It was only a duel, and all he had gained was the approval of his opponent. And yet…
"Ah, I see now."
Karon finally understood.
Sylas wasn't merely a man. He was a dragon—capable of devouring humans and treating them as insignificant pests.
And yet, this dragon had recognized Karon as a worthy foe, offering him genuine respect.
For the first time, Karon understood the trainees' reactions.
"You had nothing to be ashamed of."
Those young knights had stood before the same dragon and earned its recognition. That alone was enough to make them the pride of the Royal Guard.
A faint smile crossed Karon's face as his vision blurred. The future of the Royal Guard, he realized, was bright.
Sylas stood over the fallen Karon and raised his wooden sword in a gesture of respect—a knight's highest honor to a defeated opponent.