The scenario: Capital Sorriso, the day after the duel of the House of Swords. After the confrontation revealed several hidden talents, the herald climbed onto a pedestal in the middle of the crowd.

  The bell rang in the arena. The crowd fell silent as the herald announced: — Second Judgment! The War Board of the House of Gold!

  In the center, a massive board rose from the ground. Each House would command an army of enchanted pieces, moved by mana and pure strategy.

  Lukas walked up the ramp, feeling the air vibrate with expectation. On the other side, Helena Fernandes was already waiting. A golden mantle covered her shoulders, her eyes sharp as a silver blade.

  — You know… — she said in a low voice, while the crowd murmured — I hadn’t planned on competing with you. But then I thought… it would be too cruel to let you embarrass yourself alone.

  — Thanks for the concern — Lukas replied flatly. — But it will take more than pity to defeat me.

  She raised an eyebrow, as if studying an insect. — I am the heir of the House of Gold. I was born to rule wealth, power, and resources. You… were born to stay on the sidelines. Do not confuse boldness with talent.

  César’s voice echoed in Lukas’ mind: — Too proud. That makes her predictable. Use it.

  Morgana’s laughter dripped with honey and venom: — Why resist, Lukas? Let her crush you… I’ll reward you later, in a very sweet way…

  — Enough. — Lukas steadied his breath.

  The herald raised his staff: — Begin!

  Helena’s pieces moved first. Perfect lines of golden soldiers and enchanted catapults advanced like clockwork. Lukas studied every inch. Every time she advanced, he noticed familiar patterns. In the past life, she had never lost a single match. But now… he knew how the House of Gold thought. How Helena thought. And that was his advantage.

  When everyone believed he would hesitate, Lukas moved three pieces at once, forcing the right flank.

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  The audience was stunned. — He is exposing his entire field! — a captain shouted.

  Helena smirked with disdain. — Pathetic.

  And then, in the next instant, Lukas closed the trap. His left flank crushed her cavalry, isolating the core of the golden army. It happened so fast that even the Patriarchs leaned forward in their seats.

  Kotan Aspen gripped the Soulfrost Sword tighter, his gaze like ice. Helena Summer, matriarch of the Summer Elves, frowned deeply. Aurelius Rowan smiled faintly, like someone watching a leaf rise against the storm. Flora Anapelum pressed a hand against her chest.

  Helena tried to break the siege, but Lukas anticipated her every move. When the last piece fell, her golden army shattered in a wave of light.

  Silence.

  The herald, breathless, raised his voice: — Victory… to Lukas Fernandes!

  The crowd erupted. Adriele clapped with pride. Valquíria laughed so hard she pushed Luiz aside, and he almost fell off the stands, still laughing.

  Helena lifted her head slowly, eyes cold but voice calm: — So… you finally found some use for your mediocrity.

  — Or maybe… — Lukas replied firmly — I simply stopped being afraid of people like you.

  For a moment, her mask cracked. Lukas lifted his chin, meeting the gaze of the Patriarchs. Kotan nodded in silent approval. Helena Summer turned her gaze away. Aurelius Rowan maintained his serene smile. Flora’s was radiant and genuine.

  César’s proud voice: — That’s how chains are broken.

  Morgana sighed, sensual: — Cold, brilliant… but I still prefer to see you sweating, desperate, moaning my name…

  — I TOLD YOU TO STOP LISTENING TO HER! — roared César.

  In the corridors of the House of Swords, Darian Fernandes kept his perfect and polished smile. In public, he was the charming diplomat — praising allies, flattering rivals, shaking hands with elegance.

  But behind closed doors, the mask fell. — Demi-humans and elves are good for nothing but warming beds — he said shamelessly to his captains, all humans. — If they don’t agree, they learn… until they agree.

  He laughed, remembering their tears. Under his command, the House of Swords had no members from other races — an unwritten but absolute rule.

  Darian never got along with his siblings. He despised the House of Cups and Luiz, for he had never defeated him. He knew that if he faced Valquíria or Selene seriously, humiliation would be certain.

  Even so, his ambition grew. He wanted to be the strongest, command the most dominant squad in the South, and, above all, tear apart the protective shield that the Black Sun crest extended to other races.

  He was the opposite of Kyros and Lukas. While father and son saw value in coexistence and diversity, Darian saw only tools and obstacles.

  From the stands, Darian smiled when Lukas defeated Helena. But inside, he burned with fury. The “failure” was stealing attention… and to him, that was unforgivable.

  End of Chapter 17