Two years passed as Aria began attending Selena’s top military academy. During that time, she was trained not just in combat, but also in troop management and traditional studies like math and language. Despite struggling with coursework, Aria put her best effort into passing her classes. The management aspect of her academy studies, however, came surprisingly easy to her.

  “I heard that girl is on track to becoming a sergeant.”

  “That’s a Corvo for you. They’re a different breed.”

  “She’s fourteen and already as capable as our nation’s officers…”

  Aria sighed at the constant murmurs of her classmates. Between them and the upper echelons of Easenna always talking about her, she longed for her simple life back home. Hopping off a wall, she spotted her brother Samuel nodding at her. His blue hair was tied back in a braided ponytail that reached his back.

  “Your graduation duel is coming up,” he said casually, walking with her. Samuel had since become a colonel in Easenna’s army. The war had crawled to a standstill, with neither side making any headway in recent months. While Easenna was fending off Albion, the victories weren’t decisive and did little to boost morale.

  Aria nodded. “I know. I’ve been training every chance I get for it.”

  Per tradition, Easenna conducted a point duel for graduation. Unlike traditional duels, where victory was decided through either killing the opponent or forcing them to yield, point duels were scored based on the number of clean hits landed. This is traditionally done in a first-to-five format. Every graduate of Easenna’s military academy was assigned an opponent handpicked by the school, selected specifically to challenge them with matchups they might otherwise struggle against, as a means to help them grow.

  Samuel sighed as he walked with his little sister. He and their father had been keeping tabs on Aria whenever they visited the capital. “It’s good you’re finding time to practice… given His Royal Highness seems to take up most of your time as well,” he said dryly.

  Aria let out a frustrated sigh, her mind drifted to countless meetings with now-faceless aristocrats she had been forced to be apart of.

  “Tell me about it… I know it’s part of our family’s name, but I hate the spotlight they have on me,” she admitted. Whether it’s at school or the royal palace, it seems like everyone talks about me because of our family…”

  Aria missed the familiarity of home. She missed her room, spending time with Mary, Carol, her mom, feeding her pet foxes. While she did visit during the holidays, those visits always felt like they were just delaying her inevitable return. Samuel and her father weren’t always around anymore, so she was often left to her own devices in the capital. Due to her young age, Aria was often ignored by her peers or approached in a painfully obvious manner. The King of Easenna, in particular, seemed very interested in her growth. From lavish gifts to inviting her to dances and other social gatherings, it was clear the royal family had a vested interest in her. If she had to endure one more old man asking her to dance, offering her a drink, or proposing she marry his grandson, she was going to scream.

  Samuel let out a soft laugh. “I can imagine it’s been overwhelming for you. Still, we all had to deal with it. Once you join the military, things will get a bit better. Most civilians treat us in an… odd manner.”

  Aria smiled. Ever since Leo died, Samuel had done his best to be there for her more. Carol, Mary, and their mom wrote to her often, sharing stories from home. Their mother, in particular, constantly encouraged Aria to consider finding a boyfriend...

  Aria smiled as the two walked. Having her family visit her in any capacity was something she now cherished.

  “Is Dad doing okay?” she asked.

  Samuel shrugged. “He’s pacing himself, at Mother’s request of course. He’s actually in the capital this week, although it’s for military reasons.”

  It had been a couple months since she had seen her father in person. He doted on her periodically, making sure she wasn’t slacking on her studies and asking about her improvement. Aria was a little disheartened to learn her father wasn’t in the capital for her graduation duel, but she understood he was incredibly busy with the war.

  Their conversation was cut short by the distinct sound of marching echoing through the halls. Samuel’s eyes narrowed before he dropped to a kneel. “Your Majesty.” Enzo raised a hand with a courteous smile. “Colonel Corvo, you may rise.”

  Samuel stood, eyeing the king curiously. “Is there something you require, sir?” Enzo shook his head. “No, not at all. I came to speak with Miss Aria.”

  Samuel gave Aria a cautious glance nodding. “I understand. I’ll stop by before your graduation, Ari.”

  With that, Samuel departed, leaving Aria to with King Enzo.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure, Your Majesty?” she asked cautiously, feeling awkward as several gazes fell on her and the King of Easenna. Enzo wore a neutral smile as they walked. “You’ll be graduating soon, so I wanted to show you something.” As they moved through the halls, Aria felt the gazes of the other citizens on her once more. What could the king possibly want from me today? When they turned a corner, Aria’s eyes widened in horror.

  “This is what I wanted to show you.”

