Don’t underestimate your opponent

The makeshift sparring arena was a circle of trampled dirt surrounded by an eager crowd of soldiers. The air buzzed with anticipation, a current of energy that flowed through the ranks as they whispered and jostled for a better view. At its center, Valeria stood face to face with General Lysara, each holding a wooden sword.

Lysara twirled her weapon with practiced ease, her movements fluid and confident. Her platinum hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her piercing gaze was locked on Valeria. "Your Majesty," she said with a smirk, "I'll go easy on you. For the sake of morale, of course."

Valeria didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she tightened her grip on the wooden sword, its weight unfamiliar but not unwelcome in her hands. Somewhere in the depths of her mind, the memories of the real Valeria stirred, fragments of technique and muscle memory rising unbidden. Her body felt tense, but her stance adjusted instinctively.

"Let's begin," she said coolly, her voice steady despite the thunderous beating of her heart.

The first strike came like a bolt of lightning. Lysara moved with the speed of her Wind Magic, her blade a blur as it streaked toward Valeria's shoulder. Valeria barely had time to react, her body twisting out of the way as the blade grazed past her.

The soldiers gasped, impressed by their Empress's agility.

"Quick reflexes," Lysara said, resetting her stance. "But let's see how you handle this."

She lunged again, this time aiming low. Valeria's body responded before her mind could catch up. She parried the strike, the wooden swords clashing with a sharp crack. The force reverberated through her arms, but she didn't falter.

Focus, she thought, her breathing steadying. The memories of Valeria's combat training began to flow more freely now. Footwork, timing, balance it was all there, buried under layers of instinct and experience.

Lysara pressed the attack, her strikes coming faster and more precise. Each swing carried the grace of a seasoned warrior, and her movements were almost too quick to follow. Valeria met her head-on, blocking and countering with a determination that surprised even herself.

Their wooden swords collided again and again, sending splinters flying as the soldiers around them erupted in cheers. The sound of combat filled the air, a symphony of clashes and heavy breathing.

Valeria spun on her heel, avoiding a downward slash, and retaliated with a strike aimed at Lysara's side. The general dodged, but just barely, her smirk fading as she realized this wasn't going to be an easy victory.

"You're full of surprises, Your Majesty," Lysara said, her tone tinged with genuine respect.

"Is that doubt I hear, General?" Valeria shot back, her confidence building with each exchange.

The duel became a dance, both fighters moving in perfect sync as they tested each other's limits. Lysara's strikes were as swift and precise as the wind she wielded, but Valeria's responses were calculated and deliberate.

At one point, Lysara feinted left before pivoting and delivering a powerful overhead swing. Valeria raised her sword just in time, the impact sending a jolt down her arms. She pushed back with a grunt, forcing Lysara to stumble a step.

The crowd roared, their excitement palpable.

Valeria seized the moment, her movements growing sharper, more confident. She stepped into Lysara's range, her blade moving in a blur as she launched a flurry of attacks. Lysara blocked most of them, but Valeria's relentless assault forced her to retreat.

Sweat dripped from both women as the duel stretched on, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. The sun beat down on the arena, but neither showed any signs of backing down.

Lysara's expression shifted from smug amusement to fierce determination. "You've improved, Your Majesty. But let's see how you handle this!"

She leaped into the air, her blade arcing downward with enough force to knock the sword from Valeria's hands. Time seemed to slow as the attack descended.

Valeria's mind screamed at her to move, and her body obeyed. She sidestepped at the last possible moment, her blade flashing upward in a smooth arc.

The sound of wood striking wood echoed like a gunshot. Lysara's sword flew from her hands, spinning through the air before landing in the dirt.

The crowd fell silent, their collective breath caught as Valeria's blade came to rest mere inches from Lysara's chest.

For a moment, the two women stood frozen, the weight of the duel settling over them. Then Valeria lowered her weapon, stepping back and offering Lysara a hand.

The general hesitated before taking it, her grip firm but respectful. A slow smile spread across her face as she met Valeria's gaze. "Well played, Your Majesty."

Valeria nodded, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. "You fought well, General. But perhaps next time, don't underestimate your opponent."

The soldiers erupted into cheers, their applause thundering across the training grounds. Valeria turned to face them, her expression unreadable but her heart swelling with pride.