The Eclipsed Bloom
Chapter 57: Duel Challenge from nyssa daughter

Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Duel Challenge from nyssa daughter

Inside the Cave

Lilith lay lazily across Zara’s thighs, her head resting with an almost feline satisfaction. A playful grin curled on her lips as she looked up at Zara.

Without warning, she sat up and pressed a soft kiss to Zara’s lips. Her tongue lightly traced the edge of Zara’s mouth, leaving a teasing warmth behind.

"Hmm... Zara," Lilith purred, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, "it’s training time. Let’s go back."

Zara blinked, her thoughts catching up to the present. As Lilith stood and extended a hand toward her, Zara took it instinctively. The warmth of Lilith’s fingers laced through hers, grounding her as they started walking down the narrow mountain path.

With a quiet breath, Zara whispered under her breath, "Sign in."

[Ding! Sign-in successful. Reward is being issued...]

[Sword Mastery: Grants the host enhanced mastery over sword-based weapons.]

[Power Upgrade: The host may select one system-granted spell to enhance in strength.]

Zara’s eyes widened slightly. A strange warmth surged through her limbs—her grip on her sword, her balance, her understanding of its weight and arc—it all felt sharper, instinctual, as if she had practiced for years.

Lilith, walking beside her, suddenly turned and glanced sideways. Her silver eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"...Zara? You’ve been quiet. What are you thinking about?"

Zara looked up, blinking as if pulled from a trance. Her lips curved into a small smile.

"Nothing," she said lightly. But inside, her heart was racing.

’Sword mastery... and I can upgrade a spell too?’

As Zara and Lilith stepped onto the mansion grounds, Zara’s gaze caught sight of a familiar figure.

Nyssa stood near the courtyard fountain, surrounded by six girls who all radiated different kinds of energy—but one thing was clear: they were all powerful. Among them stood Thalia, grinning from ear to ear.

Lilith’s eyes softened at the sight. With her fingers still interlaced with Zara’s, she tugged her gently forward. "Sisters, what brings you all here?" she called out with a light tone.

Thalia leaned toward the shortest girl with bright red hair and whispered excitedly, "That’s her—the girl I was talking about!"

The girl tilted her head, curious, and stepped forward with surprising confidence. Her short frame didn’t take away from the sharp glint in her eyes. She stopped in front of Zara, placed both hands on her hips, and stared up at her like a little general confronting a rival.

Zara blinked, caught off guard by the boldness in the girl’s stance.

Meanwhile, Nyssa watched from the side, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. She made no move to interfere, clearly amused by the encounter.

The small red-haired girl stepped forward with a fierce spark in her eyes. Her hands planted firmly on her hips, she lifted her chin and declared with full confidence:

"Heh! Girl, how dare you take my sister!"

Zara blinked, momentarily stunned by the pint-sized challenger. The girl’s serious expression, puffed-up cheeks, and barely intimidating height made it impossible to take her seriously.

Zara covered her mouth with one hand, her body trembling.

"Pfffttt—" she tried to hold it in, but a burst of laughter escaped.

The red-haired girl’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Huh?! How dare you laugh at me!"

Just then, another girl stepped forward—this one older, with a curvaceous figure, flowing black hair, and eyes dark as midnight. Her every movement exuded a sensual grace.

"Fufufu~ Sister Grace, stop trying to act like a fierce little tiger," she teased, wrapping her arms around the fuming redhead from behind and snuggling into her neck. "You’re far too cute. Just accept it."

Grace’s face contorted in frustration. She tried to push the girl’s face away from her cheek, grumbling, "Rose! How dare you?! I’m the big sister here!"

"Ehhh? But I thought you were my adorable little sister~" Rose teased with a playful pout, refusing to let go.

Zara watched the chaotic interaction unfold with wide eyes, blinking in disbelief at the sheer level of sisterly nonsense.

Lilith sighed beside her, rubbing her temple with a tired look.

"Just so you know," she whispered to Zara, "this is normal around here."

"Get used to it!"

Zara turned, just in time to see Grace pointing at her dramatically—while still running in circles to escape Rose’s clingy embrace.

"I challenge you to a duel!" Grace declared with fiery eyes. "I’m good with a sword, so come on! I heard you learned from Mom!"

"Ahh! Rose, stop! Just stop already!" Grace whined as Rose tried to grab her again.

"But I just want cuddles~" Rose sang, reaching for her like a cat after a ball of yarn.

Zara raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling on her lips. "A sword duel, huh? Alright. Challenge accepted."

Perfect chance to test this Sword Mastery reward, she thought to herself, feeling the subtle hum of new strength coursing through her limbs.

Grace’s eyes sparkled with determination when she heard the answer. "Good! Don’t regret it!"

Without wasting a moment, she dashed toward the nearby open training ground, her short stature doing nothing to dampen her confidence.

"Come on, then! Let’s see what you’ve got!"

Zara took a step toward the training ground, but suddenly felt a gentle tug on her hand.

She turned, puzzled, and found Lilith gazing at her with furrowed brows and a rare hint of concern softening her usually cool expression.

"Be careful," Lilith murmured. "She’s good with a sword, okay?"

A warm smile spread across Zara’s lips. She gave Lilith’s hand a reassuring squeeze and nodded. "Don’t worry, I’ll be fine."

With that, she turned and continued toward the arena where Grace was already waiting, practically vibrating with anticipation.

Not far off, Nyssa settled onto a carved wooden chair placed beneath a sun-dappled tree. Seated beside her was a girl with black hair—clearly related to Rose.

"Are they really going to fight?" the Girl asked with a frown, glancing between Zara and Grace. "Weren’t we here for the Grand Conference meeting?"

Nyssa chuckled softly. "Yeah but dont worry the meeting is tomorrow dear"

On the other side, a girl dressed in an elegant white gown, her hair the same rose-red shade as the others, leaned back casually.

"Clair, why so worried?" she said with a sly smile. "We just scored front-row seats to the Berserker Arena."

Clair turned to her with a sigh, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Lucy, this is just a duel—not some life-or-death brawl."

Lucy smirked. "Maybe not for us. But Grace takes pride in being undefeated. and you know what oath she did and not some ordinary but blood oath,

She’ will go all out."

Nyssa’s lips quirked as her gaze followed Zara. "This should be interesting..."