2024-12-11 18:43:42The murmurs among the crowd grew louder, disbelief rippling through the arena.
“This cannot be!” the king bellowed, descending from his elevated throne with a face flushed red with indignation. His voice carried authority, but beneath it, there was a tinge of unease.
Calen, standing over Evan, kept his composure. “I’ve defeated him. That is the undeniable truth,” he declared, his voice cutting through the noise. He turned his sharp gaze toward Evan. “Now keep your word, Evan. Kneel, as you promised.”
Evan’s fists trembled with fury as his jaw clenched. “I won’t kneel to you, you cheating scum!” he spat. “You didn’t win fairly. There’s no way someone like you could defeat me without trickery!”
Calen raised an eyebrow, his grip on his sword unwavering. “If you’re so confident that I cheated, then prove it,” he challenged.
The king stepped into the center of the arena, his cape billowing in the faint breeze. He raised a hand to silence the restless audience. “Enough!” he commanded. “This spectacle cannot end with doubt lingering over our champion’s honor. I will summon the royal mages to determine the truth.”
At his order, a group of robed figures emerged from the shadows, their faces hidden beneath intricate hoods. The royal mages, renowned for their ability to detect and dispel all forms of magical interference, approached Calen.
“Begin your inspection,” the king instructed.
Evan sneered, rising shakily to his feet. “Now you’re finished, Calen. Everyone will see the lies you’ve woven, and your so-called victory will be exposed for the sham it is.”
Calen stood still, his expression unyielding. “Let them investigate. I have nothing to hide.”
The audience buzzed with anticipation, some shouting insults at Calen, others nervously awaiting the mages’ findings.
As the crowd buzzed with shock and confusion, a soft voice cut through the noise.
“Evan…”
Lila Frost, with her elegant strides and a face that still radiated icy beauty, descended from the stands. Draped in her exquisite silver gown, her presence was enough to capture everyone’s attention. She made her way to the beaten Evan, who remained slumped on the ground, blood smearing his face.
Without a glance at Calen, Lila retrieved a delicate silk handkerchief from her sleeve. She began dabbing at Evan’s bloodied face with meticulous care. Her actions drew murmurs from the crowd, and Calen’s sharp eyes narrowed.
“Lila,” Calen called out, his voice edged with disbelief.
But she didn’t turn to him. Instead, Evan seized the moment. Ignoring the searing pain in his body, he reached up and wrapped his arm around Lila’s waist, pulling her closer. His smirk was wicked, even through the blood and bruises.
“A woman as stunning and refined as you, Lila,” Evan declared loudly enough for the entire arena to hear, “should never have been wasted on a disgrace like Calen. Now, especially, on a cheating disgrace.”
The crowd erupted in laughter and gasps, with voices jeering in agreement.
“Lila, what are you doing?” Calen demanded, his knuckles whitening around his sword hilt.
Lila finally turned to him, her icy blue eyes meeting his with a look of disdain. “What I should have done long ago,” she replied coldly. “You’ve brought nothing but shame to my family, Calen. And now, you’ve humiliated yourself before the entire kingdom. Do you really expect anyone to believe you defeated Evan without trickery?”
Evan chuckled, leaning into her touch. “She’s right, Calen,” he sneered. “You’re a joke—a pathetic, penniless fool who married above his station and still couldn’t live up to it. Admit it—you don’t deserve her, and you never did.”
The Frost family, seated prominently in the stands, seized the opportunity to join in the ridicule.
“This is what happens when you let a nobody into a family of our stature!” Elijah Frost bellowed, his voice filled with contempt. “Calen Storm, the man who couldn’t even master basic swordsmanship, now claims to have defeated Evan? What absurdity!”
Marylin Frost added with a venomous sneer, “A stray dog wandering into the palace doesn’t become royalty just because it wears a crown. The only thing Calen has mastered is dragging our family name through the mud!”
The Frost siblings chimed in as well. “He’s probably been planning this for years, scheming and bribing someone to give him powers. That’s the only explanation,” one of them spat.
