“Arrival of an Old Lion”

Aldric clenched his fists, his face turning red with anger "That's not true. He provoked me. He insulted me and mocked my strength! That's why I challenged him to a duel to put him in his place"

Leonhardt, his sharp eyes narrow as he glares at Aldric "That's not how a true warrior handles things, Aldric. Strength isn't about proving yourself through petty quarrels. A true duel is fought with purpose, not pride"

Aldric's jaw tightened, but he couldn't argue back. His grandfather's words carried too much weight. He hated this. He hated how, even now, Saaransh remained so calm, so composed, as if Aldric was nothing but a joke to him

Leonhardt crossed his arms "I will not stop this duel. In fact, now I want to see it to the end. Show me if either of you are truly worthy of carrying the Stoneheart name"

Aldric's heart pounded. This was his chance to prove himself. His grandfather rarely praised anyone, but if he could win this duel, then he Aldric would stand above Saaransh once and for all. He took a deep breath, tightening his grip on his spear

Reginald stepped forward, his deep voice echoing "Father, you can't openly favor one child over the other. This duel should be a test of merit, not personal preference"

Leonhardt said coldly "I do not favor anyone, Reginald. But I have expectations. And I expect Aldric to uphold the honor of our family"

Aldric swallowed hard. There it was again. The crushing weight of expectation. The pressure to live up to his father's and grandfather's standards. It was suffocating but he had no choice. He had to win

Reginald's aura flaring slightly "Do not teach me, Father"

A sudden surge of oppressive energy filled the air. The sheer force of it made the servants step back in fear. Aldric, caught off guard, stumbled, falling to one knee under the weight of his father's presence

Aldric's breathing ragged "uncle"

Saaransh was just standing firm, he was unfazed. thinking "This aura… It's no joke. Grandfather's aura is Almost on par with Father's" His eyes flicker with amusement "Too bad,but it doesn't affect me"

Saaransh felt the pressure, but his dark mana his secret power absorbed the shock and pressure of the aura, neutralizing its effects. He remained standing, his expression unreadable, while Aldric struggled to Stay composed

Leonhardt's voice sharp "Continue the duel. Let us see if you boys are truly warriors or just children playing with weapons"

Aldric wiped the sweat from his Eyebrow, his grip on his spear tightening. This time, he wouldn't lose. He wouldn't humiliate himself in front of his grandfather and uncle. Gritting his teeth, he charged forward at Saaransh

Aldric yelled "I will wipe that smirk off your face, Saaransh"

Saaransh just calmly raised his spear, and deflected Aldric's attack with ease "Is that so?" Saaransh smirks "Then try harder"

Aldric's eyes widened as his attack was effortlessly pushed aside. But he didn't stop. He struck again. And again. And again. Each blow was filled with anger, desperation, and frustration. But none of them landed

Saaransh mocked him "Is this really all you've got, Aldric?" He leaned forward slightly "I expected more from you Aldric"

Aldric shouted "Shut up!"

He lunged with full force, aiming straight for Saaransh's chest. But just before his spear could connect

Saaransh grinnined "Too slow."

In an instant, Saaransh sidestepped, his movements fluid and precise. Aldric barely had time to react before a powerful kick slammed into his stomach, sending him skidding across the ground

Aldric coughed "Tch"

Saaransh slowly walked toward him "Come on, Aldric. You talked so much about putting me in my place. And yet, here you are. On the ground"

Aldric's hands trembled. His grandfather was watching. His Uncle was watching. Everyone was watching. And yet, he was losing. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet. He refused to accept this

Aldric:- I'm not done yet! I will fight hardwr and win this duel and defeat you, Saaransh

He unleashed a flurry of rapid thrusts, aiming for Saaransh's weak spots. But it was useless. Saaransh dodged every strike with minimal effort, his expression never changing

Saaransh just laughed softly "This is pathetic"

With one swift motion, Saaransh knocked Aldric's spear aside, closing the distance between them. Before Aldric could react, Saaransh's hand shot forward, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him slightly off the ground

Saaransh's voice dropper to a whisper "You were never on my level, Aldric. You never will be"

Aldric's heart pounded in terror. He had never seen Saaransh like this before. The cold, merciless gaze. The effortless dominance. The realization struck him like a hammer he was nothing compared to Saaransh

Leonhardt was watching intently, his expression unreadable

Reginald smirked slightly "That's my son for you"

Aldric gasped as Saaransh suddenly let go, dropping him to the ground. He tried to stand, but his body refused to move. His legs trembled, his arms felt weak, and worst of all his pride was shattered

Saaransh turned away, as if Aldric was no longer worth his attention "This duel is over"

For a moment, there was only silence. Then

Leonhardt's voice increased "Is that all, Aldric? You disgrace yourself and the Stoneheart name like this?"

Aldric flinched, his body trembling. His grandfather's voice carried nothing but disappointment. He had failed. He had lost. And now he was nothing

Saaransh, however, remained still. His back turned to everyone. But a smirk tugged at his lips. This wasn't just a victory. This was complete and utter humiliation for Aldric. And Saaransh had enjoyed every second of it

Leonhardt's aura flaring "Pathetic"

A sudden, suffocating pressure filled the air. Saaransh's smirk faded as he slowly turned his head only to see his grandfather stepping forward, his eyes burning with something dangerous

"I will not tolerate weakness in this family"

The ground beneath them cracked slightly as Leonhardt took another step forward, his aura like a raging storm. The once calm and composed elder now radiated fury

Leonhardt said "You"

His gaze locked onto Saaransh

"You may have won the duel but do not think for a second that you have won my favor"

Saaransh's eyes narrowed. The air grew heavier. The tension became unbearable. And in that moment Saaransh realized something

This battle wasn't over yet