusive genius, obsessed with forbidden alchemy and the secrets of immortality. House Morvan (Economic Power & Trade) Head: Count Lionel Morvan ¨C A manipulative merchant-lord, controlling vast trade networks. Heir: Cyril Morvan ¨C A smooth-talking schemer, always seeking to gain the upper hand. House Lysander (Religious Influence & Holy Warriors) Head: High Priestess Eleanor Lysander ¨C A woman who claims to speak to the gods. Heir: Seraphina Lysander ¨C A holy warrior-priestess, wielding divine magic. Some believe she receives true prophecies. --- 5. The Rising Commoners & Other Important Figures Marcus Alderwood ¨C The last descendant of the fallen royal family. Blessed by Lucifer and the Goddess of Light, he walks the path of rebellion. Ellis Runestone ¨C A skilled archer, unimpressed by the so-called "noble heirs." Michael Ollivier ¨C A strategic genius, waiting for his moment to prove himself. --- The Student Reactions & Conversations As the instructor concluded, murmurs filled the room. Random Student 1: "So Siegfried¡¯s father is one of the five strongest warriors in the entire continent?! No wonder he¡¯s so cocky..." Random Student 2: "House Evernight is terrifying¡­ No one ever sees their assassins coming." Random Student 3: "Valen Veridian... If his father raised him, he must be a monster on the battlefield." Random Student 4: "The Vortigerns are true knights. Galahad will bring honor to the empire, just like his father!" Random Student 5: "The Morvans are the real rulers of the empire. Money decides everything." --- The Transition to the Potential Test Just as the students'' discussions reached their peak, the instructor raised a hand, silencing the room. "Now that you understand the noble hierarchy," he said, his voice steady, "it is time to determine your own standing." A murmur of anticipation spread through the class. "The Potential Test begins now." --- ThChapter 6 ¨C The Faction War Simulation: Allies & Rivals Narrated by Valen Veridian The revelation of potential had left the crowd murmuring in shock. The heirs of noble families had stepped forward, their bloodlines and blessings measured against the ancient pillar. And in the end, two names had shattered expectations¡ªmine and Marcus Alderwood¡¯s. High Saint Tier. Two monsters standing on equal ground. But that was only the beginning. --- The Rest of the Heirs: Their Blessings & Reactions The instructor called out more names, and one by one, the remaining noble heirs stepped forward to receive their verdict. Galahad Vortigern ¨C The Knight of Honor Blessing: Archangel Michael (Holy War) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier Galahad stood before the pillar, his hand pressing against the ancient stone. A burst of divine light engulfed him, golden flames illuminating his armor. The knight¡¯s gaze remained firm, unshaken by the spectacle. "I will bring justice to the empire¡¯s weak with my strength," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. The crowd nodded in respect. House Vortigern had always stood as the empire¡¯s shield, and Galahad embodied that legacy. --- Siegfried Dragunov ¨C The Dragon Slayer Blessing: Dragon Slayer (Fire & Strength) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier The moment Siegfried touched the pillar, a blazing inferno erupted from its core. Flames swirled around him, crackling with raw power. His grin widened as he turned to face the gathered students. "Hahahahaha! Two people with better potential?" he roared, his voice filled with amusement. "I¡¯ll surpass them and bring glory to my family!" A few students chuckled nervously, while others looked on in admiration. Siegfried was a force of nature, and he knew it. --- Selene Evernight ¨C The Phantom of Shadows Blessing: Shadow Empress (Stealth & Illusion) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier Selene approached the pillar in complete silence. As her fingers brushed the stone, the very air around her seemed to darken. A void-like energy spread outward, swallowing the light for a brief moment before dissipating. She said nothing. She only turned and walked away, her expression unreadable. Some whispered about the Evernight family''s terrifying abilities. Others simply avoided meeting her gaze. --- Lucian Caelum ¨C The Skyborn Prodigy Blessing: Storm Deity (Wind & Lightning) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier As Lucian placed his hand on the pillar, a burst of wind erupted from beneath his feet, accompanied by the sharp crackle of lightning. He smirked, flipping his hair back as he glanced at his result. "As expected," he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Nothing less for the future ruler of the skies." A few students scoffed, unimpressed by his arrogance. But none dared challenge his strength. --- Cyril Morvan ¨C The Merchant of Schemes Blessing: Merchant King (Wealth & Schemes) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Low Saint Tier Cyril barely even reacted when the pillar glowed faintly in his presence. No flames, no storms¡ªjust an eerie, calculating shimmer. He smirked, adjusting his expensive robes. "Power isn¡¯t just about combat," he mused. "We¡¯ll see who truly comes out on top in the end." Many of the noble heirs ignored him, but the smarter ones knew better than to underestimate a Morvan. --- Seraphina Lysander ¨C The Divine Priestess Blessing: Goddess of Light (Holy Magic & Purification) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Low Saint Tier As Seraphina stepped forward, a gentle radiance enveloped her, bathing the courtyard in a soft golden glow. The very air seemed to hum with divine energy. "God¡­" she whispered under her breath, her eyes filled with quiet reverence. Some students bowed their heads respectfully. Others merely sighed at her devotion. --- Vesper Albrecht ¨C The Forbidden Alchemist Blessing: Philosopher¡¯s Gift (Alchemy & Transmutation) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Low Saint Tier The pillar reacted in an unnatural way when Vesper touched it. The runes twisted and shifted, as if resisting the presence of his blessing. A chilling mist spread outward before vanishing. Vesper only chuckled, his gaze filled with an almost manic curiosity. "Fascinating," he muttered, already lost in thought. The other heirs exchanged uneasy glances. No one wanted to know what was going on inside his head. --- The Commoner Contenders Step Forward As the noble heirs received their results, it was time for the commoners to be tested. Ellis Runestone ¨C The Silent Archer Blessing: Artemis (Archery & Precision) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier The moment Ellis touched the pillar, a silver glow surrounded him, the faint outline of a celestial bow appearing behind him. He scoffed, stepping back. "Hmph," she muttered. "Better than most of those so-called noble heirs." A few nobles sneered, but none challenged him. --- Michael Ollivier ¨C The Strategist Blessing: Hermes (Tactics & Speed) ¨C S-Rank Potential: Mid Saint Tier Michael groaned as he placed his hand on the pillar. A gust of wind swirled around him, symbols of speed and strategy flashing before vanishing. "When will it be my time to shine?" he sighed, shaking his head. "This is boring." The students chuckled, but none denied his intellect. --- The Faction War Simulation ¨C The Next Trial Once the potential tests ended, the instructor stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the gathered students. "The next trial will not be about individual strength," he announced. "It will be about leadership, strategy, and teamwork." A large map materialized behind him, displaying a battlefield divided into territories. "The Faction War Simulation begins now," he declared. "Each of you will be placed into teams of six. Your objective is to capture and defend territories while eliminating rival factions." The rules were simple: Each team starts with one territory. Defeating another faction grants four points. Successfully defending your territory grants three points. A team must reach 60 points to pass. After eliminating a faction, you may take one of their members. The faster you achieve victory, the higher your ranking. The students erupted into whispers. "This will decide our true strength," someone murmured. "This isn¡¯t just a test¡ªit¡¯s war." I glanced at Marcus. His eyes burned with quiet determination. This would be the first true battlefield we stepped onto. And I would prove, once and for all, that strength alone was not enough to change the world. --- Scattered Pieces First war moves Hey guys first know this this are realm of archery which ellis uses Since archery is a distinct combat style focusing on precision, agility, and ranged attacks, it should have its own progression system. Here¡¯s a structured Archery Realm System for your story, aligned with other weapon paths like swords and spears. --- Path of the Bow (Archery Realms): 1. Hawk Realm ¨C Basic archery techniques, improved accuracy. 