THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER NINE

Alethea stood tall, her expression serene, as the audience's applause and chatter filled the air. Her mind, however, was already analyzing her performance.

"Not bad," she thought, "but I could have done better. The realm's energy was more turbulent than expected. Next time, I'll need to adapt faster."

She replayed the moments leading up to her portal spell, scrutinizing every detail. "I should have sensed the energy currents sooner. My magical control was adequate, but precision can always improve."

A hint of satisfaction crept into her thoughts. "Still, it was a flawless execution. The host's shock was priceless."

Alethea's gaze swept the arena, her eyes locking onto Kieran's figure. "He's watching me, wondering how I did it. I'll let him ponder."

A faint smile played on her lips. "This is just the beginning. The real challenge lies ahead."

As she reflected, Alethea's thoughts turned to her past:

"Father's training, Mother's guidance... it all led to this moment. I won't disappoint them."

Her focus snapped back to the present.

"Sir Malakai's exit was quicker than expected. I'll need to monitor his progress."

Alethea's mental preparation for the next round had already begun.

"Adapt, overcome, triumph."

The audience's cheers continued, but Alethea's mind was elsewhere, strategizing and refining her approach.

As the audience's fervor subsided, Sir Malakai approached Alethea, his eyes narrowing.

"Alethea, your little trick was impressive," Sir Malakai said, his tone dripping with condescension. "I'll give you credit – harnessing the realm's energy was clever. But let's see how you fare against real magical prowess."

Alethea's expression remained serene, but her eyes flashed with determination.

"It wasn't just a trick, Sir Malakai," she replied, her voice steady. "Light magic allows me to tap into external energy sources, amplifying my abilities without draining my own."

Sir Malakai sneered. "Valtoria's magic is far more refined. Our heritage doesn't rely on cheap tricks and ambient energy."

Alethea's smile turned icy. "We'll see whose magic reigns supreme in the end."

The tension between them crackled with hostility, each contestant determined to outdo the other.

"You may have won this small victory," Sir Malakai said, his voice low and menacing, "but Valtoria will not be defeated so easily."

Alethea's gaze never wavered as walked closer to him with a mischievous grin, "I'm counting on it or else, what fun would it be."

The professional speculators and audience watched the exchange, stunned by Alethea's revelation.

"Did she really just say she harnessed the realm's energy without using a songle drop of her own magical energy?" a spectator whispered.

"Alethea's strategy is revolutionary!" a speculator exclaimed.

As the crowd continued to buzz, Alethea and Sir Malakai engaged in a competitive repartee.

"Impressive as your feat was, Alethea," Sir Malakai said, "Valtoria's champion won't be easily swayed. Our magical heritage runs deep."

Alethea's smile widened. " The Kingdom of Avalor has its own unique strengths. We'll see who shines brightest in the end."

The tension between them was palpable, each contestant determined to outdo the other.