Shattered Destiny : Fate

Storm and Ajax had found a secluded spot not far from an explored dungeon, a perfect place to train and duel without distractions. They made it their daily routine, sparring and honing their skills.

After one of their duels, where Ajax came out victorious, Storm sat next to him, sharpening his sword. "You do know that being the strongest here doesn't really mean anything, right?" he said casually.

Ajax smirked. "You're just saying that because I beat you again today."

Storm exhaled, annoyed but unbothered. "Yeah, yeah. You won. But listen, Ajax—this is an academy. It's a controlled environment. We train, we fight, we grow. But out there? It's different."

Ajax raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

Storm hesitated before speaking quietly. "My father told me once—real warriors don't train in schools. The people you should fear? They don't have titles. They don't fight for credit or recognition. They survive because they have to." He continued, "Look at your uncle and the Sacred Six. You know how powerful your uncle is, yet he never went to any academy. My grandpa didn't either, and yet look at him now. You've heard the tales of Lady Tempus—she was said to possess the abilities of the Goddess Tempus herself, and yet she was a nobody. She never even had the chance to attend Crownshard Academy, but now she stands as the pinnacle of all heroes."

Ajax scoffed. "So what? I have my ultimate skill. I've mastered three elements. What could I possibly—"

Storm cut him off. "I hope you're right. But one day, you're gonna fight someone who doesn't care how strong you think you are. And when that happens… I just hope you survive."

Ajax rolled his eyes, but Storm's words lingered longer than he expected.