Chapter 25: PROGRESSION

{JAY'S POV}

I woke up to the faint aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of bustling activity in the palace. Another day was beginning in the kingdom of Aldevia, and with it came a sense of excitement and anticipation. As I rubbed my eyes and got out of bed, I couldn't help but feel a surge of energy coursing through me.

Heading downstairs to the dining area, I joined my family and the others for breakfast. The long wooden table was already laden with an array of dishes, from fluffy scrambled eggs to crispy strips of bacon and a colorful assortment of fruits. It was a hearty meal fit for kings—or in my case, a prince.

My father, Michael, was sitting at the head of the table, a proud grin on his face. "Morning, champ," he greeted me with a wink. "Ready for another day of training?"

I chuckled and took my seat, nodding. "Of course, Dad. Training with you and King Deryl has been great."

As I filled my plate, laughter and conversation filled the air. My mother, Crystal, beamed at me from across the table. "I can't believe how much you've grown, Jay. Graduating to the intermediate level of the Terragon Swordstyle is a big achievement."

King Deryl, who was seated beside my father, raised his glass in a toast. "To our young prodigy, Jay! The future of Aldevia!"

The others joined in, clinking their glasses together. It was a moment of camaraderie and joy, and I couldn't help but feel proud of how far I'd come in my training.

As I savored my breakfast, my thoughts drifted to Siena. She had joined me in the training months after I had started, and yet, she had managed to catch up and even excel in many aspects. I admired her dedication and determination. There was no hint of jealousy in me—only admiration and friendship.

After breakfast, King Deryl cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I have an announcement to make. Today, we celebrate not just Jay's achievements but also those of his dear friend and fellow trainee, Siena."

The room erupted in applause as Siena blushed and smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. King Deryl continued, "Both Jay and Siena have displayed remarkable progress in the Terragon Swordstyle. They will be graduating to the intermediate level today."

My heart swelled with pride, and I couldn't help but steal a glance at Siena. She was radiant, her cheeks flushed with happiness. I knew she deserved this recognition, and I was thrilled to share this moment with her.

Just as we were about to continue our meal, Aria, who had been quiet until now, jumped up from her seat. "This isn't fair!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident.

Eleanor, her mother, tried to calm her down. "Aria, dear, you chose to focus on magic like me. You have your own path."

Aria's eyes blazed with indignation. "It's still not fair! Siena gets to graduate, and it's all because of her Basilisk and Alien Bloodline, that B*tch shouldn't even be here!"

Siena looked down, embarrassed by the outburst. The room fell silent, tension thick in the air.

Eleanor couldn't contain her disappointment any longer. She stood up and walked over to Aria, her expression stern.

With a resounding slap across Aria's cheek, she exclaimed, "Enough, Aria! Siena is a part of our family now. You will treat her with respect and kindness, just as you would with any other person."

"You will treat her as your sister…"

Aria recoiled, her hand on her reddened cheek, but her defiance remained. "That freak will never be my sister, not over my dead body and to the grave!"

"ENOUGH!" A firm and authoritative voice was heard as it thundered through the room.

With those words, Aria stormed off, leaving the rest of us in somber silence.

Eleanor returned to Siena, hugging her from behind. "I'm so sorry, dear," she whispered, her voice filled with sympathy.

Siena managed a weak smile,"It's okay. I'll be fine."

I stretched my hand across the table, gesturing to Siena. "Come on, Siena. Let's head to the training field."

Michael couldn't resist the opportunity to tease me. "Jay, if you want to become a grandpa so soon, you just have to say so."

Deryl chuckled heartily. "Ah, young love. It's a beautiful thing."

I could feel my cheeks flush, and Crystal chimed in, "Michael, stop teasing them. Jay and Siena are blushing already."

With a grin, I stood up and addressed Deryl, "I'll meet you at the training field, Your Majesty.

{DERYL'S POV}

After a while, I arrived at the training grounds, donned in my customary white robe. It was a symbol of my role as their mentor, a reminder that I was here to guide them on their journey.

Siena and Jay stood before me, their eyes determined, their hands gripping the wooden swords they had trained with for months. But today was different; today, they would wield real steel swords. The time had come to test their mettle.

"Are you ready?" I asked, my voice steady.

They nodded in unison.

"First I need to see where Siena stands,"I said as i called for a duel with Siena.

Siena and I moved first, our swords clashing as sparks flew in every direction. The sun cast a golden glow on the training grounds, creating a surreal backdrop to our duel.

The fight was a whirlwind of steel, with every move calculated and executed with precision. Siena's swift strikes were met by my impeccable defense, and I could see the sweat glistening on her forehead. It was a dance of swords, a battle of wits and skill.

Being the ever the experienced mentor, I eventually emerged victorious. I lowered my sword, a small smile playing on my lips, and turned to Siena. "You did well," I told her. "You could have almost landed a hit."

Siena's disappointment was palpable, but she nodded, her determination unwavering. She was a quick learner, and I had no doubt she would improve.

With that fight concluded, it was time for the final task - a duel between Jay and Siena. They had trained tirelessly for this moment, and I could feel the tension in the air as they prepared to face each other.

Both of them drew their steel swords, their stances perfect. If anyone had been watching, they would have been left in awe by the speed at which the two young warriors moved.

Jay made the first move, charging towards Siena with a fierce determination. But Siena was not to be underestimated. She vanished from his sight, and in an instant, she reappeared behind Jay. "The Fakeout," Jay said, acknowledging her advanced move. It consumed a significant amount of mana, and Jay hadn't expected her to use it so early in the duel.

Siena managed to slice Jay slightly at the lower side of his abdomen before disappearing again. Jay was left bewildered as she faded in and out, creating multiple illusions of herself. I couldn't help but be amazed at her skill and agility.

Then, a glimmer appeared in the sky, descending at tremendous speeds. A deafening boom echoed through the training grounds, and dust filled the air.

When the dust settled, I saw Siena held in rock pillars, suspended in mid-air. Jay stood beneath her, his eyes wide almost seeming lifeless. But what truly caught my attention were the changes in Jay's appearance. The tips of his hair had turned a vibrant purple, and his hair glowed with an ominous white light. His eyes, previously unremarkable, now bore a strange symbol that spun violently.

Jay held his sword firmly, his aura radiating a light purple glow. His breathing was heavy, and without warning, he disappeared from sight, leaving only a faint trace of his presence behind.

///NEXT CHAPTER: PROGRESSION II///

Edited by: JJ