Althea’s expression remained stoic, but a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes at Eclipse’s bold claim. "To be frank, General, I’ve never encountered anyone who could surpass your prowess with a blade," she admitted, her voice tinged with reverence. "Even among the legendary Flame Emperor and his kin, your skill sets you apart." She paused, reflecting on the countless battles and duels she had witnessed throughout her career. "However, I must remind you that true strength isn’t defined by martial prowess alone. Wisdom, strategy, and the ability to inspire loyalty and unity among your allies are just as crucial."
Her gaze softened as her eyes met Eclipse’s lunar orbs, partially hidden behind the mask. "Remember, General, while your legend may strike fear into your enemies, it’s your compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to Aetherlight that truly make you invaluable."
Eclipse let out a quiet sigh, a small smile playing on her lips as she chuckled lightly. "Althea... I didn’t ask that because I needed a lesson on compassion, leadership, or dedication," she said, amusement lacing her voice.
Althea’s brow furrowed in confusion at Eclipse’s unexpected response. She leaned back slightly, studying her colleague’s expression with growing curiosity. "Excuse me, General? That doesn’t seem quite right. Your actions speak volumes about your character— Eclipse, just get to the point," Althea interrupted herself firmly, cutting through any further diversions. "Who is it that you believe can match you in combat? Be honest—with yourself and with me." Althea’s determination was clear—she wouldn’t allow Eclipse to evade the question any longer.
Eclipse exhaled slowly before speaking. "Alright… I told you earlier that I traveled to the western continent and obtained my Spirit Weapon there, correct? But there’s more to the story."
She met Althea’s gaze, her voice carrying a rare seriousness. "During my journey, I met woman—a year younger than me. If I am called the ‘Sovereign Sword’ of our kingdom and renowned in the continent, she is known as the ‘Sword Saint’ of the western continent. "We are the same, yet different. Back then, I hadn’t reached my full potential… but neither had she. Our battle had no clear victor. She didn’t best me, but I also can’t say that I won."
Her words hung in the air, the weight of the revelation settling between them.
Althea’s eyes widened in surprise, struggling to process the revelation of another swordsman on par with Eclipse. The notion of a "Sword Saint" from a distant land had never crossed her mind before, and the realization that such a formidable opponent existed sent a shiver down her spine. "She... cannot be defeated?" Althea asked, her voice laced with awe and trepidation. "What did you take away from this encounter, General? How did facing such a rival shape your understanding of your own abilities?" Her curiosity was evident, driven by a deep desire to grasp the significance of this revelation. The emergence of such a warrior could signify either a powerful ally or a looming threat—only Eclipse held the answers.
Eclipse chuckled softly before responding. "Well... because of her, I became stronger. We fought every day for an entire month. In the evenings, we would share a meal in silence, and at dawn, we would battle again." A nostalgic smile crossed her lips as she recalled those relentless duels.
"She also has a Spirit Weapon… but unlike me, she is distant—perhaps 'detached' is the better word. While my Lunar Eyes let me see the invisible, read aura, mana, gain a bird’s-eye view, and even sense emotions and intentions… her abilities surpass even that in my opinion."
Eclipse’s expression turned serious as she continued. "She has the 'All-Seeing Eyes.'”
Althea listened intently, her expression a mask of intrigue as she absorbed the details of Eclipse's rivalry. The mention of the "All-Seeing Eyes" ignited a flurry of questions in her mind, each more pressing than the last.
"What exactly does her Spirit Weapon allow her to perceive?" Althea inquired, her tone sharpening with scholarly curiosity. "Is it similar to your Lunar Eyes, granting her insight into the unseen aspects of the world?"
She paused, considering the implications of such an ability. "And this detachment you speak of—does it mean she lacks emotional investment in battle? Does she view combat as nothing more than an exercise in skill and strategy?" Althea’s gaze intensified, her eyes burning with the fire of intellectual inquiry. "General, this is a most fascinating topic. I would love to hear more about your experiences with this 'Sword Saint.' Her very existence has clearly pushed you to new heights of strength and skill."
Eclipse chuckled, a glimmer of fondness flashing in her lunar-hued eyes. "Intriguing, isn’t it? Even I am quite fond of her. I had never met anyone who could match me in combat before. When I fought her, I felt something unfamiliar—there was a real possibility that I could lose… and that made it exhilarating."
She slowed her pace slightly, lost in thought. "Isla's All-Seeing Eyes allow her to perceive everything. In a way, they’re similar to my Lunar Eyes, but I wouldn’t say one is stronger than the other—they each have unique qualities. From what she told me, she can see across great distances when she focuses, perceive a person’s very soul, and detect ‘points’—both on a person and a weapon."
