Neyvar was training hard… stronger, faster, and more resilient than ever before.
---
⏳ 2 Months Later
In the cold, silent mountains, Zeltor's voice echoed loudly:
Zeltor: "Hey kid! Come on, attack already!"
Neyvar, breathing heavily, growled:
Neyvar: "Damn it!"
He launched a fast strike toward Zeltor, but Zeltor blocked it with ease.
Zeltor: "Good... that's enough for today."
Neyvar collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat, struggling to catch his breath.
Days passed, and their training continued... relentless, unforgiving... unending.
---
⏳ 6 Months Later – Zaidara Empire – Capital – Velmora Academy
Inside the Combat & Defense class...
Students were sparring with each other fiercely. The instructor's voice rang out:
Instructor: "Enough! The winner is Regen Var Lasbrook. Next up—Serina Valtar versus Sylorin Bysrewil!"
Sylorin stepped forward, entering the arena. Serina followed, calm and confident. Whispers spread across the room:
"Is that Sylorin? From House Bysrewil?"
"She's Serina Valtar! Top of the academy. She advanced from Layer 9 Basic to Layer 3 Spiritual in just four months… insane!"
Sylorin smirked:
Sylorin: "Looks like you've made quite a name for yourself."
Instructor: "Ready... begin!"
Sylorin charged in with a blazing sword. Serina swiftly dodged and countered with an icy strike, freezing Sylorin's weapon.
Sylorin shattered the ice and struck again—but Serina parried cleanly.
In one swift motion, Serina placed her blade at Sylorin's neck and pressed slightly.
Instructor: "Serina Valtar wins."
---
🏛️ After Class
As Serina exited the arena, a familiar voice called out:
Acting Headmaster: "Hey Serina, wait. You know the inter-academy tournament starts in two days. Your grandfather still hasn't returned. If he doesn't make it in time… will you represent him?"
Serina: "No. He said he'd come back. I'll wait."
Headmaster: "But… they were supposed to return a week ago—"
Serina didn't answer. She kept walking.
In her heart, she muttered:
"Damn it... why didn't he take me with him? He didn't even tell me he was leaving..."
On her way home, the smell of food caught her attention. A small restaurant. Her stomach growled. She walked in.
Serina: "Hey, bring me something to eat... please."
While eating, she suddenly heard a familiar voice beside her:
Zeltor: "Hey, slow down, kid."
She turned her head—
Zeltor was sitting there.
And next to him... Neyvar.
Their eyes met.
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🔚 End of Chapter 17