The Spar

The morning sun filtered through the high windows of the training grounds, casting long shadows across the cobblestone floor. The atmosphere was crisp, filled with the faint sounds of steel clashing in the distance as knights trained diligently. It had been a long night for everyone after the events of the battle. Yet, despite the exhaustion that hung in the air, there was a hum of excitement among the knights.

News had spread fast—Eldric, their king, had ascended to the rank of a five-star warrior.

Helena stood in the middle of the training grounds, her sword in hand, watching as the other knights gathered at the edges of the sparring area. She had heard the rumors. Rodrick had mentioned it before, how their king was stronger than any of them had anticipated. But Helena was a warrior too, and part of her refused to believe that she, a newly ascended Level 1 New Moon Warrior, would be bested so easily.