Runeterra: Alexander The Eternal

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Xin Zhao entered the arena with calm precision, each step deliberate. The crowd hushed, as if the air itself had thickened, pressing down on every breath.

He selected a long spear from the rack, snapping off its sharp tip in one smooth motion.

'A blunted spear. He's serious.'

"Are you ready, boy?" His voice was steady, almost gentle—but behind it lay the weight of countless battles.

I tightened my grip on the training sword, feeling the rough wood against my palm.

"Yes."

The word had barely left my mouth before Xin Zhao moved.

A devastating arc sliced through the air, the spear descending with enough force to shake the ground beneath us.

BOOM.

Dust exploded around me. When it settled, I stood unharmed, having dodged at the last possible second.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"To dodged that attack with such precision!"

Xin Zhao straightened, his gaze sharp and calculating.

HISS.

Before I could process his words, a sharp sting flared across my shoulder. I glanced down—a shallow cut. He had struck faster than my eyes could follow.

'This guy isn't holding back,' I muttered, shifting my stance.

"Good dodge," Xin Zhao commented, his eyes assessing.

"You don't think you're overdoing—"

HISS.

Another thrust. This time, I saw it—a flicker, a blur. I twisted just in time, the spear grazing my cheek.

'This body is too weak for a fight like this.'

"You have potential," Xin Zhao said, a hint of approval in his voice. "I suspected as much, but now I'm certain. Your body is far stronger than it should be."

Excitement surged within me.

'Underestimating me, huh? I get it—I'm just a child to you.'

A grin spread across my face as I switched the sword to my other hand.

The world slowed.

HISS.

Another thrust, faster, deadlier. I stepped forward, sharp eyes locking onto the attack. The spear nicked my cheek again, but I was inside his guard now.

Xin Zhao's expression shifted—pleased, but unyielding. With a powerful sweep, he redirected the spear, sending me rolling across the arena.

I barely had time to recover before the next strike came, a brutal overhead swing.

BOOM.

I threw myself aside, my body screaming in protest. The spear struck where I had just been, leaving a crater in the sand.

My breath came in ragged gasps. 'Damn it.'

Everything around me faded, but my mind was clear—sharp, focused.

I stood, shaking the dust from my clothes, and exhaled slowly.

Xin Zhao tilted his head, intrigued. "What are you, boy?"

From the royal balcony, Jarvan III watched with a gleam of interest in his eyes.

"This boy is impressive," he murmured. "I can't allow another nation to take him. He must be loyal to Demacia at all costs." His fist clenched with resolve.

Xin Zhao shifted his stance, preparing for another strike.

I mirrored him, tightening my grip on the sword.

The next thrust was blinding—faster than anything before.

ZING.

I raised my sword at the last moment. The rough scrape of wood echoed in my ears as I deflected the blow, the force numbing my arm.

Blood trickled down my face, mixing with sweat. My weapon was compromised, splintered and fragile.

A grin stretched across my face despite the pain.

"Another failure," I muttered, feeling a strange exhilaration take hold. "Excellent."

For a brief moment, the air around me seemed to distort, the intensity palpable. The crowd sensed it too—a shift, a presence radiating from within.

Xin Zhao's eyes narrowed. "I first intended to test your honor by giving you an opening," he said, his smile turning dangerous. "Let's see how far you can go."

The spear moved like lightning.

In a heartbeat, I adjusted. The spear slid under my arm, missing by a hair's breadth.

'A breach.'

Seizing the moment, I lunged, anchoring my sword around the shaft of his spear. My body surged with strength for a fleeting instant.

"Boy!" Xin Zhao barked, retracting his weapon in a desperate defense.

SLASH-CRACK.

The arena fell silent.

We stood back-to-back, motionless.

I glanced down at the remains of my weapon—only the hilt remained, trembling in my hand from the exertion.

Xin Zhao's cheek bore a thin cut, mirroring the one on mine.

Our eyes met, only I breathed heavily.

"I'll need days to recover," I muttered, my voice hoarse. "Damn you."

My body screamed for rest, every muscle on the verge of collapse. 'Insolent weak body. If I push any further, I'll pass out.'

Xin Zhao chuckled, tossing his weapon aside. "You're something special, boy. Even our eleven-year-old recruits don't have your strength—much less that level of technique. This isn't just talent."

The tension shattered as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

"Incredible!"

"I've never seen anything like it!"

"The pride of Edessa!"

The noise was deafening, the excitement infectious.

Jarvan IV's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Did you see how he moved?"

"Yes, my son," the king replied, chuckling. "He will be a great ally someday. Treat him with respect."

Xin Zhao approached Jarvan III. "My king, the boy has courage, and his potential is undeniable. With proper training, he will be a formidable warrior."

Jarvan III nodded. "Tradition dictates a sword as the prize, but this boy deserves more. Let's hear what he desires."

"An honor, truly," I said, catching my breath. "But I need money more than training right now."

"That can be arranged," the king said promptly. "It'll also be granted a stipend and quarters in the Knight's Suite. Your performance will determine your rank, and upon reaching adulthood, you'll be promoted accordingly."

'He surely took his time to think.'

"What do you think, prodigy?"

"Grateful. Excellent terms."

'Promoted, huh? Can't wait to see his face when he has to keep that promise.'

"Then it's settled. Alexander will train under Xin Zhao until adulthood," Jarvan III declared, handing me a golden, intricately detailed sword. "Come to the capital when you're ready. We'll have much to discuss."

As they departed, I studied the sword.

"Flashy," I whispered. 'How much could I get for this?'

Xin Zhao clapped a hand on my shoulder. "You're something special, boy. I look forward to seeing what you'll become." He tossed me a gold coin before leaving.

'Simple.' Warriors like him are easier to deal with.

I smirked, tucking the coin away.

The great city of Demacia. Time to put the second part of my plan into motion: money. Lots of it.

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