The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

The room erupted into cheers as Aeric moved that final piece on the Player X Player board, securing his victory. When the tudum sound came after, it was barely even audible, Kael had jumped to his feet and yelled with excitement.

Alzera froze for a moment, her hand hovering above the game pieces, and for that moment, she struggled to comprehend the defeat. The manner it had been handed to her. Aeric completely outsmarted her, she couldn't even gain a single point!

"You were awesome, Young Master!" Kael clapped Aeric's back so hard that he nearly toppled over, laughing heartily as he ruffled the boy's hair.

Ryn looked at Kael with a brow raised. "You do remember that you bet against him, right?"

Kael looked at Ryn and grinned proudly. "Which is why he won! He had something to prove because I underplayed his intelligence. And now... Now he's victorious."

Ryn rolled his eyes. "That's one way to put it."

Aeric looked at Kael, smiling nervily. 'Gee. Who knew Kael was this talkative and funny? During that first Dungeon Raid he barely even talked. Was he in his game mode or something back then?'

"Congratulations, Prince Aeric!" Bel said warmly, her gentle smile lighting up her face after she had handed Ryn Kael's silver coins, to which the Vanguard watched as it entered the Rangers pockets, sadness in his eyes.

"You really showed us all your tactical genius."

Aeric looked at her, wondering if the cocky or the humble way was the best to respond. To mess around, he chose the cocky way, leaning back with a proud shrug. "It wasn't too hard," he teased, glancing at the stunned Alzera.

"Just a matter of staying cool under pressure."

Alzera folded her arms, her jaw tightening. But she took a deep breath, telling herself that there are people who were just born with massive potential that could not be understood, being good in so many things. Aeric was one of those people.

"Congratulations, student. You've just done something that no one has been able to do."

Aeric tilted his head and raised a brow at her, curious of what she meant by that.

"I've never been beaten at Player X Player," she explained, voice clipped. "Not since I went pro."

"Oh." Aeric's smirk returned. "Well, there's a first time for everything, isn't there?"

"Ngh! Why you—" Her pride visibly bruised, Alzera narrowed her eyes, fists clenched in her sides, and the competitive fire reigniting in her gaze.

"Alright, Prince Smug. How about we go do a not-so-friendly spar. You and I. Besides, we need to work on your transitions from attack to defense, don't we? They're still too stiff."

Aeric laughed internally, but stood, stretching. "It's not like me to say no to more training," he said, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to spar.

"Good!" Alzera began stretching her arms, and the others who couldn't deny anymore that there was something suspicious going on with those two, decided to stay away from it.

"Ugh..." They began planning their next moves. "Since you're both gonna spar, I'm taking advantage of this time," Ryn said, heading toward another section of the Crystal Chamber. "You don't get access to this place every day."

"Eh... I'm with him," Kael added coolly, already moving toward a strength trainer. "Might as well put this place to use."

Bel nodded, following them with a bright smile. "I'll practice my healing techniques. You two enjoy your sparring."

Alzera huffed, looking at them leave. "What the hell is up with them?" she muttered.

Aeric smiled as he listened to their thoughts with [Insight], hearing Ryn thinking that there's definitely sexual tension between him and Alzera.

Even Bel wondered if Alzera had feelings for Aeric. 'That would be weird wouldn't it? I mean he's the Prince and she's a Dungeon Clearer. And by the way, she's older than him.'

Alzera saw his smile and grimaced. "What are you smiling about? Concentrate on the situation in front of you. A real opponent wouldn't warn you." Find more to read at empire

Aeric looked at her and shook his head rapidly. "My bad. I was just lost in other's thoughts for a while."

Alzera's brows fell, confused. "Lost in other's thou—. Isn't the phrase lost in 'my' thoughts?"

Aeric smirked. "Now who's not concentrating."

Alzera narrowed her eyes. "Oh, you're gonna get it now."

They squared off, sizing each other up as the others had already dispersed and were training at the different available facilities.

Aeric raised his sword, and Alzera extended hers. But just as they were about to begin, a calm but firm voice cut through the air.

"Excuse me," Delva said, suddenly appearing in the center of the sparring circle, her arms raised.

"Mhm?"

"Eh?"

Alzera stood straight, abandoning her fighting pose. "What's the matter, Delva?"

"How about I fight him?" Delva said plainly.

The room fell silent, and Aeric shot his head forward at his royal companion, confusion etched on his face.

"Huh? What do you mean, Delva?"

She met his gaze steadily, her expression resolute. "I want to spar with you, Master Aeric."

Alzera looked at Aeric, then at Delva, then at Aeric. "Hmm." She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "While it is an interesting idea, you're not an Awakened Player, Delva. Aeric is, and it wouldn't be a fair fight."

Delva's lips quirked. But she quickly came up with a solution. "Then let's make it fair. Master Aeric won't use his Divinity or any Skills. Just his sword and physical skill."

Aeric frowned thoughtfully, glancing between Delva and Alzera. 'Is she being serious?'

Alzera tapped her chin, a sly smile forming. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. It'll test his raw combat ability."

She looked at the two of them once more. 'I have heard things about Delva's skill. She's from the Selvadez family and they're very revered for battle prowess.'

Feeling mischievous, she gestured to Delva. "Fine. Delva, step in. You will spar with your master."

Aeric blinked, startled. "Wait, you're really letting her—"

Delva took Alzera's place and drew out her sword with a graceful flourish, staring into her master's eyes.

"Get ready, Master Aeric," she said. "I will not hold back."

Aeric sighed, muttering under his breath. "This is gonna be weird." Drawing his own sword, he assumed a defensive stance, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. 'But I suppose it will be a good test of my battle skill and technique so far. We'll see."

Begin!

Before Aeric could blink, Delva was already lunging for him.

His best friend was wasting no time!