Another leaned forward, pointing a finger at Calen. “You’re nothing but a parasite, clinging to Lila for status. And now, like all parasites, you’ll be crushed.”
Evan grinned wider as the Frost family’s words stoked the crowd’s derision. He tightened his grip on Lila’s waist, as if to assert his claim over her. “See, Calen? Even your so-called family knows the truth about you. Your place was never here, and your lies will soon unravel.”
Calen stood motionless, his face expressionless but his eyes burning with restrained fury. He let the Frosts’ venomous words hang in the air for a moment before finally speaking.
“Are you all done? Cause I am so done listening to your voices,” he asked, his tone unnervingly calm. His gaze shifted between Lila, Evan, and the Frost family.
Evan barked a laugh. “Hold your filthy tounge, loser! You won’t come out of this alive!”
The tension in the arena thickened as the king raised his hand, “Enough! Let the mages finish the work!”
The lead mage extended a hand, chanting an incantation. A faint glow emanated from his palm as he scanned Calen from head to toe. Another mage muttered a detection spell, their hands tracing invisible symbols in the air.
Minutes passed in silence as the mages worked, their scrutiny thorough and deliberate. Every eye in the arena was locked on them, the tension growing heavier with each second.
Finally, the lead mage turned to the king and bowed. “Your Majesty,” he began, his voice steady and clear, “we have found no evidence of magical interference or foul play. Calen Storm fought this battle with his own strength.”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The God of War Calen Storm Winner
The arena erupted in gasps, followed by a wave of stunned silence. Even the king looked momentarily taken aback.“That’s impossible!” Evan shouted, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief. “They must have missed something!”The lead mage’s gaze was stern. “Our magic cannot be deceived. The results are irrefutable.”Calen stepped forward, his sword still in hand. “Now, Evan,” he said calmly, his voice filled with authority, “will you keep your word, or will you tarnish what little honor you have left?”Evan’s face twisted with rage as the crowd waited in breathless anticipation for his response.“Your Majesty, this is utterly impossible!” Elijah Frost declared, gesturing toward Calen. “No disrespect to your esteemed mages, but surely there must be some trick at play. It’s inconceivable that a man of Calen’s… caliber could defeat Evan without some form of deceit or external aid.”Evan, seizing the opportunity, added with a sneer, “He’s right. There’s no way Calen suddenly became stron
The God of War Calen Storm I'll Destroy Him
Calen closed his eyes, sinking deeper into the warm bathwater. For the first time in years, he felt... whole. The memories of the humiliations he endured, the scornful laughter of those who once looked down on him, and Lila’s betrayal seemed to fade into insignificance. His mind replayed the events in the forest—the voice, the power surging through his veins, and the strange energy that had saved him from certain death.As he stretched out his hand, droplets of water rose from the bath, shimmering like tiny jewels in the dim light. Calen moved his fingers, and the droplets followed his command, dancing in the air. A grin spread across his face. The power... it’s back, he thought. This was the same gift he had as a child, the one he believed he had lost forever. But now, it was even stronger, more refined.He stood up, water cascading down his muscular frame. Wrapping himself in a towel, he returned to the mirror. His reflection was almost unrecognizable—the wiry, frail man he once was
The God of War Calen Storm Calen is The Target
The next morning, the atmosphere in the military camp was tense yet filled with whispers. The sun had just risen, but most of the soldiers had already gathered in the main field, preparing for the first training session with the new recruits.Calen Storm walked with steady steps, wearing his tattered old armor and carrying the sword his father had given him on his back.“Look at him! That armor’s torn—did he come from the battlefield or a garbage dump?” one soldier exclaimed, followed by a small laugh from a few others.“Ah, this must be the new recruit who supposedly won in the arena. I don’t believe it. Maybe he just got lucky against Evan, who was already wounded,” said another as he looked Calen up and down.“Lucky? More like possessed. There’s no way he can beat Evan. Not in that state. We know who he is, he is a disappointment,” someone else whispered, loud enough for Calen to hear.Calen remained silent. He held back the harsh words with a neutral expression. But in his heart,