2. Wind Realm ¨C Enhanced arrow speed, ability to shoot while moving. 3. Storm Realm ¨C Multiple arrow shots, enhanced agility, and prediction skills. 4. Phantom Realm ¨C Stealth-based archery, silent and undetectable shots. 5. Eagle Realm ¨C Extreme precision, hitting moving targets miles away. 6. Starshot Realm ¨C Arrows infused with elemental force, capable of bending trajectory. 7. Celestial Archer Realm ¨C Arrows become almost undodgeable, piercing magical defenses. 8. Eternal Bow Realm ¨C The pinnacle of archery, arrows bend space and time, capable of striking past, present, and future enemies. --- Comparison with Other Weapon Paths: Sword Realm: Close combat mastery (Iron ¡ú Sovereign ¡ú Celestial ¡ú Eternal). Spear Realm: Balance between offense and defense (Stone ¡ú War God ¡ú Void ¡ú Eternal Spear). Archery Realm: Precision and adaptability (Hawk ¡ú Celestial Archer ¡ú Eternal Bow). This system allows archers to progress from basic shooting skills to legendary, reality-defying marksmanship. Ellis Runestone, as a Phantom Realm Archer, would be deadly in stealth and long-range sniping but not yet at the level of bending space-time like an Eternal Bow Got it! I¡¯ll integrate this directly into Chapter 7, keeping everything intact while Phany blending in the academy council discussion about the major figures. The battle will still be narrated by Valen, but I¡¯ll weave in the instructors¡¯ observations to show how the academy is analyzing the war from above. --- Chapter 7 ¨C Scattered Pieces: The First War Moves Narrated by Valen Veridian A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. --- The battlefield was set. The moment the instructor announced the Faction War Simulation, the weak panicked while the strong sharpened their gazes. But the real battle had already begun before the first clash of blades¡ªit began the moment the teams were formed. I looked around. None of the noble heirs I intended to ally with in the future were on my side. A deliberate move by the instructors. I smirked. Smart. They want us to adapt, not rely on pre-made alliances. A quick glance confirmed it¡ªMarcus was also placed on a separate team, along with every major contender. The Temporary Team Leaders: Valen Veridian (Cunning & Manipulation) Marcus Alderwood (Tactics & Resilience) Lucian Caelum (Speed & Aggression) Siegfried Dragunov (Brute Force & Recklessness) Galahad Vortigern (Honor & Defense) Selene Evernight (Deception & Ambushes) Cyril Morvan (Schemes & Diplomacy) Seraphina Lysander (Support & Healing) Ellis Runestone (Precision & Stealth) Michael Ollivier (Strategy & Speed) All of them stood at Mid Fourth Realm, with only Marcus and me standing above at High Fourth Realm. The war had already begun. --- Academy Council Chamber ¨C Instructor Discussion Above the battlefield, in the Academy¡¯s Observation Hall, the instructors gathered. A holographic projection of the battlefield floated before them, tracking each faction¡¯s movements. Instructor Aldric leaned forward, eyes sharp. ¡°They¡¯ve split apart exactly as we expected.¡± The Headmaster nodded. ¡°A necessary test. If we let them form early alliances, they would dominate too quickly.¡± Kael, the magic instructor, gestured at the display. ¡°Let¡¯s go over the key figures.¡± --- The Sword Masters Valen Veridian ¨C Phantom Realm (Fourth Realm of Swords) Abilities: Mastery over war and death. Unmatched in close combat. Blessings: Ares (War) & Thanatos (Death). Advantage: Overwhelming battle presence, capable of leading armies. Marcus Alderwood ¨C Phantom Realm (Fourth Realm of Swords) Abilities: His sword can cut through illusions and reveal truth. Blessings: Lucifer (Rebellion) & Goddess of Light. Advantage: Counters deception, disrupts enemy tactics. Aldric frowned. ¡°Both Valen and Marcus are High Fourth Realm. That already puts them above the rest.