The Moonlight Swordsman



Soren's grip on Yongiri's neck got tighter and tighter over time, making it feel like an iron chain around Yongiri's neck.

As the pressure got worse, Yongiri's battles got more and more frantic, and his body started to shake as he tried desperately to break free. 

He jerked his arms and legs around, grasping at the ground in a useless attempt to get a better position or inflict harm on his son.

Despite his valiant efforts, every strike and pinch delivered by Yongiri fell short, unable to breach Soren's unwavering grip. 

The world around him blurred as Yongiri's vision dimmed, the encroaching darkness casting an ominous veil over his senses. 

With the strength draining from his body, he found himself succumbing to the suffocating hold that seemed to sap the very life from his veins.

"Y..ou..  win.. Ki..lll me."

Soren's grip eased, releasing Yongiri from its suffocating hold, as Yongiri's strained voice escaped his lips. Yongiri, gasping for air, coughed and breathed deeply as his body ached from the tremendous struggle and pain.

Soren, his own body battered and bruised, rose unsteadily, his movements betraying the toll that the fierce battle had taken upon him.

His body seemed to protest each time he took a step toward the magic artifact.

His face showed the effects of the constant fight: a swollen face, a broken nose, and crimson blood tracks that ran down his face as if to show the path he had taken.

Despite the pain written all over his face, a fierce resolution burned in his eyes and propelled him forward.

*Cough*

"W-What are you... doing?

"You won't be *Cough* able to use it... If you don't kill me," Yongiri said in a weak voice while coughing. 

Soren paid no heed to the weakened Yongiri, his focus fixed solely upon the sword embedded within the ancient boulder. 

With each step, he got closer to the weapon and was able to examine it more carefully. 

As he drew nearer, the details of the double-edged sword, adorned in silver and black hues, came into clearer view.

The hilt was beautifully made and had a distinct curve on both sides, which gave it an air of grace. 

Intricate markings, like cryptic symbols etched by an unknown hand, adorned the length of the sword, their meaning shrouded in mystery.

"The artifact will not obey you..."

"Shut up trash and just lay there," Soren replied.

With a surge of anticipation, Soren reached out with both hands and grabbed the hilt of the sword with a firm grip.

"Your real owner has arrived. A real weapon suits a real king of this world. 

"I don't need to kill anyone and you don't need any other person."

As Soren's grip on the sword tightened, an undeniable surge of strength coursed through his muscles. With an effortless pull, he effortlessly freed the sword from its stone prison. 

Sasha's mouth dropped open in shock, and she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Yongiri, despite his battered state, couldn't help but be taken aback.

"Ah..ah.. ahahaha.. *Cough*.. 

"I forgot if it's you.. You can do everything."

"I never doubted once. I know I will win, and the sword will be mine. Now, Sasha, take care of the trash; I am leaving."

"Yes, young Master,"

Soren left the underground dungeon, leaving Sasha and Yongiri behind. 

Sasha's concern for Yongiri was evident as she swiftly approached him, offering her support. 

With a gentle touch and a reassuring smile, she helped him get back on his feet and led him back to his room.

Even though Yongiri was in a lot of pain and tiredness, Sasha's constant support and calming presence were a much-needed source of relief.

Step by step, they made their way through the twisting hallways until they reached his room, a safe place where he could finally rest and begin the healing process.

"I will become a laughing stock now," Yongiri whispered and sighed.

"At least it was the young master who defeated you," Sasha replied.

"Your son has become really something else, Grevlyn."

*****

Felgura Castle...

"Soren has defeated Yongiri," The Sword Emperor said.

Zareena sighed in relief after hearing that.

"So we lost another Noble head.."

"Princess, I said Soren defeated Yongiri. He didn't kill him."

"What! But to use that artifact, they need to battle to the death for it, right?"

"Yes, but it seems the sword was able to obey Soren."

"But how... I see." A smile appeared on Zareena's face.

"So now he will be stronger in the tournament. That's good.

"I think this time we have a chance to win the tournament. What do you think, Sword Emperor?"

