ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 227: LET THE FINAL STAGE BEGIN!!

The sun rose over Valoria Kingdom, its golden rays spilling over the grand cities and vast landscapes. It was a day of great anticipation, the air thick with excitement as the final stage of the Individual class battles in the prestigious Battle Convention began. Across the kingdom, the ten qualifiers in their respective categories had already taken their positions in the various coliseums, ready to showcase their skills in front of an eager audience.

But no coliseum was as lively and vibrant as the Northern Wind Spire Coliseum, the grandest of them all. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers and chants reverberating throughout the arena. Every seat in the coliseum was occupied, the crowd an ocean of anticipation and excitement. Vendors moved through the aisles, selling snacks and flags bearing the symbols of their favorite academies or houses, adding to the lively scene.

The VIP section was nearly full, a gathering of the most influential figures in Valoria. At the center sat King Alexandria, his regal presence commanding respect from all around. Beside him was his son, Crown Prince Lysander, a young man with sharp features and a calm demeanor that hinted at his calculated mind. Not far from them was Alden, the King’s nephew, who exuded arrogance as he lounged in his seat, flanked by his loyal lackey, Griffo.

A few rows away sat Kael Dragonyx, the powerful head of the Dragonyx family, his eyes cold and piercing as he surveyed the arena below. Beside him was his aged right-hand man, a figure of wisdom and experience who rarely spoke but was known for his keen insights.

Chancellor Castaneda of the Pacesetters Academy was also present, seated with his good friend Marel. The two were deep in conversation, their expressions both serious and excited as they discussed the upcoming battles. Castaneda’s gaze occasionally drifted to the arena floor, where his academy’s finest, including Kaelen, prepared for the monumental day ahead.

The arena itself was a masterpiece of design, with intricate carvings and banners of the participating factions decorating its towering walls. The platform where the battles would take place shimmered faintly, enhanced by protective enchantments to ensure the participants’ safety—or as much as possible in such high-stakes duels.

The anticipation built to a fever pitch as Seraphine suddenly graced her presence to the audience once again while her voice echoed across the coliseum. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final stage of the Individual Class Battles! Today, we witness the strongest clash, where champions will rise, and legends will be forged!"

The crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer, the energy palpable. The competitors, standing at the edges of the arena, looked determined, each mentally preparing for what lay ahead.

Kaelen, in particular, stood out, his calm demeanor masking the storm of emotions within. He could feel the eyes of Kael Dragonyx boring into him, assessing, calculating. He didn’t let it faze him. Today was a chance to prove himself—not just to the world but to himself.

But despite all these, chancellor Castaneda of the Pacesetters Academy leaned back in his seat, his sharp eyes drifting over to Kael Dragonyx, seated not far from him. With a faint smirk, Castaneda broke the silence between them, his voice carrying just enough volume to ensure Kael could hear.

"Well, Kael, it’s a surprise to see you here. None of your Dragonyx representatives qualified for this stage, did they? So, what brings the mighty head of the Dragonyx family to a place like this? Perhaps seeking to learn from the Pacesetters’ example?"

The remark drew a few curious glances from the nearby dignitaries, but Kael remained unruffled. A calm, almost detached smile played across his face as he turned his icy gaze toward Castaneda while he replied cooly.

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"I must admit, Chancellor, my representatives were disappointing this year. But my presence here is not about them. I’m simply observing... observing what will soon be mine."

His tone was measured, yet laced with veiled menace. He gestured subtly toward the arena, where Kaelen stood among the qualifiers while he continued.

"You see, Chancellor, this tournament offers more than just entertainment. It reveals hidden gems—like your dear Kaelen and that exquisite sword he wields. A fascinating artifact, wouldn’t you agree?"

’He saw through the disguise of the blade?’

Castaneda’s expression darkened slightly, his usual composure faltering for a fraction of a second. But he quickly recovered, leaning forward, his voice dropping to a low, warning tone.

"Careful, Kael. You might find some treasures more costly than you can afford—especially if they come with strings you’re not prepared to handle. I’d advise you to rethink your ambitions before they lead you down a path you won’t return from."