¡± --- The Spear Masters Siegfried Dragunov ¨C Storm Spear Realm (Fourth Realm of Spears) Abilities: Unmatched destructive spear techniques. Blessings: Dragon Slayer (Fire & Strength). Advantage: Devastating charges, battlefield dominance. Galahad Vortigern ¨C Storm Spear (Fourth Realm of Spears) Abilities: Wields a colossal greatshield, making him an unbreakable wall. Blessings: Archangel Michael (Holy War). Advantage: Impenetrable defense, tactical battlefield control. --- The Mages Selene Evernight Archmage Realm (Fourth Realm of Magic, Shadow Variant) Abilities: Controls shadows, can vanish at will, and creates illusions. Blessings: Shadow Empress (Stealth & Illusion). Advantage: Untrackable, manipulates perception. Seraphina Lysander ¨C Archmage Realm (Fourth Realm of Magic, Holy Variant) Abilities: Healing, purification, and divine barriers. Blessings: Goddess of Light (Holy Magic & Purification). Advantage: Counters dark magic, supports allies. Vesper Albrecht ¨C Archmage Realm (Fourth Realm of Magic, Alchemy Variant) Abilities: Alters substances, creates potions, and manipulates battlefield conditions. Blessings: Philosopher¡¯s Gift (Alchemy & Transmutation). Advantage: Resourcefulness¡ªcan adapt to any scenario. --- The Tactical Figures Cyril Morvan ¨C Archmage Realm (Fourth Realm of Schemes & Manipulation) Abilities: Controls trade and negotiates alliances mid-battle. Blessings: Merchant King (Wealth & Schemes). Advantage: Can bribe, blackmail, or manipulate enemies. Michael Ollivier ¨C Archmage Realm (Fourth Realm of Strategy & Speed) Abilities: Superhuman tactical processing speed. Blessings: Hermes (Tactics & Speed). Advantage: Unrivaled in command and positioning. Ellis Runestone ¨C Phantom Realm (Fourth Realm of Archery) Abilities: Extreme precision. Can hit moving targets from miles away. Blessings: Artemis (Archery & Precision). Advantage: Controls battlefield from afar. --- The First Strategies Unfold Back on the battlefield, the war began to take shape. I turned to my assigned group. Four unfamiliar faces. Three boys, one girl¡ªnone of them remarkable in power. "Alright," I said, my voice calm but firm. "We¡¯re not fighting first. If we attack, we make enemies early. Our goal is simple¡ªclaim a base and wait." One of the boys scoffed. "That¡¯s cowardly." I sighed. "It¡¯s called strategy. We let others weaken themselves first." He hesitated but nodded. The moment we reached a small fort in the southern region, I let my team secure the territory. 3 Points secured. That was enough¡ªfor now. --- Meanwhile ¨C The Other Leaders Move Marcus Alderwood¡¯s Team Marcus stood in front of his own group, arms crossed. "We hold the line," he stated. "No reckless fights. We¡¯ll build fortifications and force others to waste energy attacking us." One of his teammates frowned. "But shouldn¡¯t we attack first?" Marcus shook his head. "Early fights make early enemies. If we play the long game, we control the battlefield." His team nodded reluctantly, beginning to fortify their territory. --- Siegfried Dragunov¡¯s Team "Hahahaha! Forget defense, we¡¯re attacking!" Siegfried roared. His flames burned around him as he pointed forward. "Let¡¯s crush the weak and take their points!" Within minutes, Siegfried¡¯s faction had already attacked another team. --- Galahad Vortigern¡¯s Team Galahad stood like a fortress, his greatsword resting on his shoulder. "We will not be the aggressors," he declared. "But if someone comes for us, we will show them the might of House Vortigern." His team took up defensive positions, waiting for challengers. --- Lucian Caelum¡¯s Team Lucian smirked, arms crossed. "Speed. We move fast, take a base, and then strike." His teammates followed as he claimed a watchtower¡ªgiving him a perfect vantage point over the battlefield. --- The Real War Begins I watched from my fort, observing the battlefield. One by one, factions started falling. Then, I smirked. "Alright," I finally said. "Now¡­ we move." And the real war began. --- End of Chapter 7 --- The First Clashes --- Chapter 8: The First Clashes Narrated by Valen Veridian The battlefield was chaos, shifting and unpredictable, but to me, it was nothing more than a game of strategy. Pieces moved. Some fell. And others? They were simply waiting to be used. --- A Beast Slain ¨C Siegfried¡¯s Arrival Siegfried Dragunov wasn¡¯t the type to hesitate. While others strategized, he hunted. His spear¡ªDrakenvyrm, a weapon forged from the bones of a slain dragon¡ªwas stained with fresh blood. Not human blood, but the dark, foul ichor of