  They had reached a medical bay. Rows and rows of Easennian soldiers were lined in a sea of cots. Some missing arms, legs, or eyes. Burnt skin wrapped in bandages, leaving the crimson stretch of their mouths exposed wide as they moaned in pain. The feeling of death and decay filled Aria’s gaze as the king walked her through the bay. The cries of pain, the nauseatingly clean smell of disinfectant, and of course the suffocating presence of death in the building overwhelmed her senses. It was all too much for her.

  Enzo placed a hand on Aria’s shoulder as she recoiled in shock and disgust. “It’s horrible, isn’t it?” Aria nodded weakly, feeling near nauseous. King Enzo gently helped her sit.

  “This is what war looks like. I understand you’ve been reflecting on your decision to enlist in the military, and I wanted you to understand why your family fights. Why you’re destined for greatness miss Aria. Being a Corvo is thankless, however you carry these peoples' suffering and prevent others from facing this fate.” Aria listened silently as the king continued. “The Corvo family has served this nation since its founding. Someone like you, Aria, wouldn’t be fit to be a foot soldier.”

  Aria’s eyes widened. “I… don’t understand. Even if I’m a Corvo, I’m still supposed to start as a private, like any other soldier.”

  Enzo laughed softly as he sat beside her. “Someone as talented as you is better suited to lead! If not for your decision to join the war, I’d probably have placed you as the personal knight to my son. Assuming that’s something you’d want.”

  Aria stiffened at his words, shocked, confused, and above all, apprehensive about such praise from the king.

  “I-I’m honored, Your Majesty, but I didn’t join the military for praise or to be some status symbol. I did it to protect Easenna.” And my family, Aria thought quietly to herself.

  Enzo’s eyes hardened for a moment before he sighed. Aria was Nicolas’ daughter through and through; he would expect no other answer from someone like her. “I will place you as an officer when you graduate. Your education and training are suited for the role. Despite your youth, you possess a power I wish to foster. After all, being Nicolas Corvo’s daughter alone makes you worth ten commanders.” Enzo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

  “Even if you didn’t intend to be a symbol, I believe Easenna could use someone like you to rally behind. Who better to shape this new generation of fighters than the daughter of a legend?” He smiled.

  As he was about to continue, an advisor approached the king, reminding him of the meetings he had scheduled. King Enzo sighed and glanced over at Aria, who was still processing both the horrors of the hospital and the weight of his words.

  “I’ll be at your graduation. The academy has selected your opponent already, so I recommend you do your best, Aria. The offer to serve as a royal guard will always be available to you. Personally I'd be honored to have you.” With a final farewell, the King of Easenna gave a small wave and walked off.

  Once alone, Aria sighed. King Enzo had mentioned her becoming a royal guard periodically during her time in Selenia. From introducing her to aristocrats to having her spend time with the prince, Aria understood his intentions for her after the war. She sighed again, recalling her father’s advice to stay away from the evils of politics. Over the past two years, she had come to understand why he had told her that.

  I can’t think about pointless things like that… For now, I need to prepare for my graduation duel. Aria placed her hand on her longsword, stealing herself for whoever would be her opponent next week.

  Aria took a deep breath as she prepared for the graduation duel. The sound of clashing blades echoed from above the steps in the coliseum, Aria knew her fight was next. Dressed in a simple black double breasted jacket and slacks, she used the sword the academy provided her after all these years.

  She pressed her forehead against the flat side of her sword and closed her eyes. Just one more duel, and I’ll finally carry our family’s weight, too. One more victory, and they won’t suffer alone… Sheathing her sword, Aria adjusted her academy uniform and began walking up the arena steps. The sounds of countless spectators watching the graduation duels filled the air.

  “Cadet Corvo.” Hearing her name, Aria stepped into the arena. As she walked, she felt the same hollow whispers surrounding her. When she finally reached the center, her eyes widened as she saw her opponent.

  Dad?

  Standing across from her was a man with navy-blue hair and light grey eyes. He was dressed in a black military uniform and trousers, lined with blue highlights. Draped over his shoulder was a black feathered cape, with a red cloth connecting the two halves.

  Nicolas Corvo looked at Aria with a neutral expression as he drew his sword. “We will be conducting a modified point duel. Each point will be given based on how many clean hits you are able to land. His voice was professional and devoid of the usual warmth as he addressed her in a calm and commanding way, akin to what he used for his soldiers. “Additionally you may use any Spell Arts or Spells at your disposal. I will only use aura and my combat skills for this duel. If you fail to land the required three points in ten minutes. You will fail.”

  As her momentary shock faded, Aria’s eyes narrowed on her opponent, understanding the stacks of this fight. “Understood.”

  Aria knew that at the moment he wasn’t his daughter but a potential soldier that he needed to evaluate. Drawing her sword, Aria got into a stance as Nicolas drew his. The stadium grew quiet as both fighters faced off, Aria’s green eyes meeting her father’s grey.

