Chapter 23 – The Trial by Fire Begins
Luthmere Field—where the earth remembered every drop of blood spilled by Luther blades.
Dawn broke through heavy clouds as Jean rode to the edge of the battlefield. Wind rippled through the tall grass, and the sacred stones of the old warrior-kings stood like silent judges in the distance.
She dismounted in silence.
Behind her, four hundred warriors stood ready—Envoy Knights, trusted retainers, and newfound allies, their armor gleaming beneath her banner of light. Kael stood to her right, cloak flaring in the breeze, his spear humming with storm-charged energy. Whitney circled them, fully in his divine form, mane aglow with radiant marks.
Across the field waited Sylas Luther.
He stood at the front of his army of over a thousand. His armor was black and edged with steel. His sword, known as Midnight Reign, pulsed with violet aura—rumored to have been reforged using forbidden Magistery techniques.
He gave her the faintest bow.
"Sister."
Jean unsheathed Radiant Fang, its blade blazing like sunlight in mortal form.
"Traitor."
Trumpets called.
From the high ridge, Charles Luther and Silvia watched from a judgment tower built of stone and tradition. The Patriarch's voice, heavy with power, carried over the field:
"Let the Trial by Fire begin. Victory determines the path of the Luther bloodline. Death is permitted. Mercy is not required."
The horn blew thrice.
And the war began.
Sylas opened with an aggressive push—his shield wall surged forward while aura-empowered cavalry swept the flanks. His mages—traitors from the borderlands—launched dark flame across the field.
Jean raised her sword.
"Form Line! Shield Wall! On my mark—advance!"
Kael raised his hand and summoned a storm wind. It blasted down, redirecting enemy flame and scattering cavalry formations. Whitney pounced on the flank, tearing through horsemen with divine fury.
Jean led the charge herself.
Radiant Fang tore through steel and spell alike. Her presence in battle was like that of a comet—brilliant, sudden, unstoppable. Her aura rippled into the hearts of her warriors, empowering them beyond fear.
On the far ridge, Sylas watched, eyes narrowing.
"She's learned well," he muttered. "Time for her to be reminded of pain."
He raised his blade—and unleashed a forbidden technique.
Dark lightning crackled across the field.
Jean turned just in time to see it heading for her.
But a spear intercepted it—Kael's wind-forged weapon cracking from the force. He staggered.
Jean caught him.
"Still alive," Kael growled. "But he's not holding back."
Jean rose slowly, eyes glowing.
"Neither am I."
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