Chapter 47: Gap in Strength
Their relentless determination was admirable and inspiring, but it was painfully clear that no amount of effort could close the gap in strength.
Astara hadn’t just arranged their matches with Lieutenant Bruce to push them past their limits—especially Daylan—but also to test the waters herself. Yet the outcome wasn’t as clear-cut as she had expected; instead, it was complicated and perplexing.
After waking from his unconsciousness, Daylan told them the fight had been nothing but confusion. While it gave him a temporary boost of confidence, deeper reflection—and a great deal of self-awareness—made him realize the truth: the duel had no real meaning, as neither of them had fought with the intent to kill.
It felt unfair and brutal, knowing that no amount of training—unless tested in a heated, life-or-death battle—could truly measure their strength. Still, they had no intention of giving up, even if the odds were against them.
The rest of their days passed like fleeting light. Even a single step forward was enough—it meant they had moved beyond where they once stood. In other words, they were no longer the same people the creature had fought.
However, Daylan had proposed something, even though it would leave him exposed to his mother’s attacks. He still felt it was worth trying—a fight between the three of them at the old training field he once shared with Medora. Injuries were permitted, as long as they weren’t fatal.
Though Medora opposed the idea repeatedly, it was ultimately for her own good. Daylan wanted all of them to fight at their fullest, unrestricted by the confines of enclosed walls, especially Medora.
The sun scorched gently from above as the three stood at the center of the vast field, forming a circle with weapons drawn. All eyes were fixed on a single leaf, suspended in the air—waiting for it to touch the ground and signal the start of the fight.
"The last one standing wins!"
The moment the leaf touched the ground, it wasn’t graceful or serene—it was abrupt and unforgiving, though its beauty couldn’t be denied.
Daylan’s Dark Spiral activated as he clashed with Medora, matching the intensity in her blazing sword. Their strikes blurred with speed, nearly invisible, as they both dodged Astara’s incoming light blades.