Chapter 21
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The dueling arena known as the Velrune Pit was built like a coliseum. Stone seats stacked up to a crescent moon-shaped sky, runes dancing along the outer walls. It had been silent for most of the year—until now.
Word spread fast.
The first official inter-academy clash was scheduled for the morning, but a storm was already breaking tonight.
It started with Kael Darnic.
"Your team is impressive," Kael said, standing beneath the arena torchlight. His crimson cloak fluttered, and his beast, the Bloodborn Griffin, prowled beside him like a lion with wings. "But it's incomplete."
Evan stood across from him. Silva, Gareth, Lilith, and Cassia at his sides. Nox hissed lowly, glowing faintly in the dark.
"We weren't aware we needed your approval," Evan replied calmly.
"You don't," said Syra Onyxthorn, stepping forward with her iron-gray eyes narrowed. "You need our permission not to be destroyed."
Halric Uros chuckled beside her. The Forge Rhino pawed the ground, smoke rising from its nostrils. "Just a friendly reminder: your Empire won't hold forever."
That's when Lilith stepped forward.
"Say that again, peasant prince, and I'll rip the skin off your tongue."
Mira Vellun arched a brow. "Careful, vampire girl. It's unbecoming to threaten royalty."
Cassia blinked once. "Says the girl whose entire kingdom is one winter away from collapse."
The tension rose like boiling air.
And then—Ruvin Corvash moved.
Silent, swift, like a shadow in motion.
But Nox was faster.
The Basilisk flared with black water and slammed its tail into the ground, splitting stone. "Try again, dog."
Ruvin froze.
"Enough!" Professor Gawain's voice boomed from above. "If you wish to duel, then do it properly."
A silence.
Kael smiled coldly. "We do."
—
The Fourth Spark
Gawain looked to Evan. "Do you accept their challenge?"
Evan looked at his team.
Silva nodded once.
Gareth cracked his knuckles. "Born ready."
Cassia gave a half-smile. "We'll outthink them."
Lilith simply said, "Let me taste blood."
Evan turned to Gawain. "We accept."
Within seconds, the Velrune Pit shifted. Runes glowed red, marking the beginning of a sanctioned pre-exhibition duel.
The format was simple: Five duels. One-on-one. First to three wins.
First match: Silva vs Mira.
Second match: Gareth vs Halric.
Third: Cassia vs Syra.
Fourth: Lilith vs Ruvin.
Final: Evan vs Kael.
As the first pair stepped into the circle, Evan's heart pounded.
And then—a scroll appeared in the air.
Sealed with a golden dragon crest.
It hovered down in front of Evan and burst into glowing letters.
A personal letter… from the Emperor.
Everyone went still.
Evan caught the scroll with shaking hands, breaking the seal. His eyes scanned the words.
He said nothing.
He folded it carefully, tucking it into his uniform's inner pocket.
Lilith gave him a sidelong glance. "Well?"
He met her eyes.
And simply said, "Later."
—
The Duel Begins
The arena erupted as Silva stepped into the circle, the air swirling with green winds and floating petals.
Mira answered with cold beauty—frost danced in her wake, her white moth circling like a silent blizzard.
Element met element. Grace met wrath.
And outside the ring, tension continued to grow.
Above them, political envoys, nobles, foreign royals, and even Aflety professors now filled the upper seats.
Gawain stood with Headmistress Verria and two silent figures in golden robes—Imperial observers.
One whispered, "Is that… her? The vampire heir?"
"Yes," Verria replied. "And the boy beside her—Evan Rochel. Basilisk tamer."
The gold-robed one smirked. "Then this will be a most interesting year."
Chapter End
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