(Part 5)

The Next Morning

Early in the morning, the narrow street to Enya's home was quiet, and most shops were just opening up. Mist hung lightly over the cobblestones, and the charming wooden shop signs swayed in the breeze. Soft lanterns cast warm, shadowy glows on old-fashioned buildings. It was a moment of peace.

As Enya made her way along the street, exhausted from her night duty with stumbles. Her mind weighed down by heavy thoughts, as she closed her eyes and took deep breaths. Disappointed that she had to walk all the way back, thanks to no carriage available in the morning, she rolled her droopy eyes.

Brushing her disheveled hair back, she stifled a yawn and covered her mouth with her hand, "...Ah. I don't think I can duel now." she muttered, hopeless.

Suddenly, an aged man noticing her, stepped out of his shop, and greeted her, "Oh, it's the troublemaker girl. How are you?"

Enya eyed the man and waved drowsily, "Morning~ All's well...thank you." she replied.

The old man took a step closer and continued, "By the way, I saw your little brother outside last night, and he seemed pale. The night breeze can be quite chilly. Don't overlook his well-being. Afterall, he's sick. You should keep a close watch on him for his safety."

Enya's eyes suddenly widened with concern, "Noah...?" she inquired. The old man nodded and said, "Yes, Noah. He seemed to be heading home last night, as far as I could tell." Enya furrowed her brows, unable to find words to respond. She continued to reach home in silence, pushing through her exhaustion.

...

Finally back home, Enya hastily grabbed a piece of bread from the kitchen.

"Come here, you!" Ameren scolded as she grabbed Enya's ear, causing Enya to wince while taking a bite of bread. "Ah."

"How can you be so careless!" Ameren reprimanded crossly. Enya furrowed her brows and protested, "I didn't do anything wrong, Ameren."

"Listen, you little 'Social worker,' why don't you ever inform me of your schedule properly, huh? It's so infuriating! You made me worry so much, just ask Noah." Ameren admonished, glancing at Noah, who had settled on the couch with innocent eyes, as if he knew nothing.

Enya glanced at Noah for a moment and pouted in response, retorting, "It's my responsibility, and I didn't even know that I had another night duty, Noah would understand."

Ameren knitted her brows, letting go of Enya's ear and crossing her arms. "Hmph! You even bothered Sir Raphael. I am telling you, learn to be more responsible and make sure to let me know about your work before making me worry, yourself." she scolded.

Enya, still miffed, pouted rubbing her ear and took another bite of bread. "I am already so tired, and have to leave again yet you are scolding me like this... so rude," she mumbled.

Noah stood up and toddled innocently to Enya. "Sister... She is right. We were missing you last night, so it feels kind of empty, that's why Sister Ameren is upset," he explained.

Enya eyed him with guilt. Noah smiled and asked her, "She wants you to be a responsible person like her. Non-threatening and serious. Will you be like that?"

Gazing at him, Enya peeked at Ameren and reluctantly nodded. Noah chuckled and whispered in her ear, "No, right?" Enya smiled awkwardly, shaking her head in endorsement, "Nope."

As the two giggled, Ameren heaved a sigh, rendered speechless by their antics.

"By the way," Enya said between bites of her bread, "I found a friend for you just before coming. She lives next door. You can meet her. I told her about you."

Ameren let out an exasperated sigh and slapped her forehead. "Ugh, you still remember that?" she asked, clearly unamused. Enya nodded, her sincerity evident. "Of course, I remember. It's also a responsibility," she explained. Noah beamed at her, while Enya returned his smile.

Ameren without further debate had left for her morning chores, and Enya settled on the couch beside Noah. She gazed at him for a while, her brow furrowing in concern.

Sensing Enya's gaze, Noah returned it with a glance. "What's wrong, sister?" he asked, curious.

Enya let out a heavy sigh and turned to face him, crossing her legs. "Noah, come here," she called, extending her hands toward him.  Noah stared at her, blinking in confusion, "Huh?"

"Come," Enya repeated gently. Noah placed his tiny hands in hers and drew nearer. Enya smiled, ruffling his hairs, "How are you feeling? Tell me," she asked. 

Noah, lying on Enya's lap, replied, "I am fine, sister."

As Enya traced a bruise on Noah's left leg near the ankle, her eyes widened, and she gasped in shock, "What?" she thought, her mind cracking.

"It seems like he got into some trouble when he left home," Enya pondered, feeling conflicted and disheartened. "But of course, he wouldn't tell me because I'm always so busy. It's all my fault. I claim that I'll take care of him? Tsk. I am a failure of a sister."

Noah troubled by her look, asked, "Sister...are you alright?" 

