The older warrior’s jaw tightened, but he obeyed, drawing his sword and facing the boy. The younger one paled, gripping his weapon with both hands.“Do not hold back,” Lucien ordered, his tone brooking no argument.Steel clashed as the older warrior lunged, the boy stumbling back, blocking poorly, his footing clumsy. Twice, three times, the older warrior pressed him, each blow sending sparks and dust into the air. Finally, with a sharp strike, the boy’s sword flew from his hands, clattering to the dirt. He fell to one knee, chest heaving, fear raw in his eyes.Lucien’s boots carried him forward, and he stared down at the boy. “On the battlefield, hesitation is death. Weakness is not a wound that heals… it is a rot that spreads and kills your brothers beside you. If you cannot fight without fear, you are already dead.”He looked at the older warrior. “Again. Strike him barehanded.”The boy’s eyes widened in panic, but the older warrior lunged, his fist crashing against the boy’s jaw. T
Last Updated : 2025-10-21 Read more