ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 213: A COLD RESOLVE

The Southern Azure Coliseum hummed with a mystical ambiance, its magical wards pulsating faintly with a deep azure glow. At the center of it all stood the coliseum’s supervisor, Terron Granite, a figure as unyielding as the earth itself. His imposing frame towered over the central platform, his stone-like skin glinting in the morning light. Clad in dark brown robes etched with glowing runic patterns, he exuded the calm, steadfast aura of someone who had mastered the elemental arts of earth and gravity. His presence alone was enough to instill a sense of discipline and respect in the spectators and participants alike.

From his elevated position, Terron surveyed the arena with piercing, stone-gray eyes. Though he rarely spoke, his very demeanor communicated authority. The mages awaiting their battles below moved with silent reverence, well aware they were under the watchful gaze of the Earth Sentinel.

Seated comfortably in the VIP section, Vice Chancellor Reeves leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the arena. Beside him sat General Cao, arms folded and posture rigid, as if he were ready to leap into action at any moment. Both men radiated a quiet confidence that came with their years of experience and influence.

Not far from them sat the illustrious First Magi, a man whose very presence seemed to bend the magical currents in the air. Draped in flowing robes adorned with intricate golden runes, the First Magi carried an aura of supremacy and wisdom. His staff, resting against the arm of his chair, pulsed faintly with a rhythmic glow, a testament to the incredible power he wielded.

Beside him sat his daughter, a young woman with long silver hair that shimmered like moonlight and icy blue eyes that seemed to pierce through everything she gazed upon. She was the picture of composure, sitting upright with an air of regal grace. Though she spoke little, her presence commanded attention.

Reeves, ever the conversationalist, turned to the First Magi with a polite smile. "It’s a pleasure to have you here, Magus Alen. Your insight will surely add depth to today’s battles."

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The First Magi inclined his head slightly, his voice deep and measured. "The pleasure is mutual, Vice Chancellor. It is always enlightening to witness the future of magic in action. The young ones carry the hopes of their clans, families, and academies on their shoulders."

General Cao, who had been silent, finally spoke, his tone gruff but respectful. "And some of those hopes are heavier than others. It’ll be interesting to see how they hold up."

The First Magi’s daughter glanced at General Cao, her expression unreadable as the Alen responded. "Pressure often reveals one’s true potential—or their limits," he said softly, his voice as cool as his appearance.

Reeves nodded in agreement, though his attention was soon diverted as a subtle shift in the atmosphere signaled the arrival of someone significant.

Unlike the grandiose entrances he was known for, Kael Dragonyx entered the VIP section in a far more subdued manner. Yet, even without the spectacle, his presence turned heads. His tall, commanding figure exuded pride and power, and his fiery red hair seemed to glow under the sunlight, much like the flames he was reputed to command. His sharp, dragon-like eyes scanned the VIP section as he strode confidently to an empty seat, his crimson and gold-trimmed robes fluttering slightly with his movements. Unlike the grand ceremony, his right hand man is no where to be seen as he sat down in the VIP section alone

Kael carried himself with the air of someone who knew his place in the hierarchy—at the top. Despite the lack of fanfare, every step he took seemed to demand attention, and whispers quickly spread among the spectators and participants.

As he sat down, he gave both the First Magi and Vice chancellor Reeves a very short term glance, not acknowledging their presence nor offering any pleasantries.

Although Reeves totally expected this reaction from him, he still raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Kael Dragonyx gracing us with a less grand entrance today? That’s unexpected."

Kael leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but his voice carrying an edge of arrogance. "Not every occasion calls for theatrics, Reeves. I’m here to observe, nothing more. Besides, you need to keep a tight lid on that boy you are protecting, you never know who are eyeing him in the shadows."

When Reeves and General Cao heard him, their face instantly hardened as a calm ripple spread out from their bodies. But eventually, they calmed down as Reeves said, "You don’t need to tell us that Lord Kael, we are sure no one is stupid enough to try and approach him and plans on getting away with it."

