ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 202: THE HUMAN WORLD GATHERS

The Valoria Kingdom’s streets teemed with life. From every corner of the realm and beyond, people poured into the capital, their excitement palpable as the grand coliseum loomed in the distance—a fortress of stone and steel that defied the sky. Its colossal arches and intricate carvings spoke of centuries of history, its presence an imposing reminder of the power and grandeur of the Battle Convention.

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Merchants shouted over the din, selling flags, charms, and memorabilia. Families clutched their children’s hands as they hurried to secure their seats, their chatter a mix of anticipation and hope. Travelers from the neighboring nations of Eldoria and Arcanis added to the sea of faces, their distinctive clothing marking them as outsiders.

"I heard the Pacesetters Academy sent their strongest this year," a merchant whispered to a passing noble.

"Bah, the Dawning of Magic always dominates," the noble replied with a smirk, adjusting the badge of his academy on his lapel.

Everywhere, the air buzzed with speculations and wagers. Names like Kaelen Grey, Kent Harrow, and the King Devourer were on everyone’s lips, their feats already becoming legend.

Amid the throng of eager spectators, a black carriage trimmed with silver rolled quietly through a secluded side street. Its insignia—a crest of a howling wolf right in front of a glimmering star—marked it unmistakably as the property of the Grey family.

Inside, Lord Grey, the stoic patriarch of the family, sat with his wife, her delicate features veiled in lace. Their demeanor was calm, almost detached, as if the excitement of the event could not touch them.

"Do you think Morris is ready?" Lady Grey asked, her voice soft but edged with concern.

Lord Grey’s sharp eyes remained fixed on the passing streets. "This is what he has signed up for. If he isn’t ready now, he never will be."

Behind their carriage, other prominent figures made their way in a similar, elusive fashion—magisters, Clan and family leaders, and royal envoys, each representing their nation’s pride and ambition.

In stark contrast, the common folk flocked to the coliseum on foot. Among them were farmers, shopkeepers, and artisans. But in the mix were also mysterious figures, their ordinary appearances betraying an aura of hidden strength.

An elderly woman clutched a locket tightly, her weathered hands trembling. "He promised he’d come back as a champion," she whispered to herself.

A young boy, no older than twelve, sprinted ahead of his family, his eyes wide with excitement. "Do you think we’ll see magic? Real magic?"

Unbeknownst to him, a hooded figure in the crowd glanced his way, a faint smile playing on their lips.

As the crowds funneled into the colossal gates of the coliseum, whispers spread of unfamiliar faces and strange energy in the air. The massive banners of Valoria, Eldoria, and Arcanis fluttered high above the arena, their colors reflecting unity and competition alike.

Somewhere within the shadows of the towering walls, unseen eyes observed the spectacle with keen interest. A voice, low and conspiratorial, muttered, "So, it begins. Let us see who survives this game."

The grand ceremony was about to commence, and the stakes were higher than ever before. I’m

The coliseum thrummed with energy, the roar of the crowd like the heartbeat of the world itself. Every seat in the regular and sub-VIP sections was filled, with attendees craning their necks to get a better view of the arena’s center. The VIP section, however, stood ominously empty, a shimmering golden barrier surrounding it—a silent reminder of the distinction between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Just as the crowd’s chatter reached its peak, the air in the coliseum shifted. A faint shimmer appeared high above the center of the arena before solidifying into the form of a man. He descended gracefully, his polished black shoes landing on an invisible platform. His suit, pristine and tailored, shimmered faintly under the sunlight, and his sharp features exuded an aura of perfection and authority.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice amplified by a subtle spell that made it resonate throughout the coliseum, "welcome to the grand Battle Convention!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, their collective enthusiasm shaking the very foundations of the coliseum.

"I am Sebastian Faulkner, your humble host and arbiter for this grand occasion," he continued, bowing slightly. "It is my honor to guide you through the most anticipated event of the year—where legends are forged and history is made!"

Sebastian raised a gloved hand, silencing the crowd with an elegant wave. "Before we proceed, let us pay homage to the cornerstone of this grand tradition—the sovereign of the Valoria Kingdom himself, a man of vision, strength, and legacy: Alexandria the Great!"

As his words echoed, the skies above the coliseum darkened for a brief moment before parting to reveal a dazzling procession. The Royal Entourage descended from the heavens, their golden chariots and silver banners radiating an almost divine light. The crowd erupted in a deafening cheer, a wave of sound that seemed to ripple through the arena.

