ONLINE: Blades of Eternity - Chapter 81

Chapter 81: THE ROUND OF 16

It is a new day and the Pacesetters Academy’s coliseum buzzed with vibrant energy as it prepared for the Round of 16 of the Rookie Tournament. Banners in the academy’s colors waved proudly from every corner, their bold hues of crimson and gold fluttering in the wind. The air was filled with the rhythmic sounds of drums and horns, played by students stationed around the grand stands, creating an atmosphere of lively anticipation.

Vendors moved through the crowds, offering food and beverages, while groups of students and families gathered, eagerly chatting about the upcoming matchups. Sparks of magic occasionally flickered in the air as spectators practiced small spells, their excitement causing their abilities to stir. The arena floor gleamed under the sunlight, pristine and ready for the intense battles to come. Above, enchanted orbs floated, projecting replays and highlights of past duels onto massive floating screens for everyone to enjoy.

“Oh you came Mr. Hue”

“Why wouldn’t I come? This is a show that will show us the best student amongst this year’s batch in the academy. I can’t miss it”

“Hahahaha, that’s true Mr. Hue. We just can’t miss this”

“Actually why I came is because my daughter is also participating in the tournament so I came to see how she will perform…”

The VIP area, draped in luxurious silks, was filled with the academy’s most prestigious members, and whispers of eager speculation could be heard from the influential figures seated there. The entire coliseum seemed to hum with an electric excitement, a grand celebration of skill, magic, and the fierce competition to come.

“Huu…. Here goes nothing”

Kaelen stepped into the coliseum with a solemn air, his mind still replaying the battles from the tournament and the strange encounter with the shard in the Veilwood Forest. The festive atmosphere of the coliseum clashed with his calm, introspective mood as he wove through the crowd, keeping his focus on the task ahead.

As he walked past the excited spectators, the lively cheers and shouts seemed to fade into the background. His steps were steady but purposeful, his gaze sharp as he made his way to the participants’ area. The energy within the coliseum surged around him, but Kaelen remained grounded, his thoughts centered on the upcoming battles.

When he finally reached the participants’ section, he caught sight of Sofia standing by herself. Her presence, though familiar, exuded an aura of quiet intensity, her focus already sharp as she prepared for the challenges ahead. As Kaelen approached, Sofia glanced over, her ice-blue eyes meeting his with a flicker of recognition.

“Kaelen,” she greeted him, her voice calm yet carrying a subtle hint of respect. “It seems like you made it to this round, good job”

Kaelen nodded, offering her a small, measured smile. “Right back at you. Are you ready for this round, it will get more intense from here”

Sofia’s expression softened briefly, but her usual resolve quickly returned. “Always.”

The two stood side by side, the energy between them palpable, as they awaited the signal for the next phase of the tournament. There was no need for words now—their bond as competitors and warriors spoke louder than any conversation could.

‘It seems like Morris, Ethan and Guinevere won’t be observing this round of the tournament’ Kaelen suddenly thought after he looked around and failed to see any of the three.

As the last of the participants gathered in the coliseum, the air grew heavy with anticipation. The cheers from the crowd began to quiet as the same stern, aged man who had overseen the previous round stepped onto the central stage. His presence alone commanded attention—his stoic demeanor radiating authority and wisdom, earned over many years within the academy. He glanced around at the young competitors, his sharp eyes seeming to assess each of them, noting the quiet tension that hung over the participants’ area.

With a single wave of his hand, the crowd silenced completely. His voice, though deep and measured, carried effortlessly across the vast arena, imbued with a calm confidence.

“Participants,” he began, his gaze sweeping over Kaelen, Sofia, and the others. “You have fought well to reach this point, overcoming numerous challenges and opponents. But now, we step into the decisive phase.”

The coliseum seemed to grow even quieter, the festive atmosphere now tinged with the seriousness of his words.

“The round of sixteen will not be like the group stages,” the aged man continued. “Here, there are no second chances. This will be a knockout system. One defeat will send you out of the tournament, while victory will carry you forward to the next stage.”

His words settled over the competitors like a heavy mantle. He allowed the silence to linger for a moment, giving the participants time to absorb the weight of the upcoming battles.

“Prepare yourselves well,” he said gravely. “The path ahead will not be easy, but those of you who possess the will, the skill, and the determination will carve out your legacy in the history of this academy.”

