The air in the grand hall grew tense as the next match was announced.
"Riven Stormbane vs. Kaelius Valeheart. Step forward."
Arthur's eyes sharpened as he heard the names.
Two strong opponents. One from a prestigious noble family, the other from the Veil District, known for producing warriors who thrived in hardship.
Hyorinmaru let out an exaggerated sigh. "Why would they put two boring people against each other? What were they expecting?"
Arthur turned to him with an unimpressed look.
Hyorinmaru smirked. "What? You wanna say something?"
Arthur held his tongue, knowing better than to argue with his blade.
Down in the arena, Kaelius broke the silence.
"We're both strong. So let's not hold back." His lips curled into a grin. "As a sign of respect, I'll defeat you at full strength."
Riven remained silent.
Kaelius raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Nothing to say? Do you think that attitude will make you win?"
Still, Riven said nothing.
Then, he exhaled and finally spoke.
"Storm… Arashiha."
A violent gust erupted around him. The wind howled as his blade materialized—a sleek, curved sword crackling with untamed gales.
Kaelius smirked. "Hah, playing the cool guy, huh? Alright, let's make this fun."
He raised his hands.
"Reflect… Utsushikagami."
The air shimmered as glass-like mirrors formed around him , floating like silent sentinels an and a dagger emerged. His violet eyes gleamed with a twisted delight.
He ran his tongue along the edge of his dagger. "I'm going to have fun cutting you up."
But before he could say another word—
WHOOSH—
Riven vanished.
Kaelius barely dodged in time as a gust of wind carried Riven at blinding speed. The tip of his blade grazed Kaelius's cheek, drawing a thin line of blood.
Kaelius touched his wound, then grinned.
He licked the blood off his fingers, his mana flaring violently.
His once-amused expression darkened into something menacing. His eyes gleamed with a sinister purple glow, and a heavy, murderous aura filled the arena.
Arthur felt a chill crawl up his spine.
"Isn't he taking this too far for a trial?" he muttered.
Kaelius raised his hand.
"Mirror Magic… Reflect Refrain!"
Countless mirrors materialized in the air.
BZZZZT!
A barrage of lasers shot toward Riven.
He twisted his body, dodging the beams with swift, precise movements. The light scorched the floor where he had been just moments ago.
Kaelius grinned. "You're quick, I'll give you that."
A mirror appeared behind Riven.
—NOW!
The second he landed, a beam shot toward his back.
Riven reacted instantly.
"Wind Magic… Wind Arrow!"
A glowing arrow formed above him.
WHOOSH—
Kaelius barely dodged, but the distraction was all Riven needed.
He dashed forward.
SLASH!
Another cut appeared on Kaelius's cheek.
Kaelius staggered back, touching the wound.
Then—he laughed.
"Nice cut."
Arthur clenched his fists. "This guy… he's enjoying this too much."
Kaelius's expression twisted.
His mirrors multiplied.
He dashed forward, blade flashing.
Steel clashed against steel.
Kaelius attacked from different angles, using his mirrors to reposition himself mid-strike. Riven countered every move, flowing like the wind itself.
Then—
Kaelius grabbed Riven's wrist, twisting it.
Riven grimaced.
Kaelius smirked. "Got you—"
BAM!
Riven drove his knee into Kaelius's stomach.
Kaelius gasped, releasing his grip.
Riven spun, using the momentum to send Kaelius skidding back.
They clashed again—steel against steel. Sparks flew with every collision.
Then—
Kaelius's dagger was knocked from his hand.
Riven's sword was sent flying.
For a brief moment, both stood weaponless.
Then they lunged.
Fists met fists.
Kaelius threw a punch—Riven blocked.
Riven countered—Kaelius dodged.
Their movements were raw, precise, and relentless.
Kaelius grabbed Riven's arm, twisting it again.
But Riven moved with it.
Using his momentum, he sent Kaelius stumbling.
Then, he pressed his palm against Kaelius's chest.
"Wind Magic… Gale Palm!"
A shockwave of wind exploded from his hand.
Kaelius was sent flying.
Midair, he whispered—
"Mirror Magic… Transparency."
His body disappeared.
Arthur's eyes widened. "He vanished?!"
Riven landed, blade in hand.
Kaelius's voice echoed around him.
"What's wrong? Can't see me?"
Then—
SLASH!
A shallow cut appeared on Riven's face.
Kaelius laughed. "You're helpless without your eyes!"
Riven didn't move.
He closed his eyes.
Kaelius smirked. "Giving up already?"
He rushed forward for the finishing blow.
Then—
CLANG!
Kaelius's dagger was blocked mid-strike.
His eyes widened.
"H-How—?!"
Riven opened his eyes, smiling.
"There you are."
Kaelius growled. "Don't get cocky!"
He attacked again—faster, more aggressive.
But Riven deflected every strike.
Kaelius's frustration grew. "Damn you!"
Riven exhaled.
"Wind Magic… Air Bullet."
A barrage of wind bullets struck Kaelius at point-blank range.
He was blasted out of the arena.
His invisibility wore off—his body becoming visible again as he crashed to the ground.
The crowd went silent.
Kaelius struggled to his feet.
"H-How?!" he gasped.
Riven sheathed his blade. "The wind told me where you were, I created a force field made of wind so as to ascertain where you attack from. You were blinded by your rage. You didn't even notice."
Garrick stood.
"Winner: Riven Stormbane."
Riven turned and walked back to the crowd.
Arthur watched him go.
"He's strong," Arthur muttered.
The air was still tense.
Then—
"Next match!" Garrick announced.
"Callista Vortigen vs. Orion Lysander!"