CHAPTER TWELVE

The sun was now fully in the sky, casting golden light over the courtyard where the exhausted students stood. They had survived the first real training session

Kaiden has been in this studio for almost a month now, he felt more stronger than he was before he entered this studio, with all the grueling training there were being put through it was normal to grow stronger

Apprentice Juro gave them a final nod. "Strength is earned. Prove you are worthy of it. Dismissed."

Kaidën rolled his shoulders, feeling the soreness settle into his muscles. Beside him, Renji was still panting. "I swear, I have never worked this hard in my life…"

Selene, as composed as ever, folded her arms. "Then perhaps you should have prepared better."

Renji groaned. "Yeah, yeah. Easy for you to say, Miss Perfect Form."

After three month of being together all three of them have formed a really deep friendship

Before Selene could reply, a new voice cut through their conversation.

"Well, well. It seems not everyone here is a weakling."

Kaidën turned to see two figures approaching—their posture and attire instantly marking them as prestigious.

The first was a tall, regal-looking young man with dark hair, tied neatly at the back.

His deep blue eyes carried an air of confidence, and the golden embroidery on his uniform signified high status.

The second was a sharply-dressed girl with striking violet eyes and short, jet-black hair. Unlike Selene, whose noble upbringing was evident through her calm precision, this girl had a look of calculated cunning.

They stopped a few feet away, surveying Kaidën's group.

The boy was the first to speak.

"I am Darius Solren, heir to the House of Solren. And this—" he gestured to the girl beside him, "—is Lady Iris Valtara. You should be honored."

Renji snorted. "Honored? To meet some rich guy and his friend?",he had always been the blunt type

Iris smirked. "Bold words for someone who nearly fell off a rope."

Renji opened his mouth, but Kaidën cut in. "You're both from major houses?"

Darius nodded, his expression proud. "House Solren is the strongest warrior family in the capital. My lineage is built on generations of undefeated martial artists."

Iris tilted her head slightly. "And the House of Valtara controls intelligence and strategy. Combat is important, but without the mind, the body is just an unsharpened blade."

Note: There are several major houses in the city of bessity and House Solren and Housr Valtera being part of then

All major houses has at least a martial Adept overseeing them

Selene finally spoke, her emerald eyes sharp. "Impressive. Though I expected as much from nobles of your standing."

Darius chuckled. "Ah, so you recognize greatness, Lady Varos?"

Selene gave him a cold look. "I recognize ability. The name alone means nothing."

Kaidën watched the interaction closely. Unlike Renji, who was naturally carefree, and Selene, who relied on precision, Darius and Iris carried an aura of superiority. But it wasn't without reason—they were strong.

"You passed the test," Kaidën finally said. "That means you're worth watching."

Darius raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. Coming from someone as skilled as you, I'll take that as a compliment."

Renji sighed. "Hope you would be able to keep up , Prince and Princess major house."

Iris chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. We won't be slowing you down."

Darius smirked. "In fact… we may just leave you all behind."

Kaidën felt a competitive spark ignite. These two weren't just arrogant nobles-- they were formidable. And if he wanted to grow stronger, he'd have to stand at their level.

Selene crossed her arms. "We'll see."

Iris gave Kaidën a lingering look. "I have a feeling you're full of surprises."

Darius turned, walking away with the same confidence as before. "Let's see if you can keep up, Kaidën."

A Rivalry Begins

As the two nobles left, Renji shook his head. "I don't know if I like them or hate them."

Selene was more thoughtful. "They're strong. That much is clear."

Kaidën, however, smirked slightly. "Then we just have to be stronger."

For the first time since arriving at the Silver Fist Studio, Kaidën had both friends and rivals.

And something told him—this was only the beginning.

To be continued…