Return of the General's Daughter
Chapter 105: The Battle Between The Alpha and Omega

Chapter 105: The Battle Between The Alpha and Omega

Jethru had decided to stay that day, swayed by Lara’s persuasive words. Whether he admitted it or not, he truly missed his disciple.

A twinge of concern gnawed at him as well—Lara, a spirited young woman, surrounded by hardened soldiers. She was strong, no doubt, but even the fiercest warrior could be vulnerable in such an environment. A sense of resolve began to stir within him. He would not leave her behind. When he departed the next morning, she would go with him.

That afternoon, the soldiers stationed across the vast Gwamuros Plains experienced a rare moment of respite. Their commanders, seeing an opportunity to keep their men sharp and entertain them, ordered friendly matches.

Though the soldiers burned with the desire to reclaim Carles, they could not move forward—the civilians had yet to evacuate. The generals hesitated, wary that any aggressive action could provoke the Estalis army into harming innocent lives.

While their leaders debated their next move, the soldiers gathered in the center of the camp for sparring sessions, seizing the chance to hone their skills.

Bener, eager to improve, sought out Kane. He had witnessed his prowess against the Zurans and wanted to learn the techniques that had made him so formidable—an unorthodox blend of swordplay, punches, and kicks.

Lara agreed, stepping in to instruct him. She introduced him to the principles of mixed martial arts, focusing on Judo and Muay Thai. Bener towered over her, broader and stronger in build, but as soon as their sparring began, it became evident that size alone would not guarantee victory. With seamless precision, Lara weaved through his defenses, utilizing rapid stand-up strikes, devastating sweeps, and unrelenting clinch work. Her fists, elbows, knees, and shins moved like lightning, preventing Bener from landing so much as a single strike.

By the time the bout ended, Bener lay on the ground, breathless and humbled.

The commotion had drawn the attention of Agilus, who emerged from his tent, curious about the spectacle. He arrived just in time to see Bener and Lara sprawled on the ground, panting from their exertion.

Agilus had already heard of the Eagle Team’s battle with the Zuran soldiers. He had listened as Bener and Aramis sang Kane’s praises, but skepticism lingered in his mind. He found it difficult to believe that a seemingly unimposing, short and slender soldier could be as skilled as they claimed.

Lara was taller than most females her age, but amidst the towering and bulky soldiers, she was just like a child.

With a smirk tugging at his lips, Agilus stepped forward, his voice laced with both challenge and intrigue.

"Hey, Kane. How about a spar? I’ve heard plenty of talk about you. Let’s see if you live up to it. We’ll start with the sword."

Around them, the soldiers who had been practicing moments before fell silent. They had already been enthralled by Kane’s earlier demonstration against Bener. Now, as Agilus issued his challenge, their interest sharpened to keen anticipation.

All eyes turned to Kane.

Kane accepted the challenge. He always found Agilus annoying. He also wanted to see how good he was to be part of the elite soldiers of General Alaric.

From the start, Agilus had the advantage. He was taller, his reach longer. Kane barely stood at chest level against him, his frame appearing lean beneath the thick jacket he wore. It should have been an easy fight.

But as their swords clashed, ringing through the air like a deadly symphony, Agilus felt the first stirrings of doubt. His confidence wavered as he realized Kane’s attacks weren’t just swift—they were relentless. His hands were numb from blocking the slashes and thrusts that Kane was giving him. He blocked strike after strike, but that was all he could do. Every time he tried to counter, Kane was already gone, his blade a blur of steel.

Then, in an instant, Kane feinted.

Agilus reacted a second too late.

Cold steel pressed against his throat.

Silence fell over the watching soldiers as realization dawned in Agilus’ eyes.

Kane had won.

Agilus inhaled deeply, forcing down his pride. And then, with the dignity of a true Northem soldier, he stepped back and bowed. He accepted his defeat—not with resentment, but with respect. Strength wasn’t just about winning; it was about knowing when to yield.

Being a soldier of Northem, being a man meant that they should be able to accept defeat with dignity.

Lara, standing in front of him, was mildly surprised. She had expected Agilus to throw a tantrum. He struck her as the type who couldn’t handle losing. But she had misjudged him. With a small, approving nod, she bowed slightly in return.

A slow, deliberate clap cut through the stillness.

Heads turned toward the sound.

Jethru, the white-haired man stood there, grinning from ear to ear, his eyes gleaming with amusement as the soldiers around him regarded him with a strange reverence.

Did they figure out that I’m his master?

Then, a voice rose from the crowd.

"It’s General Alaric Kromwel!"

Jethru’s smile vanished.

He turned—and there they were. Three generals—Alaric, Odin, and Marlon—flanked by several high-ranking commanders, striding toward them with the weight of authority.

Alaric’s sharp gaze landed on Lara. His expression darkened as his attention shifted to Agilus, his eyes turning cold.

Why does General Alaric look angry?

Jethru had no time to ponder it. He moved quickly, closing the distance between himself and Kane, as if afraid someone else would reach him first.

He was right to hurry.

Alaric and Odin stepped forward at the same time, nearly shoving Jethru aside in their rush to stand before Kane. If not for his quick reflexes, Jethru would have been pushed out entirely. Instead, he stood his ground, finding himself shoulder to shoulder with Lara, now facing both the prince and the general.

Odin’s voice broke the tension.

"Indeed, your skills are exceptional, Kane Mendel. My son has spoken highly of you. I assumed he was exaggerating." He paused, glancing at Jethru with a knowing look before turning back to Kane. "So, you trained under Master Jethru?"

Lara nodded. Though her skills were not solely his teachings, she had still learned from him.

Odin’s expression softened with something akin to nostalgia.

"I trained under the same master," he admitted. "It has been years since I last saw him. Long enough that he seems to have forgotten me." His voice held no bitterness, only amusement. "But I could never forget him. After all... I was his first disciple."

Lara’s eyes widened.

General Odin was Jethru’s first disciple?

Jethru rolled his eyes, arms crossing over his chest. "Oh, please."

Odin chuckled. "I thought he would never take another disciple after he left twenty-five years ago. Yet here you are." His eyes gleamed with challenge as he drew his sword.

"How about a spar in front of our master?"