a simulation beast¡ªa massive warbeast, conjured to test the students. It lay dead at his feet, its head split cleanly in two. Its hulking body convulsed for a moment before going completely still. A deep wound ran from its skull down to its chest, bisected with a single, precise thrust. Siegfried planted his spear into the ground, cracking his neck. His team stood behind him, panting, their bodies covered in scratches and bruises. Unlike him, they weren¡¯t built for war. "Pathetic beast," Siegfried muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Thought it could stop me?" But someone else was watching. From the shadows of the battlefield, Marcus Alderwood observed. His eyes weren¡¯t on the beast or the students¡ªthey were on Siegfried himself. He studied the way Siegfried moved. The brutal efficiency of his spearwork. The way he never hesitated. There was no wasted motion. No unnecessary flourish. Siegfried¡¯s strikes were cold, practical, and devastatingly fast. This one¡­ he was worth taking. Marcus turned to his allies, giving a subtle nod. It¡¯s time. --- The Bait ¨C Siegfried¡¯s Hunt Begins "Galahad Vortigern is nearby." The words were spoken softly, whispered into the ears of Siegfried¡¯s allies¡ªand they weren¡¯t spoken by chance. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Marcus had planned this moment. He had found Siegfried¡¯s weakest links¡ªthe ones most desperate to prove themselves, the ones who couldn¡¯t keep their mouths shut. He cornered them in the midst of battle, pressing his sword against a trembling student¡¯s throat. "Tell Siegfried where Galahad is. Or you won¡¯t leave this battlefield." Their eyes widened in terror. "Y-you wouldn¡¯t¡ª" Marcus didn¡¯t blink. "Try me." They caved instantly. Moments later¡ªSiegfried moved. --- Galahad vs. Siegfried ¨C The Clash of Titans The moment Siegfried arrived, the air itself seemed to grow heavy. Galahad Vortigern, standing at the head of his faction, adjusted his grip on his massive spear, Aetherius. The spear was long, forged from celestial steel, its tip gleaming with a faint golden glow. His Blessing of Archangel Michael radiated around him like a golden halo, making his very presence overwhelming. His expression remained calm, unreadable. But his eyes? They burned with recognition. "Dragunov," Galahad murmured. "I figured you''d come straight for me." Siegfried spun his spear once, letting the flames flicker at its tip. "Of course I did. It¡¯s boring fighting weaklings." Then, without another word¡ªhe lunged. --- Phase One ¨C The Exchange of Blows Their first strikes were simple. Testing each other. Siegfried¡¯s spear blurred forward, rapid and precise, a flaming viper striking at Galahad¡¯s throat. Galahad twisted his spear, parrying the attack with almost mechanical precision. The force behind it sent a shockwave through the air, rustling the dirt beneath them. CLANG! Siegfried¡¯s spear lashed out again¡ªthis time at Galahad¡¯s ribs. CLANG! CLANG! Each parry was flawless. Galahad moved like a knight forged by war, his defense unbreakable. Siegfried clicked his tongue. "Enough warm-up." --- Phase Two ¨C Named Techniques Unleashed Siegfried leaped back, twirling his spear before slamming it into the ground. Flames erupted around him. "Drakenvyrm¡¯s Fang¡ªInfernal Descent!" His spear burned brighter than the sun, its flames roaring like a dragon¡¯s breath. He shot forward, spinning midair, his attack descending like a fiery meteor. Galahad narrowed his eyes. "Aetherius Spear¡ªTitan''s Bastion!" A golden aura exploded outward, forming a shield of divine energy. His spear struck forward, glowing with holy light. BOOM! The moment Siegfried¡¯s spear collided with Galahad¡¯s, the battlefield shook. Fire and light exploded outward, sending weaker students sprawling. The sheer force carved a crater into the ground. And yet¡ªneither fell. Siegfried landed, sliding back with a laugh. "Hah! That¡¯s more like it!" Galahad exhaled, planting his spear into the ground. "You¡¯re reckless, Dragunov. If you only rely on brute force, you¡¯ll never win." Siegfried grinned wider. "Then let¡¯s see how much force it takes to break your defense." --- Phase Three ¨C Blessings Unleashed Siegfried cracked his neck, his grin widening. His Blessing of the Dragon Slayer roared to life. Crimson energy wrapped around him, his spear vibrating