The courtyard had become a stage of shadows and silver light. The Moonlight Sect members moved like whispers, their movements precise and synchronized, each a weapon unto themselves. Aren watched carefully, feeling the hum of the Crown beneath his chest. It pulsed faintly, urging him to awaken more of his dormant strength.
Lyra stayed at his side, eyes wide with anticipation. "Are you sure you can handle this?"
Aren smirked. "Handle it? My dear Lyra, I was born to be underestimated. This is just another Tuesday."
The woman with white hair stepped forward again, her voice slicing through the air. "Observe carefully. The demonstration is not merely for show—it tests potential threats. If you survive this round, you may proceed."
Aren tilted his head. "Potential threats… meaning me, I suppose?"
She inclined her head. "Yes. A Nullborn without a Fate Sigil is… unpredictable."
Aren's grin widened. "Unpredictable, huh? That's me all over."
Suddenly, the courtyard erupted. Chains whipped through the air, glowing with faint silver energy. Blades spun with deadly grace. Aren barely had time to react as a wave of attacks surged toward him from three different members.
Lyra gasped. "Aren, watch out!"
He ducked and rolled, catching a spinning chain with his hand and redirecting it into the ground, sending sparks flying. The other attackers adjusted immediately, their synchronization flawless. Each movement tested his reflexes and cunning, forcing him to analyze patterns mid-combat.
A flicker of surprise crossed the leader's face. "Interesting… he is not just strong, he is clever."
Aren's eyes gleamed. "Of course. Cleverness is survival."
One of the secondary members, a tall man with a jagged scar across his cheek, lunged from the side with a rune-etched blade. Aren pivoted, narrowly avoiding the strike, and countered with a swift kick that sent the man sprawling.
Another member, a petite girl with flowing silver robes, conjured a small sphere of energy, hurling it toward him. Aren caught it midair, feeling the strange power pulse against his palm. He grinned, flicking it toward a statue that exploded with a shower of marble shards.
Lyra's voice called out, anxious but impressed. "Aren! Be careful!"
"I am," he replied, dodging another strike. "Careful… enough."
The woman in white observed silently, her piercing eyes missing nothing. "This is… unprecedented. He adapts too quickly. The Crown within him… it stirs."
Aren felt it too, a faint warmth spreading from the heart of his chest. His reflexes sharpened, movements flowing more naturally than before. It was as if the Crown itself were teaching him, guiding his instincts toward an unfamiliar yet undeniable power.
A secondary member, a burly man wielding twin gauntlets, charged with a roar. Aren sidestepped, gripping the man's arm and twisting it, sending him crashing into a fountain. Water sprayed, mixing with ash, creating a dramatic spectacle.
Lyra's mouth formed a silent "wow."
Aren chuckled softly. "Impressive, right? And this is just the warm-up."
Another secondary member, barely older than Lyra, jumped from a balcony, dagger in hand, aiming for a surprise attack. Aren anticipated the motion instinctively, flipping backward and sending the dagger spinning harmlessly into the air.
The woman in white finally spoke, her voice calm yet edged with surprise. "He… is stronger than we anticipated. Perhaps… a Nullborn is more than legend."
Aren wiped a streak of ash from his cheek. "Legend? Ha. Let's not get carried away."
The fight continued, each blow and dodge more intricate than the last. Aren discovered that each member had a unique fighting style, some focusing on speed, others on raw force or precision. The more he adapted, the more his confidence grew.
Lyra stayed close, occasionally dodging debris or lending support, but mostly observing. "Aren… you're incredible," she whispered, almost to herself.
"Shh," he replied with a smirk. "Don't ruin the surprise. Let them keep underestimating me. I like it better that way."
The final wave of attacks came simultaneously from all sides. Aren's body moved on instinct, weaving through blades, deflecting chains, and striking with precision. The courtyard was littered with overturned weapons, shattered stone, and swirling ash.
When the dust settled, Aren stood, breathing lightly, the faint glow of the Crown pulsing beneath his chest. The Moonlight Sect members stared, some in awe, some in disbelief.
The woman with white hair stepped forward once more, her expression unreadable. "You have… survived. The Nullborn's awakening is more significant than we imagined. Proceed… but do not mistake this for leniency."
Aren bowed slightly, a cheeky grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. Fun has just begun."
Lyra exhaled in relief, her green eyes sparkling with admiration. "Aren… that was… incredible."
Aren glanced at her, smirk lingering. "Of course. But remember—this is only the beginning. The real fun starts when they take me seriously."
From the rooftops, crimson eyes blinked, taking note of every detail. The world was shifting, and soon, no one would be able to ignore the Nullborn who defied fate itself.
(End of Chapter Four)