Chapter 40: Kevin Haze vs Samrat Kilvis
In the stillness of his chamber, Samrat sat cross-legged, deep in meditation as his Qi flowed steadily through his meridians. A soft glow pulsed around him, and the air shimmered faintly with spiritual energy. At the door, his loyal servant Reeve stepped in but paused, sensing the intensity of the moment. Realizing his master was amid Qi circulation, Reeve chose to wait in silence.
Two hours passed.
At last, Samrat’s breath stirred. A faint stream of white smoke escaped his lips, swirling momentarily before vanishing into the air. His eyes snapped open, sharp, focused, and gleaming with inner power. As his gaze settled, he found Reeve still standing, patiently waiting.
Reeve bowed respectfully. "Master," he said, "Kevin Haze, the young Storm Dragon of the Storm Clan, has issued a public challenge. He has called for a duel against all four finalists of the Grand Selection, including you."
Samrat’s brow twitched, a vein rising on his forehead. His eyes darkened with restrained fury.
"How dare he?" Samrat muttered, voice low and cold. "To challenge all four of us... he might as well say we’re worthless compared to him."
He rose to his feet, power still crackling faintly around him. Turning to Reeve, he spoke with calm resolve.
"Inform my father. I accept Kevin Haze’s challenge."
Samrat’s decision to accept the challenge quickly became the most talked-about event among the younger generation of the Kilvis Clan. Debate flared in every training hall, courtyard, and gathering. Some believed Samrat’s pride would carry him through; others scoffed, calling it a death wish. But amidst the noise, Ashen remained silent and unmoved. Deep down, he already knew Samrat would lose.
In the novel { Rise of the Demon Emperor }, Samrat’s arrogance had ultimately led to his downfall. He had once tried to force a marriage with Divya; he was after Divya’s Black Phoenix bloodline by marrying her, and his children also might awaken the black phoenix in the future.
That force marriage would eventually pave the way for his end, struck down by none other than the protagonist, Raven. Ironically, on the other hand, Raven’s greatest rival during the mid-arc of the novel was none other than Kevin Haze, the prodigy of the Storm Clan.