The Azure Clash had just started, and Kael had already won his first match without lifting a finger. Literally.
Word spread fast.
By the next morning, every corridor in the Academy was buzzing.
"Did you hear? He beat Tevrin the Lightning Swordsman in five seconds!"
"Five? He sneezed! It was one second!"
"He's the secret weapon of Class Alpha!"
Kael, of course, ignored it all. He was walking to class with his hands in his pockets and sleep in his eyes.
He stopped by the courtyard to sit under his favorite tree. Lyra followed behind like a loyal kitten, holding two mugs of warm tea.
"You forgot your breakfast again," she mumbled shyly.
Kael blinked at the tea. "…I like you."
Lyra turned red and nearly dropped the cups.
Before the moment could get more awkward, a whoosh of wind knocked leaves everywhere.
A silver-haired blur landed in front of Kael, arms spread dramatically.
"I found you!"
Kael blinked again. "You are?"
"Prince Nyx Valciel. You may call me Nyx! Future genius, scholar of trouble, and bringer of chaos!"
Kael nodded. "Okay. Please leave."
Nyx grinned wider. "Too late! You're my rival now."
Kael stared at him. "I don't have a rival."
Nyx leaned closer. "Then I'll be your… ally! Frenemy? Sidekick?"
"I don't need those either."
Nyx gasped, offended. "Blasphemy! Everyone needs a sidekick!"
Lyra tugged Kael's sleeve. "Umm… he's the second princess's brother."
"Yeah," Kael said. "That explains the weird."
---
Later: Another Duel… Sort of
The Azure Clash continued through the week. Every day, first-years fought second-years. Kael, to no one's surprise, remained undefeated.
But how he won was what made it legendary.
---
Duel 1: Kael vs. Liora the Blade Dancer
Liora was fast. Elegant. She twirled through the air, swords gleaming like moonlight.
She made a big entrance. Danced toward Kael with energy and flair.
Kael sat on a bench inside the ring.
She charged. Flipped. Spun.
Kael yawned and stretched his leg.
She tripped on it mid-flip. Her swords flew into the sky.
She landed in a heap.
The crowd was dead silent.
Then the referee raised his hand. "W-Winner… Kael Vaelthorn?"
Kael blinked. "Oh. That was a fight?"
---
Duel 2: Kael vs. Galdor the Iron Wall
Galdor was huge. A Warden-class tank with muscles bigger than Kael's whole body.
He walked into the ring dragging a giant tower shield.
"I shall test your strength, first-year!"
Kael sighed. "Please don't yell."
Galdor stomped forward.
Kael calmly sipped his tea.
Galdor raised his shield—and slipped on Kael's discarded napkin.
The man fell. The shield slammed down on his own head.
Knocked out cold.
The crowd screamed in disbelief.
Kael: "That's why I use two napkins."
---
Meanwhile: Elira Observes
Princess Elira Valciel watched Kael from the observation balcony.
"He's not even trying," she muttered.
Beside her, Nyx leaned dramatically over the railing. "It's destiny! He's a mystery wrapped in sarcasm. A nap-loving enigma."
Elira sighed. "He's just lazy."
"He's secretly the strongest person here."
Elira didn't respond, but her eyes stayed fixed on Kael, who was now sitting upside down on the bench, trying to nap between matches.
---
Back in the Waiting Room
Lyra brought him another cup of tea.
Kael nodded. "You're too good to me."
She hid behind her bangs. "I… I just don't want you to forget to eat."
Nyx suddenly burst into the room with a scroll.
"Kael! I signed us up for the doubles match! You and me! Partners!"
Kael stared.
"…Why?"
"Bonding!"
"Cancel it."
"Too late!"
Chapter 14 end