Danial and Crystal lingered on the rooftop, watching as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and purple. The faint hum of the city reached them, blending with the tranquil ambiance of the evening. Both were silent, savoring the fleeting moment of peace before the chaos that awaited them in the arena.Crystal broke the silence first, brushing her hair behind her ear as she smiled faintly. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”Danial nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yeah. It’s moments like these that make you forget the craziness of this world… even if just for a little while.”Crystal’s smile widened. “You’re right. But we should get going. The arena’s waiting.”Danial returned the nod, and together, they made their way downstairs. The air in the corridors felt cooler, the distant hum of activity from the arena growing louder with every step.As they turned a corner, Crystal suddenly paused. Her expression shifted as her eyes landed on a familiar figur
Danial and Crystal stood firm as Taoist Hao's disciples surrounded them. Taoist Hao, with his ever-present arrogant smile, stepped forward. "I hope you are enjoying yourself, Danial," he said, his tone both polite and condescending.Danial frowned slightly but forced a neutral expression. "I am, Taoist Hao. I wonder, though, what brings you here?"Taoist Hao adjusted his robes as though his presence alone demanded reverence. "Of course, I am here to witness the tournament," he began, pausing dramatically before adding, "but I have another motive."Raising his chin, he continued with exaggerated self-importance. "I have observed your abilities and potential. You are a remarkable talent, one worthy of greater cultivation. Thus, I seek to recruit you into the Temple of Lumina. If you join us, I will personally ensure that you reach the Master level of cultivation within ten years."The tone of his voice, laden with arrogance, grated on Danial's nerves. Taoist Hao didn’t even wait for Dan
Taoist Hao’s expression darkened as Marvin’s calm yet cutting words echoed through the corridor. "Marvin, why are you protecting Danial? This is a matter of pride and reputation!" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.Marvin’s demeanor remained steady, his voice calm yet sharp enough to cut through the tension. "Is that so, Hao? Forgive my old-fashioned ways, but attacking someone with a far lower cultivation level than yours? Do you call that pride? I call it arrogance."Taoist Hao’s face tightened, his frustration evident. "That is because he attacked one of my disciples! I was merely returning the favor."Marvin’s faint smile faded as his gaze bore into Taoist Hao. "Fair, you say? Your disciple charged at Danial first, unprovoked. As far as I can see, Danial defended himself. That seems fair to me." His tone grew heavier as he added, "Watch your limits, Hao."Hao gritted his teeth, trying to suppress his irritation. "Why are you so invested in this boy? Don’t you have other
The match began with the announcer’s enthusiastic cry. The boy, mustering every ounce of courage, charged toward the cloaked figure with a loud yell. His staff spun with surprising speed as he aimed a decisive strike at his opponent.What happened next stunned the entire stadium.The cloaked figure didn’t move—didn’t even flinch. As the boy’s staff came within inches of his chest, the air around the cloaked figure rippled unnaturally. A black, smoky aura surged outward, halting the staff mid-strike. The boy’s expression twisted in shock as he struggled to push forward, but it was as if an invisible wall held him back.Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, a mix of awe and unease.Then, with a flick of his wrist, the cloaked figure sent the boy flying backward. The impact was brutal, and the boy tumbled across the stage before coming to a painful halt. Groans of sympathy echoed through the crowd.The cloaked figure took a single step forward, and the temperature in the arena see
The mocking expression on Santigo’s face deepened as he stepped closer to Kuro, the arrogance in his posture almost tangible. Kuro, fists clenched, met his gaze with barely restrained fury."I see you’re faring well," Santigo drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "After all, you seem to think these… people can offer you more than what the Hale family could provide."Kuro's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "You have no right to dictate who I choose as my friends or where I belong."Santigo smirked, his expression growing even more condescending. "Ah, perhaps. Maybe when you were still a part of the Hale family—when you basked in the patriarch’s favor The Golden child,—I wouldn’t have dared to tell you anything," he said mockingly. He stomped his foot onto the ground, a sharp thud that seemed to echo louder than it should. "But now? Now you’re nothing more than a bug on the street, Kuro. And a single stomp from me is enough to crush you."Before Kuro could respond, Crystal st
Santigo stormed away, one hand pressed against his cheek, his eyes blazing with anger. The sting of the slap wasn’t just physical—it was a burning humiliation that clawed at his pride.“This slap,” he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with rage. “This humiliation in public… I will never forget this, and I will never forgive her.”As he stomped through the dimly lit streets, his mind spiraling with revenge, his path was suddenly blocked by a group of shadowy figures. Santigo froze, his bravado momentarily replaced by caution.The tallest of the group stepped forward, his face obscured by a hood. The streetlamp behind him cast his figure in an eerie silhouette. Santigo hesitated, his voice laced with uncertainty. “Who are you? And what do you want from me?”Two of the figures flanking the hooded one stepped closer, revealing themselves as Leo and Diego from Emsgate. Santigo had heard whispers about them—dangerous whispers. He swallowed hard.The hooded figure tilted his hea
