THE FINAL TEST

Just as the excitement reached its peak, the Higher Official raised his hand, silencing the crowd. “Knighthood is not just about victory—it is about skill, bravery, and perseverance. Winning or losing does not define you; your dedication to the path of the warrior does. Always move forward!”

The participants roared in agreement. “YES, SIR!”

Then came an unexpected challenge.

“Those who wish may enter the next round. However, this is not a match for victory but for knowledge and skill. Step forward if you accept.”

Silence fell upon the arena. No one dared move, uncertain of what lay ahead. Then, without hesitation, Kyle took a bold step forward.

“I wish to fight,” he declared.

“Whom do you challenge?” the Higher Official inquired.

Kyle's gaze swept over the other winners. “I challenge all of them,” he said firmly.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The official’s eyes widened. “All of them… together?”

“Yes,” Kyle confirmed, his voice unwavering.

The official hesitated, then nodded. “Very well. All winners, step onto the stage!”

Six participants entered the arena. Two immediately forfeited, knowing they had no chance. Only four remained. The official’s voice rang out. “This is your final chance to surrender. Once the fight begins, there is no turning back.”

No one backed down.

“BEGIN!”

At first, it was chaos. Blades clashed as warriors tested each other’s strength. Then, as if in silent agreement, the three fighters turned their focus on Kyle, launching a coordinated assault to eliminate him first.

But Kyle was ready.

With unparalleled reflexes, he evaded their strikes, countering with precision. The Higher Official, initially expecting Kyle’s downfall, was stunned to see him holding his ground against all three opponents simultaneously. Every attack thrown at him was met with impeccable defense. Every move was anticipated.

The crowd erupted, chanting his name. Kyle was not just fighting—he was dominating. One by one, his opponents fell until he stood alone in the ring, victorious once again.

THE KING’S PALACE

Meanwhile, in the grand halls of the King’s Palace, Karl turned to his advisor, Adios.

“How goes the Knight Exam?” he inquired.

Adios, with a knowing smile, replied, “Your Majesty, the exam is proceeding smoothly. I believe by the end of today, we shall have our champion.”

Karl leaned forward, intrigued. “And who might that be?”

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Adios chuckled. “A name that the kingdom will soon remember—Kyle.”

Karl: “Kyle? Who is he? Is he some noble’s child?”

Adios: “No, Your Majesty. His origins are unknown. I believe he is either a commoner or perhaps a fallen noble.”

Karl: “Let’s see.”

Karl steps into the arena, taking his seat where he has the perfect vantage point to observe the match. As he watches Kyle fight, a flicker of surprise crosses his face.

Karl: “Adios, are you certain he doesn’t belong to any noble family?”

Adios: “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Meanwhile, in the arena, Kyle is locked in combat against three opponents alone. None of them are willing to back down, each determined to showcase their skills. The audience watches in awe, murmurs of excitement rippling through the stands.

The battle continues relentlessly, neither side yielding nor showing signs of exhaustion. Sensing that the fight could go on indefinitely, the examiner glances at the higher officials for approval before finally stepping forward to announce the match’s conclusion.

The examiner announced the results: Kyle secured 1st place, followed by the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners. The crowd erupted into cheers, celebrating their achievements.

Karl, standing tall before them, addressed the participants. “Everyone who competed today, and those who wish to in the future, remember—this kingdom seeks knights who will protect its people. Even if you didn't win, do not be discouraged. Each of you displayed remarkable skill. Seeing your determination, I can confidently say that the future of the Astria Kingdom is in capable hands.”

The audience roared in unison, “Long live the King! Long live the Astria Kingdom!”

As a reward, all four winners received medals from a high-ranking official. The official then turned to them and asked, “Is there anything you desire?”

The fourth-place winner hesitated before stepping forward. “If possible, I would like to train with the royal knights.”

The 2nd and 3rd place winners nodded in agreement. “We wish for the same opportunity.”

However, Kyle remained silent, his gaze locked on the royal family. Karl took note of his stillness and asked, “Kyle, what is your request?”

Kyle took a step forward, his voice calm but firm. “I want to spar with the First Prince.”

A wave of shock rippled through the crowd. Gasps and murmurs filled the air as Karl turned to the First Prince, Novel. After a brief pause, Novel smirked and nodded. “I accept.”

The examiner promptly announced the duel. Both fighters entered the arena, and the sparring match began.

At first, Novel tested Kyle’s reflexes, allowing him to dodge several attacks. Observing this, Kyle swiftly engaged in close combat, forcing Novel to take him seriously.

The audience chattered among themselves.

“Does he think he can defeat the First Prince?”

“These young ones are too arrogant.”

Suddenly, someone shouted, “Wait—look at that!”

The crowd fell silent as they watched Kyle skillfully counter Novel’s strikes, moving with effortless precision.

While exchanging blows, Kyle spoke in a low voice, “I’ve heard you have a younger brother, but I don’t see him anywhere. What happened to him?”

At the mention of his brother, Novel’s expression darkened. “That’s none of your concern. Focus on the fight.”

Kyle smirked. “Oh? But you know… I could end this match right now if I wanted to. Of course, that would make you look bad.”

Novel’s patience snapped. Gritting his teeth, he launched a barrage of attacks.

Kyle chuckled. “Ah, so our prince is angry. But your attacks—” he sidestepped with ease, “—they’re not even a threat to me. It’s getting boring. Let’s talk about something else. Tell me, do you even remember your brother’s name—the one you abandoned?”

Novel froze.

A flood of forgotten memories surged back, images of the brother he had not seen in years.

The audience murmured.

“What’s wrong? Why did the First Prince stop moving?”

Even Karl, Adios, the high-ranking officials, and the examiners exchanged puzzled glances.

Kyle’s voice cut through the silence, taunting. “Did your memory return?” He let out a deep, mocking laugh. “Ha ha ha!”

The air in the arena grew tense.

Novel’s fists clenched. “Do you think that will shake me?”

With renewed aggression, he resumed his attacks, disregarding Kyle’s words. Seizing the momentum, Novel executed a new technique, attempting to counter Kyle’s movement. But he miscalculated. His strike cut into Kyle’s back.

The crowd erupted in cheers for Novel.

Kyle stumbled, struggling to stand. His expression twisted in anger as the audience jeered at his pain.

Then—

A voice echoed in his mind.

"Let me take over. You’ve done enough."