Chapter 7: Rise of the Young Monarch
The air in the arena was thick with tension as another match was about to begin. The previous battle between Elton and Cedric had already left the audience in awe, but no one expected what was about to happen next.
Two fighters stepped onto the stage.
One was a Silver-Tier 2 expert, a young but accomplished warrior named Gale Rensworth. He had performed well in his previous fights and was considered a strong contender. His sword skills were sharp, and his movements were precise—many believed he could have been on Cedric's level if given the right circumstances.
His opponent?
A calm and composed youth who had flown under the radar for most of the tournament. He had won his matches effortlessly but never showed anything extraordinary. But today, as he stood before Gale, his aura felt completely different.
His name?
Hunter H. Helmsley.
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"I thought this guy was just another Silver-Tier 2?"
"Yeah, but something feels… off."
Hunter stood tall, his long dark blue coat flowing behind him. His piercing golden eyes scanned Gale like a predator evaluating its prey.
Gale narrowed his eyes. "I've heard your name before, but this is where your luck ends." He gripped his sword tightly, activating his Ki Essence. "I'll show you why."
Hunter sighed. "Luck?" His lips curled into a smirk. "You misunderstand something very important."
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
Gale wasted no time, dashing forward with a Silver-Tier 2 Ki-infused strike. His sword gleamed with power, aiming straight for Hunter's chest.
Then—
BANG!
A shockwave blasted through the arena as Gale's sword stopped inches from Hunter's face, blocked by two fingers.
The audience gasped.
"What—?!" Gale's eyes widened in shock.
Hunter's smirk deepened. "You're not worthy of even making me draw my weapon."
Then—
BOOM!
A massive surge of Silver-Tier 3 energy exploded from Hunter's body, sending Gale flying backward.
He barely had time to react before—
CRACK!
Hunter moved faster than the eye could see, appearing behind him and slamming his fist into Gale's gut. The force sent Gale soaring into the air before crashing back onto the stone stage, coughing up blood.
The crowd fell silent.
Zoro smirked, arms crossed. "Now that is interesting."
Christy, her usual cheerful smile still present, observed with sharp focus. "That power… He's close to Silver-Tier 4."
Gale struggled to stand, his legs shaking. "T-This isn't over!" He gritted his teeth, forcing his Ki to rise. He charged again, swinging wildly.
Hunter simply tilted his head. "I warned you."
He stepped forward—
CRACK!
A single palm strike to Gale's chest.
Gale's entire body froze. Then—
BOOM!
The impact sent him flying out of the ring, slamming into the arena wall so hard that cracks spread across it.
The battle was over.
Silence.
Then—
An eruption of cheers, whispers, and disbelief.
"That was—unbelievable!"
"He wasn't even serious!"
"He's way stronger than Cedric!"
Hunter turned away from his fallen opponent and finally spoke in a commanding voice that silenced the entire arena.
"I am Hunter H. Helmsley, Fourth Prince of the fallen Brawlmanica Kingdom." His gaze swept across the crowd. "The blood of the Great King Helmsley flows in my veins, and I will see my family's name rise once more."
His declaration sent shockwaves through the audience.
A lost royal? The son of a fallen king?
Zoro's smirk never faded. "This tournament just got a lot more fun."
The Final Eight
After a few more battles, the tournament had finally narrowed down to eight undefeated fighters.
Among them—
Elton Solman
Zoro Tatsumaki
Christy Hucklebare
Hunter H. Helmsley
Cedric Vanthor
Three other powerful Silver-Tier warriors
These eight were the last ones standing.
Many competitors and spectators alike were making bets on who would face who. Some whispered about how Elton and Hunter would clash, others speculated about Zoro's shadow magic against Christy's unique eyes.
The tension in the air was thick.
But just as the anticipation reached its peak—
A voice boomed across the stadium.
"That's enough."
From above the arena, a powerful figure descended—a Gold-Tier 3 Elder of the Bright Blade Sub-Sect.
His very presence commanded respect as he floated above them, his piercing eyes scanning the final eight.
"I have seen all I need to see," he announced. "There is no need for further battles."
A wave of shock spread through the crowd.
"No more fights?!"
"But we haven't seen the final matchups!"
The Elder ignored the protests and raised his hand, summoning a glowing scroll. "I will now call the names of those who have earned the opportunity to be evaluated for entry into the Bright Blade Sub-Sect."
The list was read.
As expected, the final eight were all chosen.
But what surprised everyone—only 12 Silver-Tiers made the cut out of 23.
Even more shocking—several Bronze-Tier 5 warriors had been chosen.
Christy Hucklebare received the most favor, as her abilities and talent were extraordinary.
Hunter Helmsley was treated as a VIP due to his royal lineage and overwhelming strength.
Zoro Tatsumaki, Elton Solman, and Cedric Vanthor followed closely behind, gaining special treatment for their power and skill.
One other Silver-Tier fighter stood on their level.
The rest of the Silver-Tiers were given moderate treatment.
Most of the chosen Bronze-Tier fighters were treated as afterthoughts—except one.
A single Bronze-Tier 5 warrior stood out.
Unlike the others, he had defeated a Silver-Tier 1 opponent in a brutal battle.
Because of this, he was given the same level of treatment as Elton, Cedric, and Zoro.
As the selections were finalized, the remaining contestants either celebrated or accepted defeat.
Some Silver-Tiers who had not been chosen clenched their fists in frustration, knowing they had missed a golden opportunity.
But among those selected, tensions rose.
Now that they knew who their potential rivals would be within the sub-sect, many of the chosen warriors eyed each other carefully.
Hunter smirked, locking eyes with Elton. "You're strong. But you're not the only one with something to prove."
Elton remained calm but felt a shift in the atmosphere.
Christy smiled, resting her hands behind her head. "Well, this is going to be fun."
Zoro simply closed his eyes, a small grin on his face. "Let's see who breaks first."
As the crowd dispersed, and the chosen fighters were taken to the next phase of their journey—
One thing became clear.
This wasn't just about joining the Bright Blade Sub-Sect.
This was the first step toward carving their names into history.