"Well if you say so" Lord Kael said with a nonchalant look on his face as his gaze was still on the arena.

Although he was clueless to what Kael and Reeves were talking about, The First Magi’s eyes still lingered on Kael for a moment, his expression thoughtful but unreadable. "The Dragonyx family produces warriors of great renown. I trust you’ll find today’s battles to your liking, Lord Kael."

Kael inclined his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I have no doubt about that, Magus Alen. The question is whether anyone here can truly stand out."

The tension in the VIP section was palpable as Kael’s words hung in the air. But before anyone could respond, Terron Granite’s deep voice echoed through the coliseum, drawing all attention back to the arena.

"Let the next duel commence!"

As Terron Granite’s commanding voice reverberated through the Southern Azure Coliseum, the ground beneath the arena trembled slightly, and the air was charged with latent magical energy. The arena’s surface began to glow, intricate runes tracing themselves across the platform in synchronized patterns. In an instant, the grand battlefield split into five mini-arenas, each one encased in a shimmering, translucent barrier that hummed with raw magic. The separation was seamless, a testament to the mastery of the magical architects who had designed the coliseum.

Each mini-arena was now designated for the round robin battles, and the spectators leaned forward in anticipation. The participants quickly filed into their respective sections, each readying themselves for the trials ahead.

In the third mini-arena, Lila Grey stood with quiet composure, her violet eyes sharp as she assessed her opponents. Her group consisted of:

Althea Dragonyx, daughter of Kael Dragonyx, who stood with an air of quiet arrogance. Her fiery crimson hair and golden eyes made her unmistakably a Dragonyx, and the confidence in her stance mirrored her father’s. The faint flicker of embers around her fingertips hinted at her affinity for flame magic, and her presence alone seemed to radiate heat.

A boy from Valen Military Academy, dressed in sleek combat gear with the academy’s emblem emblazoned on his chest. His short, cropped blond hair and stoic demeanor suggested discipline and rigorous training. He carried himself like a soldier, exuding an aura of calculated precision.

A gloomy girl from Blightmore House, clad in dark, tattered robes. Her pale skin and shadowed eyes gave her a ghostly appearance, and she carried a sinister aura that made the air around her feel unnaturally cold. She clutched a staff adorned with a jagged, black crystal, and the whispers of dark magic seemed to surround her.

As they stood within the shimmering confines of the barrier, the tension in the air was palpable. Spectators murmured amongst themselves, speculating on the matchups and potential outcomes.

Despite the imposing presence of her opponents, Lila remained calm. Her long, flowing white hair cascaded down her back, and her slender frame belied the strength and skill she possessed. She stood still, her hands resting lightly at her sides, but her gaze was fixed—not on her opponents, but on the VIP section above.

Her eyes flickered briefly on a particular seat, where Kael Dragonyx sat with an aura of smug pride, casually observing the proceedings below. Her heart burned with quiet fury, memories of her father’s fate at Kael’s hands replaying vividly in her mind.

Lila clenched her fists, her expression hardening with determination. She swore to herself in that moment:

"Kael Dragonyx… I will avenge my father for what you’ve done. You may sit there with your arrogance, but my dad’s honor will not be tarnished forever."

Turning her focus back to the battlefield, she let out a slow breath, her anger receding into a cold, steely resolve. Whatever opponents she faced in this coliseum, they were only stepping stones toward her ultimate goal. She would prove herself, not just for her family, but for her father’s memory.

Terron Granite’s voice boomed once more, announcing the beginning of the battles in all five arenas.

"Participants, prepare yourselves. Let the first matches commence!"

The barriers shimmered brighter for a brief moment, signaling the start of the round robin stage. Lila’s calm demeanor didn’t waver as the names of the first match in her group lit up on the magical display.

Lila’s battle wasn’t first, but she didn’t mind. It gave her time to observe her opponents more closely, to analyze their strengths and weaknesses. And when her turn came, she would step forward, ready to fight not just for victory, but for the honor of her family and the vengeance that burned quietly in her heart.