Chapter 67. Loneliness.
Ba Sing Se. Capital of the Fire Nation. The Fire Lord's Palace. The Throne Room.
The throne room's decor remained largely unchanged—the same towering columns, the same oppressive atmosphere. Only the person seated at the center of the wall of fire had changed. If Azulon had exuded an aura of eternal, unyielding flame—warming his own and scorching strangers—his second son's presence created a suffocating atmosphere. It felt as though his fire would sear everyone except his master.
"I don't doubt your competence, Wan," the new Fire Lord said indifferently. "But there are unspoken rules, even I cannot change. It feels as though he has no emotions. Throughout our conversation, his tone didn't waver once. "It won't be difficult for you to prove your professionalism to my children's former tutor. And if you win, you'll be granted the title of master," he added, sweetening the deal.
Now it seemed like a test of skill rather than a disregard for the last words of the previous Fire Lord. Cleverly devised.
I had no choice but to agree to these terms. Winning the contest wouldn't be a challenge; we were in entirely different leagues.
"They managed to create the potion quickly using my recipe," I thought as we walked silently to the duel chamber. Too little emotion, even for such a rational person—that's one. The specific scent of his tea—that's two. I could sense all the necessary herbs and plants for the infusion. Besides, while I was training, the Fire Sages had crowned Ozai. I hoped they'd attribute Ozai's actions to his iron will for as long as possible.
The spacious duel chamber was half-filled, indicating this had been planned in advance. At the other end of the room stood a middle-aged man of average appearance, distinguished only by his darker skin tone.
"I don't want to see any killings here," Ozai's voice echoed through the room. "Only a friendly contest! Bow. Begin!"
It was time to silence the dissenters once and for all, so I had to showcase the true art of firebending.
The opponent started the duel, predictably launching fireballs at me from a distance.
"Excellent!" one of the spectators couldn't contain their admiration as I effortlessly intercepted each fireball sent my way.