Crystal stood silently on the sidewalk, her gaze lingering on Danial as he followed Sophie into the distance. She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a faint smile. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.“Bring the car,” she said softly before ending the call.A few moments later, a sleek black sedan glided through the quiet street. The vehicle came to a smooth halt beside her, and an elderly butler stepped out, bowing respectfully before opening the door.“Miss Crystal,” he greeted, his voice warm yet formal.Crystal stepped into the car, and the door closed with a gentle thud.As the car pulled away, the night’s events played through her mind. Her lips quirked again as she thought of Danial’s frantic attempt to appease his mother and Sophie’s witty jabs.The butler, whose name was Harold, had been serving the Kirk family for decades. Rowan Kirk, Crystal’s father, trusted Harold implicitly, and he was more than just an employee—he was a sil
The figure loomed in the dimly lit chamber, his black robe swaying unnaturally as if moved by an invisible wind. The strange star symbol etched on his chest seemed to pulse with dark energy, radiating an unsettling aura that filled the room. Maria and Nina exchanged a tense glance, their bodies taut with anticipation. Maria's fingers moved subtly, forming precise gestures that Nina immediately understood: Secure the evidence. No mistakes.Nina nodded slightly, sliding the gathered documents and camera into her satchel. Her movements were swift but deliberate, ensuring nothing would be left behind.The figure’s voice was a guttural growl, each word dripping with menace. “How did you find this place?” he demanded.Maria’s expression remained calm, her tone steady. “We have our ways.”The figure chuckled darkly. “Since you came here on your own accord, you will stay here for the rest of your lives.” His gaze shifted, his eyes roaming over Maria and Nina with a lecherous gleam. “You will
Egbert stood up while clenching his blade, his entire body trembling. His eyes, wide with disbelief, locked onto Danial as his voice cracked with confusion."How can this be? How could this ever be possible?" he muttered, his face twisted in shock. He staggered back, gripping his sword so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "How could your basic technique be so powerful? How could your technique overpower my divine Crimson Reaper Arts? That is not possible. You must have cheated!"Egbert could not accept reality. His technique was not just some ordinary martial skill; it was crafted by Norman Ray, a war deity of immense power and wisdom. The Crimson Reaper Arts were revered as one of the strongest sword techniques, refined through generations, yet Danial’s seemingly simple Sword Drawing Technique had shattered it, breaking through his proudest ability as if it were nothing. It defied all logic. It was unacceptable.Egbert's voice echoed through the now-silent hall, but no one came
The battle hall was filled with murmurs and hushed voices as Danial and Egbert stepped onto the duel arena. The place still carried traces of previous battles, the floor marked with faint scars from past clashes, including Danial’s fight with Sara. But today, the tension in the air was different—more electric, more charged.Egbert’s arrogance was on full display as he sneered, his voice laced with mockery. “Kid, I’m taking pity on you for what’s about to happen. Maybe if you kneel and crawl, I’ll let you live.”Danial met his gaze calmly and replied, “No.”The single word was enough to darken Egbert’s face. His jaw clenched as his pride took a hit. “Danial, I’m giving you a way out. Once in the duel arena, I won’t let you off even if you kneel and beg for mercy.”Danial tilted his head slightly, unfazed. “Are we going to fight or not?”Egbert’s eyes twitched in annoyance before he shrugged as if he had already won. “Alright, I hope you remember what I said.”Both climbed onto the duel
Danial sat in the audience, watching the ongoing matches with mild interest. At first, he paid attention, analyzing the techniques used by different fighters, but after a while, he grew bored. The matches were too predictable, lacking the intensity of the battles he had been in. He tapped his fingers on the armrest, wondering when his final match would come.Crystal, who had been sitting beside him, noticed his bored expression. She smirked and leaned closer. “Danial, let’s go walk around the academy.”Danial glanced at her and considered it for a moment. Sitting here and watching these mundane fights wasn’t going to help him. He nodded. “Alright, might as well.”As they stood up and left the arena, they remained unaware of the shadow lurking in the distance, silently watching their every move.The academy grounds had transformed into a lively hub. Stalls lined the pathways, selling everything from cultivation manuals to exotic snacks. There were booths set up for visitors and student
Crystal descended into the rocky arena, her icy-blue eyes scanning the terrain. The environment was filled with jagged hills, uneven terrain, and rocky outcroppings—an arena that would test movement and adaptability. Danial leaned against the railing, watching her with a small smile, fully confident in her victory.Just as the match was about to begin, Leonard approached from behind, patting Danial’s shoulder with a smug grin."Danial, did you see my match just now? The tricks I used had him completely baffled—haha!"Danial turned to look at him, blinking. "That was your match?"Leonard’s face fell. The excitement in his eyes flickered. "Yeah… you didn’t see it?"Danial quickly realized his mistake and tried to salvage the situation. "Leonard, I didn’t know your match was happening. I’m sorry."Leonard forced a smile, waving it off. "Alright, no worries." He turned and walked away, but as he did, the forced smile gradually faded.Danial sighed, feeling a little guilty, but his attenti
As the tournament progressed, the excitement in the air reached its peak. The crowd roared in anticipation as each match brought forth new surprises, showcasing the sheer talent and determination of the academy's young warriors. Danial sat with Crystal, both observing the ongoing battles with quiet interest.Crystal turned to him and asked, "You already won two matches. This guarantees your spot in the Final Stage tomorrow. Who do you think your final opponent will be?"Danial shrugged, his expression calm. "I don't know," he replied simply.Just as he finished speaking, movement from the side caught his attention. Pavan had returned from the infirmary, his head and shoulders wrapped in fresh bandages. His steps were steady, but the slight wince as he moved revealed that his injuries hadn’t fully healed.Danial immediately got up and walked over to him, his brows furrowed in concern. "Why are you out of the infirmary? Your body needs rest."Pavan groaned, waving his hand dismissively.