Eclipse’s voice took on a thoughtful edge. "I believe these ‘points’ are weaknesses—vulnerable spots in an opponent’s stance or attacks. That would explain why she could parry my strikes so effortlessly, always deflecting at the perfect moment." She exhaled, shaking her head with an amused smile. "Fighting her was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. She isn’t detached from battle—not when she’s facing a worthy opponent. But..." Eclipse hesitated, struggling to put the Sword Saint’s personality into words. She recalled Isla’s aloof nature—how she would lie back and watch the clouds, eat in silence, and, when faced with a problem, her answer was always the same: cut it in half. "Well… she doesn’t like being in the spotlight, and she loves tea and cake, I suppose," Eclipse finally said, as if sidestepping a more complicated explanation of Isla’s personality.
Althea listened with rapt attention as Eclipse described the unparalleled capabilities of the Sword Saint’s All-Seeing Eyes. The notion of perceiving a person’s soul or pinpointing vulnerabilities in both attacker and defender raised profound questions—not just about the art of combat, but about the very fabric of existence itself. "The soul, you say?" Althea mused aloud, her gaze turning distant as she pondered the mystical implications. "Could she use that perception to manipulate her opponents emotionally? Perhaps exploit their deepest fears or desires?"
Her eyes flickered back to Eclipse, now brimming with newfound respect. "And you, General, have achieved parity with her through your mastery of the Lunar Eyes. It’s clear that these rivalries not only sharpen your skills but also push the boundaries of what is possible." She paused, her expression contemplative. "These insights have significant implications for our kingdom’s defense strategies. If weaknesses can be identified and exploited so precisely..."
Before she could finish, Eclipse interjected with a shake of her head.
"No, I don’t believe her eyes can manipulate desires," she clarified. "You see, when we fought, I constantly felt a deep discomfort—almost as if her gaze was stripping me bare, laying my vulnerabilities out in the open. My very soul felt as though it could be cut at any moment, literally."
A flicker of memory crossed Eclipse’s face as she continued. "When I first met her, she had an aura that made you feel as if you’d already been slashed… even though you hadn’t. But thanks to my Lunar Eyes, I could resist that sensation, which seemed to amuse her. And while she could target my weak points with precision, I could parry her attacks just as easily—just as she could parry mine—because my Lunar Eyes allowed me to read her intentions." She let out a small chuckle. "So, in a way, we became both rivals and… friends."
Then, as if recalling something important, Eclipse added, "Ah, right. She also has two companions who share her ideals—both just as formidable as she is. Isao, the Flower Maiden, is playful and mischievous, while Sylveria, the Ice Hero, is cold and calculating. If Isla alone is impressive, then those two make her all the more formidable." Eclipse's words lingered, heavy with significance. The existence of such warriors across the ocean only deepened the mystery of what lay beyond their known world. Althea absorbed the information, her mind forming vivid images of the trio—each a force in their own right yet bound by an unspoken understanding.
“Sylveria, the Ice Hero… cold and calculating,” Althea mused thoughtfully. “She seems to reflect your own composed nature, General. A strategist, perhaps?” She then smiled at the mention of Isao. “And the Flower Maiden—playful and carefree. Someone like that would bring balance to a group of serious warriors.” But it was Isla, the Sword Saint, who intrigued her the most. “And then there’s Isla. Detached, seeking neither glory nor recognition. A warrior who prefers solitude over grandeur… content with nothing more than tea and cake.”
Althea’s sharp eyes caught the small, wistful smile on Eclipse’s face. She missed them.
A knowing warmth softened Althea’s expression. “It’s fascinating, isn’t it? How such different souls manage to stay connected. But perhaps… that’s what makes them strong. Their differences don’t divide them—they complement each other.” She paused for a moment before adding, “Tell me, General—do you plan to see them again?” Althea noticed the fondness in Eclipse’s voice as she spoke about her companions, a clear sign of the deep bonds they shared. The contrast in their personalities—the cold, calculating Sylveria, the playful and teasing Isao, and the calm, detached Isla—created a fascinating dynamic. "It's interesting how such different personalities work together so well," Althea remarked, her curiosity piqued. "Their strengths must balance each other, making them a formidable trio." She paused, reflecting on the significance of such relationships. "In a world filled with conflict, it's reassuring to see that even the strongest warriors can find friendship and common ground. It proves that even rivals can form meaningful connections."
Eclipse simply smiled as they reached the grand meeting room, where the knight generals and captains had already gathered around a large round table. The air shifted as she stepped in, tension filling the room.
"Greetings, my fellow generals. Let's begin our discussion on this year's knight selection." Eclipse announced with a smile.
But despite her friendly tone, everyone in the room felt the weight of her presence. She was their equal in rank, yet none could deny she was the strongest among them. And behind her smile was a barely contained excitement—an aura that made it clear: anyone who stood in her way would be cut down.
She was Eclipse, the Sovereign Sword.
