Under the moon's ethereal glow, a field of pink flowers sways gently in the night breeze, creating a tapestry of soft hues that dance under the silver light.

In this serene and secluded spot, Arthur Lyon finds solace away from the stifling atmosphere of the Lyon Chateau. This flower field is his escape, where he can breathe freely without his father's oppressive presence looming over him.

Arthur meticulously guards this secret haven. Over the years, he invests in several [A] rank Magitech devices designed to seal his presence and alert him of intrusions. These devices are sophisticated enough to mask his mana traces, ensuring his haven remains undisturbed.

-Crunch!

The sound of footsteps on the soft earth catches Arthur's attention, snapping him out of his thoughts. He turns swiftly, his brow raised in surprise. He has never encountered another person in all the years he has come here.

Before him stands a figure shrouded in a cloak, mysterious and out of place amidst the floral tranquility. The cloaked figure emits an aura of mana, one that Arthur instantly recognizes as a [C-] rank Magician, which is lower than his [C+] rank.

'How did they find me?' Arthur wonders, alarmed.

Arthur has been meticulous in setting up the Magitech devices. The security is so finely tuned that even a [A] rank Magician should not have been able to find this place easily.

‘For a [C-] rank Magician to locate me…they must have an accomplice of a much higher rank.’

Arthur's tension grows, his guard rising higher. This situation is potentially dangerous.

"Who are you? What's your goal?" Arthur demands, his posture tensing, ready for any threat.

The cloaked figure does not respond, heightening Arthur's unease.

'Are they here...to assassinate me?'

Arthur, the son of Uther Lyon, is not new to having assassins sent after him. His father owns Les Arcanes Éternels, the second-biggest Stargate Raiding Guild. The guild wields significant influence in Verdant Haven and Sylvestria, making Arthur a target.

'I should use 'Flash of Merlin' and run away!'

Even though Arthur is confident he can take on the cloaked Magician, it is risky, especially if the hooded Magician has an accomplice.

-Bam!

Before Arthur can gather mana, the cloaked Magician slams their wooden staff on the ground.

-Fwoosh!

A sudden gust of wind whips through the field, swirling the petals around them, forming a wall of petals that traps him and the hooded Magician. Arthur realizes that escape is now futile.

The 10-acre flower field is filled with mana, making it hard for Arthur to distinguish the Magician's specific mana signature. This dense concentration of mana from the flowers and plants complicates his attempts to sense the cloaked figure's presence.

Some petals transform into wolves. The scene is both beautiful and menacing.

'So, they have a 'Plant' Magic Affinity.'

The 'Plant' magic affinity allows a Magician to control and manipulate plants for various purposes, including healing, growth, attack, and defense. Magicians with this affinity can accelerate plant growth, heal wounds by utilizing the natural properties of herbs, and create formidable defenses by summoning dense thickets or vine barriers.

They can also command plants to entangle or strike enemies, using roots, branches, or even poisonous flora as weapons. The more plants present in the surroundings, the less mana these Magicians need to expend.

They draw energy directly from the abundant plant life, making forests and verdant areas their natural strongholds. This symbiotic relationship with nature enhances their abilities and makes them formidable adversaries in lush environments.

"Looks like I'm at a disadvantage," Arthur mutters.

Arthur has no choice but to fight, even at a disadvantage. He materializes a sword of light in his hand. The blade glows brilliantly, casting luminous reflections on the petals below.

'Those wolves are a distraction; I should strike the Magician.'

He then gathered mana throughout his body and muttered, "Flash of Merlin."

In an instant, Arthur's body is enveloped in light, and he dashes toward the cloaked Magician at light speed, leaving a trail of luminous particles in his wake. The move is swift and precise, a blur of motion that ends as quickly as it begins.

Arthur finds himself behind the Magician, kneeling as he executes a decisive slice. The figure before him splits in two, the halves falling to the ground as the flower wolves dissipate into the night air.

Arthur turns, his expression composed as he dematerializes the light sword. Walking towards the fallen bodies, he watches as they transform into rose petals before his eyes.

'A clone?!' The realization widens his eyes.

With heightened alertness, Arthur looks around as he materializes the light sword once again in his hands and prepares for further confrontation.

-Fwoosh!

Another powerful gust of wind sweeps through the area. Arthur finds a huge shadow looming over him. He quickly turns to face the new threat.

Towering above him is a giant golem crafted entirely from the pink petals that carpet the field. Atop this formidable structure stands the cloaked stranger, commanding the golem like a puppeteer from its head.