Tyler staggered slightly as he stepped down from the arena, his legs trembling, his face pale. The match had been brief—too brief—but the experience had left a lasting impression on him. No, it wasn’t just the match itself; it was the gaze. That chilling, soul-crushing gaze that had locked onto him as if stripping away every ounce of his being. It was unlike anything he had ever faced before.His master approached, his eyes filled with concern as he placed a firm hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”Tyler did not answer immediately. He walked in silence, each step feeling heavier than the last. His master was about to repeat the question when Tyler finally spoke, his voice hollow.“I want to withdraw from the tournament.”The words were so unexpected that his master was momentarily stunned. Tyler was not one to give up easily. He had trained relentlessly, fought fiercely, and had dreams of proving himself. Yet now, standing before him, was not the same student who had entered thi
As Kyle Drakon stepped into the light, an almost ethereal presence seemed to radiate from him. For someone so young, he was nothing short of stunning—majestic in a way that defied mere good looks. His face, strikingly symmetrical with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, carried an air of effortless majesty. His nose was straight and refined, giving him a noble appearance, while his lips, neither too thin nor too full, were naturally set in a calm, unreadable expression. His skin was smooth, almost flawless, as if sculpted by the finest artisan, carrying a faint glow under the arena’s illumination.His jet-black hair, slightly messy yet undeniably stylish, fell in layered waves around his forehead and temples, enhancing the intensity of his features. Each step he took exuded confidence, his strides measured, unhurried—he moved like a sovereign who did not need to prove himself, yet commanded attention wherever he went.But it was his eyes that truly held everyone captive.A deep crims
The air inside the arena buzzed with excitement as the next match was announced. The announcer’s voice boomed across the coliseum.“Next match! Crystal Kirk of Somerland versus Zaria Dvornik of Krolea! The battle conditions—desert environment, no elemental abilities allowed!”Danial's expression hardened. He understood the gravity of this situation. Crystal’s greatest strength lay in her ice element, and now, she was being forced to fight in the most unfavourable terrain possible. A desert battlefield? There was no moisture in the air, no chance of manipulating frost, and worst of all—sweltering heat sapping her stamina.As Crystal stepped forward, she caught Danial’s expression and smirked. “Worried about me?”Danial folded his arms. “Just assessing the conditions. This isn’t exactly in your favour.”Crystal chuckled. “It never is.” With that, she strode toward the arena entrance, her icy confidence unwavering.Danial exhaled sharply, watching as she disappeared into the tunnel leadi
Danial and Crystal lingered in the infirmary for a while longer, chatting with Pavan, who continued to grumble about his forced diet while sneaking glances at the nurses, hoping one of them would take pity on him. When it became clear that none of them were willing to defy Abby’s orders, he slumped back onto the bed with a defeated sigh.“You guys better eat well while you still can,” Pavan muttered dramatically. “I might never taste good food again.”Danial rolled his eyes while Crystal smirked. “You’re acting like you’re being sent to prison,” she said. “It’s just a diet.”Pavan sat up and pointed at her with a solemn expression. “For a man like me, a diet is worse than prison.”Crystal laughed while Danial shook his head. “Just rest, Pavan. You’ll need your strength for the next rounds.”With that, Danial and Crystal left the infirmary, walking side by side through the long corridors. The scent of antiseptics and medicine slowly faded, replaced by the crisp air of the academy halls