"The Fated Rival of the Moon"

The Grand Announcement

Azrael Kaelthorne walked toward the center of the banquet hall, his presence alone drawing the attention of nobles and aristocrats. The golden chandeliers above cast a warm glow over his black suit and flowing coat, but his cold expression made it clear—he wasn't here for pleasantries.

He stood tall, facing the gathered nobles, his golden eyes scanning them like a predator observing prey.

"I, Azrael Kaelthorne, hereby announce my engagement to Elaris Velmira."

A murmur spread through the crowd. Some whispered in surprise, others in disdain. Many had assumed that the engagement was merely a political move—an attempt by the Kaelthorne family to get closer to the imperial throne.

Azrael remained unfazed.

Several nobles approached, questioning him.

"Lord Kaelthorne, is this truly your decision?" one of them asked.

Azrael's reply was simple.

"It is an order from the Family Head. I must follow."

A cold, obedient response. Nothing more, nothing less.

---

The Arrogant Noble's Mockery

Laughter erupted from the side of the hall.

"I can't believe it!"

Azrael turned his head slightly, golden eyes locking onto the speaker.

A tall noble with striking red hair and piercing green eyes smirked, arms crossed as he stood with a group of lesser nobles. His presence was filled with arrogance and confidence.

This was Salazar Viridian, heir to the Viridian Dukedom, one of the Four Founding Families of the empire. The Viridian Dukedom was known as the "Dukedom of Jewels," a powerful house that controlled vast mines of rare magical gemstones.

Salazar sneered.

"A worthless bastard like you, engaged to Elaris Velmira? How laughable! I bet that most people in this banquet hall could defeat you."

His laughter spread among his followers.

---

Azrael's Challenge

Azrael's expression didn't change. His golden eyes locked onto Salazar's with an icy glare.

"Then why don't you defeat me?" he said coldly.

Salazar's laughter stopped for a moment, before he grinned.

"Fine. Let's duel outside, in the training grounds."

A silence fell over the banquet hall. This was no longer just an insult—it was a direct challenge.

---

[System Notification]

[Side Quest: Defeat the Arrogant Noble]

Defeat Salazar Viridian in a duel.

Reward: +10 Stat Points, +800 System Points.

---

The Duel Begins

The nobles, including the Emperor, Grand Duke Kaelthorne, and the Four Dukes, gathered at the dueling grounds outside the banquet hall.

Salazar Viridian unsheathed his ornate longsword, its blade humming with Aura Level 4 energy. His Mana Cycle 4 radiated around him, showing his strength.

Azrael, however, took a simple wooden training sword.

This act alone made some nobles whisper.

"Is he underestimating Salazar?"

Salazar smirked. "You're either brave or stupid, Kaelthorne."

Azrael didn't reply. The duel had already begun.

---

The Clash of Swords

Their blades met, and sparks flew.

Salazar attacked first, his sword slashing through the air with expert precision. Azrael parried with his wooden sword, matching every strike with eerie calmness.

The nobles watching expected Salazar to dominate. After all, he was older, more experienced, and had openly trained under elite swordmasters.

But Azrael Kaelthorne wasn't the same as before.

His movements were refined—his Aura Level 5 boosting his physical strength. His Sable Requiem sword, though unsheathed, still granted him a passive boost.

Salazar frowned. He couldn't land a clean hit.

Then Azrael whispered something low and cold.

"Oblivion Veil."

A dark mist suddenly covered his wooden sword. Darkness Element Mana.

Salazar's green eyes widened in shock.

Before he could react—

SLASH!

Azrael diagonally slashed him across the chest, his wooden sword landing a brutal blow enhanced by darkness mana.

Salazar staggered back, falling to his knees, gasping in pain. His aura flickered. His sword fell from his grip.

The nobles gasped.

Azrael Kaelthorne had won.

Elaris Velmira and other nobles looked at him with shock. This… was this the same Azrael Kaelthorne they once dismissed?

---

Victory & System Rewards

Azrael put away his wooden sword, not even bothering to look at Salazar.

He had already won.

As he turned to leave, the System Notification appeared before him.

---

[System Notification]

[Side Quest: Defeat the Arrogant Noble - Completed]

+10 Stat Points

+800 System Points

---

Azrael's Updated Status

[System Information]

[Titles]

Abyssal Crown of Fated Eclipse Tyrant (Increases Regeneration by 200%, Requires Arrogance to Speak)

Heir of Kaelthorne

One Who Conquered Fear

---

[Stats]

Stats

[System Status]

[Titles]

Abyssal Crown of Fated Eclipse Tyrant (Increases Regeneration by 200%, Requires Arrogance to Speak)

Heir of Kaelthorne

One Who Conquered Fear

---

[Stats]

Base Stats:

Strength: 115

Agility: 115

Endurance: 105

Mana: 330

Spirit Energy: 1

Senses: 16

Aura: 100

Equipment Bonus:

Sable Requiem: +25 Strength, +25 Agility, +25 Aura

Phoenix Necklace: +30 Spirit Energy, +30 Senses

Final Stats:

Strength: 140

Agility: 140

Endurance: 105

Mana: 330

Spirit Energy: 31

Senses: 46

Aura: 125

---

[Skills]

Kaelthorne Swordsmanship Techniques:

Basic Swordsmanship

Intermediate Swordsmanship

Aura Infusion – Level 2

Magic Abilities:

Darkness Element: Oblivion Veil (Cloaks weapon in darkness for increased damage)

Mana Reinforcement (Enhances physical abilities using mana)

---

[Inventory]

Sable Requiem (+25 Strength, +25 Agility, +25 Aura, Passive: Death's Grace)

Phoenix Necklace (+30 Spirit Energy, +30 Senses, Fire Resistance)

Elixir of Life (Used)

5 Mid Healing Potions

Gold Coins (Wealth from the Old Cave)

---

Return to the Banquet

Azrael walked back inside the banquet hall, ignoring the whispers that followed him.

The nobles had witnessed his strength firsthand.

He took a sip of wine, glancing toward the Emperor and the Grand Duke.

This engagement… would change everything.