with draconic power. His speed doubled. His flames turned black. His very presence became suffocating. Galahad responded in kind. His Blessing of Archangel Michael reached its peak. A golden phantom of a knight in holy armor appeared behind him, mirroring his movements. They charged at the same time. This time¡ªthe land beneath them shattered. --- The Fall of Two Giants ¨C Marcus Strikes They fought. They clashed. And in the end¡ªthey tired. Neither could overpower the other completely. But exhaustion is also a weapon. And Marcus had been waiting. His faction surrounded them, striking from all sides. His tactics were perfect¡ªflawless. Siegfried tried to rally, but his flames were dying down. Galahad tried to resist, but even a Titan falls after enduring too much. And in the final moments¡ªMarcus stood above them. His sword was pointed downward, eyes cold and calculating. "You fought well." Siegfried coughed, smirking even as he lay on the ground. "Bastard¡­ couldn''t even let us finish?" Galahad sighed. "You planned this from the start." Marcus didn¡¯t deny it. Then, he did what no one expected. "You two. I choose you. The Betrayal ¨C ¡°So this is the cost of victory.¡± Marcus¡¯ team froze. Then¡ªpanic. "Wait! What about us? We fought for you!" Another fell to their knees. "Please, Marcus, don¡¯t do this!" Marcus? He didn¡¯t even blink. "You¡¯re weak." One by one, his former allies disappeared¡ªerased. Then, a memory surfaced. --- Flashback ¨C The Instructor¡¯s Warning The students stood in a massive stone hall, its towering walls lined with banners of the Imperial Academy. At the front, an old battle-worn instructor stood with his arms crossed. His gaze was cold¡ªmerciless. "Listen well." His voice cut through the room like a blade. "The Imperial Academy is unlike any other. Only twelve students will pass this trial. And if you fail¡ª" His eyes swept across the room, watching the students tense. "You will not be allowed to join another academy." A murmur spread through the crowd. Someone hesitantly raised a hand. "Then¡­ what happens to those who fail?" The instructor¡¯s lips curled into a smirk. "You will be forgotten." Silence. Another student hesitated before asking, "What if a team leader replaces their members? What happens to the ones who were discarded?" The instructor didn¡¯t even pause. "They will be eliminated." A cold chill ran through the students. Some looked at their teammates uneasily. But Marcus? He was silent. Watching. Calculating. --- Present ¨C The Price of Victory Now? His discarded allies were vanishing before his eyes. Not because they had fallen in battle. Because he had discarded them. Marcus watched, expressionless. Then, for a brief moment¡ªhis fingers trembled. "So this¡­ is the cost of victory." The last pieces Chapter 9: The Last Two Pieces The Calm Before the Storm The battlefield was eerily silent. It wasn''t the kind of quiet that brought comfort. It was the kind that came before something shattered. Marcus Alderwood had made his choice. Only six warriors could advance. He had chosen Siegfried Dragunov and Galahad Vortigern as his allies. That choice had sealed the fates of the others. And they knew it. --- The Ones Left Behind ¨C The Desperation to Survive Marcus¡¯ remaining three allies were still standing. Not as his teammates, but as expendable remnants. Their situation was simple¡ªeither they secured a spot or they were eliminated. They had seen Ellis Runestone. A dangerous fighter. A threat. But more importantly¡ªan opportunity. If they could eliminate Ellis or one of her faction members, they could prove their worth. That was their first plan. But then¡ª A second plan formed. If they couldn¡¯t eliminate Ellis, then perhaps¡ª They could eliminate Siegfried Dragunov instead. After all¡ªMarcus already had his six. What if one of them could take Siegfried¡¯s place? It was a ruthless thought. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. A desperate one. But desperation led to betrayal. --- Ellis'' Arrival ¨C The Watcher in the Trees Ellis Runestone had been watching. For a long time, she had been crouched in the shadows of the dense treeline, scanning the battlefield with sharp, calculating eyes. She had watched Siegfried, Galahad, and Marcus fight. She had watched Marcus¡¯ discarded allies whisper among themselves. And now¡ª She had seen enough. As she stepped out of the trees, the remaining warriors tensed. Siegfried turned his head slightly, acknowledging her presence. "Took you long enough." Ellis didn¡¯t respond. Her sharp green eyes flicked to Marcus'' three former allies. They were too still. Too ready. They weren¡¯t positioning themselves against her. They were positioning themselves against Siegfried. Ellis raised an eyebrow. Interesting. --- Siegfried Steps Into Battle ¨C The Trap is Set Siegfried had no reason to hesitate. He stepped forward, rolling his shoulders, his dragon-forged spear resting against his back. The remaining warriors flanked him, moving alongside him. Kieran walked on his right. Rowan on his left. Darius followed closely behind. Siegfried glanced at them. There was something off about the way they moved. Their hands hovered near their weapons. Their eyes darted between each other. Still, they didn¡¯t attack. Yet. Ellis¡¯ faction stood on the opposite side of the battlefield. She had three allies at her back, their expressions cold, their weapons drawn. A quiet moment passed. Then Siegfried smiled. "What do you say, Ellis?" he asked, voice light with amusement. "You and your people against me?" Ellis exhaled. "You talk too much." Siegfried chuckled. "That¡¯s a yes, then." He spun his spear once, planting his feet firmly. "Come at me. All of you." --- The Betrayal For a moment, it seemed like Marcus¡¯ three former allies were truly with him. They charged alongside Siegfried, rushing toward Ellis¡¯ faction. The clash began. Steel met steel. Ellis fired arrows in quick succession, forcing Siegfried to deflect with rapid spins of his spear. One of Ellis¡¯ allies lunged, but Siegfried sidestepped effortlessly, delivering a brutal counterstrike to the ribs. Another came from behind. Siegfried twisted, blocking the blow with the shaft of his spear, then slammed his elbow into the attacker¡¯s jaw. It was a chaotic, brutal exchange. And then¡ª It happened. Siegfried sensed the shift. Kieran was behind him. Too close. "Siegfried¡ªlook out!" Rowan shouted. Siegfried moved instinctively. He turned¡ªjust in time to see Rowan¡¯s blade swinging at his back. He barely blocked in time, the impact forcing him to stagger a step back. Kieran lunged at his exposed side. Darius swung from the front. They had turned on him. The three warriors Siegfried had fought beside moments ago¡ª Had betrayed him. Siegfried¡¯s smirk didn¡¯t fade. If anything¡ª It widened. --- Siegfried¡¯s Payback "Really? Three-on-one? You think that¡¯s enough?" Siegfried exploded into motion. Kieran came first. Siegfried caught his wrist before the sword could connect and twisted. There was a sharp crack. Kieran screamed. Siegfried let go. The next moment, he grabbed Rowan¡¯s spear mid-thrust. He yanked it forward, sending Rowan stumbling off balance. Siegfried used the momentum¡ªslamming the hilt of his spear into Rowan¡¯s stomach. The fighter crumpled. Darius hesitated. Siegfried turned to him, cracking his neck. "I¡¯ll give you a chance." Darius ran. Siegfried exhaled. Then he turned¡ªto Ellis. She had been watching the entire time, bow still drawn, eyes sharp. Now, it was just the two of them. --- Galahad vs. Ellis ¨C The Clash of Steel and Arrows While Siegfried finished off the traitors, Galahad had his own battle. Ellis had already engaged him, her bow releasing arrows in rapid succession. Galahad was unmoved. His greatsword swept through the air, deflecting every projectile with imposing precision. Ellis¡¯ strategy was clear¡ªkeep the distance. But Galahad¡ª Galahad was closing in. Every step forced Ellis to move faster. To adjust. To find an opening. Their battle was a dance of opposites. Speed vs. Endurance. Ellis fired. Galahad cut the arrow in midair. She flipped backward, drawing two arrows at once. Galahad swung his blade in an upward arc, sending a shockwave that splintered them apart. Neither had gained ground. Neither had conceded. The duel was far from over. --- Marcus vs. Lucian ¨C A Duel of Prodigies Marcus had pursued Lucian Caelum across the battlefield, his blade flashing in the dimming light. Lucian, the sky prodigy, moved like the wind itself. Fast. Unpredictable. Deadly. His twin daggers clashed against Marcus¡¯ sword, their strikes echoing through the trees. Lucian¡¯s aerial combat gave him an advantage. Marcus, however¡ª