The lively atmosphere of the gala hummed in the background as Ari stood near one of the grand ballroom’s massive pillars. He had taken a step back from the crowd, observing the room with quiet detachment. Yuri, Kimi, and Finoria were mingling—not far, but just enough to give him a moment of solitude.

That moment was short-lived.

“Ah, so you’re the great Ari.”

The voice was smooth but carried an unmistakable edge, like silk stretched over steel. Ari turned his head to find a man approaching him. He was tall and sharply dressed, his dark hair swept back, and his piercing blue eyes gleamed with thinly veiled arrogance.

“And you are?” Ari asked calmly, his tone betraying no emotion.

The man smirked, extending a hand that Ari did not take. After an awkward beat, he withdrew it, brushing off the slight with a dismissive chuckle.

“My name is Drelvar,” the man said, his voice lowering slightly. “Perhaps you’ve heard of me? The Crimson Blade of Altoviel?”

Ari’s expression didn’t waver. “No.”

Drelvar’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he recovered. “Well, I suppose that makes sense. You don’t seem like the type to pay attention to others, do you? Too busy basking in your own legend.”

Ari’s sharp gaze fixed on him, but he said nothing.

Undeterred, Drelvar pressed on, his smirk growing sharper. “You know, it’s funny. People talk about you like you’re a god. But when I look at you…” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I see just another man.”

Ari tilted his head slightly, his calm expression unwavering. “And when I look at you, I see someone trying too hard.”

The subtle jab landed harder than expected, and Drelvar’s smirk tightened into a thin line. “Is that so?”

Before Ari could respond, Finoria’s voice cut through the tension. “Ari, there you are!”

She approached with her usual confidence, her golden hair gleaming under the chandeliers. Kimi and Yuri followed close behind, their eyes immediately narrowing at the sight of Drelvar.

“Who’s this?” Yuri asked, crossing her arms as she shot Drelvar a skeptical look.

“Someone trying to make an impression,” Ari said simply, his tone dismissive.

Drelvar’s smirk returned, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Ah, and these must be the famous companions. I’ve heard stories about you, too. Quite the colorful cast.”

Finoria stepped closer to Ari, her warm brown eyes gleaming with mischief. “Careful, Ari. This one seems like trouble.”

“More like a nuisance,” Yuri muttered.

Kimi studied Drelvar with a serene smile, though her violet eyes held a dangerous edge. “And what, exactly, brings you over here, Drelvar?”

Drelvar straightened his posture, clearly enjoying the attention. “Just introducing myself to the legendary Ari and his… entourage. It’s not every day you meet the people who supposedly shaped history.”

“Supposedly?” Yuri snapped, her temper flaring.

Drelvar raised his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t mean to offend. But legends have a way of… embellishing the truth, don’t they?”

Ari stepped forward, his presence immediately silencing the brewing tension. His calm, steady voice cut through the air like a blade. “Is there a point to this conversation, or are you just wasting time?”

Drelvar’s smirk faltered again, but he quickly masked it with feigned bravado. “I was merely curious. You’ve been at the top for so long—don’t you ever wonder if someone else deserves a chance?”

“And you think that someone is you,” Ari said, his tone flat.

Drelvar chuckled, though it lacked genuine amusement. “Why not? The Crimson Blade has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Yuri took a step forward, her fists clenched. “This guy’s full of himself.”

“Let him talk,” Ari said, holding up a hand to stop her. He turned his gaze back to Drelvar. “If you’re trying to prove something, you’re going about it the wrong way.”

“Oh?” Drelvar asked, his smirk returning. “And what’s the right way?”

Ari’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. “By being better. Better than me, better than them.” He gestured to the room around them. “But you’re not.”

The weight of Ari’s words hung heavy in the air. For a moment, Drelvar seemed at a loss for how to respond.

“You talk a lot about being the best,” Ari continued, his voice steady. “But I’ve seen the best. I’ve fought the best. And you’re not even close.”

Drelvar’s smirk twisted into a scowl. “Big words from someone who’s spent the last few years sitting in peace.”

“Do you want to test them?” Ari asked, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel.

Drelvar hesitated, his confidence visibly faltering. Despite his bravado, it was clear he knew the truth—Ari wasn’t just a legend in name. He was the real thing, and no amount of talk could bridge the gap between them.

“No need,” Drelvar said at last, forcing a laugh. “This isn’t the place for that kind of thing.”

“Smart choice,” Yuri muttered under her breath.

Kimi tilted her head, her serene smile returning. “It’s always refreshing to see someone know their limits.”

Drelvar glared at her before turning his gaze back to Ari. “We’ll see how long you stay at the top,” he said, his voice low. “Legends don’t last forever.”

Ari didn’t flinch. “No, they don’t. But I do.”

The words were delivered with quiet confidence, and they hit harder than any shout or boast ever could.

Drelvar’s scowl deepened, but he said nothing more. With a sharp turn, he disappeared back into the crowd, his shoulders stiff with barely concealed frustration.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Finoria let out a low whistle. “That was satisfying.”

“Coward,” Yuri muttered. “He didn’t even have the guts to back up his words.”

“He knew better,” Kimi said softly, her violet eyes gleaming. “One step out of line, and Ari would’ve crushed him.”

Ari glanced at the three of them, his expression calm. “Let’s not waste any more time on him. The night’s still young.”

As they moved back into the heart of the party, the tension melted away, replaced by the usual lively banter between the group. But the message had been made clear—no matter how many rivals or pretenders arose, none of them could hold a candle to Ari.

Not now. Not ever.