Enya looked back, clearing her thoughts. "-Uh. No, nothing," she replied quickly, forcing a smile and instantly changing the subject. "Noah, is something bothering you? Tell me. I heard you went outside last night, and you have a bruise on your leg. What happened? Tell me."

Noah's gaze dropped to his legs, and he hesitated before speaking, "...I am sorry. I won't lie. I had a bad dream. So I left home for some air. But it was my mistake not to inform sister Ameren, and I got carried away while being absorbed in the environment around me. Then, while trying to save a little bird, I fell and got bruised."

Enya furrowed her brows, urging him to continue. "And then?"

Noah, gazing at her, wondered, "No...I shouldn't tell her about the kidnappers. Or else she might go and try to hunt them and beat them and I don't want that." He shook these thoughts away and hesitantly continued, "Then, I somehow got lucky and managed to get back home safely. And. It doesn't hurt much at all. But it's just that I...was wrong. So, I am sorry." 

Enya clenched her fist, her concern growing, "No... you are free to go out for strolls or wander.. But its just that you are a little boy and there are threats of danger around here anytime so please try not to go alone, get that?" she advised, caressing his hair gently.

Noah nodded, joining his fingers, "Sure,"

Enya noticed his guilt and shook her head, "Ah, I'm sorry for interrogating you like this. Silly me. Anyways, tell me, was there anyone who tried to harm you or anything of the sort? If so, please let me know so that I can teach them a lesson they won't ever forget," she said, her tone carrying a veiled threat as she asked with an angelic yet ironic smile.

Noah gulped, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead, and smile awkwardly, "...N-no. Not at all." he replied trying to rest her doubts. Enya continued to gaze at him keenly, and after a moment, Noah sighed. "Trust me," he added.

Enya nodded, satisfied. "I see."

Noah however, sat up, his expression filled with remorse. "Still, I'm really sorry. I promise I won't make you worry again," he apologized.

Enya looked at him seriously, and spoke, "Noah. Listen. If you want something, tell me. I'll get it to you. If you wish to go somewhere, tell me. I'll take you. If you want to spend time with me, tell me, and I'll adjust my schedule for you. But please, don't hide your pain and be sad. Never act recklessly and get hurt. I'm sorry for overlooking you, but please...trust me. Stay happy. I'll do everything I can for you, so just tell me your desires."

Noah stared at her, at a loss for words.

Enya looked at him expectantly, waiting for his response. Noah covered his mouth with a soft chuckle, his lips curving into a smile. "Thank you. Sister Enya. I don't need anything from you. Just spending some with you makes me happy. I understand your worry, but you worry too much. I promise I won't get into trouble recklessly ever again, so please don't worry. Okay? Just work hard to become the Grand Chief Commander. I'm rooting for you," he said, his innocence shining through.

Touched by his words, Enya embraced him, "Sure. I will. Cheer up. But if you ever need anything, don't forget to tell me. I'll try to give you more of my time, how's that?" she asked.

Noah blushed and smiled gently, "No worries. Just take everything easy."

After some more heartfelt conversation, Enya, hurriedly made her way to the training base in anticipation of the impending duel.

Knight Training Base

"Yawn~" Came a weary voice, accompanied by a figure that seemed half-awake and half-asleep. His disheveled gray hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his dark blue eyes appeared droopy. Dressed in a bronze uniform, he rubbed his eyes and looked around, clearly disoriented.

"Uh? Morning already?" he asked, clueless.

Enya, Rowan and Elix stood in stunned silence, their jaws dropped,

"...He's the guy?" Enya finally asked, her expression blank.

"Yes, that's him," Elix replied, unamused.

Rowan exhaled, maintaining his composure, "Indeed. He is the twelfth squad leader, Rayzel Daelric. In simpler terms, he's your opponent."

Enya pointed at the weary figure, speechless, "Uh...He already looks defeated. Do even need to duel him?" 

Elix shook his head in disbelief, "Unbelievable. Right?" he asked.

Enya nodded in agreement.

Rowan addressed the two, saying, "No, both of you are mistaken. Don't judge him by his appearance. In battle, his abilities and strength are incredibly formidable."

Enya nodded, adopting a smug look. "Well, should I give him a little shock to wake him up, then?" she playfully threatened.

Elix shook his head vigorously. "No way!"

Rayzel, who had been stretching his arms and clasping his sword, faced Enya, "Oh...Good morning...You're my opponent, I see..." he muttered.

Yawning once more, he added, "Let's go on with it now...I am tired." 

