The training grounds of the Castle were large, a hundred meters long, and seventy meters wide, with all kinds of equipment at the sides. How it could be there, with the castle not having enough space for this large room, was thanks to Creators.

The blackish walls, bearing battle marks here and there, gave the room the appearance of having survived countless battles, yet also seemed as though it was natural. This was due to the training grounds being created by different minerals that could be fortified through energy and even repaired. However, it was also evident that the scars on the ground and walls had multiple unrepaired spots, some from swords, some from spears, and some from inexplicable ways.

"Increase gravity and decrease energy in the training grounds for the Mortal stage," Arslan ordered as the group entered, sensing the environment.

Despite being classified as mortal beings, they possessed extraordinary abilities that transcended those of ordinary humans. Their movements were so swift and agile that even a vast room could not contain them. Beginning from the fourth stage, disregarding the individual's Path and Innate Talents, even the weakest person at each stage could effortlessly traverse an entire city on foot. Damon and his team of young members had traveled across thousands of kilometers to reach the Empire, completing the journey in a mere twelve hours with minimal exertion. This was a testament to their incredible stamina, endurance, and resilience, which allowed them to undertake long journeys with ease.

The atmosphere in the room shifted as gravity and energy levels fluctuated. The young couple, along with their group, had to adjust for a few moments until their bodies acclimated. While they waited, they walked around the room, tracing their fingers over the scars etched into the walls. As they did so, some of the scars resonated with them, triggering memories from their youth and providing insights into their individual paths. Standing in that moment, revisiting this place, a sense of gratitude washed over them towards the Empire for leading them to this point.

After the settings of the room were adjusted, they started getting in the zone. Almost instantly, they left studying the walls and went to a place that had a weapon and armor rack. Although they weren’t Life Treasures, they were usable for training even by Immortals.

"Your Majesty," said Scarlet, "I suggest that Dante and I should go first to demonstrate our methods to the new team members." As she spoke, Scarlet glanced at Dante and decided to duel with him first. The young couple was about to choose their weapons when Scarlet made her decision.

Observing the exchange, Arslan sensed that there was a reason for Scarlet's choice. He looked at Dante and noticed his shocked face, which soon turned into reluctance. Arslan nodded toward Scarlet, acknowledging her choice. He then turned to Kante and Lyra, who were taken aback by the sudden turn of events, and said, "Just watch."

Scarlet confidently grabbed the spear in front of her and moved towards the center of the room. She carefully adjusted her limbs to fit the room's conditions. Dante, still looking somewhat hesitant, picked up a short sword and moved to the opposite side of Scarlet. He appeared to be at a disadvantage, but he was anything but. He knew that Scarlet was going to take revenge for his playful hands. However, due to not liking losing, he knew that he had to take it seriously.

It was just that tonight, they may not sleep in the same bed if he loses or wins. Scarlet would most definitely find problems with each outcome. With a sigh, he just went for it.

They waited until Arslan activated the duel mode. Using absorbed energy levels, the room absorbed attacks to prevent rebounding and accidents.

Scarlet moved her will into the spear, which it gladly accepted with ravenous hunger. She had always used this spear since the first time she entered this room. With a reddish hue, it hummed a piercing sound that said it would pierce! She made her stance, as did Dante.

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Dante had a more unrestrained stance, with the sword pointing downwards, ready to slash upwards.

Meanwhile, the group went to the viewing area that was for those who were going to watch. It would expel any sort of things outside once everyone was inside.

“Start!” Arslan started their duel after sensing the room had finished its preparation.

Just as Dante was about to slash upwards, Scarlet started releasing a reddish fog from all over her body.

Looking at the fog, Dante jumped back for a few meters, still feeling unsafe. So he slashed! He slashed the whole fog apart!

From the left side of the fog, Scarlet, with her spear, sent a piercing attack. However, just before the spear reached, the slash of energy that Dante sent rotated, making the spear deviate from its route. With a spin, Scarlet moved back, her spear vibrating madly due to the intent that she wanted it to separate, break, and if not possible, recoil!

Scarlet looked towards where Dante was and she did not like how he looked. Of course, she knew this wouldn’t result in an instant win.

Dante’s path was attack, and it didn’t matter if it was separating, dividing, or cutting. At one point, it became semantics, but he researched all kinds and added them to his Path. At some point, he could even slash air to produce enough friction to generate fire! He killed a lot of beings with that move! He used all those slashes to create a unique Path that was perfect for every situation! However, he also knew that even though in terms of attack there aren’t many paths better than it, there was one major flaw. He could only slash! He knew it wouldn’t work in the long run, so when he was little, he begged Emperor Barut to access magic tomes left behind.

It was precious. Even Erdem hadn’t had access to them when he was little, even though he was the eldest son of the Empire. However, the Emperor allowed it! Because he knew he wouldn’t regret it. Dante’s idea was genius, and he betted on him!

He used magic to manipulate the odds of the slash in any way he could! He could turn the cut into pushing force, reducing its killing effect, and raising its deflection! He could make the slash enter a body to separate its DNA, breaking its structure at an atomic level!

But that was not enough! Why stop at only that? He then researched to manipulate various luck and probability of his attacks for his needs! He even created an automation magic that would target enemies as long as he had enough understanding!

He knew how Scarlet fought. He also knew a direct attack on her body was useless! She was not afraid something might happen to her body! So the attack targeted her harm to separate, her spear to recoil. However, she pulled away just enough not to lose the weapon!

Right now, the room had less energy and it was disadvantageous for her. Her Path needed a lot of outside energy due to not being an Immortal.

Looking at Scarlet in the eyes, he let out an involuntary smirk and started sending slashes after slashes, being deflected each time, but not minding it.

Scarlet, looking at the situation, tapped into her heart with her will and it started working wonders at how her body started defying the rules that the room had set!

First, she levitated and her body was pushed forward while manipulating whatever energy was left in the air! Just before Dante could do another jump and slash to repel what was coming, Scarlet tapped the air with her feet, making air push her forward thanks to her will that started spreading in the room! With her body deflecting the room’s gravitational rules, and forcibly using the room’s energy stocks in the ground, she arrived and made a slash towards his right arm.

With a sigh, a sword mark appeared in Dante’s eyes, replacing his pupils and it sent two slashes into Scarlet’s stomach. However, she continued the slash! Piercing is not enough! She wanted the whole arm!

She never cared for her body! Her body was the last thing she worried about! Her will, and the blood her body contained, were enough!

With a whoosh, an arm and the sword that it carried separated!

With a squelch, two holes were made in the right shoulder of Scarlet! However, it healed the moment it passed through!

However, she was not happy! Because she knew that they both avoided their hearts, making it impossible to see who would have survived! Although she didn’t care what happens to her body, the blood connection she has could be cut between her blood. Because Dante had done it before they became lovers! That was how she started seeing him in a different light, other than seeing him as the naughtiest young boy who was the most talented swordsman the Shattered Continent had ever seen when they were young! As the young geniuses, they had come into contact since they were children!

And that was how their love for each other started!