The Contract of One Year

Chapter 25 : Confrontation with Viktor

The northern gate of Aurelion Kingdom trembled under the weight of Viktor’s assault. Flames licked the stone walls, and the sound of clashing swords and shouting soldiers echoed through the courtyard like a storm.

Aria stood at the forefront, her golden energy flaring brightly around her hands and sword. Lila was beside her, ready with her bow, while Adrian and Alexander rallied the soldiers. The palace gates groaned as the enemy pushed harder, battering rams striking with relentless force.

Aria’s heart pounded. For weeks, she had trained, learned, and unlocked her power—but now, she faced the man who had caused her family so much pain, who had threatened everything she loved. Viktor rode forward atop his black steed, his crimson cloak whipping in the wind, eyes fixed on her.

“You’re braver than I expected,” Viktor called across the courtyard, his voice carrying over the chaos. “But bravery will not save you, princess.”

Aria tightened her grip on her sword. “You’ve underestimated me before, Viktor. Not anymore.”

With a roar, Viktor charged, leading the first wave of his elite soldiers straight toward the palace defenders. Aria inhaled deeply and let her golden energy flow fully through her sword. With a swing, a shockwave of light shot forward, sending several soldiers flying back and striking the battering ram in one forceful blow. The weapon shattered, splintering across the stone floor.

Viktor’s eyes narrowed. “Impressive.”

He leapt from his horse, landing gracefully, and drew a blackened blade. The two circled each other, golden light clashing against darkness with each strike. Sparks flew, echoing across the courtyard.

Aria’s hands glowed brighter than ever. The energy within her surged—warmer, more potent, more alive. She could feel the connection to her ancestors, the royal bloodline coursing through her veins. Every strike, every block, every motion was powered by generations of strength.

“You’re stronger than I imagined,” Viktor hissed, striking again.

“I told you,” Aria shot back, her sword gleaming with golden light. “I will protect this kingdom!”

A soldier from Viktor’s ranks tried to flank her, but a sudden wave of energy shot from her sword, sending the attacker tumbling backward. Lila fired arrows with pinpoint accuracy, striking the remaining soldiers who tried to interfere.

Viktor’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and fascination. “So this is the royal power… but can it save you from everything?”

Aria felt a surge of warmth in her chest, her power growing more intense. She swung her sword in a wide arc, golden energy forming a protective barrier around the palace defenders. Every strike she made seemed to hum with authority, pushing Viktor’s forces back.

Adrian and Alexander fought fiercely at her side, but Aria’s energy became the centerpiece of the defense, a beacon of hope and strength. For the first time, she truly felt the weight of her power—and the responsibility it carried.

Viktor staggered slightly, surprised by the intensity of the energy. He hissed, “You… you may have grown strong… but strength alone won’t save you from me.”

Aria’s gaze hardened. “Then I’ll do more than just fight. I’ll win. For my family, for my kingdom, for everyone you’ve threatened.”

The golden light around her blazed like the sun, illuminating the battlefield, and for a moment, everything seemed still.

The first true clash of powers had begun, and neither the princess nor Viktor would back down.