Tristan and Danial leaped toward each other, their swords clashing with a deafening metallic ring that echoed throughout the arena. Sparks flew from the impact, and the crowd collectively held its breath. For a moment, the two warriors seemed evenly matched—locked in a stalemate of raw power and precision.But then, as the clash resolved, Danial took two measured steps back, while Tristan stumbled four.The crowd gasped in realization.“He’s stronger!” someone shouted. “Tristan never gets pushed back like that!” another added.Yet, despite his disadvantage, Tristan’s lips curled into a smile. His eyes lit up with a glint of excitement, the likes of which only appeared in battle-hardened warriors. Without hesitation, he dashed forward again, his movements swift and fluid like a river in motion.This time, he raised his sword high and brought it down with devastating force. Danial sidestepped to avoid the attack, but just as the blade approached the ground, Tristan stopped it mid-air w
The arena was alive with roaring cheers, murmurs, and gasps as Danial and Tristan clashed in a fierce display of fire and wind. Their swords collided, sending out sparks and elemental energy in every direction. Tristan’s winds howled like a storm, pushing against Danial’s flames, which danced with wild defiance. Every step, every swing, every dodge—they wove an intricate dance of skill and power.Danial slashed his flaming sword sideways, the blaze trailing like a comet, but Tristan ducked under it with nimble precision. In a flash, he countered, summoning a wind blade that hurtled toward Danial. With a sharp flick of his sword, Danial conjured a fiery barrier, consuming the gale in a burst of heat.The audience was enthralled.“Look at the control Tristan has over his wind! It’s seamless!”“But Danial’s fire is overwhelming—it’s raw power in its purest form!”The battle raged on, but keen observers began to notice a shift. Though the clash seemed even at first, Danial was slowly bein
Amidst the gazes piercing him from every direction, Danial remained standing on the stage, his posture deceptively calm. But inside, his thoughts were spiraling into chaos.“What… is this? Why are they looking at me like I’m some golden goose?!” He scanned the VIP section nervously, noticing the predatory gleams in their eyes. The dignitaries, the elite warriors, the gods themselves—every one of them seemed to be calculating, evaluating, or outright planning something that undoubtedly involved him.Even Ellie Fang’s playful smirk sent chills down his spine. “What does she want? To make me her kunai target practice?! No way.”Then his gaze fell on Rowan, who was grinning like he’d already won a jackpot. “Why is Rowan looking so smug?”Finally, he caught sight of Anarak, whose unreadable expression unsettled him the most. “Why is that guy looking at me like I’m an experiment he’s dying to conduct?!”Danial gulped, his hands gripping his sword tightly. “I should’ve just kept it simple. W
Crystal dragged Danial through the corridors, her grip firm yet oddly gentle, as if she was leading him somewhere secret and important. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty hallways, and Danial’s mind raced with questions. When they started ascending a spiral staircase, his curiosity finally got the better of him.“Crystal, at least tell me—where are we going?” Danial asked, his voice filled with confusion.Crystal glanced back at him, her lips curling into a rare, almost playful smile. “We’re going to my favorite place.”Danial blinked. Her favorite place? He decided not to press further, though he couldn’t help but feel taken aback. This wasn’t the “Ice Queen of the Capital” he’d heard about—the aloof and intimidating girl known for freezing people in their tracks with a single glare. Right now, she seemed... normal, even warm.They climbed higher until they reached a simple wooden door. Crystal pushed it open with a soft creak and stepped aside, gesturing for him to ent
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
Pavan stood tall, the steam curling from his body growing denser with each breath. The arena crackled with tension as silence swept through the crowd. His clothes, torn and burnt at the edges, clung to his frame. His skin shimmered faintly, redder than before, and glowing orange fissures branched along his arms and shoulders like dormant lightning, pulsing with restrained might.But the change wasn’t just physical.His movements had sharpened.His aura was heavier.And his eyes—burning a molten gold—locked onto Zain like a predator.In the stands, Danial leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “What happened to him?”Crystal, just as confused, shook her head. “I... I don’t know. But it’s like his strength and speed just multiplied all of a sudden.”Danial’s brows furrowed. “Do you think he’s awakened some kind of hidden power?”“I can’t tell. But this isn’t elemental... it feels different.”Back in the arena, Pavan moved.He vanished in a blur of heat shimmer, reappearing before Zain with a r
Zain did not waste time and immediately rushed towards Pavan with a slashing whip.She leapt forward like a predator, her movements swift and ferocious, the whip in her hand arcing through the air with a venomous hiss. The sound alone was enough to make several spectators flinch.Pavan stepped back and avoided the whip attack and saw the mark on the ground—a testament to the power and durability of the whip.The stone tiles of the arena cracked under the force, the lash leaving behind a long, blackened scar. Dust floated into the air as Pavan widened his eyes."If that whip hits me," he thought grimly, "it will cut me open like butter."Zain followed the attack, twisting her body and lashing out again.She spun like a dancer, her every step precise. The whip cracked once more, slicing through the air like lightning. It came toward Pavan again—fast and merciless.Pavan raised his sword and blocked the whip attack; however, a black mark appeared on the sword, showing the power that the
Danial and Crystal returned to the arena, their footsteps brisk as they hurried toward the edge of the spectator stands. The air was buzzing with anticipation, and as they settled in, a clear voice rang out across the arena."Next round—Pavan from Somerland versus Zain from Somerland!"Danial and Crystal exchanged glances. Without a word, they moved closer, their attention sharpening as they peered down at the battlefield.Emerging from the preparation area, Zain strode onto the stage with an air of absolute confidence. In her hand, she carried a black whip, its length coiling and uncoiling like a living serpent. With a casual flick of her wrist, she lashed it through the air, the sharp crack echoing through the silent arena.Danial furrowed his brows at the sight. "A whip? Is that even considered a proper weapon?"Crystal, arms crossed, responded without looking at him. "It is—if she belongs to the Devil’s Associates faction."Danial turned to her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"Crysta
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