Chapter 99: A Clash of Blades

Alden made his way through the academy grounds, the crisp evening air carrying the distant sounds of steel clashing in the training facilities. The scent of sweat and exertion lingered in the air, a testament to the relentless training sessions students put themselves through.

He wasn't heading there for casual practice. He needed real combat experience—facing an opponent who could push him beyond the structured drills and controlled spars of class. And he knew exactly who would fit the role.

As he stepped into the training hall, the rhythmic sound of a sword slicing through the air filled his ears. There, at the far end of the facility, stood Alicia von Rosenheim.

She was always here at this time. Training, refining her swordplay, honing her aura. The dim lighting of the facility cast long shadows on the walls, emphasizing her powerful yet graceful movements. Each strike she executed was precise, controlled—deadly.

Alden leaned against the wall, watching for a few moments. She was relentless, her red hair flowing behind her like a wildfire. The sheer intensity in her golden eyes as she practiced was something few could match.

He smirked slightly before speaking.

"Tire yourself out before I even get to challenge you?"

Alicia halted mid-strike, pivoting to face him. A bead of sweat ran down her temple, but she merely flicked her hair back. "Confident today, are we?"

"More like curious." He stepped forward. "I need a real fight. Not training dummies, not controlled spars. A real fight where my opponent isn't holding back."

Her eyes narrowed, assessing him. "You sure? I won't go easy on you."

"I'd be disappointed if you did."

Alicia studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Fine. Grab a sword."

Alden moved to the weapon rack, selecting a standard academy training sword. It wasn't as refined as his personal blade, but it would do. He turned back to see Alicia rolling her shoulders, loosening up.

"Rules?" she asked.

"None. Just a duel until one of us yields or can't fight anymore."

She smirked. "Brave."

They moved to the center of the facility, standing a few meters apart. A small audience of passing students gathered at the edges, sensing the tension in the air.

Alicia adjusted her grip on her sword, her golden eyes locked onto his. "You make the first move."

Alden exhaled, then shot forward.

The Battle Begins

He closed the distance in a heartbeat, striking out with a fast diagonal slash. Alicia reacted instantly, parrying with ease. The clash of metal echoed through the hall.

Alden didn't slow. He twisted his body, bringing his sword around in a sweeping arc toward her ribs. Again, Alicia blocked, but this time, she countered with a sharp thrust aimed at his shoulder.

He barely managed to sidestep in time, feeling the wind from her blade against his skin.

"Not bad," Alicia mused. "Faster than I expected."

"And you're stronger than I expected," Alden replied, shaking out his arm. The force behind her blocks sent vibrations up his bones.

She smirked. "That's aura control for you."

Alden charged again, this time switching tactics. Instead of relying solely on raw speed, he feinted to the left before shifting right at the last second. His blade darted toward her side—

But Alicia had already moved.

Her instincts were terrifying. She anticipated the feint and spun, slamming the flat of her blade against his side.

The impact sent him skidding back. A sharp pain flared in his ribs.

"That all you got?" she taunted.

Alden gritted his teeth. He had better proficiency in swordsmanship , Alicia's overwhelming aura control and sheer battle instincts compensated for it.

This wasn't going to be easy.

Pushing Forward

He adjusted his grip and lunged again, unleashing a rapid series of strikes. Alicia deflected them all, her movements precise and calculated. But this time, he was studying her.

Her defense was nearly flawless, but there was a slight delay whenever she transitioned between offensive and defensive stances. A fraction of a second where she left a small opening.

He just had to exploit it.

The next time she parried, he twisted his wrist, disengaging from the lock faster than she expected. His sword shot forward—

And finally, he landed a hit.

His blade grazed her arm before she managed to leap back. A thin line of red appeared on her sleeve.

Alicia glanced down, then up at him. Her golden eyes gleamed with something dangerous.

"You actually cut me."

Alden smirked. "Told you I wasn't here to play around."

She chuckled softly, rolling her shoulders. "Alright. My turn."

Alden barely had time to react before she moved.

Alicia Unleashed

She was fast.

Faster than before.

Her aura flared, boosting her speed and power. The next attack came like a lightning strike—her sword swung down with crushing force. Alden blocked, but the impact rattled his bones, nearly making him drop his weapon.

He stumbled back, but she was already following up.

A sideways slash. A downward cut. A thrust straight for his chest.

Alden dodged as best as he could, but Alicia was relentless. She didn't give him time to recover. Her strikes came in an unending storm, forcing him into pure defense.

Then—

Her blade slammed into his wrist, knocking his sword from his grip.

Before he could react, she stepped forward, her sword stopping just short of his throat.

A heavy silence filled the hall.

Alicia tilted her head, breathing slightly heavier than before. "Looks like I win."

Alden exhaled, then chuckled. "Yeah. I suppose you do."

She lowered her sword, stepping back. "You're good. Better than most. But you're holding back."

He rolled his shoulders. "You're the last person I'd expect to complain about that."

She smirked. "True. But I meant it. There's something you're not using. Some instinct, some ability. I could feel it."

Alden didn't answer. She wasn't wrong. But Voidstep and Eclipse Vision were his trump cards—he wasn't about to reveal them so easily.

Alicia studied him for a moment longer before nodding. "Still, you pushed me more than I expected. You'll be terrifying once you stop holding back."

Alden chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She sheathed her sword. "Good. Now, let's get out of here. I'm starving."

Alden blinked. "You're not going to rub your victory in my face?"

Alicia smirked. "Oh, don't worry. I will. Over dinner."

He sighed, shaking his head as he followed her out.

Even in defeat, he had gained something valuable.