ONLINE: Blades of Eternity - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: RULES AND REGULATIONS

“As you all may have already known, today marks the opening of the annual Pacesetters Rookie tournament” Sylvester who is currently on the stage in the coliseum suddenly spoke up with a mana imbued voice which spread all around the coliseum.

“Now before the tournament for the best rookie in the Academy begins, let me brief you all on all the necessary information you need to know about this tournament” Sylvester continued as he adjusted himself.

“This tournament is divided into several rounds, each increasing in difficulty and complexity. It tests not only the participants’ combat prowess but also their strategic thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. The entire event spans several days, drawing massive crowds from within the academy and beyond, all eager to witness the emergence of the greatest rookie of the year.”

‘Woah, this tournament is huge’ Kaelen thought with a surprised expression on his face.

“The tournament begins with one-on-one duels in a series of elimination rounds. Students are randomly paired, and each duel takes place in a controlled environment designed to minimize injuries while still allowing participants to showcase their full abilities. This stage can go on till we arrive at our last 32 participants.”

“The use of personal weapons, spells, and combat techniques is permitted. However, lethal force is strictly prohibited. A participant is declared the winner when their opponent is either incapacitated, surrenders, or is knocked out of the designated combat area.”

“Designated?” Kaelen suddenly muttered with a confused expression on his face. But right at that moment, Morris spoke up in a calm manner.

“You will find out by what he means soon enough”

“The remaining participants are divided into teams of three. These teams face off in a series of strategic battles that test their ability to work together and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.To advance to the final rounds by demonstrating superior teamwork and tactical prowess. The team that emerges victorious in each battle progresses to the next stage.” Sylvester continued.

“Team battles are less about individual skill and more about strategy. Teams must coordinate their attacks, defenses, and support tactics to outmaneuver their opponents. The battles take place in larger arenas, often with environmental hazards or dynamic terrain that further challenge the participants.”

“The tournament then shifts back to individual duels. The top-performing members of the winning teams are selected to participate in the semi-finals, where the intensity of the competition reaches new heights.”

“In the semi-final duels are longer and more grueling, often featuring unexpected twists, such as surprise challenges or unique conditions that force the participants to think on their feet. Victory here requires not only skill but also adaptability and mental fortitude.”

“And finally, at the climax of the tournament is a grand battle royale, where the remaining participants face off against each other in a free-for-all. This final round is held here in this academy’s grand coliseum, under the watchful eyes of the academy’s masters, pillars, and the entire student body.”

‘So the main deal is the grand finale of this tournament huh?’ Kaelen thought with a serious expression on his face. Apparently, he still haven’t forgotten his dream on being the strongest swordsman in the world and right now, he could see that this is an opportunity for him to achieve his life long dreams.

“The person who becomes the last one standing will be the winner of this battle and will be crowned the Greatest Rookie of the Year and is awarded special honors, privileges, and recognition within the academy.”

“Now let’s talk about the rewards of this tournament” Sylvester continued before he gave the boy behind him a glance. And while giving Sylvester a simple nod in response, he quickly stepped forward and placed a ring onto Sylvester’s palm.

“What I have right here with me is a storage ring which contains one of the rewards of this tournament” Sylvester quickly announced right after he raised the ring that the boy behind him just gave him.

“What is stored in this ring is a powerful artifact, often a weapon or magical item, is bestowed upon the victor, chosen specifically to complement their abilities and style.” Sylvester said before he suddenly made the ring vanish from his palm.

“Not only that, but their name will be etched onto the Academy’s Wall of Honor, securing their place in the history of Pace Setter Academy.”

“The tournament will begin right at dawn tomorrow so I advice all participants of this tournament should get themselves ready”

“And that is everything you need to know about this tournament. I wish all the participants of this tournament good luck and I hope we will see new rising stars from this tournament” Sylvester said while he secretly glanced at Morris.

“Seems like someone is having expectations on your performance in this tournament” But Kaelen noticed it as he whispered to Morris with a smirk on his face.

“Well I can’t be bothered about that, all I know is that I will try my utmost best in this tournament” Morris replied with a calm look on his face.

“Now here comes the end of the grand ceremony of this prestigious tournament. All participants can now go get ready for their upcoming sparring battles tomorrow” Sylvester said calmly before he finally turned to walk out of the stage.

But before Sylvester and the two internal students who are behind him could walk out of the stage, someone suddenly appeared on their tracks.

“Oh? The interesting part is about to begin” Morris quickly said with a light smirk on his face right after he saw what happened. As for Kaelen, he quickly had a frown on his face as he looked directly at Kelvin who just appeared.

While whispers and murmurs began to fly all around the students that is seated in the coliseum, Sylvester calmly asked with a dissatisfied expression on his face.

“Is there a problem Kelvin?”

But Kelvin didn’t give him an answer as he suddenly shifted his gaze towards the girl behind Sylvester and calmly asked.

“You are Carolina right?”

“Do you have a death wish?”

When the girl behind Sylvester heard the question Kelvin asked her, she quickly asked with a cold look on her face. But Kelvin still remained calm as he replied with a determined look on his face.

“Let’s have a duel right here and now”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Ehh!!?”

As soon as Kelvin made that statement, almost everyone in the coliseum went completely blank. Even Morris acted no different from the rest as he thought.

‘Now I never knew it will turn out like this’

But Kaelen still had a frown on his face as he intently stared at Kelvin as he thought solemnly.

‘Why am I perceiving a chaos mana from him? Don’t tell me he is with the chaos orb?’

Back on the stage, as soon as Kelvin made that statement, the two internal students and Sylvester were immediately taken aback.

“Are you tired of living?” But not long after, the girl behind Sylvester who Is actually named Carolina quickly asked in a furious tone as a palpable aura began to emanate out of her body. But Kelvin still looked calm and composed as he replied.

“If I win the duel, I will have the right to ask you three questions. But if I lose, I will be your errand boy for two days”

An errand boy is no different than a mere slave in that world, they are the sort of people who will be driven to do anything for their master, even if they have to commit suicide.

“You….” Carolina muttered with an incredulous expression on his face. But right at that instance, a thundering voice reverberated across the coliseum.

“Kelvin!!?”

“Kaelen, look above us” Morris quickly muttered to Kaelen as he looked right above him. And right after getting his senses back in check, Kaelen quickly followed Morris and looked above him.

Who both Kaelen and Morris saw right above them is none other than one of the pillars of the academy and the father of Kelvin who is regarded as the Dark Saint.

This person is clad in flowing robes of midnight black, edged with deep crimson runes that pulse with a subtle, ominous light, he moves with a grace that belies the deadly precision he is known for.

His face which is now hidden beneath the shadow of a deep hood, reveals sharp, angular features when seen—a sharp jawline, a thin mouth set in a perpetual, calculating smirk, and eyes that are perhaps his most striking feature. These eyes, a cold, deep shade of violet, seem to see through the very soul, discerning truths and secrets with a mere glance. They carry the weight of countless battles and dark rituals, reflecting an intellect that has delved into the deepest and most forbidden magics.

“Oh sh*t! A pillar of our academy has graced us with his presence!”

“What a way to begin the tournament!!”

“But wait, why did he call out the name of the boy on the stage? Are they related?”

“Yeah, it seems so”

‘Father’ while an uproar has erupted amongst the students that is seated, Kaelen thought with a surprised look on his face. But not long after, his expression quickly changed into pure resolve as he thought again.

‘Sorry dad but I won’t give up’