  “Begin.”

  Aria rushed at Nicolas. A teal aura covered her legs as she quickly closed the distance across the arena. Using her broadsword, she swung at Nicolas Corvo, only for it to be effortlessly parried with his scabbard. Pivoting on her foot, Aria tried to land a kick to his side. Three hits… I only need three hits to prove I can walk this path like him.

  Nicolas effortlessly dodged, slamming his scabbard into her stomach, making her cry out. Aria felt her eyes roll back for a brief moment as she slid back, clutching her stomach. Gritting her teeth, Aria forced herself up.

  “You’ve improved.” Nicolas said with a small smile as he flourished his blade.

  Aria closed her eyes for a moment, focusing her aura once more. Rushing at her father, she coated her blade, channeling the bulk of her aura into the middle of her sword. Nicolas used his own aura to effortlessly dodge her attack. As he went to counterattack, Aria planted her foot on the pommel to prevent him from drawing it. Nicolas' eyes widened for a brief moment as Aria swung at him. Coating his arm in aura, he parried her swing, constructing a small barrier on his forearm. Aria swiftly readjusted, aiming a kick to his side.

  Going on the offensive, Nicolas aimed a punch at Aria, looking to trade blows. Aria dodged his punch just as it collided with the ground. The stone floor of the coliseum cracked in a spiderweb pattern, shards scattering into the air. Aria's eyes narrowed as the full weight of her father's strength dawned on her.

  “Damn it…” Staggering back, Aria relinquished her opening, knowing she couldn’t afford to take an unnecessary hit like that. She raised her sword and assumed a stance. If I place a note on his blade, I might be able to break it. He blocks every hit or looks for a counterattack when he's open. Aria knew her father’s technique was honed to maximize the openings he had. What he lacked in speed, he made up for with superhuman, aura-enhanced strikes. In an ordinary fight, Aria knew this would be dangerous. No hit seemed to phase him as it felt like every hit was no different then chipping at a mountain.

  Aria’s eyes narrowed. I do have an advantage… Dad hasn’t seen me fight in almost two years. Aria knew he was used to her technique and fighting style since she had been trained by her family all her life. To get any opening, Aria would need to fight unpredictably.

  Focusing her breathing, a teal aura enveloped the air as Aria applied a Note to her blade. The 15% increase in aura not only amplified the output on the sword, but also infused the steel, preventing it from shattering under the strain. With this added power, Aria aimed to shatter her father’s sword. The sky-blue aura bathed her blade in a bright glow as she launched herself at Nicolas Corvo.

  Nicolas’ eyes narrowed as he focused on her sword, having never seen her apply her Spell Art in that manner. Realizing the danger of her attack, he unsheathed his sword, parrying her blow as a shockwave reverberated through the arena. Locking blades for a moment, Aria remained undeterred, launching a flurry of slashes at Nicolas. For every strike she aimed, he blocked, then countered with an overhead slash. Aria flipped herself up to dodge. Twisting mid-air, she tried to slam a kick into his neck, but Nicolas applied his own aura, enhancing his speed to dodge. As Aria’s leg landed, she pressed her advantage, forcing Nicolas onto his back foot.

  “It seems you’ve grown remarkably these past few years,” he praised, before slamming his own kick into Aria. This time, Aria used her own sheath to block, sliding backward. Aria’s eyes widened as the sheath cracked slightly. The force felt like a hammer slamming into her side.

  Nicolas placed his hand on his cheek, noting how Aria had barely missed him with that last barrage. She’s gotten better, he thought. Her aura usage is more refined. Even without Aura Construction, she can control and enhance herself to this degree... He felt a surge of pride for his daughter, but he quickly squashed the sentiment. He couldn’t allow himself to go easy on her any longer.

  Aria deactivated her note, struggling to catch her breath. Nicolas closed his eyes, and they began to glow dark blue. Aria’s eyes widened as she realized her father was using his aura to enhance his speed. H-he’s also fast?! she thought, shocked. She had never seen him fight with such speed. She barely managed to block his slash, and the force sent her crashing into a nearby wall. Readjusting quickly, Nicolas’ blade glowed with a deep navy-blue aura as he prepared to unleash an aura slash at her.

  Aria coated her blade to block, but the sheer force of Nicolas' strike sent her crashing to the ground. Reacting quickly, she pushed off the ground with a handspring, regaining her balance just as Nicolas blocked with his forearm. Not wasting a moment, Aria flipped forward, aiming to slam a kick down onto him. But Nicolas swiftly sidestepped, his movements as precise as ever.

