The morning of the Duel of Champions had this sort of unreal, festival-like hum to it. Rome practically vibrated with anticipation. Banners shimmered along the streets, each carrying the symbols of the Twelve Houses that tried too hard to look "royal."
The Noble Tournaments weren't just about fighting. They were all about status. The Houses used this opportunity to flaunt and show how terrifyingly powerful their Fluxers were, and to remind the rest of the world why the nobility still held the throne of influence. To outsiders, it looked like a grand competition. But to those of us who knew how this worked, it was just a political flex in gladiator form.
The funny thing? Official heirs couldn't even participate.
When I first heard that, I thought it was a joke. Turns out, it wasn't. The rule was apparently ancient, something about heirs being too "essential to risk." I almost laughed out loud when I found out. Which meant… yeah, I was benched.
It meant no dueling, no showing off or obliterating anyone with my Xana, just clapping politely in the audience while the "future generation" fought each other senseless. So, instead of sulking, I decided to use the chance to teach.
Esmodra was the perfect candidate. She just lacked one thing: battle experience. So I figured I'd send her out there to get a taste of real combat. Nothing too crazy, of course. Just a gentle reminder that the world outside the Palace doesn't play nice. Still, as I got ready that morning, I couldn't help but grin. This was the perfect way to test her limits. The VIP sections were only open to House Fluxers, which was convenient since my family name carried enough weight to open most doors. Besides, it wasn't like I could sneak around anymore. The entire world already knew who I was.
Almost a month had passed since the incident with the Empress, the one where I'd saved her life. That little event turned me into an international headline overnight. The news outlets were relentless. And now, my "miraculous return" was the talk of the town. When the limousine door opened, the noise hit like a wave. Cameras flashing, drones hovering, reporters shouting my name, it was a circus. If Norphie hadn't sent her bodyguards with me, I would have been swallowed whole by microphones and cheap perfume. I adjusted my coat, stepped onto the red carpet meant to welcome the House Fluxers, and immediately regretted existing.
The worst part? The crowd noticed I looked taller.
Apparently, that was a "side effect" of Flux Corrosion. At least, that's what people speculated. In truth, it was my renewal after experiencing the Fourth Awakening. Still, I didn't correct them. Let the tabloids have their fun. Once I finally escaped the chaos, I reached the Argemenes section, our family's private booth overlooking the arena. It was massive, decorated in our house's deep silver and crimson motifs.
That's when I saw Xaessia, September, and my father.
Xaessia stood like she owned the place. My little sister September, who is just five years old, spotted me first. She squealed, sprinting across the carpeted floor before I could even react.
"Phasie!"
She slammed into my legs and wrapped her tiny arms around me. I laughed, crouched down, and lifted her up.
"Woah, careful there, Seppy! You're heavier than last time."
"I'm not heavy! You're just really tall now!"
"Yeah? You like being up high?"
"Uh-huh! I can see everything!"
Her joy was contagious. Honestly, I loved September more than I ever let on. She was like the bright spot in our weirdly complicated family. She's somehow still normal despite growing up around monsters like us.
Xaessia gave me a lazy smirk when she spotted us.
"So, how was your red carpet debut, big brother?"
"Don't even start. It was chaos."
"Oh, come on, it couldn't have been that bad."
"I nearly got interviewed by a six-foot camera drone with a microphone attachment."
She burst out laughing. "Serves you right for being famous."
I turned to Father next. Richer Nivarea Argemenes is a man who somehow looked both intimidating and graceful at once. He had that calm aura people couldn't look away from. Even at thirty-eight, he looked… well, too handsome for his age. With pink hair brushed neatly behind his ears, eyes of the same color and neatly trimmed pink beard framed his face, it gave him that dignified "I read newspapers for breakfast while looking hot" look.
"Dad. You look well."
He smiled faintly. "And you've grown taller. I thought Flux Corrosion was supposed to weaken the body, not make it more intimidating."
"Its not Flux Corrosion that made me tall. But seriously, are holding up okay?"
"I am. It's… strange being out here again. It's been more than ten years since I left Antarctica. I didn't expect to see the world like this again."
Xaessia said, sitting down beside him.
"You deserve it. Mother's mad at me for taking you out, though. She says I'm stealing you for myself."
Father chuckled. "She said that?"
"She did. But I told her I have the right. I suffered the most waiting."
"Can't argue with that logic."
September tugged at my sleeve from my lap.
"Phasie, the cameras were scary! They were asking me weird questions!"
I ruffled her hair. "Sorry, Seppy. They shouldn't have scared you."
"It's okay. I'm not a kid anymore."
Xaessia smirked. "You are a kid."
"I am not!"
The two bickered like a cat and a bird. I smiled quietly, settling into my seat and letting September stay perched comfortably on my lap. Then Father spoke again, his eyes on the arena below.
"You missed the opening ceremony."
"I did?"
"They said it was beautiful, but... I'd call it unnecessarily long."
Xaessia yawned dramatically. "Boring, too. Just the usual parade of Houses and sponsors pretending to like each other. But the lineup this year? Actually impressive. The Erdict heirs are fighting each other."
Well this is surprising. I didn't expect this outcome. Since they're not official heirs, they can participate too.
"Wait, seriously?"
"Yup. Whoever wins gets the upper hand in inheriting the Erdict House title."
"So they're really airing their family drama in front of the world. Classic nobles."
Xaessia grinned. "And get this."
"What?"
"Thales is participating."
I froze for half a second.
"Thales? That Thales?"
"The one and only. Looks like we'll get to see just how much stronger he's gotten."
I felt my grin spreading. Seems that I don't actually need to duel him to see how strong he is.
"Perfect. I was starting to worry this would be boring."
Xaessia sighed. "You have the weirdest idea of entertainment."
Maybe. But honestly? Watching Thales fight was exactly what I needed. After all, it had been a month since I last saw him and ever since he got the Azure Sword, I'd been curious to see how much he'd changed.