The second stage of the Copas trial wasn’t about capturing flags.

  It was about endurance.

  Teams had to survive waves of simulated attacks using classic defensive formations. Three, in particular, would be tested: the Testudo (tortoise), the Living Ring, and the Wave-Breaking Wall — the very one Caesar had described to Lukas months earlier. And now, it would be put to the test against other groups.

  — Tenth House group, step forward! — announced the master of ceremonies.

  Murmurs spread through the crowd.

  It was a mixed team: only three humans, the rest elves, demi-humans, and a priestess. That made Darian cross his arms, sneering with disgust.

  — Mixing races on the battlefield? — Darian said loudly. — That only leads to disorder.

  Morgana laughed in Lukas’s mind:

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  — Translation… he’s just afraid of being embarrassed.

  The signal sounded.

  The Testudo formed first: shields over shields, a living shell that advanced slowly. Lukas gave sharp commands, keeping the rhythm. The training arrows clattered and fell without breaking through.

  Then came the Living Ring: warriors in a rotating circle, protecting the simulated wounded while keeping up constant strikes. The crowd roared at the fluidity.

  Finally, the Wave-Breaking Wall: two alternating lines absorbing the impact and, on the counterattack, snapping shut like a trap. It was perfect. It was lethal. And it came straight from Caesar’s time.

  From high in the stands, the Patriarchs watched.

  Helena Summer, cheeks flushed, sighed:

  — Kyros… he’s just like you in war.

  Aurelius Rowan smirked to the side:

  — At this rate, he reminds me of certain rumors from the past… Could it be…

  Kotan Aspen, red with fury, snapped:

  — Are you serious right now?

  Flora Anapelum widened her eyes:

  — Kotan… don’t tell me you never heard?!

  When everyone turned to face Kyros, the Monarch of the South… was already gone.

  Helena blinked in shock. Aurelius stomped his foot.

  — Shameless! He ran away!

  Kotan, radiating icy aura, roared:

  — Show yourself, Kyros! You scoundrel! When I find you, you’ll wish you were dead! How dare you flee?! Face your old comrades!

  Flora, startled at first, then smiled:

  — Honestly… Kotan acts so harsh and stoic, but he’s just as nosy as the rest of us. That blue skin of his doesn’t fool me: he’s a born gossip.

  Helena leaned closer to Flora and whispered something that made the Spring Matriarch blush instantly.

  Aurelius, fuming, turned to glare at them:

  — And what exactly are you two whispering about?!

  The crowd below had no clue about the chaos above — they were too busy cheering for the Tenth House’s triumph.

  In the center, Lukas received the ovation, while Darian clenched his teeth in silent rage.

  End of Chapter 23