The midday sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden hue across Arcadia as the second half of the tournament prepared to unfold. The gates of the Grand Arena creaked open once again, and the flood returned.
Crowds surged back into the stands with renewed energy—cheeks flushed from wine, bellies full from roasted hawkbeast and frosted citrus stew. Excitement buzzed like lightning in the air. Nobles took their cushioned seats in the upper balconies and viewing boxes, gossip resuming where it had paused over lunch. Commoners squeezed into the gallery rows with arms full of snacks, faces shining with anticipation.
All eyes turned upward as a massive projection crystal flared to life above the arena floor.
Golden script danced across the sky:
SECOND ROUND – ARCADIA YOUNG ELITE TOURNAMENT
Lilith Starwind vs Sylas Veylor
Cicilia Wales vs Prince Rowan
Darius Smith vs Zephyr Albrecht
Rovan Yale vs Kael Dranzer
Morgan Benedict vs Elira Thorn
Lira Wynn vs Logan Smith
Vaylen Mord vs Renald Keir
Arven Skell vs Jerrik Vale
A unified gasp spread through the stands, followed by whispers, cheers, and eager predictions.
From the Smith family balcony, Logan sat still, his eyes narrowing as his own name hovered beside Lira Wynn. She was one of the few who had breezed through the first round—a wind elemental mage with quick reactions and fast spell casting. She had a calm and unreadable look. She was from a lesser-known house but proved her battle prowess against a veteran earth mage in the 1st round. She would be a worthy opponent.
"Looks like fate didn't hold back pairing strong with strong," Ardyn murmured beside him. "If you win this match, then your next opponent will most probably be Rovan Yale of the Marquess family. So better watch your steps."
"Good," Logan replied politely and with conviction. "It will be good training for your disciple, Master."
Beside Rudeous, Alice gently patted Logan's shoulder. "Don't rush. Read her first."
Across from them, Mirena sipped from her glass with a forced smile. "Let's see if that early bloom lasts through the storm."
Darius gave no comment, but his eyes were fixed—not on Logan, but on the name next to his own: Zephyr Albrecht.
Kael Thorne leaned in slightly. "Be prepared. That boy doesn't fight to impress. He fights just to enjoy the moment. To fight worthy opponents. To hone his skills even further."
Darius didn't blink. "Then I'll give him a fight he wants. But he'll be disappointed when he has to leave the stage as a loser, not a winner."
Back in the arena, the magical amplifiers hummed as the announcer stepped into view, his voice echoing through the colossal chamber.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The second round begins now!"
The crowd erupted.
"Our first match—Lilith Starwind vs Sylas Veylor!"
Two platforms opened from beneath the stage, and slowly, the duelists rose.
Lilith Starwind emerged in her flowing violet robes, gravity rings shimmering around her wrists. Her long silver hair was tied back, her light blue eyes lazily scanning the audience like she already knew the outcome.
Across from her, Sylas Veylor stepped forward—cloak fluttering gently, violet eyes calm but focused. His water magic in the first round had been surgical, controlled, precise. He had made it this far without fanfare.
The audience leaned forward. The contrast was sharp—an heiress of legacy and a boy no one had noticed until today.
In the gallery, two commoners sat wide-eyed.
"That's the Starwind girl! The one who crushed that Hendrick guy in seconds!"
"The other one… he's quiet. Too quiet. Maybe that means he's dangerous?"
"Nah. Pretty boys like that usually get folded."
"Didn't you say the same about Logan Smith this morning?"
The first man paused. "Fair point."
The referee stepped onto the field.
"Participants—ready yourselves!"
Lilith didn't move. Her gaze barely acknowledged Sylas.
He simply nodded once.
"Begin!"
In a flash, Sylas moved first—two slashes of water carved through the floor like blades. The temperature around him dropped slightly, water forming spears that zipped toward Lilith like precision darts.
Lilith shifted her foot—just one inch.
The water froze midair, then crumbled.
"Gravity…" Sylas muttered.
Lilith raised her hand. "Impressive start," she said, voice flat. "But predictable."
The air around Sylas compressed.
He flicked his wrist—water surged from the earth itself, surrounding him in a dome. The gravity crashed down a second later, but the dome absorbed most of it.
Still, he winced.
Lilith took a step forward, and the arena itself trembled.
In the Smith balcony, Rudeous watched with a critical eye.
"She's not rushing. That's only when she's fully confident."
Ardyn nodded. "She enjoys dominance more than spectacle."
Logan leaned forward slightly. "He's trying to counter her without committing. Smart. But it won't last."
Back on the field, Sylas took a deeper stance and launched a high-pressure stream directly under Lilith's feet. The stone cracked, and mist rose.
But Lilith was already midair.
Air spiraled around her like a halo.
She dropped like a meteor.
BOOM!
The water dome shattered.
Sylas skidded across the field, coughing. Blood traced the edge of his lips.
Still, he stood.
The crowd murmured in awe.
"He's still standing?"
"Man, he's tough. I thought she crushed his ribs!"
Lilith looked at him, mildly intrigued.
"You're better than I expected," she said. "So I'll end this cleanly."
Her hands moved in a blur.
Lightning crackled across her fingers—then combined with gravity. The result wasn't an explosion. It was compression.
A singularity of raw magic pulled the air inward like a vortex and discharged a controlled burst of electricity directly toward Sylas.
He raised a shield of water—but it shattered instantly.
He fell.
The referee raised a hand.
"Winner—Lilith Starwind!"
The arena shook with applause.
From the stage, Lilith gave a half-hearted bow, then walked off without looking back.
In the shadows of the exit tunnel, she muttered to herself, "One more down. Three to go."
On the balcony, Logan exhaled slowly.
"She's truly amazing," he said softly. "But she's just used to being arrogant."
Alice smiled faintly. "She is. Maybe she's even stronger than you."
Logan said nothing.
But in his mind, Maybe? I'm not sure I can beat her without utilizing my physical advantage.