Chapter 49 - The Training "That's a joke. Does your adopted son know the way of the sword?" asked Sir Balmoral."He has been training with Zoboda for the past three days," Sir Stoneforge replied."The competition kicks off the day after tomorrow. How sure are you that he can keep up?" asked Sir Fred."We have witnessed many aspirants dying. Do you want to risk that for your son?" asked Lord Dougor, and Sir Stoneforge nodded."My lord, I think we should give his son a chance to participate. After all, he is the heir to the Stoneforge Mansion," Sir Geld said with an evil grin."If so, then it is done. Your son will be added to the aspirants and will participate as one of the nobles in the Armed Nation of Dwargon," Lord Dougor said as he stood."I then declare this meeting over," he said, walking out of the room. Everyone began to leave, but two figures remained seated: Sir Geld of the House Goldvien and Sir Giyu of the Noble House."Why did you persuade Lord Dougor to accept the compet
Chapter 50 - The Valley of Shadow ***Two Days Later, The Valley of Shadows in the outskirt of the Armed Nation of Dwargon***Twelve figures stood at the entrance of the Valley of Shadows, their eyes scanning the rugged landscape before them. Towering cliffs bordered the valley, casting long, dark shadows that gave the valley its ominous name. The participants, each chosen for their skill and bravery, were about to embark on a journey that would test their limits.Standing at the front of the group was Instructor Valeria from Nevermore Academy. Her stern gaze swept over the participants, her voice carrying the weight of authority."Welcome, brave souls, to the Valley of Shadows," she began. "Within these treacherous grounds lies the golden ticket to Nevermore Academy. Only one of you will emerge victorious. The rest will face trials that will test your strength, wit, and resilience."She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Remember, this competition is not just about skill with a
Chapter 51: The Treasure ***Valley of Shadows - Kael's POV*** Today marks exactly eight days since I first set foot in the Armed Nation of Dwargon, and roughly two weeks since I left Liam's Nation, now known as the Ralix Empire. Initially, my intention was to steal from House Stoneforge, the wealthiest house in Dwargon's history. My mission failed miserably, but fate had other plans. Instead of looting the mansion, I ended up saving it and everyone within. It turned out that Sir Stoneforge was the very man Chief Brakor of the Elvarin Kingdom had spoken to me about. He adopted me without hesitation and secured my place in the competition for the Golden Ticket—a ticket that grants entry to the Nevermore Academy, said to be located in the Kingdom of the Humans. Honestly, I was expecting a sword duel and had been training arduously to conceal my magical essences. However, instead of a duel, we were sent into the Valley of Shadows to search for the Golden Ticket. The name alone is e
Chapter 52 - The Treasure II The four began their sword clash, Kara taking the offensive while Darius focused on defending himself. Suddenly, he sidestepped, causing Kara's sword to strike the ground instead.In a calculated move, he jabbed her nose with his knee, sending her crashing to the ground."Kara!" Mira called, trying to fend off Liam to help her friend, but Liam wasn't giving her any breathing space."Are you giving up so soon?" he asked with a cruel smirk."You'll regret making me bleed," she said, wiping the blood trickling from her nose as she sprang to her feet.Darius kicked Kara's sword back to her, which she caught. Almost immediately, he launched at her with incredible speed.Barely dodging his attack, she flipped to his front, blocking his dagger with her sword without even turning to face him."You must be really bold... Take this!" he shouted, leaping into the air. A dark wave formed on his blade as he slashed it down. Kara blocked it with her sword, but the forc
Chapter 53: Red King Dire The Valley of Shadows stretched out before Red King Dire, an eerie expanse filled with whispers of ancient magic and lurking dangers. The air was thick with a palpable sense of foreboding, and the darkened landscape was shrouded in a mist that clung to the ground like a living entity. His task was clear: retrieve the Ancient Treasure, an amulet of immense power, and return it to Lord Kael, the one true master he served.Red King Dire's imposing figure moved through the valley with purpose, his crimson eyes scanning the environment for any sign of the treasure. He walked with a confidence born of countless battles, his every step deliberate and powerful. As he ventured deeper into the valley, the oppressive silence was broken by the distant howls of creatures unknown, a reminder that the valley was very much alive and aware of his presence. He was a curse, after all, his presence dominating the whole area, causing every other creature to be alert. Despite be
Chapter 54: Dogo Dogour in the Midst of Enemies Alric Balmoral, Borin Akaza, Thalia, and Dogo Dougor could be seen walking along the bushy path of the Valley of Shadows."Are you sure we are still on the right track?" Dogo asked his troops, and they nodded."According to the map... This way leads to the cave," Alric answered."How sure are you that the Golden Ticket is in the cave?" Borin asked, causing Alric to sigh."My sixth sense alerted me... Or where do you think the Golden Ticket could be?" Alric replied.They were taking a straight line with Dogo in the front while Thalia was in the back. Their swords were in their grip, ready for any surprise attack."So, the map and your sixth sense are corresponding?""Exactly, Thalia... My intuition never fails me," Alric boasted as they walked carefully past a horde of stones spread around the vicinity."That's the cave over there," Dogo alerted the others, and they increased their steps. Borin scratched his sword on one of the stones, g
Chapter 55 - The Duel The cave was dimly lit by the torches they carried, casting eerie shadows on the rough, uneven walls. The air was thick with tension as Dogo, Eldric, and Gareth faced each other, swords drawn. The stakes were high, and all three knew that only one would leave the cave victorious."Bring it on," Eldric muttered, charging at Dogo with all his might. Dogo knew he was up against a formidable opponent. Eldric Giyu, the heir to the House Giyuson, was in the same rank as him. They both leveled up to Rank B Swordsmanship at the same time.Dogo took a deep breath, focusing on Eldric's movements. As Eldric swung his sword in a wide arc aimed at Dogo's head, Dogo sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike. He countered with a swift slash aimed at Eldric's midsection, but Eldric parried the blow with his sword."Nice move, Dogo," Eldric complimented as he moved back.Gareth took advantage of Dogo’s focus on Eldric and moved in from the side, aiming a precise thrust at Dogo’
Chapter 56 - The Nexus Mage Eldric and Gareth exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They both attacked Dogo in unison, their swords moving in perfect synchronization. Dogo gritted his teeth, bracing himself for the onslaught."Enough!" Dogo roared, gathering all his energy for a final strike. "Blade of the eternal sky, strike true and end this battle. Sky Cleaver!" His sword glowed with a brilliant blue light as he swung it with all his might. The energy from the attack created a shockwave that rippled through the cave, forcing Eldric and Gareth back.Eldric and Gareth were sent crashing into the cave walls, their swords clattering to the ground.Dogo stood in the center of the cave, breathing heavily, his sword still glowing with residual energy. "I told you," he said between breaths, "the House Dougor never trained a coward.""Hahaha...""Why are you laughing when it's clear you've been defeated?" Dogo asked, surprised, as Gareth struggled to get on his