The name Eiron Levara was called.
The entire line turned toward him, as though everyone had been waiting for this moment. From the start of training, he had never hidden his arrogance, nor the sharp gaze that carried a silent challenge.
His opponent this time was a broad-shouldered youth, the son of a blacksmith, with arms stronger than most of the recruits. Some expected that Eiron would finally meet resistance.
The two stepped into the center of the yard, dust rising beneath their feet.
Commander Raun lifted his hand.
"Begin."
⸻
For the first moment, the blacksmith's son did not move. He raised his wooden sword cautiously, measuring the distance.
Eiron, by contrast, gave a cold smile—and rushed forward without hesitation.
His first strike was not aimed at the sword or chest… but at the knee.
The blow landed hard against his opponent's leg, knocking him off balance at once.
Before the blacksmith's son could recover, Eiron had already circled with a quick step and struck again at his side.
The second hit drove the breath from his lungs, forcing him back in pain.
But Eiron gave no chance.
He pressed forward like a wolf upon its prey, blows falling in rapid succession—shoulder, forearm—and finally a direct strike to the chest that sent his opponent crashing to the ground.
⸻
A heavy silence hung in the yard.
There was nothing of "honor" or "warning" in Eiron's style. It was ruthless and direct.
Commander Raun raised an eyebrow, but gave no objection.
"A short fight… but effective.
Remember this: in war, the enemy will not wait for you to be ready."
Eiron wiped sweat from his brow with his arm and returned to the line without looking back.
For a brief moment, his eyes passed over Kaizlan, a mocking smile curving his lips—as if to say: This is how one fights, not as you did.
⸻
Whispers stirred among the recruits:
"Merciless fighting…"
"A wolf's style…"
The words spread quickly, as though a name was being born for the first time.
Kaizlan tightened his grip on his wooden sword. He did not feel envy, but rather the weight of a question:
"Is this truly the way to stay alive?"