ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 188: THE SOARING DRAGONS

As the shimmering remnants of the hologram dissipated into the atmosphere, the crowd remained abuzz with anticipation. Two figures emerged from the shadows of the coliseum—a pair of officials draped in robes marked with intricate magical glyphs that glowed faintly. Their movements were calm and deliberate, exuding the aura of seasoned magic veterans.

The officials approached Vice Chancellor Reeves and his group first. One of them, a tall, stern-faced man with graying hair and piercing azure eyes, bowed slightly before speaking.

"Vice Chancellor Reeves, and esteemed representatives of the Pacesetters Academy," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "We have been tasked with escorting you to your designated quarters for the duration of the convention."

Reeves offered a curt nod, his expression neutral but his sharp gaze appraising the officials. "We appreciate the courtesy. Lead the way."

Before they could move, the second official, a shorter, bespectacled woman with an air of meticulous precision, added, "You are not the only ones we are escorting. The representatives of the Dawning of Magic academy will also be joining us."

At her words, Kaelen and the others exchanged surprised glances. Turning slightly, they noticed the group from the Dawning of Magic academy gathering nearby. Among them, the aged leader who had earlier made Reeves uneasy nodded at his students, signaling their agreement to follow.

Kaelen’s eyes lingered on Kent Harrow, the so-called "Affinity God," who stood amidst the Dawning of Magic representatives with an air of detached confidence. Their eyes met for the briefest moment, and Kaelen felt a wave of pressure, as if Kent’s presence alone could probe his resolve.

The officials addressed the remaining families and academies in the coliseum. "As for the rest of you," the stern man announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the space, "your accommodations have been prearranged at your respective headquarters or branches here in Valoria. Those arrangements require no further assistance."

A ripple of acknowledgment spread through the crowd. The elite families and academies exchanged knowing looks, their confidence evident as they turned toward their entourages and began dispersing to their respective lodgings.

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The officials turned back to Reeves and the Dawning of Magic delegation. "If you would follow us," the woman said, gesturing toward a side exit that led to a pathway outside the coliseum.

As they began walking, the atmosphere grew tense. Reeves and the aged leader from Dawning of Magic walked side by side, their silence heavy with unspoken rivalry. Kaelen and his companions kept a wary distance from the Dawning representatives, each aware of the unspoken competition brewing between the groups.

Morris, walking near Kaelen, muttered, "I suppose this is a good chance to observe the so-called best."

Kaelen nodded, though his focus remained on the path ahead. Whatever awaited them at the accommodations, it was clear that the tension between these groups was only a prelude to the trials to come.

"But wait, that reminds me, ain’t your big bro in the Valen military academy?" But just as Kaelen was getting more deeper in his thoughts concerning how tense the convention will be, he suddenly thought of Morris elder brother which prompted him to ask.

"He is, but I didn’t see him anywhere at all. Maybe he wasn’t cut out to be a representative for the academy" Morris replied cooly as he shrugged his shoulders. "Well it seems so" Kaelen muttered since he felt he shouldn’t probe further about it.

.....

The journey through Valoria’s atmospheric around the grand coliseum which lies pristine gardens and private parks was a feast for the senses. The officials led the two groups along winding paths bordered by vibrant arrays of flora, some glowing faintly with imbued magic. Trees with golden leaves swayed gently in the breeze, their branches arching overhead to form natural canopies. Fountains adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures bubbled serenely, their waters sparkling with a faint azure hue.

Kaelen found himself marveling at the ethereal beauty around him. "It’s like walking through a dream," he murmured to Morris, who nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning a patch of flowers that seemed to shift colors with every step.

Ahead, Reeves and the aged leader from the Dawning of Magic walked silently, their presence commanding respect even as tension simmered beneath their calm exteriors. The students from both academies followed in relative quiet, though the subtle glances exchanged between them hinted at the competitive spirit brewing beneath the surface.

After what felt like an endless promenade through enchanting greenery, the path opened into a grand clearing. Standing before them were four colossal pavilions, their architecture a harmonious blend of opulence and artistry.

