The midday sun hovered high, its light filtering through the enchanted dome above the grand arena. Nobles packed the colonnades, their fine robes catching the breeze as murmurs swept the crowd like a restless tide. At the heart of it all stood two men—giants among mortals—facing each other beneath the weight of legacy.
Light armor clung to both forms, but only one wore command like a second skin.
Edgar de' Medici—Marquis, warrior, husband, father.
Melios Archy—Count, noble of old blood, a blade honed by storms.
Across the arena, Amanda sat still as marble, her presence serene. Edgar caught her gaze—smiled, faintly.
Beside her, nestled among finely dressed children, William whispered beneath his breath:
"Third Eye."
STATUS WINDOW
NAME: Melios Archy
LEVEL: 71
ESSENCE: Water
RACE: Human
AGE: 35
HP: 7295/7295
ESSENCE: 10600/10800
STRENGTH / AGILITY / DURABILITY: 7200
INTELLIGENCE: 140
SKILLS:
Tidal Slash
Aqueous Shield
Rain of Daggers
Hydro Cannon
Oceanic Wrath
Whirlpool Bind
Trident of the Sea King
Domain of the Sea King
[WOW... EVEN MATCHED STATS. THIS IS GOING TO BE BRUTAL.]
Wiz's voice buzzed in William's mind.
[BUT I STILL THINK EDGAR LOOKS COOLER.]
William smirked. "Biased much?"
A sudden boom of voice broke the hum of anticipation.
"Hello, hello, and hello, ladies and gentlemen!"
All turned as the Duke of Bavaria strode into the arena like a man born on a stage. Gold embroidery shimmered on his cloak, his white gloves pristine, a ceremonial saber resting at his side.
"Today, I shall serve as referee. And with me watching—"
(he winked at the crowd)
"—there shall be no cheating… only honor."
A few aristocrats chuckled politely. Others looked to their rings, silently recording the match for posterity.
"The rules," the Duke continued, now all command. "No domains. No essence weapons. No prisons. No kill-level attacks. Two skills only. One chosen weapon."
(He paused, then, with a devilish grin)
"And of course… do try not to kill each other. It's a friendly duel."
From the terrace, William's eyes narrowed.
"The Duke… he's level 92. Plays the fool, but wields more power than most realize."
[A FOOL WITH POWER IS STILL A FOOL.]
"Sounds like someone I know."
[YOU TAKE THAT BACK, WILLIAM.]
Across the arena, Melios lifted a polished longsword. Steel sang softly as it left its scabbard.
Edgar raised nothing—only three arrows held lightly between his fingers. A bow waited on his back, silent.
"My lord," Edgar said, voice calm. "Shall we begin?"
"Go easy on me," Melios replied, amusement flickering behind his eyes.
A ripple passed through the dome. The Duke raised one hand—then dropped it like a guillotine.
"Begin!"
Essence burst from both men.
Cyan light spiraled around Edgar like a tempest reborn. Blue waves circled Melios, his water aura breathing like a living tide.
"Feet of Hermes."
Fush—!
Edgar vanished, a phantom wind. Reappeared—behind Melios.
A leg whipped out. Melios twisted—clang!—steel met muscle, blocking the blow. Edgar vanished again—above. A heel descended like a meteor.
Boom.
Stone cracked. Dust exploded.
Melios rolled—too slow. A second kick smashed into his ribs. He flew—crashed against the far wall with a grunt.
From the stands, nobles gasped. Below level 50, they saw only flashes of light and ripples of energy.
Midair, Edgar caught his bow—still tumbling from the heavens. Nocked all three arrows in a single motion.
"He's toying with him," William whispered.
Melios steadied himself, spitting blood. "You haven't changed."
"Still as weak as ever, Melios."
"Careful. You'll provoke the sea."
Edgar tilted his head.
"Good. Let it rage."
Melios raised his hand.
"Rain of Daggers."
Moisture condensed in the air—shimmering, silver needles forming a cyclone around him.
Edgar's arrows flew—glowing emerald. Mid-flight, they fractured, splitting into dozens.
Steel and water collided midair—BOOM. Dust swallowed the arena.
When it cleared, Edgar stood untouched, his body wrapped in a spiraling Wind Shield.
Melios spun—caught an arrow inches from his face.
Snap.
He tossed the shards aside.
"Fast," he muttered. "But not enough."
Water roared behind him.
Melios raised his sword, the arena floor rupturing beneath a surging tidal wave.
Edgar didn't flinch. Wind Shield expanded, colliding with the wave in a roaring crash. Mist and vapor surged skyward.
In the chaos—Edgar disappeared.
Crack.
A kick met Melios's spine. He stumbled.
Edgar reappeared above—arrow nocked, essence burning like wildfire.
Melios shouted—
"Oceanic Wrath!"
A dome of water rose—a final shield.
"Too slow."
Edgar released.
The arrow pierced through. The dome shattered like glass.
Melios collapsed to one knee, essence flickering.
Edgar stood before him, victorious.
"A good fight," he said, extending a hand.
Melios grunted, gripping it.
"You should've known… I never lose."
"Don't get cocky, Lover Boy."
Edgar smirked. "Still calling me that, Meltdown?"
"It stuck, didn't it?"
Edgar laughed. "Just like Amanda… stuck in my heart."
(He glanced toward the stands—quickly.)
"Ugh," Melios grunted. "You were insufferable then. You're worse now."
The crowd roared. Nobles stood in applause. Children cheered.
Edgar turned, lifting his bow high.
A hero's salute.
[YOUR FATHER JUST BEAT YOUR FUTURE FATHER-IN-LAW.]
[AND THEY ONLY USED ONE SKILL EACH. IMPRESSIVE.]
[SO—WILLIAM. HOW WOULD YOU FARE AGAINST THEM?]
William's lips curved slightly.
"I have something they lack."
[ME?!]
"I know the future."
[HEY! IT IS ME—WAIT—WHAT?!]
William chuckled.
[DON'T GIVE ME THAT LOOK, YOU—YOU LITTLE...!]
Nearby, Jack's eyes sparkled.
Edgar knelt before him.
"Did you understand what you saw, young mystic?"
Jack nodded, solemn.
"Then learn. And one day, surpass us."
But William's gaze shifted—subtly.
At the edge of the platform, a man stood beside Amanda.
Golden hair. Sapphire eyes. A smile too perfect.
"You look radiant, my lady," he said softly.
William's expression darkened—just slightly.