Man With Super Medical Skill (Matthew)

The sharp sound of gunfire ripped through the night, yanking Gadel out of sleep.

He threw on a thin robe, hurried to the door, and swung it open. In the distance, bright flashes lit up the night sky as the unmistakable noise of fighting and gunshots rang out. "What's happening, Arnold?" Gadel asked.

Arnold was already in front of him, dropping to one knee and reporting, "Your Majesty, Aelion led the Aerial Legion in a rebellion. He claims they're fighting on your behalf." Gadel's face darkened. "What about the palace guards?"

Arnold hesitated. "The chief guard... Aelion killed him at the entrance. We need to get you out of here, now."

Gadel felt his anger flare as he thought, Aelion, of all people? I never thought this. He then asked, "How far have they gotten?"

"They're already inside the royal hall," Arnold replied, tension thick in his voice.

A calm voice interrupted, "Actually, they're at the King's chamber."

Aelion stepped into view, dressed in an elegant black-and-gold outfit, his expression unreadable. Gadel's gaze hardened as Arnold readied his light blue sword by his side. Behind them, Jaylen appeared-a battle-worn, sturdy man gripping a heavy steel armor. "Jaylen, get His Majesty out! I'll keep this traitor busy," Arnold ordered.

"Got it! Just catch up as soon as you shake him off!" Jaylen replied. He didn't need to say more they both knew Arnold wasn't making it out alive.

With Aelion at the advanced

grandmaster level, Arnold was the only one who might slow him down, even if only briefly. Staying behind was a heavy burden, but there was no other choice.

As Jaylen carried Gadel through the halls, Gadel urged him, "Find Matthew!" He knew Matthew was the only one left who might have a shot at stopping Aelion.

Thoughts of Fiorenna and their

newborn baby flickered in Gadel's

mind. Leaving them behind hurt, but

he had no choice. He reassured himself, They will be safe if Aekon doesn't get his hands on me

QUMS

The sounds of battle faded as Jaylen and Gadel slipped away, leaving Arnold alone with Aelion.

Arnold's face grew serious as he gripped his light blue sword. In a calm voice, he challenged, "Let's see what you've got."

Aelion smirked. "Do you honestly think you can stop me?"

Arnold smiled, keeping his cool. "I'm not saying I'll win, but I'll give it my best shot." Without another word, he lunged forward with his sword blazing with a light blue glow.

"Trying to cut down a tree with a twig-you're way out of your league!" Aelion barely flinched as he smoothly clutched the sword with his bare hand.

Snap! The sword shattered into

nět

pieces. Arnold's eyes widened for a split second, but he quickly leaped back to dodge the flying shards. Even with his Eagle Knight armor, he couldn't escape unscathed-a thin line of blood appeared on his cheek.

Aelion didn't even bother moving. "Still trying to hold me off?"

That was the power of an advanced grandmaster. To him, everyone else was insignificant.

Arnold knew he didn't stand a chance. He was skilled but didn't stand a chance against Aelion without reaching the grandmaster level. He smiled faintly, stalling for time.

"I've been working on something for ten years. Care to see it?" Arnold asked, raising his hand as a faint blue light began to form.