He fought with brutal efficiency. Every strike was calculated. Every movement refined. Lucian¡¯s speed met Marcus¡¯ precision. Neither could gain the upper hand. Until¡ª A new presence arrived. A presence that sent a suffocating pressure across the battlefield. Marcus felt it immediately. He turned, eyes narrowing. Standing at the edge of the clearing¡ª Valen Veridian had arrived. The air shifted. A silent command. A wordless declaration. "That¡¯s enough." Lucian stepped back, his expression unreadable. Marcus exhaled sharply. He had no choice. He had to retreat. And as he disappeared into the forest¡ª The final factions were falling into place. The arrival of storm As the dust settled from Siegfried¡¯s overwhelming display of dominance, the battlefield was left in a tense silence. His former allies, those who had plotted against him, lay defeated, unable to even lift their weapons. Siegfried stood tall, his dragon-forged spear resting against his shoulder, his eyes filled with nothing but disdain. "You betrayed me," he stated coldly, stepping over the fallen warriors. "I don¡¯t blame you. After all, the world is survival of the fittest." His gaze darkened as he looked down upon them. "But your fault was thinking you were strong enough. You weren¡¯t prepared." With that, he turned away, his role in this battle complete, leaving the remnants of his so-called allies to wallow in their failure. His respect was never given freely¡ªit had to be earned. And as of now, none of them had done so. Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, the duel between Galahad and Ellis raged on. Sparks flew as Galahad¡¯s spear clashed against the arrows of Artemis¡¯ chosen. Ellis moved with the grace of a huntress, each of her shots precise, unerring, but Galahad¡¯s sheer force and unyielding spirit allowed him to deflect them with masterful spearplay. It was a contest of precision versus power, of divine blessings clashing in a violent dance. Ellis¡¯ bow gleamed with an ethereal light, a manifestation of Artemis¡¯ will, while Galahad¡¯s spear burned with the divine radiance of Archangel Michael. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Judgment Spear!" Galahad roared, thrusting his weapon forward, a golden light erupting from its tip. The sheer force of his attack shattered the ground beneath him, sending debris flying in all directions. Ellis narrowed her eyes. "Moonlit Barrage!" she countered, loosing a flurry of arrows infused with lunar energy. Each arrow whistled through the air, forming a constellation of death aimed straight at Galahad. The two attacks collided, creating a shockwave that sent ripples through the battlefield. Dust and energy clashed in a brilliant explosion, momentarily obscuring both combatants. Then, from the haze, a third figure emerged. Marcus. His arrival was not sudden, nor was it unnoticed. He had been watching, calculating, waiting for the right moment. His steps were measured as he entered the battlefield, his presence undeniable. Ellis, panting but still standing strong, turned her gaze toward him. "Here to finish me off?" she asked, a smirk playing on her lips despite her exhaustion. Marcus did not respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Galahad, then back at Ellis, as if weighing something. And then, he spoke. "Ellis¡­ you¡¯re coming with me." Silence fell between them. Ellis¡¯ smirk faded, replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "What?" Galahad, too, looked toward Marcus, waiting for an explanation. Marcus¡¯ eyes were unwavering. "I choose you to be part of my faction." Ellis stared at him, searching his face for any sign of deceit, but found none. Then, she let out a short laugh, shaking her head. "Hah¡­ you really are something else. Fine. But don¡¯t think I¡¯ll follow you blindly." "I wouldn¡¯t expect anything less," Marcus replied. From afar, atop a mighty griffon, Valen and Lucian watched the scene unfold. The wind ruffled Valen¡¯s cloak as he observed Marcus¡¯ actions with a faint, unreadable smile. "Interesting," Valen murmured. "Very interesting." Lucian, sitting beside him, folded his arms. "Are you going to interfere?" Valen chuckled. "Not yet. Let¡¯s see how our dear Marcus continues to play this game." The pieces were falling into place, the factions beginning to form. But the true battle was yet to come.