Chronicles of The God Slayer of Shadows-Chapter 42 - Forty One

The gates of the Ironbrand training grounds creaked open with an overdramatic groan, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. A group of guild members strode in like a storm front. At their center walked a broad-shouldered man clad in polished silver-and-crimson armor, his cloak billowing behind him like he paid it to do so.

His eyes scanned the yard with the assured disdain of someone who expected awe and feared none.

"That," Adrien murmured under his breath to Damien, "is either a guild officer or someone compensating for a lack of sword length."

Damien bit down a grin. "That's Master Kael of the Crimson Circuit. High-ranking duelist. Rumor is he's aiming to win the Evermoon." "I'm shaking."

Kael and his followers stopped in front of Adrien and Damien, boots crunching on gravel. Kael gave them a slow once-over, gaze settling on Adrien with a practiced smirk. "You're new. I've seen you train," he said. "Sloppy form, but an... interesting sword. You a sellsword trying to look important?"

Adrien looked up from where he sat on the low wall, arms crossed. "No, just someone who doesn't need to wear half a blacksmith shop to get noticed."

A few of Kael's men stiffened, one even stepped forward, but Kael raised a hand, chuckling humorlessly. "Bold tongue for a no-name. I've seen arrogant strays like you before. They burn out after their first real match."

"And I've seen overdecorated peacocks like you," Adrien replied casually, "usually right before they end up face-down in the dirt wondering why their audience stopped clapping." Kael's face twitched, just slightly. His smile remained, but it had edges now. "We'll see how long that wit holds up in the tournament. If you make it past the qualifiers, I'll make sure to welcome you personally." "I'll be sure to forget your name before then."

Kael turned, his cloak flaring dramatically, again—perhaps on command. His followers gave Adrien dark looks as they trailed after him. Damien waited until they'd gone, then whistled. "You really know how to make friends." Adrien stretched and leaned back against the wall. "That? That was just me being polite." He paused. "Imagine if I hadn't liked his outfit."