"Well, that was something," Lyara said, stretching her arms.
"Yeah," Nara added.
"Don't worry, it's behind me already," Garrick replied.
"And you told me slaying the Garon was heroic while you fought in an actual war," Kalem said.
"I believe you still have more in store," Garrick said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
"Maybe," Kalem admitted.
"Are you finally going to open up?" Nara smirked.
"Well, before him, I would like to go first, since mine is pretty short anyway," Isolde spoke up.
"Sure, why not?" Kalem said.
"Well... how should I start?" Isolde mused, tapping a finger on her chin.
As Isolde began the story of her life, she explained how she was raised by her father, a warrior who made his living fighting in arenas. They never settled in one place for long, always moving to the next city where the fights were held. Life was never stable, but she grew up watching battles, learning from them, and eventually training under her father's strict tutelage.
Their family weapon was the Glacial Greatsword, a massive blade infused with frost magic. Her father believed in discipline and control—every swing had to be precise, every movement calculated. She trained every day, learning how to wield the sword with both raw strength and magical finesse. Eventually, as she improved, her father began sending her into fights, not in the grand arenas, but in duels against local warriors and mercenaries he trusted.
"Wait, hold on," Nara interrupted. "Are we talking about underground fighting rings or official arenas?"
"Official ones," Isolde clarified. "Though some of them weren't exactly respectable. My father took whatever fights paid well."
"That must have been tough," Lyra said.
"It was," Isolde admitted, "but I got to see a lot of different places and people. More importantly, I learned how to fight in real combat situations."
"So, did you ever fight anyone truly strong before coming here?" Jhaeros asked.
"Not really," Isolde shook her head. "Most of the people I fought were skilled, but not beyond what I could handle. My first real tests came after I arrived at Arcathis."
"You mean us?" Garrick smirked.
"Yeah," Isolde said. "The first real fights I had were against Nara, Kalem, and you. And then, of course, the faculty."
"You make it sound like you had an easy time before coming here," Lyra pointed out.
"It wasn't easy," Isolde said, shaking her head. "But compared to what I've faced at the academy, my past battles were simpler—less unpredictable. Here, I had to rethink everything I knew about combat."
"Sounds like your father prepared you well," Jhaeros remarked.
"He did," Isolde said. "But eventually, he decided it was time for me to learn beyond what he could teach. That's why he sent me to Arcathis. He wanted me to grow stronger."
"Where is he now?" Kalem asked.
"In the North," Isolde replied. "He retired after I left for the academy. He said it was time for him to rest."
"Do you plan to return after graduating?" Lyra asked.
Isolde thought for a moment before shaking her head. "Not immediately. I want to keep learning and improving. My father gave me the foundation, but I still have a long way to go before I can truly surpass him."
A short silence followed.
"You know," Nara finally said, "I didn't expect your story to be that straightforward, but I respect it. Your dad sounds like a tough guy."
"He was," Isolde said with a rare smile. "And I hope, one day, I can surpass him."
"Well, you're on the right path," Jhaeros said.
"Agreed," Kalem added.
Isolde looked around at the group, a flicker of warmth in her usually composed expression. "Thanks. That means a lot."
"Alright," Nara clapped her hands. "We've all gone through our tragic, exciting, and ridiculous backstories. That means there's only one left."
All eyes turned toward Kalem.
"Finally," Garrick grinned. "Time to hear what you've been holding back."
Kalem sighed, leaning back slightly. "I suppose it's only fair."
Lyra gave him an expectant look. "You don't have to tell us everything, you know."
"I know," Kalem replied. "But... I think it's time I shared more than just bits and pieces."
A hush fell over the group as they prepared to listen.
"Alright," Kalem said, exhaling slowly. "Here's my story."