Althea caught off guard by the king’s direct question, straightened her posture and cleared her throat. She knew her words carried weight, especially as the heir of the Silvercrest known for their strategic brilliance and political acumen. "Your Majesty," she began, her tone measured and thoughtful, "while Mixarnt’s words were indeed provocative and could be seen as disrespectful to the knights, his actions were strategically sound. He used his words to buy time for Rosalind to recover, knowing full well that Kalavan would hesitate to attack under the scrutiny of the public eye. It was a risky move, but effective in the moment."

She paused, glancing at the magical screen where Mixarnt stood protectively in front of Rosalind, his grin still plastered on his face despite the tension. "That said," Althea continued, "his words could have unintended consequences. While the knights trial is a place where participants are expected to push boundaries, Mixarnt’s comments could sow doubt among the people about the integrity of the knights. However, I believe this is also an opportunity for the knights to demonstrate their strength and honor by rising above his provocations. If Kalavan handles this situation with grace and restraint, it will only reinforce the nobility and discipline of the knights in the eyes of the public."

The king nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "A fair assessment, General Althea. What do you think, Lyandra?"

Lyandra, still visibly annoyed, crossed her arms. "I still find his actions disrespectful and reckless. He may have saved Rosalind, but his words undermine the very foundation of the knights’ reputation. This cannot be ignored."

Amon, ever the voice of reason, interjected calmly. "Lyandra, while I understand your concerns, we must also consider the context. Mixarnt is a participant in the Aether Knight Trials, and his actions, however audacious, are part of the competition. The people watching understand that this is a test of wits and might, not a reflection of the knights’ daily conduct. If we overreact, we risk giving his words more weight than they deserve."

Lancelot chuckled, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "The boy’s got guts, I’ll give him that. He’s not afraid to ruffle feathers, and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed to shake things up. Kalavan’s a tough opponent, but Mixarnt’s playing him like a fiddle. It’s entertaining, if nothing else."

Rosalinda, though still worried for her granddaughter, couldn’t help but smile faintly. "I may not agree with his methods, but I can’t deny that he saved Rosalind. For that, I’m grateful. As for his words... well, perhaps they’ll serve as a reminder to the knights that their actions are always under scrutiny."

Gundrik, ever the proud mentor, laughed heartily. "Gahahaha! That boy’s got a sharp tongue and a sharper mind. He’s not just swinging his sword around—he’s thinking several steps ahead. I couldn’t be prouder!"

Sunshine, standing beside Althea, sighed but couldn’t hide the small smile on her lips. "He’s reckless, but he’s also clever. Mixarnt knows exactly what he’s doing, even if it makes everyone else uncomfortable."

The queen, who had been quietly observing the discussion, finally spoke. "Regardless of how we feel about Mixarnt’s actions, the trial must continue. Kalavan is a seasoned general, and I trust he will handle this situation with the dignity befitting his rank. As for Mixarnt... well, let’s see how far his audacity takes him."

The king nodded in agreement. "Well said. Let’s continue to watch and see how this unfolds. The trial is a test of not just strength, but character. Perhaps Mixarnt’s actions will reveal more about him—and about the knights—than we expect."

As the conversation settled, the group turned their attention back to the magical screen. Mixarnt stood protectively in front of Rosalind, his grin unwavering as he faced Kalavan. The tension was palpable, but so was the determination in Mixarnt’s eyes. Whether his bold strategy would pay off or backfire remained to be seen, but one thing was certain: Mixarnt had once again made himself the center of attention, for better or worse.

Meanwhile, in the colosseum, the crowd buzzed with excitement. Some cheered for Mixarnt’s audacity, while others jeered at his disrespect. Moonlight, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but chuckle softly, her eyes filled with a mix of admiration and exasperation. "Always causing trouble, but always for the right reasons."

In the bustling plaza of Aetherlight, Guild Master Orion roared with laughter, slamming his fist against a table prepared for audiences in the plaza.

"That's right, lad! Tell them the truth! We adventurers are NOT scum—the knights are!" he bellowed, his voice booming through the plaza.

The adventurers surrounding him erupted into cheers, some whistling and others pounding their mugs on the tables in celebration. 

Elara, standing beside him, sighed, shaking her head. "Guild Master, you do realize Mixarnt just put himself in a bind, right? After this, a lot of people—especially the knights—will scrutinize him for his words."

Orion waved a hand dismissively. "Bah! Let 'em try! The entire guild has his back!"

"YEEAAAHHH!!" The adventurers roared in agreement, their cheers echoing in the entire plaza.