Enya twitched her brow annoyed, "To think that I've been awake for three days, and he's the one snoring away! Tch. Shall I kick him out of this battleground?" she warned. Rowan shook his head, worriedly.

At the heart of the battle ground stood Enya and Rayzel locked in a duel for the coveted squad leader position. Their fellow squad members and comrades encircled them, their faces reflecting a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and unwavering support.

Close by, General Void and the squad leaders observed with a vigilant gaze.

Beyond the immediate participants, a crowd of onlookers and supporters from neighboring squads and curious recruits had gathered, their whispers and murmurs adding to the charged atmosphere.

Enya playfully twirled her sword, her smirk firmly in place as she boldly declared, "Hey, sleepyhead. Done sleeping? Hmph, I'll be your wake-up call."

"...Oh. O-kay. Let's just begin," Rayzel responded, standing straight.

Without further ado, as per General Void's command, the duel commenced.

Enya, squinting her gaze with razor-sharp focus, performed a swift slider kick aimed at Rayzel's lower legs. Rayzel, in response, leaped into the air, attempting a drop kick.

However, quick as lightening, Enya placed her hand on the ground and flipped back to dodge his attack. In the same graceful movement, she expertly swung her sword and attacked.

As Rayzel landed on the ground, he seized the opportunity to hurl his sword in a boomerang-like arc toward Enya, using it both as a defensive shield to evade her attack and an offensive strike. Enya's grin widened.

In response, Enya too flung her sword, its silver gleam flashing as it sped toward Rayzel's weapon, intent on diverting its course. Enya's precision was astounding as she caught her sword back into her grip. At once, she followed up with a knee kick into a backflip, closing up and rapidly showered Rayzel with a relentless flurry of sword strikes.

Rayzel, in turn, smoothly crouched low and deflected Enya's strikes. In a swift and unexpected move, he rose from his crouched position, delivering an upward slashing uppercut. It was no ordinary slash; golden energy flared casing it, pushing Enya back with its force. Yet, she managed to maintain her balance, sitting on her knees.

"Yosh~ I'm spirited." Rayzel declared, ever so nonchalant yet determined. He closed the distance between them, gripping his blade tightly, and lunged forward with a direct stab.

Enya, alert and focused, readied herself to block his attack. However, it turned out to be a feint. Rayzel took advantage of her defense by halting abruptly and releasing a short energy blast that shattered her guard. Enya's eyes widened, "What the—"

Her defense yielded to Rayzel's command, leaving her vulnerable. He rubbed his eyes, stating, "It's tiring... But take this!"

Rayzel closed the distance, his body enveloped in a radiant golden energy. With a swift move, he tripped Enya, then leaped into the air with his sword poised for a powerful overhead slash. The strike created a burst of energy around him, and Enya winced as she was repelled backward. 

With grace, Rayzel gently descended back to the ground.

Among the crowd, Elix blinked his eyes, troubled, "Hey, Rowan. Where does all that energy come from when he's so lazy." he asked. Rowan nodded in response, "He possesses an abundant source of energy, thanks to his unique ability. He can channel and enhance his strength, agility, and combat skills through his force energy. That's why he appears so formidable despite his outward appearance."

"Oh, I see... So he's a specialist in controlling force energy?" Elix gasped as he grasped the concept.

"That's correct," Rowan affirmed. "But don't worry, Elix. Enya has it under control."

Elix looked at Rowan, lost for words, "Uh...How come are you always so positive?" he asked. Rowan chuckled, "It's all about trust, you see." he replied, patting his head. Elix blinked in response, clueless.

Back in the midst of their duel, Enya resumed her offensive assault, "Not yet!" she exclaimed, "Here I come!" In the blink of an eye, she sprinted toward Rayzel with her sword at the ready. She delivered a flurry of strikes, twirls, and swift movements to create a rapid sequence of attacks.

Enya launched a horizontal strike, aiming at Rayzel's legs and hands. Rayzel skillfully parried the attack. Next, she swiftly moved her sword from the front of her body at a low angle toward the left and then quickly returned it to its original position.

Rayzel moved back and forth to evade her attacks and spun his sword aiming at the mid as Enya took advantage of her short stature and leaped onto his sword, thrusting her own blade forward which had been covered in flames blazing orange. Simultaneously, she executed a drop kick to leave no room for him to evade.

Rayzel darted back, moving quickly to the side, and deftly using the edge of his sword to parry her strikes.

However, Enya's smirk deepened, "Ready to lose?" she taunted, seizing the momentary vulnerability she had created and twirled her weapon, catching Rayzel off guard. She stepped closer and once more, launched a rapid and ruthless series of attacks, consisting of cuts, thrusts, stabs, and swings, aiming to knock him off balance.

