Moments after Zaeriu regained consciousness, the remaining representatives-Axzeroth Ven Zhanlust, Denxel Vellheim, and Linxea La Elvonē-arrived. They each took a seat around the table.

Denxel: "Where's Zaeriu?"

Denxel asked, to which Siesta replied,

Siesta: "He sparred with Arx a little while ago. He's been resting in his room."

Denxel: "Did he lose?"

Siesta: "He did. I thought you guys told him not to challenge Arx the moment he sees him?"

Denxel: "He really wanted to test his strengths, huh? Now that he's been knocked, he should keep a low profile for a while."

One of the representatives, Axzeroth, stood up and stepped away from the table.

Linxea: "Where are you going?"

Axzeroth: "I'm going to meet an old friend."

As Axzeroth ventured through the mansion, he caught sight of Arx, who was about to enter Zaeriu's room. Arx quickly spotted his best friend. The atmosphere in the hallway crackled with tension as the two of them exchanged greetings.

Arx: "How have you been? You look different from the last time I saw you."

Axzeroth: "Same goes for you. Your demeanor never changes when meeting an old acquaintance. So, why are you heading towards Zaeriu's room?"

Arx: "How did you know it was Zaeriu's?"

Axzeroth: "Are you underestimating me? It's obvious from the aura surrounding his room."

Arx: "My apologies, I thought you wouldn't notice since you're always a step behind."

Axzeroth rolled up his sleeve, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Axzeroth: "You're asking for trouble. Want to settle this outside?"

Arx: "Enough of that, it doesn't suit you. You'd only make a fool of yourself. Anyway, I've just finished training, and I thought I'd inform Zaeriu that lunch is ready. Care to join us?"

Arx and Axzeroth entered the room, inviting Zaeriu to join them for lunch with the other representatives. Zaeriu hesitated briefly but eventually agreed to accompany them. As they finished their meal, the conversation turned to the idea of forming a group of swordsmen, each representative leading their own faction. They collectively decided to name their group "The Six Chains of Agryz."

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Axzeroth: "It won't be easy to find individuals who can match our swordsmanship skills."

His disappointment was palpable, but the other representatives nodded in agreement. However, their mood quickly shifted as they reminisced about their formidable abilities. They shared a laugh, acknowledging the fear their skills instilled in the Agryz empire, hinting at the potential power and influence of their newly formed group.

Denxel: "Hey, Arx, ever thought about enrolling in Yribdeinos?"

Denxel inquired about Yribdeinos, an academy renowned for training aspiring swordmasters. At Yribdeinos, social status holds no sway; nobles and peasants alike are treated as equals, fostering an environment of meritocracy.

Linxea: "Indeed. You ought to consider enrolling at Yribdeinos."

Axzeroth: "Furthermore, we should elevate the reputation of this institution to ensure it becomes renowned throughout the empire of Agryz. It should attract aspiring swordsmen from every corner of the empire."

Siesta: "As the strongest students in the academy, the five of us hold positions on the student council. We're known as 'The Blades of Yribdeinos,' a term synonymous with the student council itself."

Denxel: "Indeed, the school head intends to appoint another Blade to maintain balance and enhance the school's organization. The upcoming event, 'Blade Selection,' will span the next four and a half months. It's a rigorous tournament where victory is essential to prove oneself worthy of joining the Blades and gaining recognition."

Arx considered their words carefully before responding.

Arx: "Very well, I'll consider it. Yribdeinos is renowned for its duel system, and I wouldn't want to miss the chance to spar with fellow swordsmen of Agryz. Besides, I could reunite with my little sister there."

They all reacted with disbelief.

Zaeriu: "A little sister? But aren't you the only heir of the Azarkeys?"

Arx observed their reactions, noting their surprise.

Arx: "Judging by your reactions, I take it Siesta and Axzeroth didn't inform you? I assumed you were aware, being members of the student council."

Axzeroth remained silent as Siesta interjected. She sighed in frustration.

Siesta: "They always neglect their responsibilities as student council members, spending their time challenging nearly every student in the academy to duels. I never had the opportunity to inform them."

Moments later, as Arx admired the flowers, Zaeriu confronted him in the garden, his demeanor intense as he inquired about Arx's exceptional swordsmanship and the formidable aura he exuded.

Arx: "It's in my blood, Zaeriu. I am Arx Von Azarkey, with the lineage of true Azarkeys flowing through me, along with the potent mana control of a higher Vonenwal."

Zaeriu: "Is that so? Then, until we meet again."

With those words, Zaeriu departed. Suddenly, Arx felt someone sneak up behind him, covering his eyes.

Arx: "Siesta, what brings you here?"

Siesta: "Oh, just thought I'd take a stroll and stumbled upon you here. It's nice seeing you again.."

She removed her hands from Arx's eyes, a tender smile gracing her lips.

Siesta: "It's been far too long since we shared a quiet moment like this. I've missed it."

Her eyes shimmered with a soft glow, mirroring the stars above.

Siesta: "Reuniting with you after all this time fills my heart with joy. If only we could freeze this moment forever."

As she wrapped her arms around Arx, a gentle breeze swept through the garden, surrounding them with swirling flower petals. It was a sight to behold. Siesta is actually Arx's fiancée, a fact concealed from the public for deeply personal reasons. Arx had fiercely protected Siesta since childhood, showing hostility towards anyone who posed a threat to her. Their engagement was formalized when they were merely seven years old, coinciding with Arx's mastery of the Azarkeys' sword technique. Initially, they were just childhood playmates, but as they grew older, their affection for each other blossomed. Both patriarchs of the Azarkey and Walpurgis families had agreed to their union, pending their reaching the appropriate age for marriage.

Two days later, each representative returned to their respective places. Arx recounted the events of the gathering to his father.

Arydliz: "A spar, you say? It appears the gathering was fruitful. Hm...? You seem to have something on your mind. Share it with me, son."

Arx handed Arydliz a letter of consent from Siesta.

Arx: "Father, I wish to enroll in Yribdeinos. It will benefit our family greatly. I can further hone my skills and acquire knowledge beyond what my previous instructor offered, despite his standing as one of Agryz's best. Who knows, I may even uncover new techniques. Additionally, I can assist Aleria in her training."

Aleria Von Azarkey, Arx's younger sister, received the same education as her brother. She enrolled in Yribdeinos to earn recognition from her family. Excelling in her studies, she quickly surpassed her peers and gained renown for her swift and merciless swordsmanship. Aleria earned the respect of her parents and her admired brother, whom she strives to match in strength.

Arydliz: "Well said, Arx."

He stamped the letter with their family's emblem, a gesture of support and approval. Arx, grateful for his father's understanding, expressed his gratitude and left the room with a sense of purpose.

...