The God of War Calen Storm That Was Impossible
Evan smirked with cruel satisfaction. "Begin!" he commanded, his voice ringing out over the training ground.The archers, already eager to claim their reward, wasted no time. A volley of arrows shot forth, darkening the sky as they arched toward Calen. The soldiers erupted in laughter and jeers, many of them placing bets on how long it would take for Calen to collapse under the assault."He’s done for!" one soldier shouted gleefully."Bet he’ll be crawling by the end of this!" another added, his voice thick with mockery.The arrows rained down, and everyone braced themselves for the spectacle of Calen’s humiliation. But as the first wave approached, Calen did something no one expected—he stood perfectly still.The soldiers’ laughter turned to murmurs of confusion. "What’s he doing? Why isn’t he moving?"Evan frowned, his smug expression faltering slightly. "What’s this fool playing at?"Then, as the arrows closed in, Calen raised his sword calmly. His eyes glinted with an unshakable d
The God of War Calen Storm I Will Make Sure You Fail
Lila Frost sat on the edge of her bed, her eyes staring blankly at the luxurious brocade drapes of her room. Frustration still consumed her heart after yesterday’s events. She clutched a small pillow tightly, letting it absorb her emotional turmoil, while wondering how she could face the outside world now that everyone was likely talking about her.“I can’t go out,” she muttered softly, almost whispering to herself. “Everyone must be calling me a cheater.”Her thoughts were interrupted when she began to hear voices outside her window. At first, it was just faint murmurs, but soon the conversation became clearer.“Have you heard?” A man's voice rang out enthusiastically. “Calen Storm has completely changed. People are saying it’s as if he’s possessed by his father’s spirit!”Lila immediately perked up. That name, Calen Storm. She moved toward the window cautiously, parting the curtain slightly to peek outside. A group of soldiers was walking past the pavilion, their voices filled with
The God of War Calen Storm Doubt
Calen returned to his room, his mind still struggling to process the incredible turn his life had taken in just a few days. From being the discarded and mocked man to now having a genuine opportunity to prove his worth and perhaps even claim a high position in the military. It felt surreal, as if everything he had known before was a distant memory.As he stood by the window, staring out into the vast grounds of the military camp, the sound of a knock on his door broke his concentration. He turned around, puzzled, and opened the door to find a servant standing there, holding a bundle of clothes and armor."Lord Storm," the servant said respectfully. "I have been sent by General Ironheart to deliver your new uniform and armor. You are to be ready for the upcoming examination."Calen nodded, taking the items with a soft thank you. As the servant left, Calen glanced down at the polished armor, his fingers brushing over the intricate design. He couldn't help but smile slightly. This was it
The God of War Calen Storm We’ll See
Calen stepped onto the training grounds, his new armor gleaming under the sunlight. It felt strange to him—wearing something so pristine, so dignified—when just days ago, he had been nothing more than a ridiculed outcast. The sturdy armor clung to him like a second skin, as if affirming his resolve. In his grip was his father’s sword, its familiar weight a constant reminder of the legacy he bore.The soldiers gathered, their chatter a mix of curiosity and excitement. Eyes turned to Calen, some in awe, others in skepticism. Whispers traveled quickly through the ranks.“Is that really him? He looks... different.”“Yeah, but armor doesn’t make a warrior. Let’s see how he fights.”Before anyone could dwell further, the sharp sound of a horn silenced the murmurs. A figure emerged onto the training platform—General Darius Kael, a commanding presence with a scar running down his cheek, a testament to countless battles. Known for his brutal training methods and his reputation as a fair but uny
The God of War Calen Storm Interesting
