CHAPTER 68: THE YOUNGEST THAT EVER EXIST

Ari and her friends are chosen to participate in the BladeHex selection due to their exceptional performance. Each must face a current BladeHex member in a one-on-one battle. Ari challenges Elena, the Blade of Light, and puts up a strong fight but is ultimately defeated. Now, all candidates await the final results as the BladeHex members deliberate.

Inside a quiet, dimly lit chamber, the six current members of BladeHex sat in heavy silence. The air felt tense, the weight of recent failures still pressing on their shoulders. One of the male members leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"This generation… they're far too weak to inherit our titles. Isn't it obvious?"

Elena, the Blade of Light, crossed her arms and replied calmly, "Perhaps. But you're forgetting something important. We're not selecting warriors based on current strength—we're choosing those with the most potential for the future. These children… they're only twelve. But within a few years, they could surpass even us."

Another woman among the six nodded. "She's right. Besides, we lost—all of us—to a single man. What right do we have to question who's worthy of our titles when we couldn't even defend them ourselves?"

As she spoke, the scene briefly cut to a haunting image: a lone man, fierce and calm, standing amidst the battlefield. Three BladeHex members were already on their knees, barely able to stand. The remaining three fought with labored breaths, their movements sluggish, their power visibly drained. One of them coughed up blood, eyes wide with disbelief.

Back in the chamber, another man narrowed his eyes at Elena. "Still, of all the candidates, your pick was the most questionable. You selected a twelve-year-old girl, Ari Hale, as your successor. You know she's the youngest one, and you also trained under the same master. Is this your bias speaking?"

Elena responded firmly. "My decision is mine alone. I do not owe you an explanation. You'll understand in time why I chose her. Her light magic is exceptional, and she fits the title of the Blade of Light better than anyone else."

The same skeptic chuckled sarcastically. "Fits the title? The 'Light Blade' itself is a fake, and we all know it. It's symbolic, a blade that was never real to begin with. What does it matter who holds it now? The same sword is the reason for your early retirement, isn't it?"

Elena's gaze sharpened. "So what? Even if the blade is symbolic, the meaning it carries still lives. The weight of the name 'BladeHex' must be passed to someone worthy, and I've made my choice. If you're so concerned, challenge me. Defeat me or survive for three minutes—then you can call my decision wrong."

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Suddenly, a soft voice broke through.

"I'll fight," Ari said, stepping forward. Her gaze was clear, unwavering. "They doubt your judgment, Lady Elena. Then let me prove my worth. Not just for myself—but for you."

Elena looked at her with a mix of pride and concern. "This isn't your fight, Ari. It's about the honor of the BladeHex. No one here should be allowed to question our final decision. They were all given equal chances."

The man who had raised the objections looked down, clenching his fists—but he did not step forward.

He knew… he couldn't win.

He couldn't even survive three minutes against Elena.

Elena turned to face the room. "Then let it be known—my decision is final. I pass my title to Ari Hale. If anyone here doubts her strength or her future, then challenge her after the Oath Ceremony."

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The Next Day – Outside the BladeHex Hall

The candidates gathered, dressed in ceremonial robes, anticipation thick in the air. The six current BladeHex members stood before them, each preparing to name their successor.

One by one, the successors were announced. Each selected candidate came forward and received a white coat with the BladeHex symbol stitched on the back—each symbol matching their magic affinity.

Then, at last, it was Elena's turn.

With a calm and powerful voice, she spoke, "As the Blade of Light, the successor I choose… is Ari Hale."

Gasps erupted among the crowd. Some stared in disbelief. Others looked at Ari with awe.

"A twelve-year-old?" someone whispered. "The rest are 17… 18 years old. What makes her special?"

"She's from the royal Hale family," another muttered. "That's why. It's politics."

"No, it's because she trained under Master Alex—just like Elena did."

Ari stepped forward, climbing the ceremonial stairs. Elena placed the white coat on her shoulders, the emblem of light glowing faintly on its back. Ari stood tall, though her small frame was still that of a child.

Far in the back, Aden Hale watched quietly. Then, without a word, he turned and left the ceremony.

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That Night – A Tragedy in the Capital

The city of Pyronis burst into celebration. Streets were filled with cheering citizens, music echoed from every corner, and the royal family stood on a grand balcony overlooking the crowd.

The King raised his hand. "Today, I declare that my eldest son, Zech Hale, shall become the next ruler of Pyronis!"

Applause thundered through the air.

But it did not last.

Before the King could finish his next sentence, a sharp blade pierced through his chest—from behind.

Gasps and screams followed as the younger prince, driven by ambition and rage, revealed his betrayal.

He seized the throne by force, capturing Zech and Queen Kira, locking them away under heavy guard.

He tried to seize Ari as well.

She barely escaped.

Bloodied and breathless, she vanished into the night, a deep scar etched across her eye as a reminder of her near-death encounter.

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Present Time – Pyronis Port

At the coastal port of the empire, a large ship prepared to sail. The BladeHex captain and his team arrived with Ari—unconscious and bound. She was placed in a locked room aboard the ship.

Moments later, another group arrived.

Imperial Alden.

He stood tall among his allies, eyes scanning the docks with intensity.

Dozens of ships stood ready, some beginning to depart.

A guard at the port spotted him and immediately reached for a comm device. "General! I have news—Imperial Alden is at the port right now!"

A voice on the other end responded with shock.

"What?! What is he doing there?!"

The tides of fate were shifting again.

And Imperial… was ready to fight.