CHAPTER 6: THE TOURNAMENT OF POWER AND THE SHADOW OF FRUSTRATION

After their journey of peace and friendship, the reign of Neythan and Henrique was about to be tested in a completely different way. The Tournament of Power, an ancient tradition among the kingdoms, was set to begin. However, this time, the tournament would be more than just a competition—it would be the stage for a symbolic battle, where the princes, representing their people, would have to fight not only for victory but for the honor and trust of all.

The announcement of the event caused great excitement in all the kingdoms. Although Neythan and Henrique had already demonstrated their commitment to peace, political tensions were still present, and many saw the tournament as the perfect opportunity to measure strength and prove the superiority of their realms.

In the grand field of the Arena of Decision, where all eyes were fixed on the two princes, the air was thick with anticipation. Henrique had trained tirelessly for weeks, preparing for this moment. The battle would be his chance to demonstrate his strength and dedication to his nation's cause. Neythan, on the other hand, understood the importance of representing not just physical strength but also his values: patience, honor, and friendship. He did not want to be seen as someone who resorted to violence out of mere ambition.

As both stepped into the arena, an almost absolute silence fell over the crowd. The two princes, dressed in golden armor bearing the symbols of their kingdoms, faced each other. Their eyes were filled with determination but also mutual respect. They knew this battle was not just physical but emotional, and the fate of their people seemed to hang on the edge of each sword.

The signal for the fight was given, and the duel began with impressive speed. Neythan advanced with a calm stance, his movements calculated, trying to avoid a direct confrontation. Henrique, on the other hand, was more aggressive, his sword slicing through the air with controlled fury, trying not to give his opponent any room to breathe.

The battle was intense. Henrique was strong, fast, and determined, but Neythan, with his ability to anticipate his opponent's moves, managed to dodge and counterattack with surprising precision. The audience watched in awe, absorbing every movement as if it were a choreographed dance of skill and strategy.

Feeling the pressure, Henrique increased the power of his attacks. The fire in his eyes was not just the desire to win but the need to prove something—to everyone and to himself. He did not want to be seen as the prince who failed, the one who lost the chance to showcase his power. He was fighting against something deeper than his opponent: his own insecurity.

At one point, Henrique managed to land a swift strike on Neythan, forcing him to step aside. The crowd erupted in excitement, believing Henrique was on the verge of victory. But Neythan, with an unexpected maneuver, used his opponent's momentum against him. With a precise spin, he knocked Henrique to the ground, disarming him and winning the first round of the fight.

Henrique lay on the arena floor, breathless, the sting of defeat burning in his soul. The audience, which had been roaring moments before, now fell into an awkward silence. The Prince of Light, known for his courage and strength, had been defeated. Henrique felt a crushing weight on his chest, as if the entire world was witnessing his failure.

Neythan, seeing the disappointment in Henrique's eyes, extended his hand to help him up. He was not an enemy but an ally, and although the battle had ended, their friendship had to endure.

— "Henrique… you were incredible," Neythan said, his voice calm but filled with sincerity. "You fought with everything you had. It's not about winning or losing, but about never giving up."

Henrique, still on the ground, looked at Neythan with a mixture of anger and frustration. His mind was flooded with conflicting thoughts. He wanted to believe Neythan's words, but the pain of defeat felt too real at that moment. He took Neythan's hand and stood up but remained silent. Silence was his only response.

Behind the Arena

In the back rooms of the arena, Henrique removed his armor, trying to hide the humiliation he felt. He felt like a failure. Neythan's victory was not just a loss in the tournament; it was a deep blow to his self-esteem. He had dedicated so much time and effort to the fight, yet in the end, he had failed in front of everyone.

— "I… lost," Henrique murmured to himself, his voice filled with bitterness. "Everything I did was in vain."

But then, a memory surfaced in his mind. He recalled Neythan's words before the battle: "True victory is over who we are, not what we show to the world."

Henrique closed his eyes, trying to process what had happened. Perhaps defeat was not the end. Perhaps it was just the beginning of something greater.

A Lesson in the Night

That night, as the two princes sat separately in their chambers, Neythan sensed Henrique's presence in the room. He knew his friend was struggling with his own doubts and fears. Neythan, with his wisdom, understood that Henrique needed more than just victory—he needed forgiveness and self-acceptance.

Approaching him, Neythan placed a hand on his shoulder.

— "I know what you're feeling, Henrique," Neythan said. "But the battle is not against me or anyone else; it's against yourself. You won—not with your sword, but with the courage to continue, no matter how hard it was."

Henrique looked at him, his eyes clouded with frustration, but something in Neythan's words seemed to ease the pain inside him. He didn't need to be perfect. He didn't need to be invincible.

— "I… don't know if I can accept this," Henrique whispered.

— "Defeat is a teacher, Henrique. It teaches us more than victory ever could. Now, look inside yourself and see that you are not alone." Neythan smiled, knowing that this moment of vulnerability was leading Henrique to a deeper understanding.

A New Dawn

The next morning, as the tournament continued with more battles, Neythan and Henrique stood side by side with their armies. Despite Henrique's loss, something had changed. Both knew that the journey toward peace was not about physical victories but about the ability to learn from challenges, to rise after falling.

Henrique still carried the frustration of his defeat, but standing beside Neythan, he was beginning to realize that true power lay in friendship, perseverance, and the will to move forward despite obstacles.

The Tournament of Power was far from over, but now, for Henrique and Neythan, the real challenge would be keeping their friendship intact as the trials ahead grew even more complex.

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 7…