The results of the first day's trial were announced, revealing the top 10 cadets in the following order:
Top 10 Cadets
10. Rose Rhinoaxe - (11 points)
9. Alexander Leopardrien - ( 13 points)
8. Jeremiah Elephantaeus - ( 15 points)
7. Elian Leopardrien - (16 points)
6. Raphael Buffalone - (17 points)
5. Derek, Lucas, and Jasmine Lionheart(tied for fifth place) - (20 points each)
4. Kloe Buffalone - (23 points)
3. Laura Rhinoaxe - (25 points)
2. Ava Lionheart - (28 points)
1. Raven Lionheart - (30 points)
Raven's impressive display had secured him the top spot, with Ava coming in second. The crowd's reaction was a mix of shock and curiosity, wondering if what they have witnessed was true.
As the results sank in, the leaders of the five great families stepped forward to remind the cadets of the true challenge ahead. Elliot Lionheart spoke up, his voice firm and commanding.
"Cadets, do not become complacent. This is only the first day of your trial. Out of the 250 of you present here today, only 50 will be granted the title of Flag Bearer for their respective houses. The competition is far from over."
The other family leaders nodded in agreement, their voices echoing Elliot's words.
Lady Cassius added, "Within two days, the second task will begin. You will face new challenges, new obstacles, and new tests of your abilities. You must be prepared to push yourselves to the limit if you hope to succeed."
Lady Aurora emphasized, "The title of Flag Bearer is not just a honor, but a responsibility. It requires strength, strategy, and leadership. You must prove yourselves worthy of this title, and only the strongest among you will prevail."
The cadets listened intently, their determination and focus renewed. They knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were ready to face the challenge head-on. The question was, who among them would rise to the top and claim the title of Flag Bearer? Only time would tell.
Nighttime, The leaders of the five great families gathered in a grand banquet hall, the atmosphere warm and convivial as they sat around a large, ornate table. The tension and formality of the earlier gathering were replaced by friendly banter and laughter.
As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation turned to the topic of Raven and his remarkable display of Aethon. Lady Cassius leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Elliot, my friend, we've known each other for a long time. I'm sure you can tell us... how is Raven able to use Aethon.?" Cassia asked, her voice laced with genuine interest.
Elliot's expression turned thoughtful, and he shook his head. "To be honest, I don't know. I've never seen anything like it. For years I'vebern searching for methods to fix him...and yet, somehow he did it on his own."
Lady Lila raised an eyebrow, her voice playful. "Come now, Elliot. You're not going to tell us that the great Elliot Lionheart really doesn't know what's going on in his own family? I swear, if you Lionheartdidn'thave your pride i would say you're lying about this and you raised him secretly."
Elliot chuckled, a rare sight. "I'm afraid not, Lila."
Viggo Buffalone leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, whatever it is, it's certainly impressive. He's incredibly talented. A late bloomer, maybe?"
Lady Aurora nodded in agreement. "Yes, but i hope all that Streanghdoesn'tgo to his head and he ends up like your brother, Elliot."
"My brother, huh?" Elliot's eyes drifted into the past, a flashback unfolded:
20 years ago...
The kingdom was abuzz with the news of Eryndor Lionheart , Elliot's older brother, achieving the unprecedented rank of a Champion swordsman. He was only the second person in history to reach this level, and his prowess on the battlefield was unmatched.
However, as Eryndor's power grew, so did his ambition. He became consumed by a lust for dominance, believing that the Lionheart family should rule over the entire kingdom, including the other Arch-Dukedoms.
Eryndor's descent into madness was swift and brutal. He began to manipulate and coerce others, using his charisma and strength to bend them to his will. His ultimate goal was to unite the kingdom under Lionheart rule, no matter the cost.
The other future leaders, including Elliot Viggo, Lady Lila , and Lady Cassius, realized that they had to stop Eryndor before it was too late. Each of them was a Superior Swordsman, two levels below Eryndor's rank.
Lady Aurora , the only Archmage among them, played a crucial role in the battle against Eryndor. Her magical abilities rivaled those of the Superior Swordsmen, and she proved instrumental in countering Eryndor's attacks.
The war that ensued was brutal and devastating. The five leaders fought valiantly, but Eryndor's power was formidable. In the end, it was Elliot who faced his brother in a final, decisive duel.
With a heavy heart and a determination to protect the kingdom, Elliot emerged victorious after reaching the realm of Master Swordsman,he defeated his brother and ended the war. Eryndor who had his hands cut off by Elliot was banished, and the kingdom was saved from his tyranny.
The memory of that war still lingered in Elliot's mind, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and ambition. He returned to the present, his expression somber, knowing that the kingdom was still vulnerable to those who would seek to exploit its weaknesses.
"If he ever goes down that route, I will personally end his life myself before he becomes a threat." Elliot said Coldly, but with a hint of sadness in between.
The other leaders, sensing this backed down from the topic and started talking about the neighboring kingdom's.
"I heard that the Spade Emperor is currently going through a Civil War. Apparently the people there have grown tired of the noblemen in charge." Viggo said
Lady Lila nodded in agreement. "Yes, I've heard the same. The Spade Empire's internal strife could potentially destabilize the entire region."
Lady Cassius leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I've received reports that some of the nobles are secretly backing one faction over another, hoping to gain an advantage. It's a complex web of alliances and rivalries."
Lady Aurora frowned, her brow furrowed in concern. "We need to be cautious. A civil war in the Spade Empire could have far-reaching consequences for our own kingdom. We should consider strengthening our borders and preparing for any potential fallout."
The conversation continued, with the leaders discussing the potential implications of the Spade Empire's civil war on their own kingdom. They exchanged information, shared concerns, and strategized about how to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries that was unfolding.
As they spoke, Elliot's expression remained thoughtful, his mind still lingering on the topic of his brother and the dangers of unchecked power. However, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present and the future of their kingdom.