ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 174: CONCLUSION TO THE BATTLE CONVERSATION TRYOUTS

As Guinevere and Bane stepped down from the platform, General Cao observed Bane with renewed interest. The boy’s fighting spirit, though bruised, had evolved from resentment to determination—a transformation that impressed General Cao and earned nods of approval from the others observing the tryouts. They all noted the promising change in Bane’s demeanor, sensing that he had finally stepped onto a path toward genuine growth.

"The next challenger should step on the platform and issue your challenge!!"

Sylvester took a deep breath and called for the next challenger, his voice echoing through the arena. But silence hung in the air. Ten minutes ticked by, and still, no one dared to step forward. The formidable displays of power and conviction from the top students had effectively cemented their places in everyone’s minds. Seeing this, Sylvester finally descended onto the center of the platform, capturing the crowd’s attention.

"Very well," Sylvester announced, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Since there are no more challengers, I hereby conclude this year’s battle tryouts!"

He took a moment, allowing anticipation to build, before calling out the names of those who had earned their places. "The academy’s representatives in the upcoming battle convention are as follows: Kaelen, Guinevere, Morris, Lila, Charlotte, Ethan, Sofia, Eldric, the Dark Prince; and finally, the most strongest student in this our prestigious Academy, The Mysterious Swordsman"

A round of applause erupted, reverberating across the arena. The crowd’s excitement was a mix of admiration, respect, and a slight undercurrent of intimidation. The students who had proven their strength now stood among the academy’s finest, ready to face whatever awaited them at the battle convention.

As the excitement of the tryouts began to settle, Kaelen felt the weight of anticipation settling over him. His mind was already running through scenarios, strategies, and the thrill—and danger—of his first battle convention. Just then, he felt a warm gaze fixed on him. Turning, he saw Lila standing a few feet away, her eyes alight with an encouraging, resplendent smile.

"Let’s do our best," she whispered, her voice carrying a gentle but unmistakable resolve.

Caught off guard, Kaelen felt a rush of emotion—a mix of admiration and gratitude. He nodded in agreement, feeling his own determination solidify. With Lila at his side and the others in his corner, he felt more than ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

Suddenly, a powerful presence filled the arena. Vice Chancellor Reeves and the other academy pillars descended gracefully from the clouds, their expressions a mix of pride and authority. The students fell silent, feeling the weight of their collective gaze. Reeves stepped forward, his eyes scanning the crowd before settling on the newly appointed top ten.

"In all my years," he began, his voice strong and inspiring, "I have rarely seen such talent and determination as I have witnessed today. You all carry the hopes of the academy, and in a few short days, you will step onto a battlefield that demands both strength and honor. Remember—each of you represents not only your own abilities but also the legacy of those who have stood in this place before you."

He paused, letting his words settle. "Take this opportunity to show the world what you are made of, and know that you carry the pride of Pacesetters Academy with you."

With a final, solemn nod, he turned to the top ten students. "Now, those who will represent us in the battle convention, follow me. It’s time to prepare you for what lies ahead."

As Kaelen and the others stepped forward, excitement and anticipation filled the air once again. They followed Reeves with hearts beating faster than ever, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them at the battle convention.

Visit freewёbnoνel.com for the best novel reading experience.

As Sylvester dismissed the remaining students from the arena, Vice Chancellor Reeves, followed by the top ten and the academy’s pillars, made his way toward his office. The corridor echoed with the soft footsteps and quiet conversations as the group moved in sync.

General Cao, walking beside Kaelen, glanced down with a hint of pride. "Congratulations, Kaelen. You’ve shown impressive growth, and this is only the beginning. Same goes for all of you," he added, nodding toward the group of Kaelen’s companions, who offered sincere thanks, visibly bolstered by the acknowledgment.

Bowen, always one for firm words, clapped Kaelen on the shoulder. "Keep that fire burning. You’ll need it," he said with a grin, his approval carrying the weight of someone who’d seen countless students rise and fall.

As they continued walking, Lila drifted quietly to Carmilia’s side. Her master, known as the Ice Queen, held her usual stoic composure. She didn’t speak, but her icy gaze remained fixed on Charlotte, whose powerful shield had stirred her curiosity since the tryouts. Carmilia’s sharp eyes scrutinized every detail, hoping to discern some mark, symbol, or hidden rune that might link the shield to the ancient elven arts. But after careful observation, she found nothing that confirmed her suspicions, leaving her more intrigued and unsettled than before.

With the students and pillars quietly discussing amongst themselves, they reached Reeves’ office, where the Vice Chancellor finally halted. He turned to face them, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes as he prepared to discuss the plans for the convention, sensing the magnitude of the journey they were all about to embark upon.

Vice Chancellor Reeves’ office was an impressive blend of tradition and mystique, dimly lit with a warm, amber glow from ancient lanterns lining the stone walls. The room had high, vaulted ceilings with intricate carvings depicting scenes of legendary battles and heroic figures, giving an air of grandeur to all who entered. Shelves packed with ancient tomes and scrolls lined the walls, each containing knowledge from ages past.

At the center of the room stood a large mahogany desk, polished to a rich sheen, with golden inlays running along its edges, hinting at Reeves’ prestigious position. Behind the desk was a massive, ornate chair, its back adorned with the academy’s emblem: a sword crossed with a quill, symbolizing both strength and wisdom.

A faint, earthy aroma of parchment and aged wood filled the air, adding to the room’s timeless feel. Small display cases on either side of the desk held enchanted artifacts from previous conventions—tokens of the academy’s victories and a testament to its legacy.

"Now then, before I say anything concerning the battle convention, let me hand out you guys convention tokens"

As Reeves addressed the gathered students with a satisfied look on his face, he reached into a carved wooden chest beside his desk and carefully withdrew the tokens. Each token was crafted with the academy’s crest and pulsed with a soft, magical glow, attuned to the bearer’s unique mana. He handed them out to each participant, the weight of the token in their hands a reminder of the honor and responsibility they now bore for the academy.