Kylian seemed conservative by nature, which often fooled people into misjudging his true nature. Kylian was actually quite sadistic and egocentric in terms of his character. He was one of those soldiers who wouldn't think twice about stabbing someone's heart with a sword if there were a need and couldn't care less about the dying orphans in the streets.
He had a stone-cold, frosty, hard, and unbreakable kind of disposition. He thought the world revolved around himself even though he adamantly shirked from displaying his true feelings in public. He had an ego bigger than an avalanche. He only cared about himself and his duties.
Kylian had gained these traits because he was raised in a militaristic family that had a strict creed, one of which was self-restraint.
The combination of self-restraint, his effeminate appearance, and his intellectual ego resulted in many people completely misinterpreting him. Nevertheless, he had an even shorter temper than Donald, but he just didn't show it most of the time.
Donald knew Kylian's true character, so when he saw the latter's reaction, he instantly knew what was on the other's mind.
"Well, it's rare to see someone ruffle your feathers to this extent, old friend," laughed McLeod. Kylian said nothing and merely continued watching over the proceedings.
It was at this point that Darius and Lara were about to face the two serpents.
Although McLeod had just mocked Kylian, regarding Darius, he was just as perturbed as his friend was. A boy with no history and no nobility actually possessed such monstrous talent. The idea in and out of itself was absurd. He was completely stunned.
…
Now, let's move back to the present. While Darius was having his discussion with the old man, Kylian and Donald were having one of their own in a lobby.
As the duo was of esteemed status, their rooms were actually suites provided with many amenities and a lot of space.
The duo sat opposite one another, each one deep in thought. The events of the day had left quite an impression on them. Even if Darius' performance during the first exam could be termed amusing, then his performance in the second one was most decidedly impressive.
Donald stroked his beard for a while. Then, he sighed in resignation, "I never thought I would see someone outshine the Princess in this exam."
Kylian nodded in reply. "Indeed. She is quite the talent in her family, and considering how weak this Empire is, she is already impressive, yet somehow an unknown boy from the countryside completely outperformed her. The very notion sounds absurd."
Donald's large frame leaned on his chair as his fingers tapped the table. "I never thought I would see an Indomitable again after Lady Farah perished. I don't know whether to envy the lad or pity him. Truly a heavy burden to bear, but still. What an ability..."
Kylian massaged his temples, "The Indomitable ability is both a blessing and a curse. It can free one from all fear, unlocking their potential through inciting pure bravery and courage. However, at the same time, those with the ability are often brash and act irrationally. The ability comes with a certain arrogance toward fighting. This type of fearlessness often leads to an early demise."
Donald added, "The Indomitable skill is extremely rare and powerful. You're forgetting just how important it is." His voice rose as he spoke with great admiration, "The last person known to have it was Lady Farah of the Desolate Wastelands in the vast deserts that lay to the south of the Valar Empire.
Although she died over a hundred years ago while defending the Southern borders from a Spirit Horde, the likes of which had never been previously seen, she is still remembered as one of the greatest Spiritknights to ever live.
She was said to have laughed at the face of death and could draw energy from allies who fell in her presence, be they fellow Spiritknights or civilians, using it to fight all the harder in their names.
In the battle for the southern borders, she had been the first to arms and the last to fall. Without her, however, the southern borders quickly became infested. The blitzkrieg skirmishes still rage on to this day."
Kylian raised a brow at his compatriot's words. "You are speaking of these events as if you had not been there yourself."
Donald shrugged his arms, "I was a mere recruit at that time, so to be honest, I didn't experience much except for wave after wave of spirits."
Kylian found Donald's words ridiculous. "You may have been a recruit, but you were also Sir Humphrey's squire. As he was Lady Farah's confidante, this should have given you exposure to at least some of her battles."
Donald shrugged once more. "It's not that simple, old friend."
"Why not?" Kylian questioned.
Donald sighed in resignation. A hint of melancholy could be seen on his face as he looked upwards, gazing into nothingness.
"Aye, I was Sir Humphrey's squire, and aye, he was her confidante, but whenever she fought, everyone made sure to steer clear of her path.
I only saw part of her battle once. I was miles away, and even though it's been a century, I remember the chills I got while watching her battle with the Spirits... Nay, that was no battle: it was a massacre."
Kylian could not help but have his curiosity piqued. Lady Farah was a legend and a half. Her tales of power, skill and bravery enticed anyone on the Spiritknight's path.
Donald continued, "It was only when I saw her fight that I understood why no one was allowed near her. The spirits came in their millions, flooding the desert as far as the eye could see.
Many a Spiritknight fell that day. I almost fell as well, but it was not by a Spirit's hand.
One of Lady Farah's attacks landed near me. The explosion nearly blew me to pieces. The Spirits around me were reduced to ash."
Cookie's Note: wassup my dudes and dudettes?
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