  Without hesitation, he aimed a stab at her, and the impact shattered the ground beneath them, splitting the stone in two. Aria narrowly dodged the strike, her heart pounding. At that moment, she felt something shift in the fight. Not only was she being forced to rely more heavily on her aura just to keep pace with her father, but she felt a growing sense of desperation. The pressure weighed on her. Despite everything, Aria knew she needed to win.

  As Aria gave it her all, desperately trying to land a single hit, Nicolas couldn't help but think about his children as they clashed.

  Being a father is a difficult task. To raise a son, you build him up, teaching him to be the best version of himself through your words and experiences. All your strengths and mistakes guide them. The goal is to raise your son so he can find his way in the wider world, eventually living without needing you completely. One day will create and lead his own family, all while carrying the lessons we’ve passed down.

  Raising a daughter is a different challenge. With a daughter, you want her to stay close forever, to guide and protect her, to be her haven from danger. You hope she’s equipped to be independent, but you also want to be her constant, her unwavering supporter. Sending her out into the world is hard for a father, because a daughter requires a special kind of guidance we don’t give a son.

  As he effortlessly dodged a series of desperate slashes, Nicolas thought of his daughters. He knew Aria had grown, but it wasn’t nearly enough for her to survive in the war. Aria tightened her fingers together, attempting to slice him with a hand blade. She aimed a sharp, chopping motion, but Nicolas caught the attack before coating his own arm in aura. Spinning around, he delivered a powerful elbow to her chest. A massive shockwave exploded from the impact, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. At the last moment, Aria managed to brace herself, but the force still slammed her into the wall, sending shards of rubble scattering across the arena floor. Aria crumpled to her knees, gasping for air. Blood dripped down her chin as she fought her body to breathe.

  Leo and Samuel were more hands-on, sparring with me and instructing them on the path of our family. The bond we share came from fighting Eldritch and being forced into the role our family has carried. In many ways, the hardships we faced forced me to guide them to be strong in their own way. Samuel learned not only to wield his ability like I did, but also grew into using the sword afterward. Leo trained tirelessly to hone his gift. Despite being without an ability, he had an undeniable talent with a blade that even surpassed my own. What he lacked in magic, he made up for through sheer hard work.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Meanwhile, Carol took after Sonia more and only used our family ability for creative pursuits like sculpting via aura construction. She never cared for fighting and instead lived like any modern woman: attending school, courting, and pursuing her passions. While she did pick up fencing, Carol always treated swordsmanship as a hobby. You were always different from my other children, Aria. You trained because of your love for our heritage. Maybe it was our family’s role in the world that inspired you to grow this way. Growing up in a home where we always faced danger and turmoil. Seeing the weight our name had in these changing times must've forced you to grow in such a manner...

  Aria felt her desperation creeping up. Just one hit. I need to prove I’m worthy of our name… Just One opening is all I need! Aria staggered, leaning on her sword. Forcing herself forward, she launched a desperate slash aimed at the side of Nicolas' face. As expected, Nicolas parried her attack. This time, however, Aria had anticipated it.

  Pivoting sharply on her heel, Aria twisted her body, using the momentum of the failed strike to launch a powerful kick at his ribs. For a brief moment, Nicolas’ grey eyes widened. Aria had outsmarted him; if only for a second. He felt the surge of her aura in the strike; she had poured a significant portion of her power into this kick, using the force of the recoil to carry momentum into her counterattack.?

  This might seem cruel to have your own father fighting you with the same force reserved for our enemies… to strike you hard enough to draw blood and make you cry out in pain hurts me as well. Forgive me for having to do this... But for you to walk the path you’ve selected, I can’t raise you the way I raised Carol. I’m sorry, Aria… The world is a cruel and dangerous place, especially for a young woman. So I have to raise you to be strong. Far stronger than Leo, then Samuel, and even me.

  “It’s not enough,” he said quietly.

  With terrifying precision, Nicolas countered her feint, ramming the end of his scabbard into her chest. The impact struck like a cannon. Pain exploded through Aria’s body as she was hurled backward, sliding across the dirt floor of the arena. She rolled onto one knee, gasping for breath, every nerve screaming. It felt like she was drowning in air, her lungs refusing to obey.

  I-I know it isn’t enough. I can’t land a single hit… Aria felt angry and frustrated at herself. Despite the pain and disappointment, she clenched her fists. Every part of her said to get up and fight yet deep down she knew it was impossible to defeat her dad. He was the pinnacle of their nation and for her the peak of what it meant to be a swordsman.

  Aria’s breath hitched as she struggled to stand, her body trembling from exhaustion. Her eyes flickered up to meet him, searching for something. Praise, acknowledgment, anything. Yet his expression remained unreadable. “How long are you going to waver, Aria?” Nicolas' voice was deep, commanding, unyielding.

