Chapter 10

Neyvar was on his way home. The streets were calm, a light breeze brushing past him, but suddenly a voice stopped him.

"Wait!"

Serina appeared in front of him. Her eyes were serious, sword in hand.

Serina: "I want to duel you."

Neyvar, surprised: "Duel? Now? Why?"

She stepped closer: "I want to see how strong you are."

Neyvar sighed: "Sorry, but I'm in a hurry. I don't have time to due—"

Serina suddenly attacked. The tip of her sword almost touched Neyvar's neck, but he dodged at the last moment.

Neyvar: "Are you crazy?! I said I don't want to fight!"

Serina, with a proud and cold expression: "If you don't fight, I won't let you leave. I don't fight weaklings... but you're an exception."

Neyvar took a deep breath. His eyes sharpened.

Neyvar: "Alright... if that's what you want, let's do this."

Serina launched another series of attacks. Her moves were fast, sharp, and precise. But Neyvar… effortlessly dodged them.

Inside Neyvar's mind: "What is this? I can read her movements… my body is reacting on its own."

Serina's frustration grew. Her strikes became heavier, but none landed. She was breathing hard, sweat dripping from her forehead.

Serina (angrily): "Why aren't you fighting back?! Just dodging?!"

Neyvar whispered: "I don't seek fights… but if I must..."

He suddenly appeared behind her, picked up a sharp stick from the ground, and quietly placed it against her neck.

Neyvar: "End it."

Serina froze. Her breathing was heavy. A moment of silence, then with a slight smile:

Serina: "Agh... fine. I surrender."

Neyvar dropped the stick and walked past her without saying a word.

In his heart, he whispered:

"So this is what strength feels like... But being able to grow like this… it has to be impossible... Whatever. I need to go home."

He returned home. As he stepped in, a soft, cheerful voice greeted him.

Alicia: "Welcome back, Master Neyvar! The food is almost ready."

Neyvar, tired but content:

"Thank you, Miss Alicia. After a tough day, a good meal is perfect."

After eating, Neyvar went out to get some air. The sky was dark, the streets quiet, wind rustling through the trees.

But suddenly...

A faint, trembling voice reached his ears:

"Help... someone help me..."

Neyvar's eyes narrowed. Without a second thought, he ran toward the sound. Chains clinking. Fast footsteps…

Then, a narrow, dark alley.

Something was waiting for him there...

End of Chapter 10.