Suzuna suddenly exclaimed in anger, "What are you talking about, Akaria? Of course no one could replace you in your position. You're a true leader, and you've risked your life countless times to protect your homeland… and now you're saying you might lose your post? Since when did you become this mentally weak?"
Akaria replied calmly, "I know this upsets you, Suzuna. My personality isn't what it used to be. Many things have truly changed… Do you remember that time when Nico challenged me? When he appeared strange in front of everyone and no one understood what had just happened? At that moment, he truly managed to stand against my power, while any ordinary person—even a high-ranking soldier—would have been afraid to face me. Yet he stood there as if I were nothing more than a normal opponent."
Akaria continued, "No one expected that the person who stood before me that day would eventually become my deputy. And honestly, I believe he may be the one who will succeed me and become the next First General."
Suzuna shook her head firmly. "No, that's impossible. No one could take your place, Akaria. You hold the rank of 'Legend'…"
Akaria interrupted her. "Nico Sigmund holds the rank of 'Emperor,' Suzuna. And it wouldn't surprise me if his true rank were even 'Dragon.' So it's only logical. The person fighting beside us is far from ordinary. He evolves at a terrifying pace, as if he's already accustomed to such power. To be honest, the humans who lived during the Dark Age exist on a completely different level compared to the people of our current era."
Suzuna stared at Akaria silently for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh.
"It seems you're right, Akaria. I can't argue with you about that. But no matter what Nico's origins are, he's our ally. We must support him with everything we have. Who knows? He might be our greatest trump card in this era."
Akaria stood up.
"I'm sorry for bringing such a gloomy atmosphere, Suzuna. Please excuse me now—I need to leave immediately."
Just as Akaria turned to leave, Suzuna called out.
"Wait, Akaria! I don't know if this will help you, but I have a very talented student with exceptional physical strength. Her name is Lyra Vesper. She belongs to the Hybrid race and has an obsession with combat and training. She might develop faster than the others."
Akaria looked surprised.
"Of course, I'd be happy to meet her. Zorua and I will test her here in the training yard. If she impresses us, I'll take her with us immediately."
Suzuna nodded.
"That's a good idea. Go ahead to the yard now. I'll bring her to you."
In the center of the training ground, Akaria waited alongside Zorua to evaluate the student's abilities.
Akaria glanced at him and said, "You'll handle the test, Zorua. If she shows even the slightest hint of talent, we'll accept her immediately. Remember—we need heroes on our side."
Zorua nodded respectfully.
"Of course, Lady Akaria. You can rely on me."
A few minutes later, Suzuna arrived with the student.
"Sorry for the delay," she said. "This is the student I mentioned. Her name is Lyra Vesper, from the Hybrid race."
The girl bowed politely.
"It's an honor to meet you, General Akaria. And you as well, Mr. Zorua."
Akaria smiled warmly.
"Welcome, Lyra. It's a pleasure to meet you. I won't take much of your time. We came here searching for a new individual to join the Black Spear forces alongside the previous students. But before we decide whether to accept you, you'll need to undergo a simple test."
She gestured toward Zorua.
"You'll face Mr. Zorua, and he will evaluate your performance. My advice to you is simple—show us everything you've got."
Lyra answered confidently,
"Of course, General Akaria. It would be an honor. I hope I can live up to your expectations."
"Good. The match begins now."
Lyra took a fighting stance, ready to attack. Zorua, on the other hand, stood calmly with a faint smile that reflected his confidence.
In the next instant, Lyra dashed toward him at incredible speed. She moved like a lion chasing its prey, her body cutting through the air with feral intensity. Zorua remained still, watching her approach without the slightest sign of panic.
Lyra struck first, slashing at him with her sharp claws.
But the moment her attack descended, Zorua formed a sword of ice in his hand in a single fluid motion and blocked her strike effortlessly.
The clash echoed through the training yard.
Lyra immediately leapt backward, widening the distance between them. Without hesitation, she slammed her hand toward the ground.
Several stone pillars erupted from beneath the earth.
Using them as cover, Lyra moved quickly between the pillars, weaving through them with surprising agility as she attempted to conceal her movements and catch Zorua off guard.
Zorua followed her movements with sharp, focused eyes.
*You're fast, Lyra,* he thought calmly. *And using these pillars as cover is quite clever.*
Suddenly, Lyra burst out from behind one of the pillars with explosive speed.
But Zorua reacted instantly.
He spun around like lightning and thrust his ice sword forward.
Lyra froze in shock.
Zorua smiled, believing the match had already been decided.
But in the next moment—
A shadow appeared beside him.
Zorua's eyes narrowed. He moved instantly, grabbing the shadow by the neck.
Only then did he realize that it was the real Lyra.
She had created a sand clone during her movements between the pillars to mislead him.
However, Zorua had noticed the exact moment when she separated from her sand copy.
Realizing this, he released her grip.
Lyra dropped to one knee, still stunned by the precision of his perception.
"You're truly strong, Mr. Zorua," she admitted with a respectful tone. "In the end, I couldn't surprise you."
Zorua walked toward her with a relaxed smile.
"The deception was a great idea, Lyra. But it still needs more practice. There's only one flaw."
He raised a finger slightly.
"The moment you separated from your sand clone—that was the critical point. At that instant, you need to move faster. If you hesitate even slightly, your opponent will notice."
Lyra bowed her head respectfully.
"I understand, Mr. Zorua. Your advice is extremely valuable to me. I will continue improving myself based on it. Thank you for the test."
At that moment, Akaria stepped into the training yard while clapping.
"Well done. That was an impressive fight, even if it ended quickly."
She then turned toward Lyra.
"You fought well, Lyra. Your ambush strategy and use of the clone were strong ideas, though they still require refinement. However, in your current state…"
She paused briefly.
"I don't believe you're truly ready to join the Black Spear yet. The enemies we face are far more terrifying than you can imagine."
Lyra lowered her head in disappointment.
"I understand, General Akaria. I will train harder and become worthy of your expectations next time."
Akaria smiled faintly.
"That's good. I hope you continue your training."
She paused before continuing.
"And that's exactly why we would like you to come with us—to provide you with the best equipment and instructors so you can improve as quickly as possible."
Lyra's expression instantly shifted from disappointment to overwhelming joy.
"Thank you, great General Akaria!"
Zorua chuckled lightly.
"Alright then, Lyra. Go gather your belongings. We're leaving immediately… we'll be waiting for you."
Lyra ran off with excitement, eager to pack her things.
Soon after, Akaria, Zorua, and their new recruit departed toward the headquarters of the Black Spear.
Meanwhile, another scene unfolded inside the throne hall of the Elven Kingdom.
Ruta sat calmly upon the throne, though a trace of surprise appeared on her face as she looked at the man standing before her.
"So… you're the new member of the Black Spear?" she said coldly. "I heard you possess enough talent to surpass that weak commander. Tell me—why have you come to the Elven Kingdom and requested to see me?"
The man standing before her was none other than Nico Sigmund.
He answered in a calm, cold voice.
"Thank you for receiving me. I came for a simple reason—to request the return of the two elven girls who were taken."
Ruta looked at Nico for a moment before laughing mockingly.
"So that's how it is… It seems you don't understand how things work here, Nico. I am the queen now. Coming to my kingdom and asking for the return of the elves so easily is not a wise move."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You do understand that, don't you?"
Around the throne hall, several of Ruta's followers—each possessing legendary ranks—burst into mocking laughter at Nico Sigmund's request.
[End of Chapter 49]