The pavilions were constructed of marble and enchanted wood, their exteriors glowing faintly in the golden light of the afternoon sun. Elaborate carvings of dragons in flight adorned the pillars, and the roofs were gilded, catching the light and casting radiant reflections. Each pavilion was surrounded by its own garden of exotic plants, and streams of water flowed through crystal channels, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

The taller official turned to face the group, gesturing grandly toward the structures. "Welcome to the ’Soaring Dragons,’ the lodging for esteemed participants of this year’s Battle Convention." His deep voice echoed across the clearing.

He pointed to the two pavilions on the left. "These will be assigned to the Pacesetters Academy." He then turned to the right. "And these two are reserved for the Dawning of Magic Academy."

Reeves nodded in acknowledgment, stepping forward to inspect the nearest pavilion. The aged leader of Dawning of Magic did the same, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of the accommodations.

As Kaelen and the others moved closer, the air seemed to hum with the subtle magic that imbued the pavilions. The walls shimmered faintly, and the doors opened of their own accord, revealing lavish interiors with furniture that seemed carved from gemstone and illuminated by soft, floating orbs of light.

"Truly fitting for the best," muttered one of the Pacesetters students, awe evident in their voice.

The shorter official spoke next. "Please make yourselves comfortable and prepare for the challenges ahead. We will leave you to your arrangements." With that, the two officials bowed slightly before stepping back.

Then, without a sound, they vanished into thin air, leaving both groups in the tranquil clearing surrounded by the grandeur of the Soaring Dragons.

Reeves stood at the forefront of the group, his sharp eyes scanning the pavilions and then turning to address his entourage. His tone carried authority and purpose as he began delegating assignments.

"These pavilions are a gift," he started, gesturing to the leftmost structure. "We must respect the accommodations and maintain discipline. This one"—he pointed to the first pavilion—"will be assigned to the ladies."

Lila, Charlotte, Guinevere, and Sofia exchanged glances, some with a flicker of relief, others with curiosity about the lavish interior they were about to explore. Reeves turned toward General Cao.

"General Cao, I’m entrusting their safety to you. Ensure they are well-guarded and remain undisturbed. Your quarters will be stationed adjacent to theirs."

General Cao nodded sharply, stepping forward to address the ladies. "Understood. Ladies, follow me." His commanding presence left no room for hesitation as he led the group toward their assigned pavilion.

Reeves then faced the remaining group of boys. "The second pavilion will be for the rest of you," he said firmly. "I will be personally supervising this one. I expect no unnecessary disturbances. Focus on resting and preparing for what lies ahead."

Kaelen glanced at the others—The Mysterious Swordsman, The Dark Prince, Morris, Ethan, and Eldric—all of whom carried varied expressions ranging from indifference to anticipation. The Mysterious Swordsman gave a slight nod, his sharp eyes calculating the situation. The Dark Prince seemed distant, though his lips curved in a faint, knowing smirk.

Eldric, standing closer to Kaelen, murmured, "Looks like we’re bunking together. Let’s hope this doesn’t turn into another competition."

Kaelen chuckled nervously. "As long as there’s peace in there."

Reeves clapped his hands, catching their attention. "Get settled in. There’s no room for complacency. The battles will test your limits, and the better you prepare, the more advantage you’ll have."

The group dispersed, moving toward their assigned pavilion. Inside, the boys’ quarters were equally as grand as the exterior. Spacious rooms lined with soft bedding and subtle magical enhancements provided both comfort and utility. Kaelen found a room at the far end, its window offering a clear view of the sprawling gardens and the faint silhouette of the grand coliseum in the distance.

As they settled in, the tension in the air was palpable. Kaelen could feel the weight of the upcoming battles pressing down on everyone, but there was also a sense of determination. He glanced out the window one more time before quietly muttering to himself, "This is where it all begins."

Kaelen cast one last glance at the Dawning of Magic delegation, noting their composed expressions as they entered their assigned pavilions. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what lay ahead settle over him like a mantle.