I stood on the balcony of my temporary quarters at the Eldoria War Zone, watching the sunrise paint the sky in golden hues. My first night here had been restless, filled with thoughts of the Divine Needle problem and my audacious promise to Commander Keller.


    A knock at the door interrupted my contemtion.


    "Enter," I called, turning away from the view.


    Eamon Greene stepped into the room, tablet in hand. As the War Zone''s intelligence officer, he''d been assigned to brief me on various matters.


    "Good morning, Mr. Knight," he said, his voice formal but friendly. "I thought you''d want to see this."


    He handed me the tablet, open to The Warrior''s Scroll—the most popr martial arts forum in the country. A post had been highlighted, the username "WhitlockWarrior" prominently disyed.


    My eyes narrowed as I read the message:


    *"Departing for Eldoria Province in three days. Looking forward to teaching the so-called ''prodigy'' Liam Knight the true meaning of humility. His insult to the Whitlock name cannot stand."*


    "Adrian Whitlock," I muttered. "He''s actuallying here?"


    Eamon nodded, his expression serious. "He''s been posting about you for days. Called you a ''fraud who hides behind fancy words and stolen techniques.'' His posts have garnered significant attention."


    I handed the tablet back to him. "Write a response."


    "Sir?" Eamon seemed surprised.


    "Post this: ''I''ll be waiting, Master Whitlock. The gates of Eldoria War Zone are always open to those seeking guidance. – Liam Knight.''"


    Eamon''s fingers flew across the screen, typing my message. "Are you sure about this, Mr. Knight? Adrian Whitlock is a Martial Viscount with decades of experience."


    I smiled coldly. "All the more reason not to hide."


    Within minutes of posting my response, The Warrior''s Scroll exploded with activity. Comments poured in from across the country:


    *"Did Knight just challenge Whitlock?"*


    *"This young man has a death wish!"*


    *"Someone better warn the medics in Eldoria..."*


    I spent the rest of the day working with the War Zone fighters, pushing thoughts of Adrian Whitlock aside. I had more immediate concerns—like teaching these soldiers techniques that would transform them from underdogs to champions.


    ---


    The next morning, I awoke to find the War Zone in an unusual state of excitement. Reporters from the River North Martial Arts Association had arrived, cameras and equipment in tow.


    "What''s happening?" I asked Ari as we walked toward the training fields.


    "They''re here for the showdown," he replied, eyes wide with anticipation. "Word spread about Adrian Whitlocking to challenge you. They''re setting up to broadcast it live!"


    I frowned. "He''s supposed to arrive today?"


    "That''s what everyone''s saying. Commander Keller is furious about the disruption, but he can''t turn away the publicity."


    We reached the main courtyard to find it transformed into an impromptu arena. Soldiers and staff had gathered around the perimeter, whispering excitedly among themselves. Commander Keller stood near the entrance, his face a thundercloud.


    "Knight," he called when he spotted me. "Did you authorize this circus?"


    I shook my head. "I merely responded to a public challenge. The rest happened on its own."


    Keller sighed deeply. "Well, it''s toote now. Half the martial arts world is watching. Just try not to get yourself killed before you fulfill your promise to me."


    The hours ticked by. Morning turned to afternoon, and afternoon began its slow slide toward evening. The crowd grew restless, and the reporters checked their equipment repeatedly.


    But Adrian Whitlock never came.


    By sunset, the disappointment was palpable. The reporters packed their gear, grumbling about wasted time and resources. Commander Keller ordered everyone back to their regr duties, shooting me a look that clearly said, "Fix this."


    I was as puzzled as everyone else. Adrian Whitlock''s reputation suggested he wasn''t one to make idle threats.


    "Perhaps he had transportation issues," Eamon suggested as we walked toward themand center.


    I shook my head. "No. Something else is happening here."


    ---


    Five hundred miles away, in Bergerac Province, Adrian Whitlock sat in his private study, a cup of fragrant tea steaming before him.


    "Master, I don''t understand," his disciple said, confusion evident in his voice. "Why did you postpone our trip to Eldoria? The reporters were there, waiting. Your reputation—"


    "My reputation," Adrian interrupted calmly, "was built over decades of careful consideration, not rash actions."


    He lifted the teacup, inhaling its aroma deeply before taking a measured sip.


    "This tea," he continued, "is called Enlightenment Tea. Exceedingly rare, nearly impossible to find outside certain ancient temples. Do you know where I obtained it?"


    The disciple shook his head.


    "Fifty years ago, when I was still a novice at the Crimson me Sect, a wandering master gifted it to me. A man surnamed Smith."


    The disciple''s eyes widened at the mention of the name.


    "Master Smith saved my cultivation when I had reached a bottleneck that threatened to destroy my meridians. This tea,bined with his guidance, allowed me to break through to a level I never thought possible."


    Adrian set down the cup, his weathered fingers tracing its rim thoughtfully.


    "When I first heard the name ''Liam Knight,'' I thought nothing of it. Another upstart seeking fame. But then I learned his original name—Liam Smith."


    Understanding dawned on his disciple''s face. "You think he''s rted to your benefactor?" <code ss="in-imprint-b">Need character sheets and glossaries? Visit *.</code>


    "I don''t know," Adrian admitted. "But I owe Master Smith my life and my achievements. Before I challenge his possible descendant, I must be certain of what I''m doing."


    He rose from his seat, looking out the window at the distant mountains.


    "We will go to Eldoria, but not yet. There''s more to learn first."


    ---


    Meanwhile, in Shince City, a celebration was underway in a private room of the luxurious Verdant Pavilion restaurant.


    Anthony Harding raised his ss, his handsome face flushed with triumph and alcohol.


    "To victory!" he proimed, as hispanions cheered and clinked their sses.


    "You haven''t won yet," one friend teased. "The bet was that you''d get ra Vance to do anything you want—if you win thepetition."


    Anthony smirked, setting down his ss with exaggerated care. "The beautiful ra has already agreed to the terms. That''s half the battle won."


    "I still can''t believe she epted," anotherpanion marveled. "Did you threaten her?"


    "Nothing so crude," Anthony replied, leaning back in his chair. "I initially challenged Liam Knight—you know, that upstart everyone''s been talking about. Somehow, ra heard about it and volunteered in his ce."


    His friends exchanged knowing looks.


    "The sweet, innocent ra Vance," Anthony continued, his voice dropping to a suggestive murmur. "So concerned for Knight''s safety that she put herself in my path instead. How noble."


    He reached for the bottle, refilling his ss with expensive liquor.


    "And how unfortunate for her. Thepetition is in three days, and I''ve been preparing for months. There''s no way she can win."


    "And when she loses?" one friend prompted, though they all knew the answer.


    Anthony''s smile turned predatory. "Then she''ll do whatever I say."


    He closed his eyes briefly, picturing ra''s enchanting figure, her sweet, innocent face. Desire pooled in his stomach, hot and insistent. Three days. Just three days, and she would be his tomand.


    "To ra Vance," he said, raising his ss once more. "May she enjoy herst days of freedom."


    His friendsughed and drank to his toast, unaware of how dark his thoughts had truly be.