(Third-person perspective)
On the vast training grounds of Moat Cailin, where countless battle scars etched themselves on the ancient stones, Smalljon Umber and Aermir Drasil stood face to face, gripping their dull training swords.
A crowd of spectators gathered to witness the epic duel between the towering Umber and the mighty Sword of Winter, the atmosphere electric and exhilarating. Aermir, standing at 2 meters tall, appeared remarkably small in the shadow of the 2.2-meter Giants. Even the stones seemed to hold their breath, anticipating the impending duel.
Smalljon Umber's strength is undeniable; he is a true powerhouse of the North. With a Strength of 18.5, he wielded his training sword with astonishing force, and the air vibrated as the sword struck Aermir's shield. The initial exchange favored Smalljon Umber, his brute strength forcing Aermir back, but his Speed of 19 allowed him to gracefully evade even more ferocious attacks.
As the duel intensified, Aermir began to feel the relentless blows from Smalljon Umber. Every punch from the massive Umber carried the weight of his unwavering resolve. Aermir was somewhat surprised by the heights Smalljon Umber had reached.
His strength was comparable to that of " The Mountain," but Aermir's unparalleled speed allowed him to parry, sidestep, and counterattack with precision. While Smalljon Umber's strength was outstanding, it could not compensate for the agility and dexterity that Aermir displayed.
With each swift, lightning-fast attack, Aermir attempted to overpower Smalljon Umber, hoping to force him into submission. However, the Umber's unwavering resolve complemented his impressive physique. Despite the relentless assault, Smalljon Umber refused to yield, even bearing the painful marks left by Aermir's training sword. Smalljon Umber knew that if these attacks had been delivered with sharp blades, he would have been dead long ago.
In the fierce battle, Smalljon Umber developed a new respect for the Sword of Winter. He knew that if Aermir had wielded " Red Rain," the outcome would have been very different. However, upholding the tradition of House Umber, he refused to yield and resolved to persevere until his limits were tested.
Smalljon Umber, panting heavily and covered in bruises from head to toe, was on the verge of collapse. But at this critical moment, a surge of anger and unparalleled determination coursed through his veins. Years of rigorous training hadn't left him battered and bruised. A sense of comfort washed over him, and he regained his strength, his eyes blazing with fury. He stood firmly on the ground, ready to meet any attack from Aermir Drasil.
The tide of battle began to turn. Smalljon Umber's power seemed to be surging, and his attacks became more powerful. Aermir initially thought it was due to an adrenaline rush and the warrior's primal instincts. But as Smalljon continued to fight, Aermir noticed something unusual—a faint, ethereal aura surrounded Smalljon Umber.
With a thunderous roar, Smalljon Umber charged forward, unleashing a powerful horizontal slash aimed directly at Aermir. Aermir was caught off guard by Smalljon Umber's sudden power and tried to block the attack with his shield. However, he underestimated the power behind Smalljon Umber's strike, as his attention was focused on the new energy he sensed from his opponent.
To Aermir's surprise, Smalljon Umber had clearly awakened something extraordinary within him—energy. Aermir's momentary lapse in concentration paid a heavy price; Smalljon Umber's attack shattered his defenses, sending him flying backward about four meters through the air. Aermir rolled on the ground, regaining his strength; his right arm was throbbing with pain, indicating that the devastating blow might have resulted in a hairline fracture.
Aermir watched in horror as Smalljon Umber's condition improved, especially his strength, which steadily increased. His strikes became more powerful and impactful. It was as if he had unearthed a hidden well of power, granting him stamina comparable to Aermir's agility.
Aermir realized the gravity of the situation and knew he could no longer underestimate Smalljon Umber's newly discovered power. With a renewed sense of urgency, he pushed his fighting skills to the limit. Aermir no longer relied solely on speed to dodge, but skillfully used swordsmanship and cunning feints to control the battle.
Aermir's sword danced gracefully and precisely in the air as he skillfully parried Smalljon Umber's thunderous attacks. With each parry, Aermir swiftly countered, his sword finding openings in Smalljon Umber's defenses. Aermir's attacks were deliberate, exploiting Smalljon Umber's weaknesses.
Despite Smalljon Umber's immense strength, Aermir clearly had the upper hand in skill and strategy. His movements were fluid and disproportionate to his speed, each move a calculated attempt to outsmart his opponent. Smalljon Umber fought desperately to catch up, his wild swings growing increasingly desperate.
Aermir seized an opening and swiftly disarmed Smalljon Umber, causing his training sword to clatter to the ground. Aermir calmly pointed his sword at Smalljon Umber Smalljon Umber, who was kneeling on the ground, gasping for breath.
"Submit!" Aermir said firmly, his voice filled with authority.
Smalljon Umber conceded defeat, raising his hands in surrender. His broad shoulders slumped as he admitted, "I surrender. You win."
The audience in the training arena erupted in enthusiastic applause, marveling at the skill and finesse displayed by Aermir. Smalljon Umber, though acknowledging defeat, forced a smile, showing immense respect for Aermir. Even Greatjon Umber applauded enthusiastically. He didn't care that his son had lost; all he cared about was the magnificent fighting display his son had put on.
Smalljon Umber stood motionless, like a statue. Then, he knelt before Aermir, much to the astonishment of the onlookers. This sudden change in demeanor stirred a ripple of confusion among the crowd, who speculated about the reasons behind Smalljon's unexpected submission. Smalljon Umber, his face flushed, made up his mind. He announced in a clear and firm voice.
"I, Smalljon Umber, relinquish my right as heir to the Last Hearth, and wish to become a paladin in Commander's army!"
The declaration echoed through the arena, drowning out all other sounds. The paladin and Knights Templar commander Aermir, gazed at Smalljon Umber with astonishment and respect, understanding the weight of the young Umber's decision. Smalljon Umber's relinquishment of his claim to a family seat was not only fulfilling his duty but also a declaration of his unwavering loyalty to the commander.
Greatjon Umber, Smalljon Umber's father, was enraged. His fury echoed through the hall as he unleashed a powerful punch, shattering a nearby table. The room trembled with his intense emotion, a vortex of anger and grief filling the air. He had just lost an heir, a promising one, and his rage was a direct expression of his profound pain.
Greatjon's sharp gaze remained fixed on Aermir, his eyes burning with sorrow and anticipation. Now, everything was in Aermir's hands; if he accepted Smalljon Umber's service, his son would inevitably become a paladin.
Aermir turned to face Greatjon Umber, his gaze silently questioning whether they should accept Smalljon Umber into their ranks. He could have asked Aermir to refuse him, but to do so would have been a grave insult to his son's beliefs and honor. Though Greatjon was heartbroken, he remained steadfast; he was a man of unwavering will and principle.
His son had sworn an oath before all the witnesses, and his pride and honor prevented him from allowing his son to break the oath like a coward. Although it pained him to do so, he nodded firmly in agreement.
Aermir stood before Smalljon Umber, kneeling on the ground, tall and imposing, seemingly growing even larger as he spoke. His voice boomed like thunder, a tribute to the young Umber.
" Smalljon Umber, son of Greatjon Umber," he proclaimed, his words carrying the weight of ancient authority because a touch of magic had been imbued within them. " The Old Gods extend their embrace to welcome you into their holy ranks. We, as paladins, express our brotherhood with you, and the kingdom opens its arms to welcome you as her protector. Now, rise, paladins of the Old Gods."
As this moment hung in the balance, a mysterious energy seemed to surge through the air. Smalljon Umber's eyes filled with reverence and determination as he slowly rose from his kneeling position. He knew he had made a solemn vow that would determine the course of his life and the fate of House Umber.