Chapter 11 - The Combat Begins

The sun blazed high in the sky as the noble heirs gathered in the arena for the first round of the combat trial. This was the test that many of them had anticipated with both excitement and dread.

The rules were simple: participants would fight one-on-one, and the winner would advance to the next round. The loser would be eliminated. The final champion of the knockout stage would earn the highest accolades of the trial.

Rows of spectators lined the arena, with noble families, knights, and stewards watching closely. For many, this was more than just a test of strength; it was a demonstration of character, strategy, and the future leadership potential of their heirs.

The announcer's voice echoed across the arena.

"Welcome to the combat trial, the second test of the coming-of-age ceremony! This trial will determine not only your skill with weapons but also your composure and adaptability in the face of adversity. Let the duels commence!"

Kaelan stood at the edge of the sand-covered arena, his black tunic immaculate, his posture relaxed yet commanding. His calm demeanor contrasted starkly with the nervous fidgeting of many other participants.

"You look too relaxed, Lord Kaelan," a voice teased.

Kaelan turned slightly to see Lady Elara approaching, her spear resting casually on her shoulder. She radiated confidence, but her gaze lingered on him, curious and challenging.

"Why waste energy being tense?" Kaelan replied, his tone dry. "The match will start soon enough."

Elara smirked. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts."

Kaelan didn't respond, his attention shifting back to the arena as the first names were announced.

The initial matches were quick, some over in a matter of seconds as clear favorites easily defeated their opponents.

Lady Selene dispatched her opponent with graceful precision, her spear movements drawing murmurs of approval from the crowd. Count Aldric's brute strength was equally impressive, his opponent barely lasting a minute before surrendering.

The announcer's voice boomed again.

"Next match: Kaelan Drakemont of House Drakemont versus Sir Marcus of House Bellamy!"

A hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to Kaelan as he stepped forward, his movements unhurried and composed. Across the arena, Marcus, a burly young man wielding a heavy war hammer, was already waiting.

Marcus grinned as Kaelan approached. "I've heard the rumors about you, Lord Kaelan. Once a prodigy, now a shadow of your former self. Let's see if there's any truth to them."

Kaelan stopped a few paces away, meeting Marcus' taunt with an unwavering gaze. "Let's."

The announcer raised his hand. "Begin!"

Marcus charged immediately, his war hammer swinging in a wide arc aimed directly at Kaelan's side. The attack was meant to overwhelm, to force Kaelan into a defensive position from the outset.

But Kaelan didn't flinch.

With a fluid step, he sidestepped the blow, the hammer crashing into the sand where he'd stood moments before. The force of the impact sent up a spray of dirt, but Kaelan was already moving.

His longsword flashed, striking at Marcus' exposed flank. The heavier man barely managed to block, gritting his teeth as he staggered back from the impact.

The crowd murmured in surprise.

Kaelan didn't press the attack immediately. Instead, he stepped back, his blade held loosely in one hand as he assessed Marcus with a calm, almost detached expression.

"You're fast," Marcus admitted, his grin faltering slightly.

"You're predictable," Kaelan replied.

Marcus growled, launching another series of heavy strikes. Each swing of the war hammer was powerful, but Kaelan evaded them with an ease that was almost infuriating to watch. He moved like water, always just out of reach, his every step deliberate and efficient.

Finally, Marcus overextended, his hammer smashing into the ground as Kaelan sidestepped once more. This time, Kaelan didn't hesitate.

With a single, precise slash, he struck Marcus' weapon arm, forcing him to drop the hammer with a cry of pain. A second later, Kaelan's blade was at Marcus' throat.

The announcer's voice rang out. "Winner: Kaelan Drakemont!"

The arena erupted into cheers and murmurs, though a few spectators exchanged uneasy glances.

Kaelan lowered his sword and stepped back, offering Marcus a curt nod before turning and walking away. He didn't acknowledge the applause, his expression calm and unreadable.

As Kaelan returned to the waiting area, he felt the weight of several stares.

Count Aldric was watching him intently, his brow furrowed. Lady Elara, on the other hand, looked amused as she approached.

"Efficient, as always," she remarked. "But you could at least pretend to enjoy the attention."

Kaelan gave her a sidelong glance. "I'm here to pass the trials, not put on a show."

Elara laughed, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "A shame. You're quite good at it, whether you try or not."

High above, Elena watched the match unfold with an impassive expression.

"So, the boy hasn't lost his edge," she murmured, her fingers drumming lightly against the armrest of her chair.

Tomas, standing beside her, scowled. "He's still nothing. One fight doesn't prove anything."

Elena smirked. "Perhaps. But we'll see how he handles the next rounds. If he falters, it will be a lesson for all to remember."

As the first round came to a close, the announcer stepped forward to address the crowd.

"The first round of the combat trial is complete! Congratulations to those who have advanced to the next stage. The quarterfinal matchups will be announced shortly. Rest well, for the battles ahead will only grow fiercer!"

Kaelan stood near the edge of the arena, his gaze distant as he mentally prepared for the next fight.

The first trial had been easy enough. Now, the real challenge would begin.