Two days later, the Colosseum had undergone a dramatic transformation. The sprawling biomes that had defined the earlier rounds were gone, replaced by a single, vast ring. The atmosphere had shifted from the chaos of unpredictable environments to the calculated tension of one-on-one combat.
The remaining 12 participants stood in a line, awaiting their fate. A sense of anticipation was thick in the air. The third round had arrived. It would be the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and endurance: one-on-one combat.
As the headmaster Valdris ascended the platform to address the competitors, the crowd's murmurs quieted, waiting for his announcement.
"Welcome to the third round," Valdris declared. "You have all proven yourselves worthy of this moment, and now the true challenge begins. In this round, there will be no environmental hazards, no distractions. Only you and your opponent."
The competitors exchanged glances, some eager, others wary. Kalem felt the weight of the announcement. His own plans to observe the ruin network had been dashed, and for a moment, a flicker of disappointment crossed his face. He had wanted to study more, to see what else the system could offer, but it seemed that was no longer an option. Still, he had more pressing matters. The fights were about to begin.
With a wave of Valdris' hand, the tournament bracket appeared on a large magical screen, casting a shimmering glow over the arena.
Tournament Bracket: 3rd Round
12 Participants – Divided into 6 Matches
Kalem vs. Lucian Valehart
Lucian Valehart – A swordsman from a noble house known for its rivalry with House Evernwood, Lyra's allies. His goal was simple: weaken Lyra's family influence, using any opportunity he could find. His rivalry with Lyra's family meant he would stop at nothing to discredit those aligned with them.
Nara vs. Seraphina Duskwhisper
Seraphina Duskwhisper – A mage whose alchemical expertise and underground connections made her dangerous. She was a master of poisons and hallucinogens, and she would not hesitate to use those against Nara.
Jhaeros vs. Vorrik the Unbroken
Vorrik the Unbroken – A hulking warrior, known for his brutal strength and unrelenting attacks. Backed by a noble patron who lost heavily betting against Kalem in earlier rounds, Vorrik had no personal grudge but was determined to show that his patron's faith in him wasn't misplaced.
Garrik "The Iron Wall" vs. Velra "The Arcane Storm"
Garrik "The Iron Wall" – A second-year student with an ironclad defense that had made him a formidable opponent. His frustration over Kalem's interference in the previous rounds burned hot, and he was eager to prove himself in this round. Velra "The Arcane Storm" – A noble prodigy with an affinity for lightning magic. Her precise strikes in previous rounds had decimated her opponents. She was quick, agile, and controlled her power with an intensity that made her a deadly adversary.
Dren, The Beastmaster vs. Isolde, The Frost Reaper
Dren, The Beastmaster – A strange and calculating combatant, Dren had never fought alone. His twin shadowpanthers had done most of his work in earlier rounds, overwhelming the competition. What creatures did he still have in his arsenal? Only time would tell. Isolde, The Frost Reaper – A student from the second year, known for her cold magic that could freeze opponents with a mere touch. Her chilling presence alone could make even the bravest competitors hesitate.
Seraphine du Rozaire: The Phantom Duelist vs. Velmar, The Crimson Spear
Seraphine du Rozaire – A tactical genius with a reputation for illusion magic and clever deceptions. Seraphine had fought in previous rounds with calculated precision, but after Kalem's interference, she might have more than just victory on her mind. Velmar, The Crimson Spear – A mercenary with deadly spear skills. Velmar's reputation as a fierce combatant was well-earned, and his noble sponsors would be watching closely as he made his way through this round.
Kalem studied the bracket as it appeared on the magical screen. Each of these names represented a challenge, a test. But Kalem couldn't help but notice that, while the tournament had become more focused, the stakes were higher than ever. He could sense the political pressure building around him, especially with Lucian Valehart standing across from him in the bracket.
"Looks like I'm facing Valehart first," Kalem muttered to himself. His eyes briefly flickered to Lyra, seated with her father in the noble stand. Her gaze was unwavering, but there was a tension in her eyes. She was worried about Lucian, Kalem knew that much. The rivalry between their houses wasn't something easily dismissed.
Nara, standing nearby, seemed unfazed by the bracket. She had already dealt with enough chaos for the day. Seraphina Duskwhisper would be a different kind of challenge, but Nara was ready. She had a fire in her, both figuratively and literally.
Jhaeros, on the other hand, appeared completely indifferent to the matchup against Vorrik. His stoic expression betrayed no hint of concern. With Velka by his side, Jhaeros was more than capable of handling whatever the brutish warrior could throw at him.
As for the rest of the matches, Kalem was curious about Velra and Garrik. Both were seasoned competitors, and he had heard of Velra's control over lightning magic. The two would make for an explosive battle. Similarly, Dren and Isolde had their own unique strengths. Dren's beasts would be an interesting challenge for Isolde's ice magic.
Kalem's mind wandered for a moment, wondering what tricks these competitors had up their sleeves. He knew that the next round would be unlike anything he had seen before.
"You ready for this?" Nara asked, breaking his reverie.
Kalem blinked. "Yeah, I guess I am. But this is more about surviving than winning for me. I don't plan on making the same mistakes I did before."
Nara smirked. "Good. Just keep your head in the game, Kalem."
The signal was given, and the competitors began to prepare. Each one was mentally steeling themselves for the challenge ahead. Some were gathering their equipment, while others were deep in thought, formulating strategies. The air was charged with anticipation, the quiet before the storm.
Lyra's gaze followed Kalem as he stepped toward the arena, a brief flash of concern crossing her face. She knew he had his reasons for everything he did, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was at play here.
As Kalem entered the ring, his heart raced. The next round was about to begin.