Calen stepped out from behind the cover of a barricade, his eyes locked on Evan. With a powerful burst of speed, he closed the distance, unleashing a fierce barrage of strikes. His sword danced in his hands, each swing filled with precision and strength. The force behind his blows made the air around them hum, forcing Evan to focus entirely on dodging.Evan, however, remained calm. He moved with practiced ease, his movements fluid and deliberate. Each attack Calen delivered was narrowly avoided, the blade missing him by inches. Evan smirked, his confidence building as he gradually gave ground, retreating further into the arena.Unbeknownst to Calen, Evan’s retreat was not random. He was leading Calen to a specific area of the arena—a section where the ground was lined with faintly glowing symbols. These symbols, part of an old military training mechanism, activated when pressure was applied, triggering a web of energy whips that lashed out violently at anything within range.Evan fina
Latest Chapter
Heartbeats
Calen exhaled sharply, steadying himself before finally releasing Elara. The warmth of his embrace disappeared as he swiftly stood, putting a careful distance between them. His eyes flickered over her, as if making sure she was truly unharmed, before he placed his fist over his chest in a crisp, disciplined salute."I’m relieved that Your Majesty is unharmed."His voice was even—calm, composed. As if nothing had happened. As if she hadn’t been trapped beneath him, lost in his gaze, breathless from something more than just the fire.Elara swallowed hard, struggling to regain her own composure. She was Queen Elara Wynn. She did not falter. She did not waver. But the rapid beating of her heart betrayed her.Before she could gather her thoughts, the thundering sound of footsteps echoed through the night.Torches bobbed in the darkness as her royal guards rushed into the clearing, swords drawn, eyes scanning for threats. Shout
Waiting for the Right Moment
Queen Elara Wynn walked gracefully through the marble corridors of her palace, her emerald-green gown flowing behind her like a river of silk. A small, satisfied smile played on her lips—Calen Storm had agreed to delay his answer to King Ryan Ashford. That meant more time.More time for The Sacred River to regain its strength. More time to prepare. More time to eliminate Calen Storm before he could return to Aerondale.As she entered her private chamber, Seraphina was already waiting for her. The high priestess sat beside the tall arched window, bathed in the golden afternoon light, her long silver hair cascading down her back. The scent of burning incense filled the air, calming yet laced with something ominous.Seraphina looked up as Elara entered. “I take it he agreed?”Elara nodded, unfastening the veil from her head and setting it aside. “Yes. He will wait. A week, perhaps more. It gives us time.”Seraphina exhale
Buying Time
Elara tilted her head slightly, watching him with sharp, calculating eyes. “You say that King Ryan Ashford seeks unity,” she repeated, her voice measured. “But does he seek unity for the good of the people, or for the good of his own ambitions?”Calen met her gaze evenly. "He is a ruler who understands the weight of a kingdom’s survival. He knows that Aerondale cannot stand alone, nor can Rivermoore. He believes that the only way forward is together."Elara’s lips curled into a half-smile, though it did not quite reach her eyes. “You are a skilled diplomat, General Storm. But that does not answer my question.”Calen exhaled quietly. He knew she was pressing him, testing him, searching for a crack in his words.“King Ryan Ashford is a just ruler,” he said finally. “He values his people, and he does what is necessary to protect them. If he did not, Aerondale would not have flourished under hi
A Queen’s Resolve
The grand chamber of Queen Elara Wynn was bathed in soft candlelight, casting flickering shadows along the intricate golden patterns carved into the walls. The scent of burning incense filled the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of night-blooming flowers drifting in through the open balcony doors. But despite the serenity of the room, its occupant was anything but calm.Elara paced restlessly, her sheer ivory gown flowing behind her like mist, her silver-blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. Her delicate fingers curled into fists at her sides as she muttered to herself. Her mind was a storm of calculations, strategies, and the ever-present name that now haunted her thoughts—Calen Storm.Behind her, Seraphina, her most trusted priestess and advisor, watched in silence. She had long known the queen to be a composed and calculating ruler, but tonight, she could see the tension in Elara’s shoulders, the tightness in her jaw.Finally, Elara halt
The King's Strategy
