Three weeks had passed.
The long-awaited Noble Selection Exam had finally arrived.
And just as expected… the weaker families had already backed out.
Not from lack of strength, but from fear.
They all knew the truth — the Four Great Families were here.
Three were led by Dukes. One by a Grand Duke.
No one wanted to stand against them.
Instead, the others humbly chose to attempt the commoner exam. A more "peaceful" route.
But everyone knew why.
There was only one rule in this test:
No aura. No bloodline abilities. No magic.
Only raw, physical strength.
---
First Match:
Vaelrik Enqul vs Lucia Zengard
"Hello…" Lucia said softly.
"Hi," Vaelrik replied with a nod.
(This feels awkward…)
She moved first — fast and direct.
But her strike was predictable.
To Vaelrik, it was like watching a child swing a stick.
She's strong… for someone in this era.
But I've lived another life. My experience, my instincts… my abilities — they all returned with me.
Within a minute, she was disarmed.
Lucia froze. Her sword hit the ground.
Match over. Just like that.
---
From the sidelines, a sneer echoed.
Aimen Dinah:
"Hah! She lost just because she couldn't use aura.
Of course she did.
A mage-blooded girl with no mana? That's like a bird with no wings."
Vaelrik stepped forward.
"You just insulted my family, didn't you?"
Aimen scoffed. "When did I say your name?"
"So… what exactly did you mean by: 'using aura instead of mana'?"
"I said what's true," Aimen shrugged.
"You think someone like you can beat me without aura?
We'll see what your precious sword can do against me."
Vaelrik smiled faintly.
"Sure."
---
An Announcement Ripped Through the Arena:
"Duel confirmed: Vaelrik Enqul vs Aimen Dinah.
Both families have placed their pride at stake."
---
Backstage, Dumen's voice was sharp.
"Are you really going through with this?"
"I don't care about honor," Dumen muttered. "But I care about you.
What if you get hurt?"
"I won't," Vaelrik said calmly.
"I won't know unless I try, right?"
Dumen sighed. "Alright, son. Just… don't get killed."
---
Duel: Aimen vs Vaelrik
Aimen stepped onto the platform with a confident grin.
"I'll show you the difference between us."
"Perfect.
I'll make sure you understand exactly where you belong."
Aimen's aura exploded.
Living Serpent — First Form!
A serpent-shaped aura burst forth, wrapping around his sword like venom, charging toward Vaelrik like a coiling beast.
Vaelrik didn't move.
He simply lowered his stance.
Sword God Style — Sixth Form: Mirror Reversal.
The serpent struck.
But its energy rebounded.
Turned.
Reversed.
Aimen was sent flying, crashing against the far wall.
He didn't get back up.
---
Only two names advanced to the academy:
Vaelrik Enqul.
Lucia Zengard.
The rest?
Defeated. Disqualified. Forgotten.
---
Later That Night
Five years left.
Five years before I leave this house.
Five years until the world remembers who I am.
---
Two Years Later
Finally, the Sword God's Eyes awakened.
I can see sword paths again.
Aura distortion.
Illusions mean nothing to me now.
But it's better I keep this hidden… for now.
---
One Year Later
"I'm still a child," Vaelrik muttered.
"You won't be forever," Dumen replied.
"Your father is right," Stella added.
Lucia (teary-eyed): "Why don't you want to marry me?!"
Vella (Lucia's mother): "My daughter is precious. Don't you dare make her cry."
Vaelrik (sweating): "O-Okay! Fine!"
Lucia: "We're getting married now! Yay!"
Vaelrik: "It's… called an engagement."
---
Two Years Later
A sword strapped to his back.
The wind brushing his face.
"I'm ready."
Today, I begin my life at the Imperial Academy.
The sword is silent.
But the world… will hear it soon.