ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 186: RIVALS AND OLD ENEMIES

As Reeves and his entourage settled into their designated spot in the grand coliseum, the tension in the air was almost tangible. The group tried to steady their nerves, but it wasn’t long before the Mysterious Swordsman broke the silence.

His voice was calm yet filled with an undercurrent of steel. "So, they’ve brought them," he said, his piercing gaze locked on the Valen Military Academy’s representatives.

"Their usual trump cards," added the Dark Prince, his tone laced with disdain. "Old enemies. Rivals. And annoyances."

Kaelen and Morris followed their gazes toward the far side of the coliseum, where the Valen Military Academy’s representatives stood in quiet confidence. Each of them exuded an air of power that made it clear they weren’t to be underestimated.

The first was a young man with sharp eyes and a confident smirk, his fingers drumming idly on the hilt of a broadsword. "Jack of All Weapons," the Dark Prince murmured. "He’s infamous for his uncanny affinity with any weapon he picks up. Swords, spears, bows, axes—he wields them all like he’s mastered them for decades. A true prodigy."

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. "Any weapon?"

The Mysterious Swordsman nodded. "He adapts on the fly. He’s a nightmare in combat because you never know what he’ll use next—or how."

The second figure was far less composed, his movements erratic and unsettling. His body seemed almost translucent in places, with a faint shimmer like the surface of a liquid. "The Slime Harbinger," the Dark Prince said, his voice dripping with distaste. "A practitioner of slime magic. His body can transform into a semi-liquid state, making him nearly impossible to pin down. And his magic is corrosive, capable of dissolving both weapons and defenses."

Kaelen’s eyes narrowed. "That… sounds difficult to deal with."

"It is," the Mysterious Swordsman replied. "And then there’s him."

Their gazes turned to the third and final representative, a tall and imposing figure standing apart from the others. His presence was suffocating, his aura like a black hole that seemed to draw in the very light around him. He stood still, his arms crossed, but there was an unmistakable menace in his stance.

"The King Devourer," the Dark Prince said, his tone unusually grim. "He’s the strongest of their group—and perhaps one of the most dangerous participants in this convention. He uses a unique form of magic called Devouring Magic. It allows him to absorb and consume the mana, techniques, and even life force of his opponents."

Kaelen felt a chill run down his spine. "Devouring Magic? That sounds—"

"Unfair?" Lila cut in, her tone sharp. "It is. He’s not just powerful; he’s ruthless. Once he gets a hold of you, it’s over."

Reeves, who had been listening silently, finally spoke up. "Remember, they are here to test you, to push you to your limits. They may be strong, but strength alone doesn’t guarantee victory. You’ve all trained for this moment. Focus on your own paths."

The group nodded, though the weight of Reeves’ words did little to ease the growing tension. Kaelen glanced back at the Valen representatives, his hand unconsciously brushing against the hilt of his sword.

"We’ll face them when the time comes," he said softly, determination flickering in his eyes.

The Dark Prince smirked. "Good. Because we’ve got scores to settle."

The Mysterious Swordsman said nothing, but the subtle tightening of his grip on his weapon spoke volumes.

As the representatives of Eldoria prepared themselves, the coliseum continued to buzz with anticipation. In this arena, rivalries would be reignited, and destinies would be forged.

As the tense silence settled around Reeves and his entourage, a sudden shift in the air made Reeves snap his head toward the coliseum’s main gates. His eyes narrowed, and his expression hardened.

"They’re here," Reeves muttered under his breath, his voice carrying an edge that immediately caught the attention of General Cao and the students.

"Who’s here?" Kaelen asked, his tone cautious as he noticed the unease in Reeves’ usually calm demeanor.

Reeves didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his gaze remained locked on the grand entrance, where a radiant light announced the arrival of an imposing group. The wind in the coliseum stirred, it’s bellows making an ominous atmosphere as the newcomers stepped into view.

Clad in royal green and white uniforms embroidered with intricate silver runes, the delegation from The Dawning of Magic academy entered the arena with an air of unrivaled majesty. They exuded an aura that spoke of unparalleled skill and mastery, their steps synchronized as though they were a single, unified entity.

At the front of the group was an aged man whose very presence seemed to command the heavens. His flowing silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his emerald-green eyes burned with an intensity that seemed to pierce through anyone who dared to meet his gaze. The faint glow surrounding him wasn’t mere ornamentation—it was pure, unrestrained mana, so dense it weighed down the atmosphere.

Reeves clenched his fists, his usually composed demeanor slipping into a subtle tension. "That’s Lockwood Damaris," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Who is he?" Morris asked, sensing the significance of the name.