The aged man gave a final nod before stepping back. His speech had been brief, but it resonated deeply, sharpening the focus of every competitor present. With the rules clear, the real intensity of the tournament had truly begun.

As the man exited the stage, the crowd began to stir again, murmurs of excitement rippling through the coliseum as the participants stood, readying themselves for the looming battles ahead. The knockout stage was set to begin, and the coliseum buzzed with anticipation.

The atmosphere in the coliseum shifted the moment the aged man left the stage. A soft hum filled the air as a large, transparent screen flickered to life, hovering just above the platform. The crowd’s chatter hushed again as everyone turned their attention to the floating display. On it, names began to appear, followed by the participants’ portraits.

Each name was paired with another, signaling the upcoming duels for the round of sixteen. Excitement buzzed through the audience as they studied the matchups.

Kaelen’s eyes locked on the screen as his name appeared boldly in silver script:

Kaelen Draegor

vs.

Aldous Rhean

He narrowed his gaze, studying the image of his opponent. Aldous was a tall, wiry boy with sharp features and a focused expression. His short, dark hair and intense eyes gave him the look of a cunning tactician, someone who wouldn’t be easily outwitted.

Kaelen’s mind began to spin through potential strategies, but his attention was diverted when another name flashed beside a familiar figure:

Sofia Hathaway

vs.

Ignite Hallowen

Sofia’s jaw tightened as she saw her opponent’s name. Ignite was known for his fiery combat style, both in terms of personality and magic. His portrait showed a young man with flaming red hair and an almost cocky expression on his face.

‘That is the same boy whom me, Morris and Ethan encountered during the tournament’s grand ceremony’ Kaelen thought with a grim look on his face before he whispered to Sofia.

“Your first opponent is strong”

“Yeah I know, I have done my research on all the participants in this round including you so am prepared” Sofia said with a cunning smile on her face. When Kaelen saw this smile, he couldn’t help by shudder involuntarily.

The crowd in the coliseum grew restless, the anticipation palpable as the screen’s matchups faded. Suddenly, a referee stepped onto the main stage—a tall, imposing figure with sharp eyes and a firm posture, dressed in a deep, navy blue robe adorned with gold embroidery. His presence immediately commanded attention, and the noise in the stands gradually died down.

He raised his hand, and with a voice that echoed across the entire arena, he announced, “The first duel in the round of sixteen will now commence!”

A brief murmur of excitement surged through the audience.

“The contestants are Sofia Verdant and Ignite Hallowen,” the referee continued, his voice firm. “Both combatants, step forward to the stage.”

Sofia took a deep breath, centering herself as she stood from her seat in the participants’ area. Her hands lightly grazed the hilt of her scepter, the cool touch of it grounding her. She walked with calm confidence, her green eyes forward and focused. The crowd watched her intently, curious to see how her light and ice magic would fare against her opponent.

Across the way, Ignite rose from his seat. His fiery red hair seemed to flare in the sunlight, and his expression was one of eager anticipation. He sauntered forward, his confidence apparent in every step. His eyes were locked on Sofia as if already predicting his victory. With a flick of his wrist, a small spark of flame danced on his fingertips before vanishing.

Both competitors climbed the steps to the platform, their movements steady and purposeful. The atmosphere in the coliseum grew tense as they took their positions on opposite ends of the stage.

Sofia’s expression was solemn, her mind already strategizing. She knew Ignite was a formidable opponent—his fire magic was powerful and destructive, but Sofia’s ability to weave light and ice magic could give her the edge she needed. She glanced at him, gauging his posture, his demeanor. He seemed relaxed, overconfident even, but Sofia knew better than to underestimate anyone at this stage.

Ignite, on the other hand, looked across at Sofia with a grin that was almost too casual for the situation. His flames were known to consume anything in their path, and he intended to show everyone just how powerful they could be. He stretched his fingers, letting small flames flicker in and out between them, readying himself for the battle.

The referee stepped back, raising his hand once more. “Contestants ready?”

Both Sofia and Ignite gave a single nod.

“Let the duel begin!” The referee’s voice echoed across the arena, and he swiftly stepped back, allowing the fight to commence.

The air between them crackled with tension as the duel officially began, each participant bracing for the first move.