The 11th and 12th Battalions of the Imperial Knights shared a three-story building on the side of the Imperial Palace. Of course, Joshuas personal office was in this building as well.

Joshua scowled. Is there someone here? His keen senses were telling him that he had a visitor but they didnt seem to be hiding themselves from Joshua.

Hmmmm The banquet had begun in the evening and would last until morning. As such, the majority of the 11th and 12th Battalions would be stationed near the First Palace, where the party was being held; in other words, the building should be empty at this time of day.

Cmon, dont be like that. Come on in, I wont bite.

Joshua froze. That voice

I just came to take a look at things, but it seems like I made a mistake.

Joshua sighed and pushed the door open.

Yo. The man waved cheerfully at Joshua from the sofa. He had striking silver eyes and was generally very attractive.

...Lord Valmont.

Like Joshua, he commanded a battalion of the Imperial Knightsthe 9th. Even in a group as prestigious as the Knights Templar, this man was a genius; yet, he was the laziest, most carefree person you could imagine.

Valmont sluggishly buried himself into the sofa, sporting a shocked frown.

I was surprised to learn that the Princess knew our great captainlike a moth to a flame, was it? A perfect match.

Was Captain Valmont keeping track of a lot of things?

A lot? Valmont shrugged.

Hahhh

Nevermind that. Are you going to leave now?

Joshuas eyes widened, but he quickly brought his expression under control.

I have no idea what youre talking about.

Dont play dumb with me; Im a lot smarter than you think. Valmont sat up. I remember the first time we met each otherDuke Agnuss estate, right? You were a kid taking his mana exam. That kid surprised everyone with his talent, and then joined the Imperial Knights and Ive been watching your progress ever since.

I was shocked when they suddenly promoted you to B-ClassI mean, you have the potential and the favor of His Majesty, but youre just too young. But you were like a machine with no brakes; your endeavors didnt stop there: you smashed through the knights of the top battalions and immediately gained the Emperors favor. Then you became the youngest Baron in history Valmont stared into Joshuas eyes, dumbfounded. Do you have any idea how happy I was when you finally became a captain like me?1

Can you stop beating around the bush?

Excitement. For the first time in my life, I was so excited it made me shiver. Because of you.

Valmonts characteristic disinterest was gone; instead, there was only passion, burning in his eyes like blazing embers.

Hoseungsim2 Indeed, an undying passion for victory. Joshua knew what Valmont would say next.

Lets compete, Joshua Sanders, before you leave. If you leave now, there wont be any more chances. I beg of you, humor my shameless request.

I have one question for you.

Anything.

I dont understand why the famously unambitious Captain Valmont wants to spar with me.

Valmont huffed and flashed a smile at Joshua. It was frosty white, colder than the moonlight.

Can a human have such a dazzling smile?

Obviously I want to prove that Im the best.

The training ground behind the building was lit only by the moonlight.

Valmont used a longsword of average length; Joshua faced him with a normal soldiers iron spear.

Are you ready?

Of course, Valmont lazily replied. Im always ready. Since I have seniority, Ill give you the first move.

Joshuas lips twitched and his eyes glowed with excitement.

Well, I wont refuse.

As soon as the word left his lips, Joshuas body shot forward. His speed was beyond all expectations, sending his spear shrieking towards Valmonts facethe way it obscured the older captains vision was an added bonus.

Sparks flew, blades collided. Valmont broke into a sweat, realizing hed only barely deflected Joshuas spear.

I expected it, Valmont mumbled.

The young man in front of himno. Joshua was no longer a snot-nosed kid he could test. He was like a mastercrafted spear now, capable of reaching out and piercing the heart of anyone, at any time.

Please, accept my apologies.

Joshua stepped back and adjusted his posture, only to be confused by Valmonts words.

Seniority... I was making up things. Im going to give it my all from now on.

Valmont sprinted forward, slashing at the tip of Joshuas spear with his sword. Joshua used the recoil to rotate, striking towards Valmonts stomach. The older man danced backwards and lashed out, only for it to be met by Joshuas spear again, and again, and again.

Valmont could only sigh; Joshua wielded his spear perfectly. He hadnt even broken a sweat. That was no mean feat: Valmonts sword, with his inherent physique and talent, was incredible. Many swordsmen would struggle to even react, such that he was rightfully known as the Fastest Star of Avalon.

Valmont stepped back, allowing his adrenaline to calm down.

Why are you doing that? Is it not worth going on the offensive against me?

Joshuas mouth remained firmly shut.

Valmont knew the answer: his opponent, unlike Valmont, was not putting in his utmost effort. Joshua hadnt even movedhed forced Valmont to stay at the edge of his range. Valmont had never seen anyone exploit a spears reach so efficiently in his entire life.

The senior captain grit his teeth. Youre dead wrong if you think you can beat me with such a stupid attitude.

Valmont raised his sword to point straight up, allowing his face to reflect off of the blade. It was a stance that belonged on parade ground, not in a battlebut the sheer energy could not be ignored.

His muscles clenched and trembled rapidly like they would explode at any moment, beating a near-audible roar into the air. Mana poured from his mana hall, concentrating into his sword.

This is my best move. If you can stop this, Ill do whatever you wantbecause I wont be able to move afterwards, anyways.

Valmonts mana took on a new shape over the blade, to Joshuas astonishment.

Aura Blade Flawed, but undeniable.

Its almost like the stars have formed into a halo around his blade.

Its my best move. If you cant dodge this, youll be seriously wounded.

It was a skill only taught to the blood of the Brown family; a secret that had earned Valmont the title of Fastest Star.

Here it goes. Valmont aimed for Joshuas right shoulderif he struck right, hed be able to avoid causing lethal wounds.

He exploded forwards, faster than hed ever moved before. He was like a meteor hurtling to the ground, its tail the only indication he was ever there. His sword, too, stitched a bright line through the air.

But even if Joshua struggled to follow Valmonts movements, his spear was raised and waiting.

Too late. Valmont smirked. Hed crossed the point of no return; already his sword was inside his opponents reach and fast closing. The spear, on the other hand, remained stationary.

Or not.

Joshuas spear rose slowly to meet the sword.

Slowly?

It wasnt slow at all. Valmont was mistaken.

A brilliant flash of light lit up the night, and the air was split by an ear-bleeding scream.

Ugh! Valmont staggered back several paces and fell to his knees, propped up by his sword. His eyes were shakingit was clear he didnt understand what had happened. He frantically raised his head, casting a frantic gaze forward.

He contended with a single spear. A common iron spearwith more power than any famed blade.

It was clear and strong, not like his imperfect rendition. There was naught Valmont could do but groan.

Full Aura Blade.