  “Nothing I try works,” she said slowly. Aria felt ashamed. She dedicated herself to the sword. All she wanted was to try and help her family, her nation, yet she can’t even land a single hit on her dad. It felt like reaching a mountain that she couldn’t even perceive.

  “Everything I do fails to break through,” Aria saw no path to victory. Her father left no opening, no hope of landing a single hit. For a moment, silence stretched between them like a crushing weight. Suddenly, Nicolas let out a loud, hearty laugh. He drove his blade into the ground, resting a hand on its hilt as he regarded his youngest daughter. The weight of the battle, the roar of the crowd, the suffocating expectations, none of it seemed to touch him. His focus was solely on her.

  “If everything you’ve done has failed… Then use your failures!”

  Nicolas smiled warmly. He saw Aria’s improvement better than she did. She was keeping up with him despite lacking their family crest. Using just her innate skill and aura manipulation she was keeping up with him. If she had aura construction and awakened her Spell Arts potential, there’s no telling how strong Aria will be. Nicolas let out a warm laugh. He understood Aria’s ability was strong on the targets of her notes so this fight was specifically a challenge for her way of fighting.

  “Use yesterday’s setbacks to forge tomorrow’s conviction,” his voice was steady, unwavering. “If you can do that, there will be nothing you cannot overcome. You have everything you need to surpass me, or anything that stands in your way. Believe in the you that you wish to become. Your family, your bonds, draw on them and your failures like forging a blade."

  Aria’s eyes widened in shock as she met her fathers gaze. “If you can manage that, your blade will reach anything you set your mind to.” He leaned forward slightly, voice softening, yet carrying the weight of absolute certainty. A small, proud smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he lifted his sword from the ground once more. “So I’ll ask you once again; how long are you planning to waver Aria Corvo?”

  Aria closed her eyes, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “I’ll make sure my blade reaches you.”

  She knew her greatest obstacle wasn’t just her father’s strength or experience, it was his familiarity with her fighting style. He had aura construction, years of battlefield instincts, and unmatched skill. But still, a spark of hope ignited in her chest.

  Aria couldn’t win by being her father’s daughter, or by mirroring her grandmother’s techniques that she had instilled into herself and the other swordsmen of their family. She had to fight as Aria, no one else. With renewed resolve, she unhooked the sheath from her belt and, without hesitation, carved its end into a sharp, jagged point.

  Nicolas’ eyes narrowed at the strange, calculated display “Dual wielding?” he thought out loud. A curious smile crossed his features. While wielding two weapons wasn’t unheard of, it was a rare choice for someone from their bloodline. The Corvo family’s strength came from channeling aura with precision, concentrated power through their blades. Aria met his gaze, her green eyes steady as she raised both blades in a cross formation, her sword in one hand, the makeshift blade, made from her sheath, in the other.

  I can’t lose here… I refuse to lose. Without Leo, who will be there to protect everyone alongside Sam and Dad? Who will protect them? Aria coated herself in aura as she rushed at her father once more. Dodging back, Nicolas Corvo saw something shift in Aria. She was steadfast in her fighting and no longer second guessing herself.

  “Seems Father never expected this…” Samuel smirked as he watched the duel unfold from the balcony.

  “Aria can’t fight the way we do. She isn’t durable and while aura helps it won’t make her physically equal to us. She won’t carry a shield or waste her aura on defense unless it’s absolutely necessary. But she’s more agile than any of us. She can compensate with her speed… and her ability to alter others' aura with her notes.” Samuel remembered one of Leo’s final lessons to their sister…

  “Don’t fight like us. Forge your own sword, one that only Aria can use!”

  Aria had taken that to heart. She was naturally fast, precise, and her technique with a blade was clean. She didn’t need to block if her opponents never had the chance to strike. While getting hit would damage her more than most, Aria needed to be confident in her speed if she wanted to overcome her father. Nicolas was forced to coat himself in aura just to keep up, parrying her rapid slashes and nimble stabs.

  As he ducked beneath one particularly sharp strike, his eyes widened but it was too late. Aria slammed a glowing, aura-enhanced slash into his scabbard. A blue Note flared to life, flickering with magic. She had disrupted his ability to channel aura through it temporarily as the note overwrote his own aura output by a negative percent. Aria’s strike sliced cleanly through the worn leather, and before Nicolas could react, Aria's blade cut across his palm, spilling blood.

  “One point to Aria Corvo.” King Enzo declared with a small smile as he watched the young Corvo beginning to form before their eyes.

  Nicolas did his best to ignore the pride he felt as he put pressure onto Aria. Slamming an aura infused overhead slash, Aria used her two blades to make an X shape and withstand the blow. Reeling from the blow, Aria’s arms shook. H-had he been holding back? Nicolas' sword slammed into Aria’s cracking her sheath-blade. Aria’s eyes glowed as she aimed a stab into Nicolas only to be stomped back making her cough blood.

