ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 161: TOP 10 STRONGEST STUDENTS

"I will now begin to call out the top ten strongest students of this prestigious Academy" Sylvester exclaimed in solemnity as a list suddenly appeared on his palm.

’It has finally started’ Kaelen thought as he steeled himself from getting nervous.

As Sylvester began to announce the top five ranked students, a ripple of excitement surged through the audience. First, the mysterious swordsman, obviously ranked first, appeared with a shroud of shadowy energy, his arrival evoking awe from all present.

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Following him, the second-ranked "Dark Prince" emerged in a burst of dark flame, his confident stance provoking a wave of whispers.

’He is the only student above me that I haven’t had any dealings with’ Kaelen thought grimly as he observed the ’Dark Prince’ standing confidently on the ring.

"Hey, am next" But he didn’t dwell on that thought for long as Lila suddenly brought him back to the present.

Then, Sylvester called, "Third in rank—Lila!" Lila left Kaelen and the group with a confident smile. As she stepped onto the platform, a dazzling wave of frost and shimmering blue lights swirled around her, sending a chill through the air and drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

Following her, the fourth-ranked "Ice Jade Princess" arrived, exuding a regal presence. Her entrance was similarly spectacular, with frosty mist cascading from her figure, signifying her mastery over Ice magic. The crowd buzzed, marveling at the unique presence of the two powerful mages, both trained by the same master.

"Looks like an next" Kaelen muttered under his breath as he began to get himself ready.

After the Ice Jade Princess took her place, Sylvester continued, "And now, in the 6th position—Kaelen!"

Kaelen stepped forward with poise, his figure emanating a radiant aura as he drew his sword. His entrance was both sharp and fluid, each movement embodying the timeless essence of an eternal swordsman. The crowd watched in respectful silence, acknowledging the intensity and grace that set him apart.

"Next," Sylvester’s voice boomed, "the 7th rank—Morrigan of the Tempest!" Morrigan strode onto the platform, a gust of fierce winds swirling around him as if he commanded a storm, his piercing gaze locking onto the audience as thunderous whispers broke out.

"And at 8th rank, Ethan!" A confident smirk played on Ethan’s face as he appeared, his entrance marked by a subtle yet distinct air of gravity manipulation, making his steps appear weightless as he approached his position on the platform.

"For the 9th rank, welcome Guinevere!" In a brilliant flare of flame, Guinevere took her place, her eyes burning with determination, her fiery aura crackling with the controlled intensity of a fire prodigy.

"And finally," Sylvester announced, "our 10th position—Morris Grey!" Morris entered with an aura of composed confidence, his gaze calm as a faint glow of pure mana emanated from him, marking his entry in an unassuming yet powerful manner.

The crowd erupted in awe, excitement rippling through the spectators as the top 10 took their positions, each presence unique and formidable in its own right.

But not long after, Sylvester’s voice echoed across the grand sparring area, silencing the excited murmurs as he began to outline the rules with the authority that only the headmaster could wield.

"Listen closely, all of you," he commanded, his gaze sweeping over the gathered students. "The regulations for these tryouts are as follows:

"First, any student currently on the platform cannot be challenged simultaneously by multiple challengers. If one of the top 10 is in a duel, the next challenger must choose a different opponent."

He paused, letting his words settle over the crowd. "Second, the outcome of each duel is simple. A duel ends when a student either surrenders or is thrown off the platform. There is no room for hesitation or mercy on this stage."

Sylvester’s expression grew more intense, his eyes conveying the seriousness of the occasion. "Finally, these tryouts will continue until a final result is settled, until each rank is filled by the most deserving of you. This is your chance to prove your place among the Academy’s finest."

With that, he took a step back, signaling the start of the tryouts. The atmosphere was electric, a mixture of anticipation and battle-hardened determination filling the air as challengers eyed their targets on the platform, ready to seize their moment.

But after a while, no one stepped out to challenge the students standing on the platform. Instead, an eerie silence fell on the grand sparring platform area.

’Seems like they aren’t really confident in their strength huh?’ Kaelen thought with a wry smile on his face.

But just then, the quiet anticipation in the sparring arena was suddenly broken as Nathaniel, a tall, well-built student known for his bold spirit, strode confidently toward the platform. His gaze was fixed on Kaelen, and a charged silence fell over the crowd as they realized what was happening. Nathaniel had made his move — and challenged Kaelen directly.

Kaelen blinked in surprise, momentarily speechless. He hadn’t expected Nathaniel to be the first challenger, let alone to target him so directly. There was a determined look in Nathaniel’s eyes that Kaelen recognized — this was personal.

Whispers erupted through the crowd.

"Did he seriously just challenge Kaelen?" one student muttered, wide-eyed.

"Is he really after Kaelen’s spot... or just trying to impress Lila?" another voice speculated, glancing between Nathaniel and Lila.

The knowledge of Nathaniel having a crush on Lila has been pretty common amongst the old students in the Academy. And they recently discovered of the suspicious relationship Lila has with Kaelen. So, some of the older students couldn’t help but have this thoughts.

Kaelen’s gaze shifted to Nathaniel, searching for any signs of his intent. But Nathaniel didn’t flinch. He held his stance, his challenge silent yet fierce. Kaelen’s initial surprise gave way to a smirk as he slowly rose to meet his challenger’s gaze.

"Well then," Kaelen said, gripping his sword and feeling a rush of battle spirit rising within him. "If that’s what you want, Nathaniel…"

The arena hushed, every eye now locked on the two as Kaelen stepped forward to the center of the platform, ready to accept the duel.