The Champion Duelist

[At the age of eighteen, your reputation as a duelist and protector of Fontaine reaches its peak.]

[You are knighted as Fontaine's first Champion Duelist]

[That year the cataclysm breaks out, Egeria is ordered to venture into Sumeru by the throne in the sky.]

"I'll go too," Kyle said, determined.

"No, you will not," came an instant rebuttal from Egeria.

"It's too dangerous, and you're not strong enough yet."

Kyle's jaw tightened, his resolve unyielding. "But I can't just stand by while you put yourself in peril, I swore my sword to you," he insisted.

Egeria's expression softened, touched by Kyle's words. "You swore your sword to Fontaine and not to me, Kyle," she reminded him gently.

"It's the same, you are Fontaine and Fontaine is you. There is no Fontaine without the Queen of many waters," Kyle insisted, his voice unwavering.

Egeria paused, considering Kyle's words carefully. "No, Fontaine is not me nor the land it stands on," she replied gently. "Fontaine is the people. I may or may not be here tomorrow, but your duty will always be towards the people of Fontaine, to protect them."

"Stay with Focalors here and protect Fontaine and mount a defence against the foul beasts that are sure to reach here sooner or later and stop worrying about my safety, I'll be fine" Egeria said as she caressed Kyle's face.

Kyle's eyes softened as he felt Egeria's touch. He realized the truth in her words and the weight of his responsibility.

"I understand, Lady Egeria," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I will stay and protect Fontaine with everything I have."

Egeria smiled, a mix of affection and pride in her gaze, with a final nod, Egeria turned to prepare for her journey, leaving Kyle and Focalors to guard Fontaine in her absence. As he watched her go, Kyle couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness, he couldn't calm his heart anymore which was telling him something bad was going to happen, if only he was stronger...

[A week after Egeria's departure a huge wave of abyssal monsters was spotted rapidly approaching Fontaine, Kyle along with Focalors and several of Egeria's other oceanid familiars quickly mounted a defensive line. Kyle stood at the forefront, his sword gleaming in the sunlight, his heart filled with determination.]

[Leading the charge, Kyle fought tirelessly for days on end. His restless heart could only be calmed by the act of butchering monsters. He battled without rest, without food, effortlessly cleaving through beasts one after the other, his skill and strength unmatched.]

[After another week of relentless fighting, the wave of abyssal monsters was finally routed out. Kyle stood amidst the battlefield, his body battered and exhausted, but his spirit unbroken.]

Focalors approached him, a look of admiration in her eyes. "Thou fought bravely, Kyle," she said, her voice filled with respect. "Fontaine owes thou a great debt."

Kyle smiled wearily, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We all fought together," he replied. "Fontaine's safety was our priority."

With the threat of the abyssal monsters vanquished, Kyle and the others could finally rest, knowing that they had protected Fontaine from harm.

[But the world had different plans for Fontaine. The news of Egeria's demise finally reached the city, carried by the dedro archon's familiar. She had died combatting the abyss along with several other gods in the Tunigi Hollow.]

[Kyle was devastated upon hearing the news. He had lived with Egeria ever since he was young; she was the most important person in his life. Egeria and Focalors were the only family he had, and now he had lost one of them. He blamed himself for his weakness, for not being strong enough. If only he had been stronger, if only he could have accompanied Egeria, if he had been there to fight by her side...]

Kyle was sure if Focalors hadn't been by his side then to comfort him his spirit would've completely broken and he would've never been quite the same ever again.