ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 185: ARRIVING IN STYLE

The golden rays of the morning sun bathed the horizon as Zephryon’s massive wings cut through the skies. Kaelen and the others stood on its broad back, gazing ahead as the grand expanse of Valoria Kingdom came into view.

Kaelen’s breath hitched as the kingdom revealed itself in all its splendor. The outer regions were dotted with sprawling farmland, rivers shimmering like molten silver as they snaked through emerald plains. Villages and towns flourished in perfect harmony with the land, their thatched roofs and cobblestone streets bustling with activity even from such a distance.

Beyond the outer regions, the inner city came into view, surrounded by towering, pristine white walls etched with golden engravings that gleamed under the sunlight. Within, tall spires and domed buildings of immaculate marble stretched skyward, their grandeur nearly overwhelming. Intricately designed bridges spanned crystalline waterways that wove through the city like veins of light.

"By the stars..." Kaelen whispered, leaning forward slightly. "It’s incredible."

Morris smirked beside him, arms crossed. "This is Valoria, Kaelen. The heart of power and progress."

Ethan grinned, his eyes sparkling. "It’s even more stunning in person. The stories don’t do it justice."

Charlotte, silent as ever, allowed a faint smile to grace her lips while the Dark Prince merely nodded, his expression as unreadable as always.

The Mysterious Swordsman, standing slightly apart from the group, closed his eyes briefly and murmured, "Its beauty is a reflection of its strength. Remember that."

Zephryon let out a deep, resonant hum, and Vice Chancellor Reeves, standing near the beast’s head, glanced back. "Feast your eyes now, students. This kingdom is more than just a pretty sight. It’s a land of trials and tribulations that is ruled over by the legendary Alexandria the great, where only the strongest thrive. Prepare yourselves."

Kaelen, still captivated, couldn’t tear his gaze away. The streets within the inner city were alive with bustling markets and parades, banners of deep crimson and gold fluttering in the breeze. At the heart of the kingdom stood the royal palace, its design so intricate it seemed to defy human craftsmanship, with cascading waterfalls that tumbled from its highest points into glimmering pools below.

As they descended closer, the grandeur of Valoria’s architecture became even more apparent. Stonework adorned with carvings of legendary beasts and heroic figures lined the walls, and magical lampposts flickered gently, even in daylight, their light carrying a sense of enchantment.

Kaelen finally tore his eyes away, looking at the others. "How can one place hold so much wonder?"

Morris chuckled. "You’re seeing its beauty now, but soon you’ll see its challenges. This kingdom is not for the faint of heart."

Kaelen nodded, his awe slowly giving way to a steely determination. "Then we’ll show them what we’re made of."

Ethan placed a hand on his shoulder with a grin. "That’s the spirit."

As Zephryon glided toward a massive structure nestled within the heart of Valoria Kingdom, Vice Chancellor Reeves turned to address the group.

"Brace yourselves, students," he announced, his voice calm yet commanding. "We’ll be landing in the meeting coliseum of the battle convention. This will be the first test of your resolve. Steel yourselves."

Kaelen and the others exchanged glances, their faces a mix of anticipation and unease. The sight of the colossal coliseum—a circular marvel of obsidian stone and golden trim—looming closer only heightened their tension.

Reeves gave a subtle command, and Zephryon let out a thunderous roar before gracefully descending into the arena’s open roof. The wind whipped around them as the beast’s wings stirred the air, and they touched down with a heavy thud in the center of the coliseum.

The group dismounted carefully, their hearts pounding. The sheer scale of the coliseum was intimidating. Rows upon rows of empty seats climbed toward the heavens, and massive banners bearing the insignias of various academies fluttered in the breeze. Yet, the silence was deafening—there was no cheering crowd, no buzzing excitement.

Kaelen furrowed his brows. "Where is everyone?"

"Something’s off," Morris murmured, scanning the empty seats.

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Ethan nodded. "This doesn’t feel right."

Their questions were soon answered as a small entourage approached from one of the coliseum’s entrances. Leading the group was a familiar figure—a man with a regal air, dressed in the deep crimson robes of the Valen Military Academy.

Kaelen’s eyes widened as recognition dawned. "That’s... the headmaster from the rookie tournament."

Reeves crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. Headmaster Garvyn of Valen Military Academy."

