The announcer's voice echoed across the arena:
"Riven Stormbane versus… Alaric Duskwn!"
Cheers filled the coliseum, but in the stands, the atmosphere among the captains was still tense.
Garrick's expression twisted in disbelief. "That's not a student… that's a monster. Should we really be letting someone like him become a Sword Mage?"
The Head Captain leaned back in his seat, calm as ever. "All's well that ends well."
Back at the waiting area, Arthur patted Riven's shoulder. "Good luck out there."
Leo smirked and cracked his knuckles. "If you lose… I'll kill you myself."
Riven chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. That's not gonna happen."
Arthur stepped closer, his tone serious. "Be careful. Something's off about them."
Riven flashed a calm smile. "You worry too much." Then, without looking back, he walked toward the battlefield.
---
In the Arena…
Riven stood alone, his blade at his side, the wind gently stirring around him.
His opponent appeared from the opposite gate — brown hair, sharp eyes, calm stride. Alaric Duskwn.
The ref raised his hand. "Begin!"
Immediately, the two backed away, gauging each other.
Riven held his blade forward. "Storm… Arashiha."
A powerful gust of wind burst from his blade, swirling around him like a mini-cyclone.
Alaric's eyes narrowed. "Grind… Yamigane."
His blade turned jet black, covered in a strange, dark earth-like ore that pulsed with energy.
Riven smirked. "So… Velundria really does use unique magic."
Alaric lunged first, slicing down — but his blade didn't even reach. The storm surrounding Riven deflected the attack and pushed him back.
"It acts as a barrier," Riven explained. "Good for defense."
He dashed forward, striking upward — but Alaric coated his blade with black earth, blocking it. He quickly retreated with a grin.
"If it's just defense… then I'll destroy it."
He slammed his hand into the ground.
"Earth Magic: Drill Bill!"
The earth behind him twisted and spun into massive, earthen drills. They launched forward like missiles.
But Riven didn't flinch.
SLASH!
The drills were cut in half by a single wave of wind. Riven calmly sheathed his blade and began walking forward, slow and steady.
"You're cocky," Alaric growled. "Let's see if you can keep that up!"
He summoned more drills. Again and again.
SLASH. SLASH. SLASH.
Each one cut down effortlessly.
Then Alaric lunged again. "I'm not done yet!"
Riven's hand bled from catching the blade.
"You… why are you smiling?!" Alaric snapped.
Riven whispered as he raised his palm, wind forming in his hand.
"A steel blade… can be caught."
"But a wind blade—"
He grinned. "—can't."
A massive wind burst exploded from his palm, launching Alaric into the air. Countless slashes of wind followed, slicing across his body like dancing blades.
Alaric crashed to the ground, battered and barely conscious.
Silence.
Even the ref took a moment to catch his breath before finally shouting:
"The winner is—Riven Stormbane!!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Riven turned and walked back to his team, his steps calm, his expression peaceful.
Arthur welcomed him with a proud smile. "You've finally become one with the wind."
Riven smirked. "I am the wind."
The group burst out laughing.
But Arthur's smile faded as he glanced down at Alaric's motionless body… and then up at the Velundria Head Captain — who was still smiling… still watching.
"Just what is he planning?" Arthur thought. "Or… am I just overthinking this?"
The ref's voice rang out again.
"A short break will now be held before the next match lineup."
Everyone began clearing out. The nobles stood and quietly made their way toward a private chamber.
---
The Noble Meeting Room
A long, elegant table. Velvet chairs. Nobles from both kingdoms sat, sipping fine tea.
Magnus Ironheart leaned back with a grin. "Our kids really made us proud."
Draven nodded. "Flawless victories. I'm proud of them all."
Vaelric chuckled. "Some are yet to fight, but I doubt the outcome will change."
Drake added, "They're Sword Mages for a reason."
Then Magnus turned toward Aldric, tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well… maybe some of them are Sword Mages. One of them's a fallen noble, right?"
Aldric didn't respond.
Vaelric sighed. "Come on, Magnus. Not now."
Draven added, "Yeah. We're here to support our kids, not start a fight."
Magnus scoffed. "I'm just saying what you're all thinking. Arthur brought shame to the noble realm. Honestly… he should've stayed in his little coma ins—"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Aldric's aura exploded. Cold. Dangerous. Bloodlust surged through the room.
Magnus stood and released his own aura. The floor cracked. Glass shattered.
"Wanna settle this now?" he growled.
Vaelric stepped between them. "Enough! What will the children think if they see us fighting like this — especially in front of Velundria?"
The two nobles calmed down.
Suddenly, the ref's voice echoed once again:
"The next match begins!"
The meeting ended. The nobles returned to their seats.
As Aldric walked past, his eyes met Arthur's.
Arthur clenched his fists. "What happened in there…?"
Aldric turned away.
Arthur rejoined the others, trying to shake off the strange feeling.
---
Arena: Felix vs. Veylor Drakmir
In the stands, Felix stretched his arms and took a deep breath.
Ronan approached him with a grin. "I won my match. So… don't let me down."
Arthur added, "I'm looking forward to whatever technique you cooked up this week."
Felix shrugged. "Didn't really invent anything new… but I'm not losing."
Leo crossed his arms. "Then prove it."
Riven simply gave a nod. "Good luck."
Felix walked down toward the arena.
Waiting for him — a dark-haired boy with a cocky smile.
"Begin!" the ref announced.
Up in the stands, Arthur turned again to look at the Velundria Head Captain.
The man smiled and waved at him like they were old friends.
Arthur narrowed his eyes and looked away.
Hyorinmaru's voice echoed in his head.
"Don't let him get into your head. Be patient… and let the story unfold."
Arthur exhaled slowly, watching as Felix stepped forward and drew his blade.
The battle… was just beginning.
And something was coming.
Something big.