The golem draws back one massive petal-constructed arm and launches a heavy punch toward Arthur. His eyes widen in alarm as the enormous fist hurtles through the air toward him.

"Flash of Merlin."

Arthur's body is again enveloped in a radiant light aura. He dashes to the side at light speed, evading the incoming attack with barely a moment to spare.

-BOOM!

The golem's fist smashes into the ground where Arthur had stood just seconds before, sending a cloud of debris and smoke billowing into the air. The impact is so forceful it shakes the very foundation of the field.

Now positioned safely to the side, Arthur doesn't waste a moment. He gathers mana on the tip of his light sword and points it at the Magician perched on the golem's head.

"Avalon Blast!"

Four beams of intense light shoot out toward the Magician from the tip of his sword at blinding speeds. The golem reacts almost instinctively, moving its other arm before its master to shield him from the attack.

-BOOM!

The beams strike the golem's arm, resulting in a thunderous explosion. The impact force causes the arm to falter, exposing the Magician momentarily.

Arthur notices that the golem's other hand, which had attempted to strike him, is still in the ground from its failed punch. Seizing the opportunity, he prepares for another maneuver.

"Flash of Merlin."

Once more, Arthur's figure cloaks in dazzling light as he sprints towards the golem's outstretched hand.

"Humph!"

With a mighty leap, he lands firmly on the golem's arm. Without hesitating, he sprints up the arm toward the golem's head, his speed so great that he appears as nothing more than a streak of light ascending the floral giant.

"Humph!"

Arthur leaps into the air with a determined grunt, soaring higher than the golem's towering height. He can see the Magician below from his elevated position, oblivious to the imminent danger.

'This is the chance!'

Arthur points his light sword downward, channeling an even greater surge of mana into the blade, determined to make the spell more lethal this time.

"Avalon Blast!"

Four colossal beams of light erupt from the tip of his sword, cascading toward the Magician with blistering speed. The Magician's head snaps upward just in time to see the devastating light descending upon them.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

-BOOM!

The ground below erupts in a tremendous explosion, the force of the blast tearing through the golem and enveloping the area in a cloud of debris and energy. When the smoke clears, the golem and the Magician seem to have vanished, leaving behind a charred imprint where they once stood.

“Hah…hah…”

Arthur breathes heavily as he lands on the ground, his mana reserves are running low. He then scans the aftermath. The flower field, once a place of peace and beauty, now lies in ruin around him. He feels a pang of sadness at the destruction of his secret refuge.

Fortunately, with the amount of mana in the flower field significantly decreasing, it becomes easier for him to track mana signatures.

He walks over to where the golem had been and kneels to examine the ashes. He then looks around and sees that the flower wall has disappeared, making it a perfect opportunity to escape. He tries scanning for the Magician's mana and finds none.

'Did I kill them?'

Arthur feels a pang of guilt. The Magician had attacked him, clearly intending to take his life. Despite the threat, the thought of having potentially killed someone weighs heavily on him. However, he knows he must prioritize his safety and leave the area now that the immediate danger seems to have passed.

"Flash of Merl—"

He is cut off when a vine quickly covers his mouth.

"Ngh!"

Arthur is taken by surprise. He only sensed the mana of the Magician now.

‘Where did they hide?'

Quickly, he materializes the light sword and uses it to slice through the vine.

-Swick!

Freed from the grasp, he quickly steps back, but another vine immediately shoots up, binding his left arm.

"Tch!" he exclaims again in frustration.

He attempts to summon his sword again, but before he can, yet another vine wraps around his remaining free hand, effectively restraining him.

"You've got to be kidding me."

-Rumble!

Before him, the ground trembles as if in response to his plight. Then, astonishingly, the flower golem begins to reform before his eyes. Petals and bits of flora coalesce, building the towering figure anew. Atop its head stands the Magician, unharmed and seemingly unfazed by the previous assault.

The Magician directs its staff towards Arthur, and the golem's massive arm sweeps forward in a wide arc, aiming a powerful punch directly at him. With his movements restricted by the vines, Arthur's options are severely limited.

"Avalon's Radiant Aegis!"

In front of him materializes a large, luminous shield shaped like a flower. The shield gleams brightly under the moonlit sky, bracing for impact.

-BOOM!

The golem's fist slams into the shield, generating a tremendous shockwave that ripples through the air.

"Tch!"