  “You still need two more points to pass within the remaining three minutes.” Nicolas looked over and saw her reaching her limit. Closing his eyes, he had a small smirk. “Unless you want to concede?”

  Aria let out a small laugh. It was all she could do in this impossible situation. 'If I concede, Mom’s probably going to marry me off to some noble.' For once, she could see a path to victory. Aria was growing from this fight. What had seemed like an insurmountable mountain now had a visible peak. She rushed back at Nicolas, aiming her sheath at him, only for him to easily parry the obvious attack. As the sheath shattered, he aimed a decisive blow to finish her. But to his surprise, Aria placed her palm out.

  “Composition.”

  The shards of her sheath carried traces of aura from her previous note. As they began to form, Aria’s eyes burned, and pain flooded her body. It felt like sharp needles prodding through her entire frame, a painful Rebound occurred from burning her aura so recklessly. For a brief moment, she managed to use aura construction, shaping a longsword from the lingering aura she had left behind. Pivoting on her heel, she cut a part of her father's arm as he stepped back.

  Aura Construction without our mage crest?!" Nicolas had never seen Aria practice aura construction; all of her abilities had been purely sword-based. For her to find a way to use it without their family crest showed a level of aura control most couldn’t reach.

  “Samuel’s been training you…” Nicolas muttered, wincing from the cut he’d received from her last attack. Aria pressed her advantage, aiming both blades in a final overhead slash.

  Nicolas Corvo used his own aura as he aimed a punch at her. The punch slammed through Aria's blade, shattering it into shards of cyan glass. Before it could reach her, Aria caught his arm mid-air. Pulling it to the side, she attempted a roundhouse kick with her heel. However, her father dodged just in time, the blow shattering the ground beneath her and sending shards of stone flying.

  Landing gracefully, Aria adjusted her stance as they clashed once again. Their blades met with a ringing chorus of steel. Aria parried his next swing, pivoting fluidly into a slash of her own. Nicolas countered, and their swords locked once more. Both Corvos smiled. Their movements became a dance, a blend of steel resonating as each of their hits rang off each other. Every hit was swift and perfectly timed by them, each step, each strike, was met with an answer by the other. As they clashed, Aria’s eyes narrowed as she noticed something. It’s getting dull?

  Without hesitation, she poured her aura into the next strike, every ounce of focus behind it. She didn’t just aim to land a blow; she sought to shatter his sword with one decisive swing. Channeling her aura into the blade, Aria brought it down in a swift, powerful overhead arc, intent on ending it.

  With inhuman precision, Nicolas Corvo angled his blade against hers. The arena fell silent as he sharpened his edge against her aura-enhanced steel. Sparks screamed between them. Before Aria could react, he delivered a brutal kick to her midsection, sending her stumbling backward. In one seamless motion, he followed through with a powerful slash. Aria flared her aura and raised her blade just in time to block, but the impact sent a numbing jolt through her arms. Rolling across the field, she wiped blood from her lip, her eyes widening in realization.

  Nicolas raised his sword, aiming to end the fight. As he attempted to force a yield, Aria parried with her own blade. Gritting her teeth, she pushed him back, using the last of her aura and the enhancements from the two hits she'd landed. Even without proper construction or spells, Aria fought well beyond her age. By the end of this fight, Nicolas's confidence in her abilities had soared. She possessed speed, refined technique, and an immense potential to grow.

  Using his aura one final time, Nicolas readjusted his sword, preparing to swing at her. Dropping her sword, Aria leapt into the air, spinning. He dodged her telegraphed kick, and Nicolas smirked, thinking he had won. However, his expression quickly changed as his eyes widened. As he attempted to reposition himself, he found himself pressed against a wall. Aria had missed, but instead, she pivoted on her heel.

  Did she calculate my position throughout the duel?

  Aria slammed a punch into his chest. Despite landing the hit, the impact sent her crashing to her knees, her hand bleeding as her father stood motionless. Her body trembled, utterly exhausted. She had used everything she had to win this duel. From her childhood spent training with a sword, to the instruction her older brothers had given her for her abilities. She had even brute-forced aura construction as a desperate gamble.

  “Three points… Aria Corvo is the victor.”

  A stunned silence filled the arena. Aria panted, trying to steady her breath. Her body ached, every muscle screaming as the adrenaline she’d been riding crashed down on her.

  I... I did it?

  "Congrats, Cadet Corvo.” Nicolas' voice echoed through the arena, snapping Aria out of her thoughts. His voice was professional, but Aria noticed the underlying pride in his voice. He saw the effort she’d poured into her training over the years. Despite his demeanor, Aria’s effort wasn’t unnoticed.

