As the sun rose over the Ashborne estate, a palpable tension filled the air. Today was the day of the sparring event, a long-anticipated tradition where family members would compete for a coveted spot at the prestigious academy ruled by the archmage. The arena was alive with the murmurs of servants and the excited chatter of onlookers. At the center stood the family head, Lord Alaric Ashborne, a man of great stature and authority, known for his sharp mind and unwavering expectations of his children. His presence commanded respect, and today he would bear witness to the culmination of his family's strength.
The first match was between Damon, the eighth child, and Zariel, who now inhabited Velgrim's body. Damon, confident and brimming with the arrogance of youth, stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "I'll make quick work of you, little brother," he taunted, a smirk dancing across his lips. Zariel, however, felt no fear. He could sense the latent power within Velgrim, and coupled with his own past experiences as Zariel Ravenshadow, he was ready to unleash a storm.
As the match commenced, Damon lunged forward, swinging his sword with the confidence of someone who had trained for years. But Zariel was different now; he had spent countless nights honing both his physical prowess and magical abilities. With an agile sidestep, he evaded Damon's attack, the shadows swirling around him in a protective embrace. In one swift motion, he countered, delivering a blow that sent Damon sprawling to the ground, breathless and astonished.
The gasps from the spectators echoed through the arena, but none were more shocked than Lord Alaric Ashborne. His eyes widened as he watched his youngest son, the one everyone considered the weakest, now standing victorious over Damon. "What is happening?" he murmured, disbelief tinging his voice.
Next came the battle between Theron and Lyra. The two stepped forward, both knowing the stakes were high. Theron, known for his brute strength, charged in recklessly, but Lyra was a master of her craft. With fluidity and precision, she danced around him, countering every swing and landing precise strikes. In a matter of moments, Theron was on the ground, defeated and humiliated. The crowd erupted in applause for Lyra, their expectations fulfilled. She was a formidable force, one that all knew would have her place at the academy.
The arena buzzed with anticipation for the next match: Zariel against Lyra. As he stepped forward, the murmurs quieted. Lyra, the embodiment of grace and power, eyed him with a mix of respect and curiosity. She had heard whispers of Velgrim's newfound strength but had yet to witness it for herself. "You've grown stronger, Velgrim," she acknowledged, her tone serious yet intrigued.
With a nod, Zariel readied himself. The two began their duel, the clash of metal ringing through the air. Lyra fought valiantly, her strikes precise and strong, but Zariel was a storm unleashed. He combined his past life experience with Velgrim's newfound potential, seamlessly blending swordplay and shadow magic. With each exchange, it became clear that while Lyra was strong, she was not enough to overcome the depth of skill and strategy that Zariel possessed.
Finally, in a breathtaking moment, Zariel unleashed a powerful surge of shadow energy, catching Lyra off guard. He swept her legs from under her, and in a heartbeat, she found herself on the ground, defeated yet impressed. The crowd fell silent, disbelief washing over them as they processed the outcome. Zariel stood tall, the weight of his triumph settling in.
Lord Alaric Ashborne's voice broke the silence, booming with authority and a hint of pride. "It appears we have a new contender worthy of the academy. Velgrim, you have not only surprised us all, but you have also proven that blood does not define strength."
With a smirk, Zariel raised his sword in salute, a nod to his family, and a declaration to the world. He had reclaimed his identity, not as the forgotten son of a servant but as Zariel Ravenshadow.
YOU ARE READING
Twilights of the Gods
Fantasy"Centuries ago, the battle mage who dared to challenge the gods was sealed away in eternal darkness, his name erased from history. But prophecies whispered of his return, and now, after ages of imprisonment, he has been reborn in a world dominated b...
