ONLINE: Blades of Eternity - Chapter 96

Chapter 96: THE TOP 5 ROOKIE STUDENTS

“Do you know what the battle convention is Morris” While still seated amongst the audience in the coliseum, Ethan asked Morris curiously with a whisper. Due to Morris being the second son to the head of the Grey family, Ethan thought he might know what the battle convention is all about.

“I don’t really know what it is but from what I have head from my family members, it is a grand event that happens every five years and it is so large scale that even the king himself will come to witness the final stages of the event” Morris replied with a honest look on his face. But when Ethan heard him, his expression quickly changed into disbelief and he thought loudly.

‘The King!!!?’

As the swirling shadows left in the wake of the Valen Military Academy’s departure faded into nothingness, the coliseum began to settle once more. The tension that had suffused the air ebbed away, leaving behind a charged atmosphere of anticipation. The audience buzzed with murmurs, exchanging excited whispers about the tournament and the confrontation between the Vice Chancellor and the Headmaster.

Standing tall at the center of the arena, the Vice Chancellor took a deep breath. His eyes scanned the coliseum, observing the spectators, participants, and faculty, all waiting for his final words. With a wave of his hand, the coliseum quieted down, the whispers fading into a respectful silence.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the Vice Chancellor began, his voice calm but commanding, “today has been a remarkable demonstration of skill, determination, and strength. We have witnessed the rise of new talents and the forging of rivalries that will shape the future of our academy—and perhaps beyond.”

His eyes briefly glanced toward the spot where Julian had stood only moments before, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his expression. But he continued, his tone steady.

“Although there were… unexpected developments, the Rookie Tournament has succeeded in its primary goal: to showcase the finest young warriors of Pacesetters Academy, those who will lead the charge into a new era. And for that, I am proud.”

There was a pause, the weight of his words sinking in. He nodded slightly as if acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved.

“Now, before we conclude this tournament, I would like to acknowledge the top five students who have proven their mettle in the face of adversity.”

He lifted his arm, gesturing toward the remaining participants who had earned their way to the top. “Step forward as I call your names.”

One by one, the students made their way to the center of the arena, their expressions filled with a mix of pride, exhaustion, and relief.

“First, Sofia Hathaway,” the Vice Chancellor announced.

Sofia, though bruised from her grueling match with Julian, walked forward with her head held high, her scepter in hand, a symbol of her unwavering resolve. She was met with thunderous applause, the audience acknowledging her resilience despite the loss.

“Next, Eldric Voss.”

Eldric, the lightning user, stepped forward with a confident grin, the memory of his victories still fresh in the minds of the spectators. His energy was palpable, and his lightning-based prowess had left a lasting impression on everyone.

“Lira Farel.”

Lira, the spear user who had pushed Kaelen to his limits in their duel, approached with the elegance and grace of a seasoned fighter. Her quiet confidence and tenacity had earned her a spot among the academy’s elite.

“Grox Galdar.”

The hammer-wielding Grox lumbered forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over the others. His raw strength and ferocity had made him a force to be reckoned with throughout the tournament, and the audience roared in approval as he took his place.

“And finally,” the Vice Chancellor’s voice lowered slightly, pausing for effect, “Kaelen Dragonyx”

The crowd erupted in cheers, but there was no movement from Kaelen. He remained seated, a sense of anticipation growing. The Vice Chancellor’s gaze fell on him, and he offered a slight smile, knowing full well the effect this announcement would have.

“Kaelen, however, will be reserved for something… special. His performance in this tournament has surpassed expectations, and his potential requires further recognition beyond the confines of this competition.”

A murmur of curiosity swept through the audience. What could be more significant than being named one of the top five? Kaelen himself, though still processing everything that had happened, caught the Vice Chancellor’s eyes and gave a small nod, acknowledging the words even if he didn’t yet understand the full meaning behind them.

“As for Julian,” the Vice Chancellor continued, his tone hardening ever so slightly, “he was never a true student of Pacesetters Academy. Therefore, he will not be acknowledged here today. His participation, though remarkable, was outside the boundaries of our tournament.”