Garvyn strode forward with the confidence of a predator. His piercing gaze swept over Kaelen and his companions before settling on Reeves. A sly smile tugged at his lips.

"Vice Chancellor Reeves," he greeted, his tone smooth. "You’ve brought quite the promising batch this year."

Reeves nodded curtly. "We aim to keep our standards high, as always. Though I wonder—why is it just your academy here? I expected to see more participants."

Garvyn’s smile widened slightly, though his eyes remained cold. "Ah, the others are delayed. Logistics, you know. We thought we’d take the opportunity to greet our... esteemed rivals personally."

Kaelen’s unease deepened as Garvyn’s gaze shifted to him, lingering a moment longer than was comfortable.

"So," Garvyn said, his tone almost conversational, "you’re the one who made waves at the rookie tournament. Kaelen, was it?"

Kaelen straightened, his hand instinctively brushing the hilt of his sword. "Yes."

"Interesting," Garvyn mused, his eyes glinting. "I look forward to seeing what you’re capable of."

Ethan stepped slightly closer to Kaelen, his posture protective. Morris, too, narrowed his eyes at the headmaster, sensing the veiled challenge in his words.

Reeves cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "We’ll await the arrival of the other academies. Until then, my students and I will prepare."

"Of course," Garvyn said, stepping aside with a mock bow. "The arena is yours... for now."

"Let’s go"

As Reeves and his students moved toward their designated corner in the grand coliseum, the air grew heavier, tinged with an unexplainable sense of foreboding. The massive arena, though still largely empty, seemed to pulse with an invisible energy, as if something monumental was about to occur.

It was Kaelen who first noticed the figure. A lone individual stood by the edge of the spot which belonged to the Valen military academy, his back straight, his presence commanding. Dressed in a dark attire that blends with the military academy’s attire which seemed to absorb the surrounding light, Kelvin’s striking figure exuded an aura that was both chilling and magnetic.

"Kelvin?" Kaelen breathed, his voice barely audible but carrying the weight of disbelief.

Reeves and General Cao followed his gaze, their steps faltering. Even Morris, who rarely allowed negative emotions to show, stiffened, his eyes narrowing.

Kelvin slowly turned, his cold, amber eyes meeting theirs. His expression was unreadable, yet it carried an air of apathy so profound that it sent shivers down Kaelen’s spine.

"Kelvin," Reeves said, his voice firm but tinged with caution. "What are you doing here?"

Kelvin’s lips curved ever so slightly—not in a smile, but in an acknowledgment of sorts. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze steady as he addressed them.

"Everyone has a path to take," Kelvin said, his voice low and emotionless, yet carrying an edge that cut through the air like a blade. "And mine is right here."

The simplicity of his words, coupled with their finality, left the group stunned.

Kaelen took an involuntary step forward, his hand instinctively moving toward his sword. "Kelvin, what do you mean? Are you—"

Kelvin raised a hand, silencing him. His gaze shifted briefly to Kaelen, and for the first time, there was something in his eyes—an acknowledgment, perhaps, of a shared past. But it was fleeting.

"This is not your concern," Kelvin said, his tone dismissive. "Focus on your path, and I’ll focus on mine."

General Cao’s brows furrowed, his grip tightening around his halberd. "Do you have any idea what you’re doing, Kelvin? Where this path might lead you?"

Kelvin’s response was immediate, his voice sharp. "Do you? I’ve made my choice. That’s all there is to it."

The tension was palpable, thick enough to be cut with a blade. Reeves remained silent, his gaze fixed on Kelvin, as if trying to decipher the young man’s intentions.

After a long moment, Kelvin turned away, his cloak billowing slightly as he walked toward the spot the Velen Military academy stood. He didn’t look back, leaving Reeves, Kaelen, and the others to grapple with a mixture of alarm, confusion, and unease.

Morris broke the silence, his voice low. "He’s not the same Kelvin we once knew."

Kaelen clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "No. He’s not."

Reeves exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable. "Stay focused," he said, though his tone lacked its usual conviction. "Whatever path Kelvin has chosen, it’s his burden to bear. Ours lies ahead."

With that, they continued toward their corner, though the image of Kelvin and his chilling indifference lingered in their minds like a shadow they couldn’t shake.

’Now this is good, very good indeed’ Garvyn thought with a dark smile on his face as he observed what was going on right in front of him.