The ballroom buzzed with whispers long after the mock battle ended. Nobles and adventurers alike were still staring at Sho and Princess Arisa, clearly impressed by the skill and precision they had just witnessed.
Sho stood calmly, catching his breath, while his aura still faintly glimmered around him. Despite the exhaustion, his sharp mind analyzed every detail of the duel.
> Her movements… the way she anticipated my attacks… the subtle spikes in her mana flow… I've learned a lot tonight.
Princess Arisa approached him once again, a soft smile on her lips. "Sho, you performed well. Not just in raw power, but in strategy. Your mind is as sharp as your magic."
Sho bowed. "Thank you, Your Highness. I… I couldn't predict everything, but I tried to stay focused."
The princess nodded approvingly. "Good. That focus will serve you well. Tonight, the court saw not just your strength, but your potential. Remember that — some may underestimate you because of your age."
As she walked away, the nobles began to approach Sho, now more respectfully. Some bowed deeply, offering congratulations rather than empty introductions. Others whispered among themselves, clearly plotting alliances or observing his reactions.
Sho's mind worked quickly, taking note of potential allies and those who might become rivals.
> This is just as much a battlefield as any monster encounter… if not more.
A young duke's son stepped forward, attempting to challenge Sho with polite words: "Your actions against the Minotaur… impressive, young Ardenthal. I hope we might spar sometime in the future."
Sho smiled faintly. "I would be honored, when the time comes."
Meanwhile, a herald quietly approached, handing Sho a folded scroll sealed with the royal crest. Breaking the seal, Sho read the message:
> By royal decree, Sho Ardenthal is hereby officially recognized for his heroic actions in protecting the capital. His name shall be honored among the kingdom's defenders, and he is granted full access to the royal archives and tactical training under the crown's guidance.
Sho's eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of pride and calculation. Archives… tactical training… this is more than recognition. It's an opportunity.
The system window flickered faintly in his mind, notifying him:
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION — REAL-TIME]
Experience gained: +8,500 EXP
Resonance spike detected: +2% (interactions with high-level entity Arisa)
Skill analysis: Arc Burst efficiency +3%, Burst Impact accuracy +5%
Domination Pulse potential: 2% → 3%
Sho allowed himself a small, confident smile. The mock battle wasn't just a test. It was a stepping stone. And I intend to make full use of it.
As the night wore on, the music played, nobles continued their polite discussions, and Sho quietly observed, analyzing the complex web of alliances and influence around him.
> Every movement, every word, every glance… it's all information. And I will not waste a single detail.
By the end of the evening, Sho walked through the palace corridors alone, his mind already planning the next steps — further skill refinement, mastery of his hidden potential, and preparation for whatever challenges the royal court and beyond might throw at him.
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