Leona swings her sword and charges at Aeth. Aeth spins his sword within his palm, transfers it to his left hand, and blocks the incoming attack from Leona. The swords clash against each other. Leona spins back, retreats, and immediately lunges at Aeth again, launching relentless strikes. Aeth skillfully blocks every continuous attack coming from Leona. Exhausted, Leona grips her sword with both hands and points it toward Aeth. Aeth, however, switches his sword back to his right hand and looks at Leona as if he is not taking this battle seriously. Though tired, Leona does not lower her sword and prepares for another attack.
Leona (thinking):
This can't be that man! His sword skills and reflexes are incredibly strong! He doesn't even look tired! I have no other choice! I can't believe I'm going to use elemental power against this man!
Aeth (thinking):
This fight has dragged on too long, and it doesn't look like she intends to end it. Then it's time to end this meaningless battle.
Leona gathers all her focus and launches a powerful attack at Aeth with the help of the Wind Element. At the moment she attacks, Leona suddenly feels a fear take hold of her. She cannot understand what this fear is. Even as she strengthens all her speed and strikes with the Wind Element, Aeth is able to comprehend the attack as if time itself has slowed down for a moment. For an instant, time seemed to flow slowly for Aeth, and he becomes aware of the strange sensation awakening within him. He forcefully swings his sword to deflect Leona's incoming strike. The impact pushes Leona backward. At that moment, Aeth follows up with a second attack, switching his sword to his left hand. Although Leona blocks this strike, Aeth immediately spins behind her and grabs the collar of her clothing with his right hand, hurling her forward with all his strength. Unable to resist, Leona falls onto her back, and her sword slips from her hand. Everyone who witnesses this moment cannot believe what they have just seen. At that moment, Aeth swings his sword again, delivering a strike aimed at cutting off Leona's head. Suddenly, Ferdinand shouts and rushes forward!
Ferdinand (shouting):
Your Majesty, stop!
Just as Aeth is about to cut off Leona's head, he halts his sword at her throat. Leona, lying on her back and supported by her elbows, closes her eyes as if accepting death for a moment. But when she realizes that Aeth does not strike, she opens her eyes and sees Aeth staring directly into hers. Aeth's sword rests against her throat, slightly grazing it. At that moment, Leona sees the emotionlessness in Aeth's eyes and face. For the first time in her life, Leona feels true fear!
Aeth (in a low, furious tone):
Ferdinand, by what right do you try to stop me!?
Ferdinand (anxiously):
Your Majesty, please forgive me, but do not kill General Leona. If it were not for her, all of us would have died in front of the gates of Caelmor Fortress, and Caelmor would never have been conquered. Please forgive the general's defiance for the sake of her heroism!
Without saying a single word, Aeth straightens his posture, sheathes his sword, and begins walking toward the palace. It is as if this incident never happened. Just like at the beginning, he walks toward the palace without a second glance. Tharic and Ferdinand follow behind him as well. As soon as they head to the palace, Cedric runs to Leona's side. Slightly injured, Leona stands up with Cedric's help, picks up her sword, and sheathes it. She looks after Aeth as he walks toward the palace.
Leona (thinking):
What was that feeling inside me just now!? Why was I afraid of him!? That bloodthirst I felt from him surpasses every warrior I've ever seen! Just how many people have you killed!?
After entering the palace, Aeth sits on the throne. He orders the entire army to rest, announces that they will remain here for a while, and commands everyone to rest until then. After Aeth finishes speaking, Ferdinand reports on the prisoners.
Ferdinand:
Your Majesty, when we captured Caelmor, we imprisoned Rasel, the leader of the capital forces and assistant to Kravendorn's chief general Gervan. Along with him, the palace nobles and Jorvan, who governed the palace in place of Ralden, are also among the prisoners. We threw them all into the dungeon and awaited your judgment.
Aeth:
All the nobles here committed filthy crimes just like those in Eryndor, especially Jorvan, who is a central figure in human trafficking. Therefore, execute all of them publicly so the people may take their revenge and ease their hearts, even if only a little. As for Rasel, he is one of the key figures in Kravendorn's army. If necessary, apply the harshest tortures and extract all information about Kravendorn, then await my order for his execution.
Ferdinand:
Understood, Your Majesty.
Aeth:
Is there anything else you need to report?
Ferdinand:
As I mentioned before, the people played a major role in capturing this palace. I trust that our emperor will recognize this.
Aeth:
I have not forgotten, Ferdinand. That is why you will provide me with a written list of the key individuals involved. Also, once things settle down, we will erect a monument in this city in memory of the common people and the empire's warriors. This will be spoken of for hundreds of years in the future of our empire. It is proof that one does not need special powers to become a hero. Even ordinary people, when united, can achieve countless heroic deeds that will never be forgotten!
Ferdinand:
I am grateful that you have not forgotten this, Your Majesty.
Aeth:
You may go and rest now. In a few days, I will assign new positions here. Until then, remain at rest.
Tharic, Ferdinand:
Long live the Emperor!
Aeth (thinking):
The feeling inside me tells me that everything is about to grow even bigger.!
NOTE: "If you enjoy the story, consider adding it to your library to support the author."