The wind howled against the dark columns, lifting waves of sand that hit our faces.
Kael Theryn stood there, his claws already out, his beast-like smile stretched to madness.
But he wasn't alone.
Behind him, twelve other figures appeared in the golden mist of the desert. Minor heirs, but dangerous, all ready to fight. They all had that same hungry look, and they weren't just here to watch their leader—they were here to take us down.
The more I thought about it, the more I found it depressing. Their world was so cruel it almost made me miss the misery of Work Town. And no matter how simple their logic was, making kids kill each other shouldn't be called a trial.
The sand was burning under my feet. I clenched my fists hard while Kael stared down at me.
Elias stepped in front of me, sword raised.
— No way you're fighting him… He's just a fight-obsessed idiot, let's find another way.
Asha stepped forward too, lightning already crackling along her halberd.
— If he wants your head, that's his problem. But don't play his stupid game that only he enjoys. That asshole can already book his appointment at the beautician.
Lyra nodded quickly, her fingers gripping her staff tightly.
Dorian spat in the sand in provocation, grabbing his new daggers.
— Iron, I'm with you, we crush him quick and go home!!
Kael burst out laughing. His voice echoed against the broken stones.
— HAHAHA! Look at him. The little ghost needs bodyguards. I was told you defeated a dragon, took down a giant… but what I see right now is just pathetic…
He raised his hand. His claws shined like blackened steel under the sun.
— As for you… move aside or I'll break your necks before you even understand what hit you.
His followers moved forward in a line, slowly closing a circle around us between the rocks.
I stepped forward.
My fist was shaking. My Thorne was stirring. My blades were already pressing against my veins, ready to burst out.
Was I really capable of this?
That monster killed like he was born for it. And me… I was nothing just a few months ago. I was never brave, but lately it feels like I can do the impossible…
But one thing was sure—I wouldn't run anymore. Never again.
— Leave it… I said.
Everyone turned toward me.
— From now on, it's between him and me.
Deep down… I was excited.
My eyes met my teammates'. Elias looked confused but respected my choice.
Asha smiled, clearly wanting to join the fight herself.
Lyra was trembling, but she knew she couldn't change my mind.
Dorian muttered "crazy bastard" before laughing nervously.
I raised my hand.
— But nothing stops you from inviting his friends to the party. If you're still interested.
Kael roared, his claws tearing the sand. His followers screamed too and rushed forward.
Elias stabbed his sword into the ground, raising a rough stone shield.
Asha jumped forward, her halberd drawing a line of lightning across the desert.
Lyra whispered something I couldn't understand, a green light spreading around us like a fragile barrier.
Dorian slid across the sand, his daggers already flying toward an enemy's throat.
And me… I launched myself at Kael.
Our eyes met, and in his, I saw the promise of a real fight.
Around us, the desert turned into a battlefield.
We weren't kids anymore.
We were warriors.
There was no more fake nobility—just raging barbarians.
The sand rose in burning clouds, lightning, light, and blood exploding in the air. Screams mixed with the wind.
But for me… there was only him.
Kael Theryn.
Closer to a beast than a man.
I raised my hand, the fracture opened above me, and two blades came out: Ignis and Ventus, floating around me like chained predators.
Kael smiled, his claws shining.
— Finally… GIVE ME EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT, VONGOLD!!
— Shut up…
The sand exploded when Kael jumped.
A giant leap, like a beast breaking out of its cage. His claws glowed with a dark red and green light, twisting the air around them.
I barely had time to cross my blades to reduce the damage, but the impact hit me like an explosion. His clawed fist struck again. My blades blocked again. The ground broke under my feet, sand exploding upward.
I stepped back several times, my arms shaking.
Kael just enjoyed the moment.
— HAHAHA! Pretty solid!! Interesting…
Then he charged again—but this time, my body left the ground.
My legs tensed, and I lifted into the air, pulling myself away from the sand.
Kael looked up, his claws ready to tear me from the sky.
My wind blade, Ventus, spun around me like a storm, and I dove down, cutting through the air and hitting Kael directly.
The sand flew everywhere.
His skin tore… barely. Just a small cut, instantly covered by thick flesh.
Kael screamed with excitement.
— You want to dance in the sky? GOOD!! Then I'll rip you out of it and bring you back down, Vongold!!
His body twisted, his muscles doubled in size, his skin covered in dark marks.
His transformation had started.
His legs became like a beast's.
And with one jump, he reached me in the air.
I didn't have time to dodge.
His fist hit me straight in the face, sending me flying into a broken column. The stone exploded, my breath completely gone.
Blood filled my mouth.
— Damn… he hits hard…
I used my flight to slow my fall, not very well, but enough to avoid crashing.
The pain was horrible, my head pounding like crazy.
Kael landed in front of me, his insane smile even bigger with blood running down his face.
— Not bad, ghost, but you fly better than you fight. Funny, right? HAHAHA!
He cracked his neck, his claws getting even longer.
— But you're not worthy of being among the greats of this world.
He tried to strike again.
I instantly summoned my two blades from the fractures, then turned on the sand. One blocked his arm, the other struck his chest. Sparks flew, like I hit metal. Then the attacks kept coming, faster, stronger.
Kael roared, but his free fist smashed into my stomach. The pain almost made me pass out, blood escaping my mouth.
I pushed myself back with a jump.
The world disappeared.
There was only him and me.
Every hit tore me apart, but I had learned to endure. My whole life was just that: enduring. Again. And again.
Kael was a beast born to kill.
Me… I was carried by unstable blades… and by the refusal to fall.
Our shadows clashed in a deadly dance.
Every impact shook the desert.
Every step carved craters in the sand.
Kael roared and swung his arms, his claws sending burning waves.
I barely dodged them, my blades spinning like drills, and once in the air I aimed for his head.
But he blocked. The impact sounded like thunder. I was starting to get tired, and he was still smiling.
— Much better… but still not enough.
He grabbed my throat.
I couldn't breathe, struggling like trapped prey. I was about to pass out…
— I'm going to break you, Iron. You need to suffer more, Iron. You need to beg me to spare you, Iron. And I want everyone to remember it. Do you hear me?! IRON VONGOLD!!!
He threw me into another column, which collapsed on impact. My bones screamed.
I crashed into the sand again. My vision was blurry, my mouth spilling blood… and maybe teeth. I didn't think the gap between us would be this big.
Maybe I had aimed too high.
But deep inside my chest… my Thorne was still answering.
Stronger.
I rolled in pain, coughing up blood, hitting the ground with my bloody fists. I was suffering, but something new was waking up in me. My weakness, my pain, my effort… they were just excuses I kept repeating until I believed them. This power was mine, but I still acted like I owed it something… that had to stop.
In front of me was an incredible opponent, giving me the chance to leave my old self behind. How could I give up now…
— Not yet… it's not over… NOT NOW!!
I stood up. I had to. My whole body was shaking, but I was finally on my feet.
Despite everything… I was glad I met Kael. It was hard to admit, but I was enjoying this in a strange way.
And my blades came out again.
The first round wasn't over.
It was just beginning.