Shattered Destiny : Fate

Even though Ajax had begun surpassing Arrow in skill, she never resented him. If anything, she admired him even more. The nobles whispered about how the eldest daughter of the renowned Athena and Alex had been overshadowed by her younger brother, but Arrow ignored their gossip. She knew Ajax's potential was immense—perhaps greater than anyone could yet imagine.

Training became their shared escape from noble life. Where others might have felt bitter about being outshone, Arrow took pride in Ajax's growth. She encouraged him relentlessly, refusing to let others' opinions tarnish their bond.

Their grandparents, esteemed first-class nobles and former heroes, occasionally visited from another city. With each visit, the family upheld its long-standing tradition: a public sparring match between Ajax and Arrow. These duels weren't just for sport—they were a display of the family's magical heritage, a testament to their lineage before the noble elite.

Yet, the strongest in their bloodline wasn't their parents or even their grandparents. It was Ajax's uncle, Sisco Romanov. A warrior of unparalleled skill, Sisco was considered the pinnacle of perfection within the family. As a member of The Sacred Six—an elite group of the six strongest individuals across the sacred nation—he served not under the emperor, but directly for the people. Yet, despite the reverence his name carried, Sisco never attended family gatherings. He loathed his younger brother, Alex, viewing him as weak and unworthy of the Romanov name.

By the time Ajax turned four, his fire magic had fully awakened, completing his mastery over the three elemental gifts passed down through their lineage. By five, his skill in both magic and swordplay had grown so formidable that he could already challenge his parents in playful sparring matches.

Yet, despite Ajax's rapid growth, Arrow's admiration for him never wavered. She remained by his side, training with him, encouraging him, and brushing off those who sought to diminish her own achievements.

When their grandparents visited, they were astonished by Ajax's abilities. However, their noble traditions remained unwavering—status and hierarchy mattered deeply. During his duels with Arrow, Ajax sometimes allowed her to win, carefully crafting moments where she could claim victory. Lucius had once advised him that winning wasn't always the most important thing. Sometimes, protecting someone's dignity was the greatest victory of all.