A lone individual was tirelessly perfecting his skill in the midst of the barren land.

With each passing moment, the figure was seen transforming weapons, one after the other, using them to perfect his technique.

*Tsk*

"Even though I can use different weapons, it doesn't mean I suddenly became a master at using them.

"Even trying my imagination and concentrating more doesn't improve the result. It seems this will be a slow process. I think I should visit my apartment and start watching videos on the Internet.

"I might be able to use my powers better if I remember and learn how to use them properly," Aizel thought, resting on the ground.

"And I totally forgot to ask about the egg from Vespara; I will ask later when I go back."

Suddenly, he felt a familiar buzz coming from his storage ring.

Without hesitation, he retrieved the crystal ball from within and held it up to his face.

"Hello Aizel, Sorry to call you late at night, but this is to inform you that you have to join us tomorrow for the Duel of Vows.

"It rarely ever happens that high-level mages fight each other; believe me, you don't want to miss out on this. Maybe you will be able to learn something from it.

"Report at the institute tomorrow afternoon. Good night."

The headmaster of the institute informed him about the event. A curious look appeared on his face.

"A fight between high-level mages, I wonder if I can learn something from it."

He got to his feet and started walking. His destination: The Pearl Inn in the city.

*****

The next morning...

At Felgura Magical Institute,historical

The institute was a bustle of activity, with mages hurrying, some immersed in talks, others frantically carrying some heavy books.

However, outside the institute's main gate, a group consisting of the headmaster, Professor Liam, the princess, and a handful of selected mages stood waiting with a purposeful air.

"So now that everyone is here, I hope you can learn a lot from this event that is going to take place." The headmaster spoke.

"When we reach there, I hope everyone will behave properly," he said while looking towards Seraphine, who simply nodded her head.

"Good. Now let's move."

A beautiful golden magic circle appeared beneath their feet without notice, and the headmaster pulled a shining magic crystal.

As he activated it, the crystal illuminated the area, and suddenly, the group vanished into thin air.

Aizel felt a wave of nausea sweep over him as his vision cleared after the teleportation.

When he looked around, he noticed they had arrived at a partially ruined castle, where nobles were already gathered and discussing the event.

Among them, he spotted the queen and the prince, as well as a mysterious man standing behind them.

Aizel couldn't shake the familiar feeling the man gave him, akin to Vespara's aura.

The man had long, silky white hair cascading down his sculpted body and was dressed in casual attire, but his closed eyes suggested that he was focused elsewhere.

The katana hanging from his waist looked deadly, adding to his mysterious aura.

"He might also be a high-level mage, just like everyone presents here. But for some reason, he appears to be the strongest," he thought.

The group of mages arrived just in time for the event, and as they stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted.

Nobles in attendance went about their business as usual, conversing and placing bets, but they couldn't help but notice the arrivals.

Seraphine, clad in her institute robe, was the center of attention, but no one dared speak ill of her. Disrespecting the institute was, after all, the same as disrespecting the royal family.

The Queen and Prince remained aloof and indifferent to Seraphine's presence, paying her no mind.

Likewise, Seraphine showed no interest in them either.

Amidst the chatter and noise, however, Aizel's attention was drawn to a man with bright green hair. He walked towards Aizel with a big grin, ignoring the other nobles around him.

"Finally, I am able to meet you, Aizel; I am Yongiri Balthazar, the father of Soren," he introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you, sir," Aizel said, bowing his head a little.

"I hope you are enjoying your time with my son, ahaha."

"Y... Yes sir."

"Yongiri, mind your own business," Soren said suddenly.

"You foul mouth brat, still calling me by name,"

"I hope you are not skipping your training. Soon I am going to challenge you for the sword that was made for me,"

"ahahah, I don't need any training to beat your ass," he said while laughing, and walked away.

"Like father, like son," AIzel thought.

"Softie, who do you think will win?" Hazel asked cautiously.

"I don't know. I have never seen them fight before, but personally, I want the Gilles family to win."

"Why? Is there any reason?"

"Yeah, but leave that for now."

"I hope you can learn something from today's event." Suddenly, the princess interrupted them. "Hello, Seraphine."

"Zareena," Seraphine said.

"I had hoped for you to come to the gala, but you didn't; at least you could have visited me."

Seraphine's gaze fell on her for a brief minute before she rolled her eyes away.

"Still cold as always, it seems like you need a hug from big sister."

Suddenly Zareena moved towards Seraphine and hugged her from the back, Aizel expected Seraphine to react in a negative way.

To Aizel's surprise, Seraphine stayed motionless and let Zareena embrace her.

"Seems like she still has a soft spot," Aizel thought.

*Clap*

Everyone's gaze was drawn to the queen when she clapped her hands.

She extended her hand, and they all walked to the ruins of the castle.

From there, Aizel could see the desolate landscape spreading out before them. Dead trees and plants littered the area, and it seemed like everything was lifeless.

He could see skeletons and remains of monsters spread across the ground, including some dragons. There were, however, other weird creatures with gigantic and unique skeletons that surpassed even the dragons.