  For a moment, everything else faded away. The roar of the crowd, the rush of success, even the aching of her limbs, they all disappeared as her gaze locked onto her father’s face. A simple look from him was all she needed. As she looked up she saw him smiling down on her brightly.

  Unable to contain the swell of emotions, Aria rushed forward, throwing herself into her father’s arms. The weight of his approval, of finally being acknowledged by her father, hit her harder then any attack she withstood that day.

  “You should have gone easier on her!” Sonia hit Nicolas in the shoulder, making him groan.

  “Oww Sonia, I’m still sore...” he mumbled. Sonia had been lecturing her husband about the duel with Aria ever since they returned home to celebrate her graduation. “Honestly, I didn’t want to pull any punches. Aria needs to experience a real battle if she’s going to survive.”

  “You never pull punches when you spar, anyway,” Samuel said dryly. He knew all too well how harsh and demanding his father could be during training. Samuel still remembered the aura-infused punch from their last spar. The hit had left him bruised for a month and nearly cracked a rib. Nicolas shot his son a glare, clearly feeling betrayed in his time of need.

  “Where’s Mary?” Aria asked, breaking the moment between her family. It had been years since she last lived in the house, and months since she last saw her best friend. Sonia smiled and pointed toward the hallway.

  Walking forward, Mary appeared with a bright smile, wearing a white headband atop her turquoise military dress. Silver buttons lined the bodice and skirt, and a polished pauldron sat on her right shoulder, draped by an embroidered capelet. Aria immediately recognized the uniform; it was the standard Easennian uniform for field medics.

  “Welcome home, Lady Aria.” Mary smiled warmly, and Aria’s eyes widened in disbelief. With a graceful curtsy, Mary continued, “Ever since you left, I decided to join the military too. I’ve spent the past two years studying to become a field medic. That way I could fight alongside you.”

  Aria’s breath caught in her throat. Her childhood friend had trained, studied, and devoted years of her life. Doing so not out of duty or loyalty. There was no obligation, no command. Mary had done it all purely out of kindness. Overwhelmed, Aria looked down as her vision blurred with tears, struggling to hold herself together.

  “T-thank you…” she whispered, voice trembling. “Truly… I don’t know what to say.”

  Aria had prepared herself to shoulder the burden of war alone. But Mary, the kind, steady friend she had come to know was going to join her. That, more than anything, felt like a gift she never knew she needed.

  Mary grinned as she looped her arm around Aria’s and started dragging her back toward the foyer where the rest of the family waited.

  “You did promise we’d be friends for the rest of our lives,” she said with a light smile. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t do my best to keep you safe too.”

  Before Aria could respond, a firm voice stopped them. “Before that, I need to see you, Aria.” The familiar voice made Aria pause. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to face the elder of their family, her grandmother Mellori. What could she possibly need from me?

  Standing with poise despite her age, Mellori Corvo offered a small, knowing smile as she tapped her cane to the ground with quiet authority. “Seeing as you’ve bested your father,” she said evenly. "Given the circumstances… I believe it’s time we discuss your crest.”

  Family Crests were a unique form of magic exclusive to Easenna’s noble bloodlines. The ritual dates back to the nation’s founding and was accessible to it’s most established families By carving and weaving a path into a magic user's core, the crest served as a guide, reshaping the flow of their aura reserves. In doing so, it granted access to an ability unique to that family, a tradition passed down through generations. It was an ancient and sacred magic unique to the land of Easenna.

  All family crests manifest differently depending on the individual and their lineage.

  For the Corvo family, the crest serves as a refined guide for Aura Construction. While mages like Nicolas or Samuel could wield Aura Constructs through their Spell Arts directly, the Corvo Crest streamlines the process. It takes what is typically a costly and technically demanding technique and makes it seamless, efficient. Through their family crest, the highest level of aura manipulation became almost second nature.

  Aria’s variation of the family ability, however, was unlike the rest of her family. Instead of crafting autonomous constructs that fought alongside her, Aria could forge solid, permanent objects. The weapons she created were indistinguishable from real ones, the weapons were both tangible and durable. Unlike typical Aura Constructs, hers didn’t require a constant flow of aura to remain active.

  Using a ceremonial dagger, Mellori traced the flow of Aria’s aura reserves as she began the ancient ritual. The blade had a glassy, black sheen, with a grip wrapped in aged leather. Forged from chroma, the dagger pulsed with lingering magic. Aria gritted her teeth as her grandmother carved a path for her magic into her skin. The pain felt like a heated metal rod branding her bones. It was sharp, throbbing, and relentless. Like needles piercing her arm from every angle. Yet despite the pain, Aria endured it and kept her composure.

