In the dimly lit head office of the Dalma family, Iron, the patriarch, sat stoically behind his desk, his face betraying no emotion, with a letter in his hands. On the opposite side, Montaser, the bearer of the letter, stood his expression calm yet hidden with a hint of unease.

"Fray and Suezel, huh? This seems interesting," Iron mumbled, his penetrating gaze fixed on the contents of the letter.

"Partraich, can I add my opinion?" Montaser inquired with a respectful and calculated tone, seeking permission to speak.

"What!? Are you interested in this duel?" Iron, surprised by Montaser's intervention, questioned sharply.

"Well, actually, I think that Fray has proved that he's very valuable. After his move on the cursed lands, it will be a loss for the family if we lose him in this duel," Montaser explained.

Montaser and Iron fully grasp the implications of this duel request, understanding the historical context within the Dalma family. Throughout the family's history, the party initiating the duel typically emerges victorious, while the other often faces severe consequences, often death or incapacitation. So merely upon receiving the duel request, they anticipate that Fray is likely to face an unfavorable outcome.

"His achievement in the cursed land was great, but the family doesn't need land; it needs strong members. This is the only way to break free from the control of those bastards, and I will do everything to ensure that," Iron declared firmly, his voice unwavering and his eyes cold.

"Accept the duel request and make it an open event for all the members and the followers of the family," Iron commanded.

Hearing Iron's words, Montaser's expression hardened, but he replied with a calm voice, "Alright, Sir." The tension in the room lingered, setting the stage for a significant event within the Dalma family.

In just one day, the news of the impending duel resonated across the Iskar territory, reaching every ear in the vicinity. The clash between two of the most famous siblings of the Dalma family, coupled with the enigmatic reputation of one who was once deemed the most ruthless before his disappearance, captured the curiosity of all. With the duel's openness to spectators, a significant portion of citizens, servants, and even residents from neighbouring cities swiftly committed to witnessing the imminent confrontation.

. . .

Three days before the duel...

In the Guardians' headquarters, Aslin sat in a secluded room, a letter in her hand, her expression intricate as her eyes remained fixed on the contents. Lisa, seated across from her, sensed her friend's unease and couldn't help but ask, "Is everything alright?"

"It's a letter from my mother. It says my father has left for Iskar city because there will be a duel between Fray and one of his siblings, Suezel," Aslin replied calmly, her eyes still glued to the letter.

"Fray!? So the rumors of his return to the Dalma family were true?" Lisa mumbled thoughtfully, her expression becoming more serious. She continued, devoid of any hint of emotion in her voice, "But even though I wish Fray would just lose, I don't think Suezel will be enough to defeat him."

"Yes, Fray is stronger than his family knows. Even I don't know the full extent of the power of his spirit, and I've never seen him fight with his full abilities. But I remember when Fray used to spar with Suezel, I'm sure Fray never used his full power against him," Aslin explained with a calm voice.

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"That bastard is crazy. Every time he fights, he aims for the kill. Very few people who've seen his full power have survived," Lisa remarked, recalling her experiences with Fray.

Despite her attempts to gauge his power, he always kept aspects of his skills hidden. Just when she thought she understood a level of his abilities, she would later discover he had eliminated an enemy she never thought Fray could face. Lisa lost trust in her ability to comprehend the true extent of Fray's capabilities.

"Yes, you're right," Aslin replied, her expression turning sad. "That's exactly what my dad liked about Fray."

Lisa, seeing Aslin's change in demeanor, softened. She remembered Aslin's father, a cold and dangerous man infamous as an evil person for his ruthless ways dealings with inhuman races.

As she thought about Aslin's complicated relationship with her father, Lisa empathized, (Instead of loving his daughter, he favored her childhood friend more than her. I can't even imagine how that must feel.)

. . .

Fray stood amidst the transformed land, watching as hundreds of villagers diligently worked on the once barren fields, now thriving with flourishing crops. The contrast from the initial skepticism and meager assistance on the first day was staggering. Smiles and hope adorned the faces of the villagers who had embraced the change.

"I still can't believe this! I'm so lucky I can see the smiles back on the villagers before I meet death," mumbled one of the elderly figures standing beside Fray.

"All of this is because of you, young Master. We cannot thank you enough," another elderly villager expressed, turning towards Fray with gratitude in their eyes.

While Fray listened to their words, he found himself at a loss for a response. Deep down, he knew that his actions weren't solely for the benefit of these villagers, but their heartfelt expressions moved something within him. It might have been the first time Fray felt a genuine sense of having made a positive impact on someone's life.

"So, young master, you still haven't told us, what's your plan for this land?" suddenly, one of the elderly figures asked. The land technically belonged to the four villages on paper, but being under Iskar territory meant it fell under the control of the Dalma family. Since Fray had been the one to restore it, there was an expectation that he might take advantage of his efforts.

"I don't have any plans for it. As always, the land is yours, and it will stay yours," Fray replied calmly, his eyes indifferent.

The four elderly figures opened their eyes in surprise, then in a united motion, all of them dropped to their knees. With a collective voice, they expressed their gratitude and loyalty to Fray, acknowledging the unexpected benevolence bestowed upon them.

While Fray marvelled at the unexpected promise of loyalty he got for the elderly, his attention was suddenly drawn to the South, where a formation of majestic pegasus horses swiftly approached.

Whispers rippled through the villagers as they speculated about the identity of the approaching party. Pegasus horses were a symbol of power wielded by the most influential families, and the direction from which they came hinted that they weren't from Iskar City, intensifying the intrigue.

Fray, having developed senses, could discern the approaching figures clearly. (The Lord of Emper City,) he muttered to himself looking at a middle-aged man with dark hair and his entourage drawing nearer.

The pegasus landed a few meters away from Fray. Clear to the villagers, the leading pegasus carried a man with a stoic expression and a cold aura about him. With long dark hair and a thick black beard, he exuded an air of authority. The rest of the pegasus were occupied by knights bearing symbols of Ember City.

As the pegasus touched down, the man at the front dismounted and began to approach Fray. "I didn't expect to see you here, Lord Richard," Fray said, extending his hand with a stoic expression. "Welcome to Iskar city."

"Long time no see, Young Master," Richard responded, taking Fray's hand in a firm handshake. His eyes briefly surveyed the transformed land behind Fray, a hint of admiration flickering in his gaze. "Well, actually, I passed by here on purpose, hoping to find you. I wanted to talk to you."

"Is it because of Aslin?" Fray calmly concluded, without needing to ponder, as he met Richard's gaze.