Side Story: The Swordsmanship Olympiad – Legacy of the Heirs
On the grand celebration of the 300th Founding Day of the Kingdom of Phillipe, King Xebec announced the greatest swordsmanship tournament ever held across the continent: the United Swordsmanship Olympiad. A celebration not only of strength, but of hope and the legacy of a new generation.
The whole world watched as heirs from across the lands gathered in the arena. Beyond the duels, seeds of friendship, rivalry… and perhaps even love began to grow among the young.
A new tale begins—born from bloodlines, honor, and destiny.
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Parade of Blood and Steel
The skies of Phillipe's capital bloomed with a thousand banners and pennants from every corner of the continent. Crowds flooded the main streets, cheering the arrival of delegates from the seven great kingdoms and empires. Towering above all, the royal palace stood witness to the beginning of the Swordsmanship Olympiad—King Xebec's symbol of peace and the strength of a new era.
Opening Ceremony
King Xebec, clad in a white robe trimmed with gold and bearing the crest of the ancient dragon, stood at the royal podium. At his side were Queen Astrid and the principal nobles of Phillipe, including Grand Duke D'Eagles and Archduke Tristan von Ari.
"Today is not about who is the strongest, but about who brings honor to their name, their realm, and to this continent," declared Xebec. Roars of applause followed.
Arrival of Delegates
One by one, the representatives entered the capital:
From the Kingdom of Phillipe:
1. Kael von D'Eagles – Heir to the Grand Duke of D'Eagles
2. Elianne von Phillipe – Daughter of Xebec, gifted in light swordplay and hybrid magic
3. Theon D'Valcrest – Xebec's ambitious and arrogant nephew from the Valcrest lineage
4. Reina Bellator – Daughter of the Eastern Frontier Commander
5. Garron Alvis – Son of a veteran soldier, spear specialist
6. Lysandre Caelum – Heir to the air-mage family
7. Talia of the Westmark – Swift and deadly girl from the western provinces
From the Holy Empire of Ari:
1. Lucien von Ari – Son of Archduke Tristan and Nanea, calm and strategic
2. Liora von Ari – His twin sister, bold and sharp in duels
3. Seraphiel Lucius Virellion – A young paladin, son of Emperor Lucien V, wielder of a holy short sword
From abroad:
1. Elariel Silvertree – Elegant young elf from the Elven Kingdom
2. Durkon Ironhand – Dwarf from the Dun'Khazad mountains, wielding a massive blade
3. Zafira al-Ifrit – Flame girl from the Desert Empire of Ifrit, wild and energetic in combat
4. Kirin Windwhisper – Child of wind from the Isles of Tyr, master of illusions and speed
5. Freya Snowmantle – Princess from the Frostheim Kingdom, cold and deadly
Initial Drama and Interactions
As all delegates gathered in the palace's grand hall, the air grew tense. Kael looked mesmerized upon seeing Zafira al-Ifrit, who only smirked as she noticed.
Meanwhile, Theon D'Valcrest sneered, "You're Queen Astrid's daughter? My mother said she was just a discarded witch from House Malefic…"
Elianne flinched, but before she could respond, Lucien and Liora von Ari stepped forward, taking her hand.
"You have no right to speak such things in our home," said Lucien coldly.
"You may be family, but your behavior is shameful," added Liora.
From that moment, Elianne and Nanea's children grew closer. They trained together, shared nightly stories, and began to build a stronger bond of kinship.
Assigned Tour Guides
Kael, Reina, and Lysandre were appointed as escorts and guides for the foreign participants. Reina guided Durkon and Freya—whose clashing cultures often led to tension. Kael was tasked with Zafira and Kirin, finding himself flustered each time Zafira teased him with a sharp glance. Talia and Garron guided Elariel and Seraphiel, forming a unique dynamic between human, elf, and young paladin.
The Olympiad had yet to begin, but the scent of rivalry and drama already filled the air.
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Fire and Steel
As golden-orange dusk settled over the capital, the foreign delegates and their guides wandered through the royal market. Kael walked slightly ahead, glancing back now and then to ensure Zafira and Kirin weren't straying. Zafira walked leisurely, eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity… and a mischievous smile every time Kael looked nervous.
"So, little prince of the Grand Duke, huh?" Zafira teased, licking a fire candy bought from a street vendor.
"I'm not a prince. Just Kael," he replied stiffly.
Zafira giggled. "So stiff. But I like how you protect us… like a knight."
Kael's cheeks flushed, but before he could answer, a scream echoed from a narrow alley.
Bandit Incident
Five masked men emerged from behind stone walls, blades drawn, eyes wild.
"Hand over your valuables, or let your blood stain these streets!"
Kael stepped forward without hesitation. Zafira raised a brow, about to step in, but Kael quickly turned back.
"I've got this."
A swift skirmish broke out. Kael showed remarkable skill, parrying, dodging, and taking down two bandits with a mix of swordplay and light magic. But a burly one struck Kael down. As the sword came down—
Fire engulfed the alley.
Zafira leapt forward, eyes glowing red, her hands ablaze with golden-red fire magic. "Don't touch him."
Suddenly, the sky rumbled. A gust of high-pressure wind hurled the last bandit into the air. From the rooftop, King Xebec landed in full black-and-gold battle attire, his left hand gripping a longsword.
"In the name of the Kingdom of Phillipe… you've gone too far."
In mere seconds, Xebec dismantled the remaining bandits, exuding the aura of a Grand Swordmaster. The crowd erupted in cheers, while Kael could only stare in awe at his uncle.
Zafira calmly walked over and helped Kael to his feet. "Not bad, prince… but don't die before taking me to dinner."
Kael stammered.
Let the Olympiad Begin
The next day, the ceremonial platform in the kingdom's central arena brimmed with participants. King Xebec stood center stage, with the Grand Council and Queen Astrid behind him.
"To honor three centuries of Phillipe's foundation—and the peace of our continent—this Olympiad is declared open!"
Cheers thundered to the sky.
Each participant drew from a magical orb to reveal their first opponent. Some faces lit up with excitement, others tensed in anticipation.
First Round Matches:
Kael vs Garron
Elianne vs Kirin
Lucien von Ari vs Lysandre
Zafira vs Freya
Durkon vs Reina
Liora vs Seraphiel
Theon D'Valcrest vs Elariel
Talia vs [Frostheim Prince/Princess – you can name this character]
Tension rose. Kael faced Garron with fierce eyes, though his gaze briefly flicked toward the audience—where Zafira blew him a teasing kiss with a laugh.
The tournament had begun.
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To be continued...