Arthur grits his teeth, channeling more mana to maintain the shield's integrity, but he knows it won't hold for long. Glancing at his hands, still partially trapped by vines, he splits his focus, redirecting some of his dwindling mana supply to his hands.

"Luminous Gauntlets," he whispers again.

This time, his fists glow with a radiant light, the energy searing through the vines and setting him free.

-Crack!

He barely has time to register his relief when he hears the ominous sound of his shield beginning to fracture.

"Flash of Merlin!"

Arthur reacts instantly, dashing to the side at light speeds just as the shield shatters.

-Crack!

-BOOM!

The golem's fist pounds the ground where Arthur had stood moments earlier, leaving a crater in its wake.

“Hah…hah…”

Arthur pants heavily, struggling to catch his breath. The sheer size of the golem and the force of its attacks demand an extremely high amount of mana, significantly more than he had anticipated. He can feel his reserves rapidly depleting.

-Grapple!

Just then, he feels a tight grip around his foot. Looking down, he sees another vine winding tightly around his right leg. Arthur's eyes widen in alarm.

The vine yanks upward instantly, flinging him into the sky with tremendous force.

"Ngh…!" he exclaims as he soars upwards.

From below, the golem leaps higher than Arthur, its massive fist poised to deliver a crushing blow that will send him back to earth.

Arthur's mind races. "Avalon's Guard…"

With the last remnants of his mana, he envelops himself in a protective aura of light, bracing for impact.

-BAM!

The golem's fist collides with him mid-air, and Arthur slams into the field below with a loud crash.

-BOOM!

The ground shatters upon his impact, forming a massive crater around his fallen body. The light aura that had surrounded him flickers and then fades, leaving him visibly battered and bruised. Blood trickles down his forehead, mixing with the dirt and petals scattered around him. The protective spell had only partially shielded him from the devastating blow.

Struggling to move, Arthur tries to push himself up, his body protesting with pain from multiple cuts and bruises. His mana is completely drained, and his physical strength is nearly spent.

"I…underestimated them…”

Even though Arthur possesses greater mana reserves, it wasn't enough. He realizes now that raw power isn't everything. His opponent’s cunning use of the environment, strategic attacks, and relentless tactics have left him utterly defeated.

Even the greatest reservoir of mana means nothing if it’s not used wisely against an opponent who knows how to exploit every weakness and turn the battlefield to their advantage.

"That's enough!"

The authoritative voice cuts through the tension like a blade. Arthur's eyes widen in shock as he recognizes his father's voice.

He turns around and sees Uther Lyon approaching. His father's presence is commanding. His blonde hair is styled meticulously, and his sharp green eyes scan the scene with evident disappointment. He is dressed in a beige suit with gold accents, every inch the image of a powerful and influential Magician.

'How does Father know?'

Arthur has never revealed the location of the flower field to anyone. How had Uther found him? He had been meticulous about concealing his traces, especially his mana traces.

"So, this is where you've been going every night, huh?" Uther speaks up, his voice calm but carrying a chill. "I noticed your faint mana yesterday and simply followed it."

Arthur's heart sinks. He has been so careful to compress his mana to leave no trace, yet Uther can still sense it. Uther, being a [S] ranked Magician, can easily trace mana even if it is faint.

Uther's gaze shifts to the Magician. "That's enough; thank you for accepting this job."

The Magician nods respectfully and begins to walk away. Arthur watches the exchange, a sense of betrayal washing over him.

'They were in this together!?'

He had thought the Magician was a random assailant, possibly even an assassin. The realization that his father had orchestrated this encounter—that he had hired someone to test him—was staggering.

"Arthur, I'm very disappointed in you," Uther continues. "The Magician you fought was a [C-] rank Magician, yet you lost even though you are now at [C+] rank."

Arthur looks down, his emotions swirling. Throughout his life, he has strived to please his father and live up to the expectations set by Uther Lyon, an [S] rank Magician and the guild master of "Les Arcanes Éternels." The pressure is immense and suffocating.

But Arthur wonders why Uther did this. Was it to test his limits?

"Father...why?" Arthur's voice is barely a whisper, laced with confusion and hurt.

Uther's gaze remains cold. "You need to understand the realities of your path, Arthur. Being a Stargate Raider isn't just about raw power, strategy, adaptability, and resilience. I wanted to see how you handle pressure, and frankly, you failed."

Arthur's heart aches at his father's harsh words. Realizing that this was all a test he failed only deepens his sense of inadequacy.

"At this point, that Manaless, Dominic, is going to surpass you again," Uther adds sharply. "Don't embarrass the Lyon name, Arthur."