Confused and pressured, Rayzel attempted to create a protective barrier with his force energy, but Enya's relentless pressure broke through. She completed her special move with a powerful kick, her sword held behind her, shattering his barrier and targeting a weakness overhead.

Enya, at once, declared, "Mirage shot," 

Her sword flared with fiery energy as she swung it forcefully, creating an illusionary mirage. Her initial slash was aimed upward, then followed by a low strike, compelling Rayzel to sidestep and utilize his counter force to deflect her attack before it reached his midsection.

However, in a sudden twist, Enya released her sword mid-air, causing it to repeat the same attack with double the agility. Caught off guard, Rayzel struggled to keep up, eventually being pushed back as the mirage attack overwhelmed him.

He stood up, grinning, "...Mirage shot, huh? ...Suprisingly fun..." he admitted.

Enya nodded with a smirk, "Yeah. It is. Requires much attention though. Not only mine but yours too."

With that, she dashed ahead, and Rayzel did the same. The two engaged in a thrilling swordfight, each parrying and countering the other's moves with lightning-fast reflexes.

In the crowd, Elix couldn't contain his excitement as he cheered, "Way to go, Enya!" Rowan smiled knowingly, "See Elix," he began, "Rayzel's weakness lies in his inability to keep up with an opponent's speed. Despite his force energy control, he struggles when facing adversaries with superior speed."

Elix nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see..."

Rowan remained confident, keeping his eyes on the duel. "Enya has put in a lot of effort. She won't lose."

As the intense swordfight continued, Enya, panting with exhilaration, couldn't help but tease, "For a sleepy head, you sure are holding up pretty well, huh?"

Rayzel smirked, unfazed by her taunt, "...What can I say? Perhaps, I'm saving my nap for later," 

With a swift flip and a powerful downward slash of his sword, Rayzel attempted to strike Enya from above. However, Enya swiftly countered by rolling to the side with precision, tucking her head and shoulders to protect herself during the move. In an instant, she positioned herself beside Rayzel, launching a counterattack.

Undeterred, Rayzel responded with a flurry of strikes, delivering a 4-hit slow punch combined with sword thrusts. The eight-hit combination left Enya stunned, trapped within the confines of his force energy.

"Fire!" Rayzel commanded unleashing a powerful force attack that caused Enya to cough in pain, "Ghk!" She shut her eyes, guarding herself with her sword. As Rayzel prepared to dash forward once more, Enya absorbed a sudden surge of blue energy and declared, "You underestimated me; this is the finisher!" 

Enya's eyes snapped open as she darted forward, executing a strong downward diagonal slash that left a trail of ice element glaciers in its wake.

Rayzel, attacked in the midsection, grunted, 'Ugh." As the glacier left no opening for a counterattack, he crashed to the ground. Enya halted her sword at the side of his neck, panting heavily.

Rayzel, looked up at her in disbelief.

A moment of silence descended upon the scene, until the crowd erupted in wild cheers, proclaiming, "Woah!!! She won!!"

Rowan and Elix exchanged awestruck glances. "She... she really did it," Elix exclaimed in delight. Rowan nodded beaming, proud.

Enya stood straight and turned around, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of victory. Facing Rayzel, who had managed to stand up despite his weariness, she couldn't resist a playful taunt. "Is that all?" she teased.

Rayzel clasped his sword, his eyes drooping with exhaustion. "Of course... what else? I can't move an inch when I'm sleep..." His sentence trailed off as he suddenly collapsed onto the ground, mid-sentence. Enya took a step back, her eyes widening in shock. "?!!"

To her astonishment, Rayzel laid below, peacefully drifting into slumber, snoring gently as if nothing had ever happened. "Zzz..."

The onlookers in the crowd erupted into laughter, thoroughly amused by the unexpected turn of events. Enya couldn't help but grin as she sheathed her sword. "Good night."

General Void, with his hands clasped behind his back, maintained his stern demeanor. After her triumphant victory, Enya received the badge of her new position as the Twelfth Squad Leader. Her fellow squad members welcomed her warmly, alongside Rowan and Elix, and she resumed her regular training with determination.

Shortly thereafter, an Imperial messenger approached her. "Enya Verne, the Majesty summons you," he informed. Enya furrowed her brows in confusion. "Huh?" she wondered aloud but nodded in acknowledgment.

Enya made her way to the Imperial Palace, running her fingers through her hair nervously. "Oh, God, please let it be something good," she prayed silently, swallowing her apprehension. She took a deep breath to steady herself before confidently striding toward the grand entrance of the Imperial Palace.