The clang of steel rang through the dueling grounds, sharp and resonant in the crisp air.
Alex's sword, a simple steel blade with a polished edge, met the sword of his opponent – a squire cladded in full spring steel armor.
They were evenly matched, or so it seemed, as sparks flew from each clash of their weapons. Both warriors followed the strict, orthodox forms of swordsmanship, their movements deliberate, calculated, and fluid as they circled the dueling area.
Alex felt the weight of the sword in his hand, heavier than a wand, but in some ways more familiar.
His training over the past two months had taught him not just how to wield it, but also how to think like a swordsman.
His instincts, honed through years of fighting with his life on the line each and every time he fought for the rebellion, were as sharp as they come.
But this duel was different – It wasn't about survival or stealth. It was about skill. Pure, physical skill.
Each strike from his opponent came with force and precision, driving Alex back step by step. The squire was older, stronger, and more experienced. He fought with the confidence of someone who had seen dozens of duels before.
Alex, however, wasn't intimidated. He had learned that in swordsmanship, the smallest mistakes often turn the tide of battle.
Their blades locked together, and Alex felt the weight of his opponent's strength pressing against him. For a moment, it seemed like the squire would overwhelm him.
The younger man's strikes were relentless, pushing him towards the edge of the dueling circle. Sweat dripped down Alex's brow as he narrowly avoided another powerful blow, his arm trembling from the strain of parrying each attack.
"Is this all you've got, Du Lac?" the squire taunted with disdain, his voice muffled behind his helmet. He pushed forward again, swinging his sword in a wide arc that Alex barely managed to deflect.
Alex didn't respond. His mind was already racing, analyzing every detail of his opponent's form through the thin slits of his armor's helmet.
The squire's strikes were strong, but they were predictable. His footwork was aggressive, leaving openings after each attack. Alex just needed the right moment.
As their swords crossed again, Alex saw his opportunity. The squire leaned too far into the strike, and Alex used the momentum to his advantage.
With a swift twist of his wrist, he positioned his blade at the base of his opponent's blade, with the weight of his body behind him, he pushed with force, disengaging their swords, sending the squire's blade flying from his hand.
In one fluid motion, Alex stepped in, sweeping the squire's legs out from under him and pressing his own sword against the armored chest, right where his heart would be.
The duel was over.
"Winner, Alex Du Lac," came Adrien's voice, calm but authoritative, as he stepped forward from where he had been observing the match. The other knights and squires who had gathered to watch let out murmurs of approval.
Alex stood over his opponent; his breath heavy but controlled as he smiled slightly, a familiar window appearing before him:
[ Mission : Dueling
Objective – Learn the basics of swordsmanship and become proficient enough to defeat an experienced Squire
Mission Rank – B
Reward : Expertly Crafted Steel Sword
Time Limit : 2 months
Status : Completed ]
The notification vanished, and Alex reached out a hand to help the fallen squire to his feet.
"That was a good duel," the squire said, accepting the gesture as he picked up his sword from where it had landed. His face was flushed with exertion but not defeat. He gave a slight nod of respect.
"You pushed me harder than I expected," Alex replied, a glimmer of humility in his tone. Despite his victory, he knew how close the duel had been. Every fight was a lesson, and there was still so much more to learn.
Adrien stepped forward; his expression as unreadable as ever. "That's where duels are won and lost," he said, addressing both Alex and the gathered squires.
"In the fraction of a moment where your opponent makes a mistake and you don't."
"You're only as strong as your weakest moment"
He turned to the rest of the knights and squires standing by his side, his gaze sweeping over them with the weight of a seasoned commander.
"And a team is only as strong as its weakest link."
The knights stood at attention; their faces focused. The duel had been a demonstration, a reminder of how quickly a fight could change, and they knew it.
Adrien's words hung in the air like an unspoken challenge.
"Change and get your things, Alex," Adrien said, his tone more casual now. "We should return to France."
Alex nodded, still catching his breath, and made his way to the barracks.
The heavy steel armor weighed on him as he walked, but it was a weight he had grown accustomed to over the past month.
Stripping off the armor piece by piece, he felt a strange sense of accomplishment. He had come here a novice, barely knowing how to hold a sword, and now he was leaving having bested an experienced squire.
As he packed his belongings, the other squires gathered around to bid him farewell.
"You guys better be knights by the time I come here next year," Alex said with a grin, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Otherwise, I'll be one before you."
One of the older squires chuckled, clapping him on the back. "We'll hand you your ass in a knightly manner next time, don't worry."
The group shared a light laugh, but the camaraderie was genuine. They had all witnessed Alex's rise – his swift mastery of the sword, his relentless work ethic. Despite his incredible progress in such a short time, he didn't carry himself with arrogance. If anything, he inspired them to push harder.
As Alex made his way out of the barracks, he overheard one of the older squires speaking in hushed tones. "He's amazing, isn't he? To become so proficient in just two months?"
"That he is," another replied with a shake of his head. "We'll need to train harder unless we want to be shown up by someone not even out of school yet."
The words filled the air with resolve, a quiet determination that permeated the group. Alex's talent didn't demoralize them – It pushed them forward. They were knights in training, after all, and their morale remained high, as always.
Outside, Adrien stood waiting for him.
The sun had begun to set, casting a warm glow over the estate. Without a word, Adrien handed Alex a small silver coin – the Portkey that would take them back to France.
"Ready?" Adrien asked, his tone casual but carrying an undercurrent of approval.
Alex nodded. "As always."
With a brief flicker of energy, they disappeared, reappearing moments later in the lush gardens of the Du Lac family estate.
The familiar scent of roses and lavender filled the air as Alex and his father walked up the stone path toward the grand entrance.
The doors swung open, and Alex's family greeted them warmly, their smiles welcoming him home.
As the evening light faded, Alex felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The past two months had been grueling, pushing him to his physical and mental limits. But now, with a new level of proficiency in swordsmanship and the beginnings of true combat experience under his belt, he felt more prepared for the challenges ahead.
His father placed a hand on his shoulder as they entered the manor. "You've done well, Alex. But remember, this is just the beginning."
"I know," Alex replied, glancing at his mission window once more, the words Mission Complete still fresh in his mind.
There was always more to learn. Always another challenge waiting around the corner.