Arthur's fists clench tightly at his sides. The mention of Dominic, his best friend, being used as a benchmark stings intensely. Jealousy and frustration mingle painfully in his chest.

Arthur stood before his father, Uther Lyon, feeling the weight of his gaze. Uther's voice, though calm, carried an unmistakable edge of disappointment.

"Arthur, why does this Manaless boy, Dominic, always seem to perform better than you? In every club you two join, he always outperforms you."

Arthur's heart sank. He had heard this question countless times before, each instance deepening the chasm of insecurity within him.

"I... don't know." Arthur admitted, his voice trembling.

The words tasted bitter on his tongue, a reminder of his constant struggle to meet his father's expectations.

Despite his father's best efforts to provide him with the finest training equipment and resources, Arthur found himself perpetually overshadowed by Dominic. The truth was undeniable: no matter what he did, Dominic always seemed to excel, even in areas where Arthur believed he should have had the upper hand.

From a young age, they had attended the same school, joined the same clubs, and participated in the same activities. Initially, Arthur had enjoyed these pursuits, particularly painting, where he dreamed of expressing his innermost desires. But Dominic, despite being underestimated and often bullied for his lack of magic, quickly began to outshine Arthur. What was supposed to be Arthur's escape and passion became yet another area where he was eclipsed.

Arthur tried to be supportive, hiding his disappointment and jealousy beneath a facade of friendship. Yet, the more Dominic excelled, the more isolated Arthur felt. Despite his magical abilities and the admiration of others, Arthur was plagued by loneliness and the growing burden of being compared to Dominic at every turn.

In an attempt to escape Dominic's shadow, Arthur distanced himself from competitive activities, avoiding any opportunity where he might be compared to his friend. However, seeing Dominic bullied and isolated in his absence filled Arthur with guilt. Reluctantly, he would invite Dominic to join him again, only to be overshadowed once more. The cycle repeated itself, leaving Arthur trapped in a constant state of inferiority.

The pressure from his father only added to his turmoil. Uther's comparisons between Arthur and Dominic were relentless, each one chipping away at Arthur's self-esteem. Despite his magical prowess, the constant reminder of his perceived shortcomings left Arthur feeling defeated.

Tired of feeling inferior, Arthur decided to pursue a path Dominic couldn't follow: becoming a Stargate Raider. The Lyon family had a long lineage of Stargate Raiders, but Arthur had never been interested in the role—until now. It was the one area where he believed he could excel without Dominic's looming presence.

For the first time, Arthur felt a glimmer of hope. Training was grueling, especially since combat didn't come naturally to him, but he was determined. After several attempts, he successfully raided an [E] ranked Stargate, and for a brief moment, he believed he had finally found his place.

But that relief was short-lived. To Arthur's dismay, Dominic, despite having no magic, decided to pursue the path of a Stargate Raider. Against all odds, Dominic succeeded on his first try. Arthur's jealousy and bitterness deepened, realizing that even in this field, where Dominic should have been at a disadvantage, he was still a genius.

Arthur finally understood that Dominic's brilliance wasn't confined to magic or academics—it extended to everything he touched. No matter what Arthur did, Dominic would always outshine him, and the weight of that realization was almost too much to bear.

"Be better, Arthur."

Arthur's thoughts shattered like glass at the sound of his father's stern voice. The intensity of those words pierced through his reverie, grounding him back to the harsh reality he faced.

"I—I’m sorry, Father. I'll do better," Arthur stammered, the familiar words of apology and determination spilling out before he could even think.

"You better," Uther replied, his tone unforgiving. "You chose this path, and we Lyons are a lineage of distinguished Stargate Raiders. Failure is not an option."

With those words, Uther turned and walked away, leaving Arthur standing alone amid the scattered petals that had been stirred by their conversation. The air around him felt cold, heavy with the burden of his father's expectations.

As Uther's footsteps faded, the weight of the moment settled heavily on Arthur's shoulders. His heart was a knot of defeat, confusion, and a growing resentment—not just toward his father, but toward Dominic, the unintended cause of these harsh comparisons that plagued his life.

The isolation Arthur felt deepened, spreading through him like a dark cloud. It wasn’t just the rift between him and his father that pained him; it was the disconnection from the part of himself that longed for his father's approval, the part that yearned to see pride in Uther's eyes instead of disappointment.

Arthur stood there, alone, as the wind whispered through the petals, his resolve wavering in the face of the expectations that seemed impossible to meet.