  For the most part…

  After an agonizing hour, the ritual was finally complete. Reentering the main hall of the manor, Mellori smiled as Aria stepped forward before her family and the gathered servants. Her hair was tied in a bun. Dressed in her military uniform, her eyes met their proud, approving faces.

  “Aria is now the inheritor of our family crest,” Mellori announced proudly, presenting her to the rest of the family. Aria extended her hand, and the tattoo on her skin began to glow beneath her shirt. A translucent cyan shape formed from the palm of her hand, pulsing with her aura. In an instant, the blade solidified, landing firmly in her grip.

  Nicolas smiled warmly as the rest of the Corvo family and their servants watched Aria successfully wield Aura Construction. To inherit a family crest was a one of the highest honors in Easennian culture. Seen as a rite of passage that marked one as the heir to a noble house. With the Corvo family crest now bound to her, Aria carried the family’s honor and traditions.

  Samuel had once been the expected inheritor of the crest, but he had rejected it, choosing instead to focus on the war. Though he already possessed the ability to use Aura Construction and had long competed with Leonardo for the honor, Samuel ultimately decided that Aria was a better fit for the role, especially after their brother's death.

  Aria, adorned in her military uniform, looked to her family's smiling faces. Her family crest glowing overtop her arm as the symbol of family slowly settled into her. Her father, the current patriarch of their family stepped forward with a sword. The blade's handle was engraved with black-metal wings angled down, each carved with surgical precision. Across the handle were two cyan gems of chroma with a middle orb embedded into the center where the twin wings met. As Aria held the sword, she felt her hands shake as she realized it was now her own.

  Her father looked down on her with pride and guidance as he began to speak. “Aria, you now bear both the privilege and burden of our family,” Nicolas' voice echoed through the room. “This sword is yours and yours alone. When you carry it, you are carrying thousands of years of experience.”

  Aria went to a kneel as she accepted the blade. Aria’s gaze was lowered as she remained motionless. Finally, she asked the one question that had been on her mind this whole time. “I’m honored… But why choose me?”

  A silence filled the room. It dawned on them that Aria had never once thought she’d be the heir to their family. She had always assumed it would fall to someone like Samuel, or even Leo when he was alive.

  She did all this because she wished to carry the legacy without the title… Nicolas thought to himself, slightly amused. Aria had spent all this time training not for the role itself, but for the sake of carrying the legacy in her own way. Nicolas let out a kind laugh, realizing he had misunderstood his daughter’s actions all this time. Despite that, her reason was so genuine that it cemented his decision in his mind.

  “There’s nobody else who’d want the role like you!” He laughed wholeheartedly. Nicolas clasped her shoulder with a loving squeeze. “When you decided to dedicate yourself to the sword years ago, you did it out of love for our heritage, right?”

  Aria nodded weakly, feeling the weight of the room upon her. “Then that alone makes you worthy of the title. Our family’s name, our crest, They aren’t what define us… It’s our love and passion for both our family and Easenna that give us our strength. You never had a requirement to fight or train, but you made the choice to do so. That is why you’re the one we chose.”

  As Aria stared at her reflection in her sword, fighting back tears, she now held not just her family’s ability but the burden she had always wanted to share with the rest of her family. Amid a sea of emotions; happiness, sadness, and above all else pride.

  Time slowed to a crawl as the weight of the night settled in. After a moment, Aria finally looked up with a faint smile. “I’ll do what I must to protect everyone. I’ll be our nation's sword and I won’t let any of you down.”

  There’s rarely a day that goes by when I don’t think back to it. The pride in my family’s faces as I accepted the role of heir, the overwhelming, almost suffocating feeling of being surrounded by their joy and love. I missed the warmth of my childhood home, the very thing I had longed for during my time at the academy. Even the simple comfort of a meal made by those who cared would became nostalgic.

  From Carol’s playful prodding into my social life and loving teasing, to Samuel’s quiet but kind words about my time at the academy. Mom’s warm yet guiding scolding about how I ate, to Mary’s determination to join me in the war; not as a servant, but as my friend. Grandmother’s harsh critiques of my abilities, and my father’s unbridled love and pride in how much I had grown. Despite Leo not being by our side, that night was the happiest I had ever felt.

  What was once one of the happiest days of my life soon became the saddest. The night I graduated became the last remnant of the life I lost over the war… The joy we shared, the brief moments I had, the ones I left behind… If the story of Easenna ended there, it would have been the closest I ever came to a happy ending

  Chapter Preview:

  After being placed into a squadron for her to lead, Aria struggles to make the much older military members follow her orders. The war with Albion rages on.

  Next Time:

  Aria's Past Part 3