The clash rang out like thunder.

Lucien barely managed to raise the Blade of Dawn before the ancient king's sword struck.

Boom!

The impact hurled him backward across the endless white battlefield.

He slid dozens of feet before finally stopping.

His arms trembled.

"So... fast..."

The ancient warrior stood exactly where he had been.

His expression remained calm.

Emotionless.

"You are slower than I was at your age."

Lucien tightened his grip.

"I wasn't expecting an easy fight."

The First King gave a faint nod.

"Good."

---

Without another warning, he vanished again.

Lucien closed his eyes.

He remembered every lesson he had learned.

King Caelan had taught him courage....