The grand war chamber of Ardenfell was dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on towering stone pillars. A massive oak table dominated the center of the room, maps and documents scattered across its polished surface. At the head of the table sat King Ryan Ashford, his sharp blue eyes gleaming under the golden glow of candlelight.General Thaddeus Ironheart entered the chamber with a steady stride, his heavy boots echoing against the marble floor. He bowed briefly before straightening to his full height.“My King, I bring news from Rivermoore.”The King leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. “Go on.”Ironheart took a deep breath before speaking. “Queen Elara Wynn has not given a direct answer. Instead, she has requested that General Storm remain in Rivermoore while she deliberates.”King Ashford exhaled through his nose, a small smirk curling on his lips. “Good.”Ironheart ra
She Has A Plan
As Calen followed Queen Elara out of the chamber, his footsteps were steady, his expression unreadable. He had expected the conversation to end with her fury, perhaps even with her sword pressed to his throat once more. But instead, she had chosen to step away from violence—for now.The grand doors swung open, revealing the lavishly decorated hall where the delegation had been waiting. The room was tense with anticipation. The Vynorian officials, the high priestesses, and the Aerondale envoys all turned their gazes toward the Queen and the General as they entered.Calen didn’t miss the way the Vynorian nobles scrutinized him, nor the way his own men seemed hesitant, standing at attention but waiting for his cue. His second-in-command, Captain Aldric, gave him a questioning glance, searching for any sign of what had transpired behind those doors.Queen Elara stepped forward, her regal posture unwavering. When she finally spoke, her voice was clear and
A Great Threat
The room pulsed with tension, thick as a brewing storm. The candlelight flickered, casting elongated shadows on the stone walls, as Calen met Queen Elara’s seething gaze with unwavering calm.“I am sorry, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice even yet sincere. “And I thank you… for sparing my life that night.”Elara’s lips curled into a bitter smirk.“Do not mistake mercy for kindness, General Storm,” she retorted. “I only let you live because you saved me from that assassin. And now I see—” her voice hardened “—that was my greatest mistake.”She took a measured step closer, her every movement graceful yet deadly, like a panther closing in on its prey.“I should have killed you then,” she said coldly.Calen inhaled slowly. He had anticipated her anger, but now, faced with the raw fury in her eyes, he realized that her hatred burned far deeper t
It’s You
The grand hall remained steeped in silence, thick with anticipation. Every noble, every courtier, every soldier held their breath, waiting for Queen Elara’s response.She had not spoken for what felt like an eternity, her gaze locked onto Calen’s with a scrutiny that sent an uneasy ripple through the room.Calen, standing firm, felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He knew she was analyzing him, searching for something—perhaps confirmation of what she already suspected.Then, at last, she spoke.“I wish to speak with General Storm alone.”The words rang through the chamber like a crack of lightning.The nobles exchanged glances. The tension in the air thickened. A few gasps escaped from those who had not expected such a request.The high priestess, a woman adorned in flowing silver robes with a crescent moon circlet upon her brow, stepped forward, her face taut with concern.“Your Majesty, that is highly unwise,” she urged, her voice laced with anxiety. “He is a delegate
She Recognizes Me
As the grand gates of Rivermoore loomed ahead, Calen Storm straightened in his saddle. The towering iron and stone structure, etched with intricate Vynorian sigils, was an imposing sight. He could feel the tension in the air—an invisible weight pressing against him and his men as they approached.Unlike their last encounter, the gates did not remain stubbornly closed. This time, they groaned open, the heavy iron mechanisms grinding against one another as if reluctant to grant him passage. It was a silent yet undeniable acknowledgment of his presence.The streets beyond were lined with civilians—merchants, blacksmiths, scholars, and nobles alike—drawn from their homes and businesses by rumors of his arrival. Their eyes, dark with unease, followed every movement of the delegation. Some whispered behind their hands, while others stared outright, their gazes filled with a mixture of fear and resentment.Calen could not blame them. He was an envoy of their enemy. More than that, he was a w