Elara sighed once more but couldn't suppress a small smile. She turned her gaze back to the magical screen, watching as the events continued to unfold.

Rosalind finished drinking the potions, feeling her strength return. She clenched her fists, relieved that her wounds had completely healed.

Mixarnt turned to Kalavan with a curious expression. "I have a question. If we manage to beat you, does that mean both Rosalind and I get the reward—the wish granted by the King and Queen?"

Kalavan scoffed, rolling his eyes. "How the hell should I know?" His irritation was obvious; he had no desire to entertain Mixarnt’s questions after that public humiliation.

Mixarnt’s grin widened. "Oh? Hiding the truth, are we?"

Kalavan exhaled sharply, barely containing his annoyance. "Listen, kid. My job is to fight participants who engage me—not answer their stupid questions." He shifted his stance, gripping his sword. "Now that your little girlfriend is done healing, you don’t have any complaints if I attack her again, right? Though, of course, you’re free to try and save her."

"G-girlfriend?" Rosalind whispered and her face was also red, she is annoyed at General Kalavan.

With that, Kalavan lunged forward.

Before his sword could strike, Mixarnt’s voice rang out.

"I challenge you to a duel."

Kalavan’s blade stopped mere inches from Mixarnt’s head. He had been aiming at Rosalind, but Mixarnt had stepped in at the last moment, forcing him to halt his attack.

Kalavan clenched his jaw, seething. He could feel the weight of countless eyes watching him through the magical screens. If he struck now, disregarding the official duel challenge, it would only validate Mixarnt’s accusations and tarnish the knights' reputation further. Worse still, word of this would spread beyond Aetherlight, making their kingdom a laughingstock among neighboring nations.

"Tsk." Kalavan clicked his tongue. "Fine. What are your conditions?"

Mixarnt’s grin never faltered. "You’ll fight both Rosalind and me in a duel. If we win, it counts as both of us defeating you."

Kalavan’s eyes narrowed. He immediately realized what Mixarnt was doing—exploiting a loophole in the system.

"And what’s in it for me?" Kalavan asked, his tone sharp.

Mixarnt shrugged. "Oh? Are you scared of two kids? First, you tried attacking Rosalind while she was healing, and now you’re refusing a duel? Guess you knights really don’t have any honor, huh? If only one of us fights, it'll look like you’re bullying a kid. Not a great look for a General."

Kalavan’s grip on his sword tightened. His patience was wearing thin. The urge to cut the boy in half was almost unbearable.

Then, a voice echoed from the sky.

"We accept the terms."

Kalavan turned sharply, recognizing the speaker.

Descending from the treetops was Knight General Gawain, his piercing gaze locked onto Kalavan and Mixarnt. His presence alone sent a wave of unease through the air.

Rosalind tensed. "Mixarnt… You’ve almost died twice already." She knew he was playing a dangerous game. Though she didn’t mind fighting alongside him, she couldn’t ignore the fact that he had just maneuvered his way into securing a double reward if they won.

But what truly unsettled her was Gawain’s presence. His intense gaze wasn’t just for show—he was prepared to intervene if things spiraled out of control. Kalavan was unpredictable, and after using Demonic Meteor Destroyer, a super high-level skill, it was clear the knights were worried about his recklessness.

Kalavan scowled. "Gawain… Tsk."

The fact that the man had arrived just to keep him in check only irritated him further. Worse still, Gawain had accepted the duel on his behalf.

Kalavan shot him a glare. "The hell are you doing here? I have everything under control."

Gawain didn’t respond immediately. His gaze alone spoke volumes—he knew Kalavan had lost his temper and was one step away from ruining his reputation. The reckless use of a super high-level skill had already drawn unwanted attention.

After a moment, Gawain finally spoke. "No. I will be moderating this match."

Kalavan clenched his teeth. "Tch! Do whatever you want."

As Kalavan took his stance, Mixarnt and Rosalind did the same. The duel was about to begin.

Althea smirked, leaning towards Sunshine. "Wow. Mixarnt is really getting under Kalavan's skin. Even General Gawain had to step in."

Sunshine crossed her arms. "Can you blame him? Kalavan recklessly used a super high-level skill—not just high-level, but super high-level."

A moment later, Former General Theron turned to the King and Queen. "Your Majesties, would it truly be acceptable to grant each participant their own wish if they win?"

The King chuckled, stroking his beard. "It’s fine. After all, defeating a General is nearly impossible. If they actually manage it, they’ve earned their reward."