Chapter 17 – The Challenger
Aria's public exposure of the infiltrators strengthened her authority.
The recruits respected her more.
The division became more unified.
But power…
Always attracts opposition.
---
A Public Challenge
Three days after the infiltration incident —
Aria was supervising advanced combat training in the northern grounds.
Hundreds of soldiers watched her demonstrate tactical formations.
Suddenly —
A male warrior stepped forward from the crowd.
He was tall.
Armored.
And carried a heavy spear embedded with battle runes.
His name was Roland.
He had joined the division early — before it expanded.
He had earned respect through battlefield performance.
Roland raised his voice.
"Commander Aria!"
The training ground fell silent.
She turned toward him calmly.
"What is it?"
He stepped forward boldly.
"I challenge your leadership."
Gasps spread across the recruits.
Selene, who was observing from a distance, narrowed her eyes.
Audrey's expression shifted slightly as he sensed rising tension.
---
The Challenge
Roland continued firmly.
"You formed this division quickly."
"You made strategic decisions."
"But authority should be earned through strength and consensus — not appointment."
He pointed his spear toward her.
"I believe I am qualified to lead."
Murmurs erupted among soldiers.
Some supported him quietly.
Others looked shocked.
Aria stared at him — unbothered.
"On what basis?"
Roland answered:
"I led multiple successful defense operations before you arrived."
"I trained alongside these soldiers."
"I understand their capabilities better than outsiders."
His eyes hardened.
"If you defeat me publicly…"
"I will accept your command without question."
"But if I win…"
"You step down."
The battlefield atmosphere turned heavy.
---
Internal Pressure
Selene whispered to Audrey.
"This is intentional."
"They want to create division by forcing her to prove dominance."
Audrey nodded.
"It's psychological warfare."
"If she refuses…"
"People will doubt her authority."
"If she accepts…"
"They test her power."
Aria stepped forward calmly.
She looked directly at Roland.
"You think leadership is decided by combat alone?"
Roland replied:
"In wartime?"
"Yes."
She smiled faintly.
"Then let's test your belief."
---
The Duel Begins
The soldiers formed a large circle around them.
A referee activated a protective barrier.
Rules were announced:
- No lethal strikes
- No external assistance
- Victory by surrender or incapacitation
Roland immediately activated his spear technique.
His body surged with reinforced mana.
He charged forward aggressively.
His attacks were powerful and direct.
Aria dodged smoothly — analyzing his rhythm.
She spoke calmly mid-battle.
"You rely on strength."
He replied while attacking:
"And you rely on authority."
Their weapons collided repeatedly.
Sparks exploded across the training field.
Roland attempted a surprise burst attack — channeling mana into a single explosive thrust.
Aria predicted it.
She rotated her body slightly —
Redirected the spear —
And used his momentum against him.
BOOM!
Roland crashed into the ground violently.
Dust filled the arena.
---
Unexpected Turn
Roland stood again.
Blood trickled from his forehead.
He refused to surrender.
"You're strong…"
"But strength alone doesn't justify command!"
He activated a forbidden technique secretly implanted by unknown sponsors.
His aura expanded dramatically.
The ground cracked.
Soldiers gasped.
"That technique… it's enhanced artificially!"
Selene's eyes widened.
"He was empowered before the duel…"
Audrey's gaze sharpened.
"Shadow influence."
Roland rushed forward again — faster and more dangerous.
---
Aria's Final Response
Aria closed her eyes briefly.
She adjusted her stance.
Then —
She activated her full combat state.
Golden-red energy erupted around her.
Her speed surpassed Roland instantly.
She appeared behind him.
Whispered:
"Leadership isn't about overpowering soldiers."
"It's about protecting them."
She struck precisely at the energy core behind his armor.
The artificial enhancement collapsed.
Roland fell to one knee.
Then fully collapsed.
The referee raised his hand.
"Winner — Aria."
Silence followed.
---
Aftermath
Aria stood before the soldiers.
She did not humiliate Roland.
She spoke clearly:
"I welcome disagreement."
"But challenge me directly — not through manipulation."
She extended her hand.
Roland hesitated.
Then slowly accepted it.
"I acknowledge your strength…"
He admitted publicly.
The soldiers witnessed humility — not tyranny.
Her authority strengthened.
---
Hidden Observation
Far away — in a shadow observation tower —
The Shadow leader watched the duel through surveillance magic.
He smiled.
"Good."
"She handled internal rebellion properly."
He turned to his subordinate.
"Next plan."
"Target emotional weakness instead of authority."
"Attack someone she cares about."
The war had shifted again.
And now…
It would become personal.
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🔥 End of Chapter 17
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