The sound of the bells rang out from the top of the Castle of Seasons, deep and prolonged, making every street and alley of Smile Capital vibrate.

  Aurora Square, overflowing, looked like a living sea of people — soldiers in formation, curious merchants, nobles in pompous clothes, children perched on their parents’ shoulders, all gathered to witness the beginning of the festival.

  Lukas stopped at the great archway that marked the entrance to the main arena, taking a deep breath.

  Even with his heart steady, he couldn’t deny it: the air felt different. It wasn’t just anxiety… it was as if history itself had shifted.

  — Eleven trials…? — he frowned, remembering the other life. — No… that didn’t exist before. There were only three.

  Morgana slid into the edge of his thoughts, her tone brimming with dangerous excitement.

  — Hehe… what a delicious timeline, chocolatinho. Everything just got more interesting. More… unpredictable.

  César growled, his voice like steel.

  — Witch, this is no time for games. If even you don’t recognize this, something truly changed.

  — Oh, it changed, soldier boy — Morgana purred, laughing under her breath. — I had everything set up for it to be just me and the chocolatinho. But then… you walked into the equation.

  — Don’t throw your filth on me, witch! — César roared.

  Lukas clenched his fist.

  — It doesn’t matter what changed. Whatever comes… we’ll crush it like a war machine.

  — Exactly — Morgana’s voice dragged like silk. — Except with that skinny body of yours… it’s more likely you’ll be the one crushed.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  César let out a weary sigh.

  — This time, young legionary… unfortunately, the witch speaks truth.

  The imperial herald climbed onto the stage, dressed in golden ceremonial robes, and raised a massive scroll.

  His voice echoed across the sudden silence of the square:

  — Citizens of Smile! This year, by the will of Patriarch Kyros José Fernandes II, the Legacy Festival will be held with eleven trials!

  A murmur ran through the crowd. Lukas felt the weight of it. This was more than competition — it was politics, influence, destiny.

  — Seven trials will honor the strongest and most influential Houses of Smile, — the herald continued. — And four trials will celebrate the Seasons that feed our lands!

  He began announcing the names and titles one by one:

  Luiz Fernandes, of the Cups — General of the Invincible Ranks, commander of the South’s largest close-combat legion.

  Valquíria Fernandes, of the Trevos — Warrior Queen, leader of the Valkyries, terror of the battlefield.

  Selene Fernandes, of the Shadow Eye — Lady of the Silent Shade, invisible guardian, peerless spy.

  Alex Fernandes, of Aurora — Lord of the Sun Gate, master of diplomacy and defenses.

  Marcos Fernandes, of the Wild — The Wandering Wolf, lord of the free lands and legendary hunter.

  Darian Fernandes, of the Swords — Commander of a thousand blades, supreme duelist of the Sword House.

  Helena Fernandes, of the Gold — Lady of Wealth and Influence, balancing voice between fortune and law.

  — And this year, we will also have the Four Trials of the Seasons!

  Each name drew applause and cheers. Until the herald lifted his chin and declared:

  — And for the first trial, the honor will fall upon the House of Swords… with the challenge of the duel!

  Darian’s smile at the corner of the arena was as sharp as a naked blade. He passed Lukas and whispered, dripping venom:

  — Trash will always be trash, failure.

  Morgana burst out in dry laughter.

  — Hihi… such audacity. Want me to rip out his tongue?

  — This is no joke, witch! — César was furious. — To speak like that to our face… he’s begging to be put down.

  In the stands, Luiz and Valquíria exchanged glances.

  — The skinny one’s changed, — Luiz muttered. — Not trembling in situations like this… he’s been steadier since the festival started. Took a beating in training and didn’t whine once. Did he drink some courage tea?

  — Who knows… — Valquíria arched a brow. — But I like it.

  Meanwhile, Leli was already in the square spreading gossip.

  — Did you see? Lukas is going to face Darian! — she said, right before being grabbed again by Selene, who glared at her with icy eyes.

  — You’re too pretty to be sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. — Before Leli could reply, Selene pulled her into a shadow and vanished.

  — Again?! She can slip through any shadow? — Lukas blinked in disbelief.

  — That’s Selene being Selene, — Luiz explained, appearing beside him. — We don’t even know the full extent of her abilities. She never talks about them.

  Valquíria tilted her head and smirked.

  — Relax, Leli’s fine. Probably eating sweets and gossiping with Selene somewhere. She’s cold, but she cares in her own way.

  The trumpet sounded.

  The herald raised his staff and proclaimed:

  — First Trial of the Legacy: The Duel of the Sword House! Competitors, to the arena!

  And so, under the relentless sun, the path to the first battle opened.

  End of Chapter 14