"A chance... Yes. This time the team looks much better and stronger." He replied calmly. 

"I need to prepare as well."

*****

Back at Aizel's new Mansion...

Gathered around a grand dining table, the lively atmosphere was filled with the joyful sounds of children's laughter and conversations. 

Aizel, the master storyteller, told the kids stories full of adventure and magic that made their eyes wide with excitement. 

Nearby, Vespara and Aquarian were having a quiet conversation. Their voices carried a tone of intrigue and contemplation, even as they savored each mouthful of their meal.

Shelly and Daisy were having a lively chat across the table. Their voices were full of laughter and joy as they ate the food they had cooked together.

*Knock Knock*

As the loud knock reverberated through the room, Aizel got up and walked toward the door. With a gentle turn of the doorknob, the door swung open, and a tall, royal guard stood there.

The guard respectfully inclined his head in a formal bow, a gesture befitting the solemnity of his mission.

In his open hand was a letter with the clear mark of the royal seal, which showed how important it was.

Accepting the letter with a measured nod, Aizel bid the guard farewell and returned to the dining table.

He placed the letter before Vespara and Aquarian. 

"I already know what it is," Aquarian said.

"Tomorrow, as we are leaving for the Zulivan Kingdom, there will be a banquet held in the Felgura Castle.

"Only the Major Noble family members with their respective heads and the participating mages are invited. 

"The King will start the banquet himself," Aquarian further said.

*Tsk*, Another pointless event," Aizel commented.

"Well, you can just give it the excuse that you are not feeling well today and avoid the event," Vespara replied.

"Great, then I will depend on you for that."

"No problem. But I don't know how many people will have their eyes on Daisy if you won't be there," Vespara whispered.

"Damn it."

"Hahahaha... Don't worry. Your big brother will be there. You won't get bored at the banquet." Aquarian laughed and said

"If I stayed with you, I would be surrounded by everyone there all the time."

"By the way, Vespara, you will not come with us, right?"

Vespara nodded.

"Only Aquarian, Sword Emperor, Yotum, and Ashlyn will travel with you along with half of the noble heads," She replied.

"That girlie... *Tsk*, and who is Ashlyn?"

"She is Soren's older sister.. Wait, you have met Yotum?"

"Yeah. Me, Hazel, and Seraphine went on a little trip to collect an herb for Hazel. 

"I don't remember which forest it was, but we met him there."

"Avoid him at all costs," Vespara said.

"Like hell, I would even go near him," Aizel replied.

"So what will you and Shelly do here?" He asked.

"That's what I am thinking. I can't leave the kingdom, so I think I will train her."

"Ahahaha, I wish I got the chance to fight in the tournament. I would like to show off my skills in front of my little brother."

"You can fight?" 

"There will be matches between the high-grade mages, with many important bets placed on them," Vespara explained.

"So we can get a chance to witness fights between Grade VII or Grade VIII mages going all out on each other... Hehe, this is fun."

"One more thing. Don't create any ruckus there, Aizel. Even though everyone on our side is going to protect you if something happens.

"And don't lose yourself in anger. More powerful mages will be present there, and I won't be able to save you."

"Don't worry, your big brother will be there, hahahaha..."

"I know, I am not an idiot."

"Should I use the armor?" Aizel asked.

Vespara ponders it for a while and then has an idea.

"Quickly equip your armor in front of Aquarian."

Aizel nodded.

With a quick move, the bracelet-shaped armor on Aizel's wrist shimmered and liquefied, changing into a dark, inky material that moved like a living thing.

The molten mass twisted and wrapped around his body in a beautiful way, making a smooth layer of armor. As it hardened, the once-liquid material took on a strong and imposing shape. 

"Incredible, a magic artifact," Aquarian commented.

"What do you think of it? Can you remember something from it?" Vespaar asked.

Aquarian stared at the armor for a few seconds in deep thought.

"I think the armor is quite good. It is also a magic artifact, so surely it will have some hidden abilities. 

"Besides that, I can't think of anything for now," Aquarian replied.

"So, Aizel, you can use it. But still use it only in emergencies."

"Got it,"