At the head of the entourage was Alexandria, the King of Valoria, clad in a majestic robe embroidered with gold and silver threads. His presence was commanding, his crown a gleaming symbol of his authority.

Behind him, riding in a slightly smaller but no less grand chariot, was Lysander, the crown prince, his youthful features marked with a sharp confidence. To his side stood Alden, his cousin, a man with a quiet, calculating gaze that seemed to miss nothing.

As the royal procession approached the VIP section, the golden barrier shimmered and opened just enough to admit them. The king and his entourage stepped into the opulent seating area, their every move watched with reverence by the crowd below.

Sebastian continued, his tone reverent, "Behold the guiding light of Valoria’s legacy, alongside the future of the kingdom. Let us offer our gratitude and admiration!"

The audience erupted once more into a cacophony of cheers, chants of "Alexandria the Great" rising like a chorus.

As the royal family settled into their seats, the crowd’s excitement reached fever pitch. The coliseum was alive with anticipation, and the stage was now fully set for the grand ceremony to begin.

Sebastian Faulkner raised his hand once more, commanding silence as the coliseum buzzed with the lingering excitement of the royal entrance. His voice rang out, clear and melodious, drawing all attention back to the center of the arena.

"And now," he announced, "it is my utmost honor to welcome another cornerstone of this gathering—a man revered across continents, the beacon of wisdom and power: the First Magi!"

The skies above the coliseum shimmered again, this time with an otherworldly hue of silver and blue. A spiral of luminous energy formed, descending slowly and majestically. As the light dissipated, the First Magi emerged—a figure of commanding presence, draped in robes that seemed to shift between the colors of dawn and dusk. His long silver hair flowed like liquid moonlight, and his piercing eyes carried the weight of centuries of wisdom.

Beside him walked a girl with a chilling aura. Her youthful appearance contrasted sharply with the overwhelming presence she exuded. Her sharp, angular features mirrored the First Magi’s, hinting at a familial connection. Her expression was cold, and her movements were calculated, each step emanating a sense of quiet dominance that sent shivers through the onlookers.

But the true shock came when the third member of their entourage stepped forward—a regal Elf with striking emerald hair and golden eyes, clad in armor adorned with intricate Elven runes. The crowd erupted into murmurs and gasps as they recognized the royal insignia of the elf’s royalty engraved on the Elf’s chestplate.

The audience’s whispers surged like a rising tide.

"An Elf?"

"And of royal blood, no less!"

"Does this mean the elves are lending its hand to the convention?"

The presence of an Elven royal had transformed the atmosphere into one of palpable curiosity and awe. Even in Valoria, where magic and might reigned supreme, the Elves were a rare sight, let alone one of such high status.

As the First Magi and his entourage stepped into the VIP section, the golden barrier shimmered to admit them. King Alexandria rose from his seat, extending a hand in greeting.

"First Magi," Alexandria said, his voice carrying a tone of mutual respect. "It is an honor to host you at this year’s convention."

The First Magi inclined his head slightly. "The honor is mine, Your Majesty. Events such as these are vital for nurturing the strength and unity of our realms."

The Elf stepped forward and exchanged a brief but respectful greeting with Alexandria. Their interaction, though formal, hinted at an underlying understanding between their respective kingdoms.

Meanwhile, Lysander and Alden turned their attention to the girl beside the First Magi.

"Welcome," Lysander began, offering a warm smile. "It is rare to see such distinguished company. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?"

The girl’s gaze flicked to him, her expression unchanging. "Names are irrelevant to those who won’t remember them," she replied coldly, her tone cutting.

Alden tried to intervene with a more diplomatic approach. "Perhaps you’d grant us the pleasure of—"

"I grant nothing," she interrupted, her voice as sharp as ice.

Lysander and Alden exchanged a glance, their smiles faltering. It was clear the girl’s demeanor was not one to be easily swayed.

As the First Magi and his entourage took their seats, the crowd buzzed with excitement and speculation. The stage was nearly complete, with the gathering of some of the most powerful figures in the world.

Sebastian smiled faintly as he raised his hand again. "And with this illustrious assembly, we edge closer to the unveiling of this year’s grand spectacle. But there are more names to come, each more magnificent than the last. Stay tuned, for this is only the beginning!"

The crowd roared in anticipation as the coliseum seemed to hum with the promise of the extraordinary.