A month passed.
The day came when Cyrus announced a sparring match — him versus Tracey and Dawn. The students were eager, confident after countless hours of training. As the duel began, Tracey held the line with Ashenfang, while Dawn used the beast as a springboard, launching herself towards Cyrus with a whip of water.
Cyrus responded with precision, leaping over Ashenfang, twisting midair, and releasing a shockwave of wind that hurled Dawn backward. He spun low, a blur of motion, and slashed around Ashenfang with a single stroke that drew lines of crimson across the beast's tough hide. Tracey gritted his teeth as Ashenfang growled in pain.
Then came their final attack. A dragon-shaped wave surged from Dawn, rushing towards the veteran swordsman. In answer, Cyrus molded an eagle from crackling lightning. The two creatures collided, water and lightning exploding into mist and sparks. When the mist cleared, the students were defeated, exhausted and wounded — yet smiling.
Cyrus offered a hand to each of them. "Well done. In one month, you've come a long way. But remember, true strength doesn't come from a single attack — it's in how well you adapt, how creatively you use your gifts."
That night, after another long day, the group returned to the castle. At dinner, the conversation turned to Imperial. Ari spoke up, "Aunt Lyra, I noticed an old, empty wooden box in Imperial's room. What is it?"
Lyra exchanged a glance with Cyrus. "That box has a deep significance for Imperial. He bring a dog home long ago the name of the dog is Ray
Then Lyra told them about that incident .
Around the table, silence settled as the weight of that memory sank in. They felt closer, connected by understanding and shared trials. Later that night, as the stars shimmered overhead, Ari, Tracey, and Dawn stood together on the second-floor balcony.
"Looks like none of us can sleep tonight," Tracey said with a crooked smile.
Ari sighed. "Seems that way. But knowing we're all struggling… somehow makes it feel a bit better."
They talked until the stars winked out, sharing stories of their training and laughing at moments that felt too hard to bear. In those moments, bonds deepened, and strength — quiet, hopeful strength — was born.
The Next Day
At breakfast, Cyrus announced a rare reprieve. "Today, I've arranged a servant to show you the royal town. You've earned a break."
Dawn and Tracey exchanged a glance, then shook their heads. "Master, we can take a look at the town another time. Right now, we want to train."
Cyrus smiled faintly, pride in his voice. "Very well. Let's get back to work."
With that, the trio returned to the training grounds, knowing that every drop of sweat shed was a step closer to becoming the warriors they were destined to be.
Several more months passed. The training intensified, hardening body and mind alike, until one evening, as Ari returned home, she noticed colorful decorations lighting up the royal town. Streamers waved from lamp posts, and lanterns shimmered like stars.
Ari, Tracey, and Dawn exchanged glances. "What's going on?"
Soon, word spread. The Empire's annual royal ceremony was happening next day night time — a grand event where the best-performing teams would be honored and the top five announced. All royal families, army units, and even commoners would gather for this prestigious event.
Lyra and Cyrus announced to Ari, Tracey, Dawn, and Gray that they too would be attending. "It's a big celebration," Lyra said with a smile. so you all are coming with us too understand?.
They all agreed.
The next evening, the royal grounds came alive. The area was divided into sections. At the center was the Emperor, the General, and leaders of the army. The three top royal families had their spaces arranged in circles around the central area — the Drake family, the Rowan family, and the Alden family. Beyond that, commoners lined the perimeter, eager to witness the celebrations.
As the Emperor arrived, followed by the royal families and army units, a hush fell. The General, a tall and imposing man named Travis, stepped forward. His voice boomed across the grounds:
"Thank you to all royal families — especially the Drake, Rowan, and Alden families — for attending tonight. Let us now honor the top five teams of the Empire's army this year."
The crowd erupted into applause as he announced, "Fifth place goes to Team Rock!"
Cheers surged as the team came forth to accept their reward. The General announced that the team's vice captain would also be promoted to captain — with the option to form their own team if desired. The same ritual followed for the fourth-placed team, Team Smith.
"Third place goes to Team Zeran!" announced General Travis.
The applause rose like a wave as Zeran Drake and his team stepped forth. "I also call Vice-Captain Magna to the stage, promoted now to Captain Rank!" The applause was deafening.
Ari smiled, nudging Tracey and Dawn as she spotted Magna accepting the honor. Whispers circulated quickly throughout the gathering: if Team Zeran came third, then Team Kai Alden had almost certainly secured second place.
"Everyone, silence!" General Travis announced sharply. "It's down to the top two teams. The difference is razor-thin. Let us welcome both Team E and Team Kai Alden to the stage for the final ranking."
A heavy quiet fell upon the area as the names were announced. "The second position goes to… Team E! And the first position goes to Team Kai Alden!"
Stunned silence followed. Not just the commoners, but even the royal families were taken aback. The General waved toward the center. "I request Lady Erika Rowan and her team, as well as Sir Kai Alden and his team, to come forth."
Kai and Erika arrived, followed by their teams. The tension in the air was palpable. From the Alden family area, Lyra and Cyrus watched with pride as Kai stepped forth.
Then, in a voice that rang across the area, Erika announced, "I hereby withdraw myself from the royal council and the royal army."
Gasps surged through the crowd.
Her teammates spoke quickly. "What are you saying, Lady Erika?"
Erika responded sharply. " This is my decision. Stay together as a team — I am the one leaving.
Whispers cascaded across the gathering, the shock palpable. At that, Finn, vice captain of Kai's team, spoke calmly, "We can understand how Lady Erika feels. After holding first place for six years and now dropping to second… it must sting."
Erika rounded on him. "Is that what you think?
You really believe I am leaving because we came second? No. I am leaving because I can sense the shift — a shift shaped by more than effort and honor." Her voice rose, sharp as a blade. "I am leaving because something changed here, and you also know what I am taking about."
One of Team E's members spoke aloud, voice challenging. "Then why don't we settle this right here, right now? Let the strongest prevail!"
Finn smiled darkly. "Very well. We won't hold back. Will you, Lady Erika?"
Kai, quiet until this moment, spoke coldly, "Are you truly challenging the decision of the royal council, Erika?"
"Absolutely," she shot back.