The audience was silent, understanding the unspoken implications of the Vice Chancellor’s statement. Julian’s presence had been a disruption, and his actions would not be rewarded.

The Vice Chancellor looked once more at the five students standing before him, pride in his gaze. “You have all earned your place in the annals of the academy’s history. This is only the beginning of your journey. I have no doubt that your futures will be filled with even greater challenges, and I believe each of you has what it takes to overcome them.”

With that, he stepped back, signaling the end of his speech. The crowd erupted into applause once again, celebrating the top five participants and the conclusion of the tournament. As the clamor filled the coliseum, the Vice Chancellor’s gaze returned to Kaelen, knowing that his journey was only just beginning.

Behind him, the pillars of the academy exchanged glances, understanding that the Vice Chancellor had something significant planned for Kaelen, something that would likely change the course of his life—and the academy itself.

As the crowd’s applause gradually died down, the Vice Chancellor stepped forward once again, his posture dignified and commanding. With a slight motion of his hand, an attendant approached him, holding a small velvet tray upon which five gleaming rings rested.

“These students,” the Vice Chancellor began, his voice resonating through the coliseum, “have earned more than just the recognition of their peers. Today, we honor them not only for their skill in battle but for their spirit, determination, and growth. And with that honor comes a gift.”

He gestured to the rings. “These storage rings, each imbued with the power to store various items, will serve as a symbol of your achievements and as a tool to assist you on your future paths.”

The Vice Chancellor’s gaze swept over the five students. “Step forward, one by one.”

Sofia was the first to approach. Though still bruised from her hard-fought battles, she moved with the grace and poise that had marked her throughout the tournament. As she reached the Vice Chancellor, he presented the ring to her with a proud nod.

“Use this wisely, Sofia Ardent. Your journey is just beginning.”

Sofia bowed slightly, her fingers curling around the ring, and she stepped back into line.

Next came Eldric Voss, his energy crackling beneath the surface, even though he tried to contain his excitement. The Vice Chancellor handed him his ring with a small smile.

“Your raw power will be your greatest ally if tempered with wisdom. Continue to grow.”

Lira Farel stepped forward next, her posture as steady as her spear technique. She accepted the ring with a calm expression, though her eyes shimmered with determination.

“You have shown incredible potential, Lira. Don’t let it go to waste.”

Grox Galdar was the last of the four, towering over the Vice Chancellor as he approached. His massive hands seemed almost too large to handle the delicate ring, but he accepted it with surprising gentleness.

“Strength without discipline is dangerous. You have the former; now continue to develop the latter.”

With each student having received their ring, the Vice Chancellor’s eyes then fell on Kaelen, who was still seated among the participants. A knowing smile flickered across the Vice Chancellor’s face as he addressed the crowd once more.

“While Kaelen will not be receiving a storage ring today, his accomplishments in this tournament have earned him a place of great distinction.”

The audience murmured curiously, eager to see what the Vice Chancellor had planned for him.

“Like the others,” the Vice Chancellor continued, “Kaelen Dragonyx is hereby promoted to the Apprentice Rank. His potential is evident, and we will be monitoring his growth closely.”

Kaelen rose to his feet, feeling the weight of all eyes on him, but the words of his system, the discovery of his ‘Primal’ mana, and the exhilaration of the tournament filled him with a quiet resolve. He stepped forward, joining the others in recognition of his promotion, though there was no ring waiting for him.

“You all stand today as one of the apprentices of the academy,” the Vice Chancellor declared, his voice full of pride. “This is only the first step in a long and arduous journey. Carry your rank with honor, and continue to push beyond your limits.”

The crowd erupted into applause once more, the cheers reverberating throughout the coliseum as the top five students stood side by side, each one marked for greatness. Even without a ring, Kaelen could feel the shift in the air—he had been set on a path, one that would undoubtedly shape his destiny.

As the applause faded and the audience settled once again, the Vice Chancellor gave a final nod to the top five. “Congratulations, apprentices. The academy is watching, and the world awaits your future exploits.”

Kaelen glanced at the others, feeling the weight of his new rank. But beyond the applause, beyond the recognition, he knew that something greater loomed on the horizon—something that would demand every ounce of his strength, courage, and willpower.