Solvane stood tall, his breathing steady, though his heart thudded like a war drum in his chest. The Golden Knight Stand shimmered faintly around him, its presence defensive and unwavering. The passive aura clung to his body like ancient armor, absorbing the brunt of Walden's relentless strikes.
Across the dust-scattered arena, Walden stood poised, his wooden sword low at his side, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Solvane allowed himself a small smile.
> "I've never pushed the Golden Knight Stand to this extent in battle before... I see now why they say you could beat me. With skill like yours, you could take down anyone our age—maybe even beyond. But if this is all... why was he so confident in victory?"
Even as the thought crossed his mind, he deflected an incoming sword strike, redirecting it to the side with practiced ease. In a flash, Solvane retaliated, sweeping his blade in a wide arc. The air shimmered, glowing faintly gold as his slash carved through space with refined precision.
A burst of golden light erupted across the arena. Walden barely slipped back in time, the tip of Solvane's blade grazing his robe, slicing a shallow gash just across the fabric. The cut was minor — but it was a mark. A warning.
Walden only chuckled, stepping back with effortless grace.
> "The Golden Aegis... and the Golden Knight Stand. Two of the most powerful battle arts in the kingdom. Or... is that just what your father told you?"
Solvane's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing within them.
> "How do you know about the battle arts? These techniques are restricted—only royal guardians are permitted to know their names."
Walden smiled, his white hair catching the arena light, eyes now glowing like twin stars.
> "Do you know why they call me God's Eyes?"
He took a step forward, raising his hand casually, almost as if lecturing a student.
"It's not just the way they glimmer. I can see through any battle art. Every technique you use? I analyze it, break it down... and register it in my mind. Over time, I master it. Completely."
Solvane's stomach twisted.
Walden continued, tone light, almost amused.
> "At first, it was agony. Absorbing raw combat data directly into my brain... without learning it gradually... it nearly tore my mind apart. But over time, I adapted. And now? I perfect whatever I see."
He took another step, his expression darkening with intent.
> "That's how I know the names. That's how I know your next move."
Solvane barely had time to process the words when Walden appeared in front of him, sword raised high like a judge's verdict. The strike came down with terrifying force.
Clang!
Solvane blocked it — just barely — the impact jarring through his arms and shaking his bones. He staggered, boots dragging against the stone floor. He swayed for just a moment—
—And Walden was already there.
With a low lunge, Walden twisted his torso and unleashed a brutal spinning kick into Solvane's chest.
WHAM!
The force sent Solvane flying. He tumbled across the arena like a ragdoll, blood spraying from his lips. His body finally slammed into the edge of the barrier — a hard crash that echoed through the silent stands.
> "Ugh—"
Solvane gasped, clutching his ribs. A sharp pain pierced his chest like a dagger of lightning.
But even through the haze, a strange thought passed through his mind:
> "This isn't as bad as I thought. Roxanne's blow... that was heavier."
He looked up. Walden was already advancing, his star-like eyes fixed on him.
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the watching crowd.
> "How can he still move after that?" "Is he not injured?"
Solvane pushed himself up slowly, dragging in a ragged breath. The pain remained, but it dulled slightly — already healing. The inner aura of the Golden Knight Stand had worked to mitigate the worst of the damage. Nothing broken. Not yet.
He reached out and gripped his wooden sword, rising to his feet. His movements were shaky but determined. With a deep breath, he fell into stance once more.
Walden paused mid-step, watching him. A gleam of approval flickered in his eyes.
> "Your Majesty... they told you those were the two strongest forms. The Golden Aegis. The Golden Knight Stand."
He tilted his head.
"And you believed them?"
Solvane scowled.
> "What are you talking about? Trying to distract me won't work."
Walden sighed.
> "Very well. Then I'll show you. A move I saw once — and never again — from your kind. A technique buried so deep in your bloodline, even your father fears it."
He raised his sword, aura crackling around him.
The air stilled.
Solvane felt the temperature drop, though a golden heat began to rise from Walden's body. Dust swirled at his feet. His stance shifted — now elegant, coiled, dangerous.
Solvane's eyes widened. He recognized nothing... and everything.
Golden wisps of aura began to whirl around Walden, twisting, dancing, until they spun into a storm. His presence swelled, heavy, undeniable.
"Your Majesty," Walden's voice carried, "this is called the Golden Tempest. Judge it for yourself."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even Solvane's eyes widened.
For there was no mistake—
Before them stood not one Walden, but three.