Kael’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. Instead, he chuckled softly, the sound devoid of warmth.

"Oh, Chancellor, threats don’t suit you. But worry not—I’ve been walking such paths my entire life. Now, let’s enjoy the show, shall we?"

He leaned back in his seat, his eyes drifting once more toward Kaelen, his gaze like that of a predator sizing up its prey. Castaneda’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing more, his mind racing with thoughts of how to protect Kaelen and the Blade of Eternity from the Dragonyx patriarch’s clutches.

The tension between the two powerful figures lingered in the air, unnoticed by the roaring crowd but palpable to those nearby. Meanwhile, down in the arena, Kaelen remained oblivious to the silent battle of wills unfolding in the VIP section, his focus entirely on the challenge that lay ahead.

Meanwhile, The roaring cheers of the crowd echoed through the Northern Wind Spire Coliseum as the energy in the air grew even more electrified. Standing at the center of the arena, Seraphine, the host of the Northern Wind spire coliseum, raised her hand, signaling for silence. The audience immediately quieted, anticipation bubbling just beneath the surface.

With an air of authority, Seraphine’s voice rang through the coliseum.

"Before we begin the final stage of the Individual Class Battles, I ask the top ten qualifiers to step forward. Show yourselves to the people who have gathered to witness greatness!"

The massive gates of the arena opened, and one by one, the qualifiers strode forward, each radiating an aura of strength and confidence. They lined up in the center of the arena in the following order, their names called out by Seraphine as it was displayed in a translucent screen in this order:

1. Forbes Hernandez - The silent yet commanding figure from Pacesetters Academy, who wielded his sword like an extension of his soul.

2. Kaelen Dragonyx - The enigmatic swordsman whose unyielding sword techniques had already earned the attention of many.

3. Aric Alexandria - The illegitimate son of King Alexandria, standing tall and proud, with the Blade of Dawn resting on his hip.

4. Charlotte Stark - The shieldbearer whose Divine Shield Techniques had stunned even the VIP section.

5. The Devouring King - A master of Devouring Magic, his ominous presence causing a ripple of unease among the spectators.

6. Kelvin Bowel - The determined warrior of Valen Military Academy, with the mastery of the dark arts embedded in him

7. Ethan Kent - The cunning Mist Magic user who had shocked the coliseum with his reality-bending technique.

8. Dale Troy - The composed and agile representative of the Stormfell Family.

9. Pine Hughes - The prodigious mage from the Dawning of Magic Academy, known for his powerful spellcasting.

10. Trent Wayne - The necromancer of Blightmore House, his chilling aura making him an intimidating figure to face.

The audience erupted in applause as the ten warriors stood shoulder to shoulder, their expressions revealing varying levels of confidence, determination, and resolve.

Seraphine waited for the cheers to die down before addressing the participants directly.

"The final stage of the Individual Class Battles will now commence, but it will not be like the stages you’ve faced before. This stage will be a Free-for-All Battle!"

Gasps of surprise echoed through the coliseum as Seraphine continued.

"You are required to face the other nine participants. This is not a battle of chance, nor one of simple endurance. Only the strongest—one who can prove themselves capable of defeating all others—will emerge victorious!"

The qualifiers exchanged glances, some with steely determination and others with an unmistakable thirst for battle.

"The rules are simple: you will fight until you either lose or emerge victorious. Defeats will be tallied, and if necessary, the participant with the fewest losses will be crowned the champion. Use your skills, your intellect, and your will to prove yourselves as the best amongst the best!"

The crowd roared in approval, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. Seraphine gestured to the ten participants.

"Take your positions, and may the strongest among you rise to claim their glory!"

The participants dispersed to their starting points, each radiating an aura of readiness. As Seraphine raised her hand once more to signal the beginning, the coliseum fell silent, the anticipation of the battle to come gripping every heart in the audience.

As the cheers reached their peak, Seraphine suddenly continued, "And now, let the final stage begin!" And with that, the stage was set for an unforgettable day.