The distance separating them disappeared in less than a heartbeat. Steel met steel in a loud collision of metal.
A deafening shockwave burst outward, throwing snow into the sky like a miniature blizzard. The impact rippled through the training grounds, shaking nearby trees until heavy blankets of snow fell from their branches.
Their swords remained locked together, not willing to surrender first.
Atheline smiled, delight in his gaze.
"So this is your strongest stance."
Helther’s lips curved into a grin.
"You noticed."
"Your breathing changed, it’s calmer than before."
"So did yours."
For a brief moment, the world seemed to stand still as the brothers fell into a standstill, then both pushed off each other simultaneously.
Helther’s blade flashed as he struck at him consistently as Atheline met him with almost the same ferocity. In Helther’s strikes, there were no unnecessary movements or elaborate techniques, only years upon years of refinement.
His sword moved like flowing water, every slash naturally leading into the next. Atheline had sparred against countless opponents over the past year; nobles, generals, monsters, and even Lilith herself, but there was something uniquely intimidating about facing someone who had devoted his entire life to a single weapon.
Helther’s swordsmanship had become instinct. Every movement looked effortless and every attack forced an answer.
Atheline blocked one slash before twisting his wrist, redirecting the second. Sparks scattered across the arena as the metals, slid against each other with a gyrating sound.
A third strike came from below. He jumped. The blade narrowly missed his boots. The instant he landed, lightning exploded around his body. The Elemental-enhanced acceleration carried him several meters to the side.
Helther didn’t chase, instead, he calmly adjusted his stance as he waited and predicted his attack pattern, clearly reading him.
Atheline couldn’t help laughing.
"You’re weirdly patient today. Did your fire burn out with age?"
Helther shrugged and tilted his head slightly.
"I suppose age can be associated with it and the fact that I’m fighting my baby brother. I’ve got to be the bigger person here," he smirked," mother will kill me if I touch her golden child."
"Must you always remind me about that?"
"It’s reality."
A faint breeze stirred around Atheline, then it became stronger with each passing moment. Wind circled his legs before spreading across the arena.
Helther narrowed his eyes.
"There it is."
Atheline raised his sword.
"I’ve improved."
"I can see that."
Without another word, he moved. Wind exploded beneath his feet in a massive gust. The snow-covered ground shattered as he shot forward like an arrow released from its bow.
His sword thrust straight toward his brother’s chest. Helther didn’t dodge, instead, he stepped; only half a step. The thrust slid harmlessly past his shoulder.
His blade rotated. The flat of the sword struck Atheline’s wrist. Not hard enough to injure but just enough to disrupt. Atheline instinctively switched hands, catching the sword before it could fall.
Helther laughed.
"You finally learned that trick."
"You taught it to me."
"I know."
Helther immediately followed with another strike. Atheline ducked beneath it as fire erupted from his free hand. A wave of crimson flames swept across the arena.
Helther disappeared into the blaze. Atheline smiled.
"You always charge through."
Sure enough, a silhouette burst from the flames. His brother’s clothes remained untouched. His sword cut downward with frightening precision.
Atheline crossed both arms. An earthen wall erupted from the frozen ground but the sword split it cleanly in half. The momentum barely slowed.
Atheline retreated again, creating distance.
"..."
Helther rested the blade against his shoulder.
"You rely on your elements too much."
Atheline tilted his head.
"I have them."
"I know."
"They’re part of my strength."
"They are."
Helther nodded slowly.
"But," his smile disappeared from his face. "If someone one day takes them away..."
The words hung in the cold air.
"What remains?"
Atheline’s expression became thoughtful. Helther continued.
"Magic, Aether, Skills, and Titles; they’re all powerful."
He slowly pointed to his sword.
"But this..."
He tapped the blade lightly.
"...can never betray you."
Silence followed. Atheline understood immediately; it wasn’t criticism but advice. Never rely on a single strength because strengths could disappear but technique and experience remain.
Atheline smiled.
"I suppose you’re right."
Helther grinned.
"I usually am."
Atheline snorted.
"Don’t get used to hearing that."
This time... He sheathed his sword. Helther raised an eyebrow.
"No magic?"
Atheline nodded.
"No magic or elements, just us."
Helther’s grin widened considerably.
"Finally."
They drew again. This time, the fight changed completely. Without elemental bursts or teleport-like movement, the rhythm became slower but cleaner.
Every clash echoed sharply through the arena; steel rang against steel and feet shifted across the snow. Neither brother attempted overwhelming attacks, instead, they searched for openings, tested reactions, and measured timing.
Atheline quickly discovered something embarrassing. Helther was winning, not overwhelmingly but steadily.
A shallow cut appeared along his sleeve while another appeared across the edge of his cloak.
Helther wasn’t stronger physically, his swordsmanship simply remained superior. Eventually, the Atheline laughed.
"I surrender."
Helther froze.
"...Already?"
"I’ve proved your point."
"You’ve admitted defeat."
"They’re different."
He lowered his sword.
"I’ll take it."
They both burst into laughter and the tension vanished instantly. Atheline walked forward before lightly punching his brother’s shoulder.
"I’ve gotten stronger."
"You have."
Helther nodded honestly.
"Much stronger," he said then he added with a grin, "but you’ve still got work to do."
"I know."
"And next time..."
Helther looked toward the sky.
"Bring your bow."
Atheline smiled.
"I was waiting for you to say that."
"You fight differently with it."
"I know, I do."
"I want to see it."
"You will."
The two brothers left the ruined training ground together. Behind them... the arena looked as though a small army had marched through it.
Frozen spikes protruded from the earth, several craters dotted the ground and one unfortunate practice dummy had somehow ended up halfway inside a tree.
Helther looked back.
"...Mother’s going to complain."
Atheline nodded.
"Definitely...Worth it."
"Worth it."