Reeves turned to him, his expression grim. "One of the most formidable Archmages of our generation. He’s the Grand Chancellor of The Dawning of Magic. His magical prowess is so vast that even nations fear his involvement in conflicts. I didn’t expect him to personally lead their delegation."

The Mysterious Swordsman and the Dark Prince exchanged uneasy glances, their usual bravado dimmed in the face of Reeves’ uncharacteristic tension.

As the group from Arcanis approached, Lockwood’s gaze swept across the coliseum like a wave of crushing pressure. When his eyes met Reeves’, he paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Vice Chancellor Reeves," Lockwood said, his voice as smooth as silk yet carrying the weight of authority. "It’s been quite some time."

Reeves inclined his head, his movements measured. "Grand Chancellor Damaris. Indeed, it has."

The tension between the two was palpable, like two opposing forces locked in a silent battle of wills.

Kaelen, unable to contain his curiosity, leaned toward Morris. "What’s with the energy between those two?"

Morris shrugged. "Beats me. But if Reeves looks this tense, you know it’s serious."

As if sensing their whispers, Lockwood’s gaze shifted briefly to the group of students behind Reeves. His eyes lingered on Kaelen, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face before he spoke again.

"An interesting batch of students you have this year, Reeves," Lockwood remarked, his tone light but his words layered with meaning.

Reeves straightened, his posture defensive. "They are promising, to say the least."

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Lockwood chuckled, a deep, resonant sound. "I look forward to seeing just how promising they are. Besides, where is that your mentor? Am not seeing him around."

"Am sorry Mr. Lockwood but he won’t be making an appearance in this prestigious event" with gritted teeth, Reeves replied in as much calm as he cold hold.

"Oh, that is such a shame, very well then"

Without another word, he turned and led his delegation to their designated area in the coliseum.

As the crowd continued to buzz with excitement over the arrival of The Dawning of Magic, Reeves exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

Kaelen watched him intently. "Are they really that strong?"

Reeves glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Strong is an understatement. If you face them, Kaelen, you’ll understand why the land of Arcanis is called the cradle of magic."

Kaelen nodded, a mixture of apprehension and determination settling in his chest. The stakes of this battle convention had just risen to a whole new level.

As the delegation from The Dawning of Magic settled into their section of the coliseum, an air of intrigue lingered among the Pacesetters Academy group. The Mysterious Swordsman and the Dark Prince exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to something akin to grim recognition.

"I see they’ve brought new blood this time," the Dark Prince muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the members of the Dawning of Magic’s delegation.

"All of them are unfamiliar," the Mysterious Swordsman agreed, his tone neutral but tinged with an undercurrent of unease. "Except for one."

Morris, overhearing the exchange, raised an eyebrow. "One? You recognize someone?"

The Mysterious Swordsman nodded slowly, his gaze locking onto a tall, lean figure standing at the edge of the Arcanis group. The man’s aura was subdued, almost as if he were masking his presence, but there was a sharpness to his demeanor that was impossible to ignore.

"Kent Harrow," the Mysterious Swordsman said, his voice lowering. "The one they call the Affinity God."

Kaelen frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Affinity God? What does that mean?"

The Dark Prince leaned forward, his voice grave. "It means he has an unmatched ability to align with any magical element on the spot, no matter how complex or rare. Fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, even exotic elements like void or time—he can not only use them but master them in moments."

Morris let out a low whistle. "That sounds... terrifying."

"It is," the Mysterious Swordsman confirmed, his jaw tightening. "He’s the most versatile mage I’ve ever encountered. During the last convention, he single-handedly eliminated three academies’ top representatives in the team battles. Each time, he used a different element to counter them perfectly."

Kaelen’s eyes widened. "And he’s here again?"

The Dark Prince nodded, his tone laced with bitterness. "He’s their ace. If he’s in the lineup this year, it means they’ve come to dominate, as always."

Kaelen stared at Kent Harrow, who stood silently amidst his peers, seemingly uninterested in the commotion around him. His calm demeanor only added to his enigmatic and intimidating aura.

Reeves, noticing the tension among his students, turned to address them. "It’s true Kent Harrow is formidable," he admitted, his voice steady. "But remember, every opponent has a weakness. Focus on your strengths and teamwork. Don’t let his reputation shake your resolve."

Kaelen nodded, a fire of determination igniting in his chest. He clenched his fists, his thoughts racing. ’Affinity God or not, I’ll prove my strength in this convention.’

The group fell silent, each lost in their thoughts as they prepared for the battles ahead. In the distance, Kent Harrow turned slightly, his piercing gaze sweeping across the coliseum before briefly landing on Kaelen. A faint smirk played on his lips before he looked away, leaving Kaelen with a chill that only spurred his resolve further.