The grand study of House Ardentis was bathed in the dim glow of candlelight, the warmth of the flickering fireplace barely easing the tension between the two men standing within. Duke Magnus Ardentis sat behind his desk, his golden eyes piercing and unreadable as he swirled the wine in his glass. Across from him, his younger brother Marshal Reynard Ardentis, still clad in his combat attire, stood with squared shoulders and a gaze filled with determination.
For a long moment, silence stretched between them, broken only by the soft crackle of burning logs. Then Reynard exhaled sharply.
"Lucius was tested today."
Magnus raised an eyebrow but remained otherwise composed. "Tested? By whom?"
"Commander Darius."
At that name, Magnus's grip on his glass tightened slightly.
Reynard continued, his voice firm. "Darius arranged a duel. Lucius fought against the chosen representatives for the Academy Tournament." He met his brother's gaze. "And he defeated them."
For the first time, Magnus's expression faltered—just for a second. Then, slowly, he set his glass down with a quiet clink. "Is that so?"
Reynard nodded. "He fought like a true warrior, Magnus. He didn't just win—he dominated. The knights, the Commander, even the Marshal present—everyone was in shock. I saw it with my own eyes. That boy has talent." He took a step forward. "I want to train him personally."
Magnus scoffed. "Talent?" He shook his head, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. "You speak as if he is some prodigy. Need I remind you, dear brother, that this is the same Lucius who suffered a mana burst at three years old? The same child who fell into a coma for three years, whose body still bears the scars of his own uncontrollable power?"
Reynard's jaw tightened, but he refused to back down. "And yet, despite all that, he still stood his ground today. Despite being younger than all of them, despite having no formal training, he won." His voice was resolute. "You cannot deny what's in front of you."
Magnus's golden gaze darkened. "You believe a mere victory against children makes him worthy of learning the Ardentis Secret Arts? Do you even comprehend what you are asking?"
"I have trained warriors for years, Magnus." Reynard's tone turned sharp. "I know potential when I see it. Lucius is different. He has something no one else does. If given the proper training, he could surpass even Ardian."
A flash of irritation crossed Magnus's face at the mention of that name. "Even Ardian, who formed his magic circle at three, failed eight times before earning his right to enter the Academy." His voice was edged with scorn. "Yet you expect me to believe that Lucius, a boy we once feared would never wield mana properly, is somehow destined for greatness?"
Reynard stepped closer, his voice rising. "And what if he is? What if Lucius is stronger than Ardian ever was? Will you keep doubting him just because of his past?"
Magnus's smirk faded. He placed both hands on his desk and leaned forward slightly. "Watch your tongue, Reynard. You may be my brother, but you forget your place."
Reynard took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I only forget my place when you refuse to see the truth before you."
Magnus abruptly stood, his chair scraping against the marble floor. "Enough. If you believe so strongly in his potential, then let him prove it."
Reynard narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
A slow, knowing smirk curled Magnus's lips. "If Lucius can defeat Commander Darius in a duel, I will grant you permission to train him in the Ardentis Secret Arts."
Reynard's fists clenched. "That's absurd!"
Magnus tilted his head. "Is it? You claim he has talent. You claim he is ready. Then prove it."
Reynard took a step forward, his voice heated. "Darius is a war veteran, Magnus! He has crushed entire armies. You expect a child to defeat him?"
Magnus's smirk didn't waver. "You may train Lucius however you wish until the duel. If he truly possesses the strength you claim, he will overcome this trial."
The weight of the challenge settled between them like an immovable mountain. Reynard wanted to refuse outright, but he knew better—Magnus never changed his mind once he made a decision.
After a long pause, Reynard exhaled sharply.
"Fine. I accept your terms."
Magnus picked up his glass again, taking another slow sip. "Then let us see if our little brother can survive what awaits him.