The stadium was packed to the brim, a sea of spectators buzzing with anticipation. The air crackled with energy as the senior commentator's voice rang out, echoing across the grand arena:
"Ladies and gentlemen! Once again representing Leclair Class, we have the daring duo of Luzis Zurion and Celestrius Aeonhart, facing the feral Level 15 abyss monster—Gravgar the Untamed!"
A thunderous roar shook the arena as Gravgar burst forth from a shadowy portal, its hulking, sinewy form glistening under the lights. Its eyes burned like twin embers, radiating unrestrained aggression.
Luzis stepped forward first, his cloak billowing with calculated flair. A confident smirk curved his lips as his gaze locked on the monster.Celestrius followed close behind, rapier poised, fox-like eyes narrowing with focused determination.
"Stay sharp," Luzis murmured, tracking Gravgar's every twitch.
From the stillness of shadow, Luzis began to chant softly:
"From shadow's stillness, I summon my art,Steel of silence, pierce the heart.O blade that flourishes where light grows faint—Edge of Dusk!"
A blade materialized in his grasp, dark steel shimmering with ethereal glow.Celestrius raised his rapier and began his own chant, voice ringing clear as silver:
"By rhythm's pulse and silver gleam,Let grace and blade become one dream.Through light's gentle waltz, my path ignites—Luminous Waltz!"
Flame and light entwined—their weapons forming perfect contrasts of dusk and dawn. Both took their stances.
Without warning, Gravgar lunged. The earth shuddered beneath its massive claws, scattering dust and stone. Luzis rolled aside, flinging a dagger that grazed the beast's arm.
Celestrius spun in, blade flashing, aiming for the creature's joints. Gravgar's swipe barely missed him, slicing air with terrifying force.
"He's fast… but not precise," Celestrius muttered.
Luzis smirked. "Then precision is our edge."
They raised their voices together in unison:
"Shadow strikes, swift and true—Divide his might, break him through!Viper's Dance!"
Their movements became seamless—Luzis a darting blur, feinting and distracting, while Celestrius struck from every opening, his rapier a streak of light. Gravgar howled in frustration, its attacks growing wild.
"Too reckless," Luzis noted. "Use it."
Celestrius nodded and slashed across Gravgar's arm, drawing a roar of pain. The creature charged in rage, its mass barreling forward like a runaway avalanche. The ground cracked open, sending shockwaves through the stands.
Luzis vaulted gracefully over a fissure. Celestrius spun midair, his rapier glinting as it struck Gravgar's shoulder. But before he could retreat, the beast's claw snapped out—grabbing and crushing his rapier midair.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Trap it!" Luzis shouted. "Use its own weight against it!"
They chanted again, this time their voices resonating as one:
"One strike, one chance, together we advance!Bend its fury, break its stance!Whispered Fang!"
Celestrius dove behind the monster while Luzis lunged low, his dagger slicing deep into Gravgar's knee. The beast staggered—off balance, roaring in agony.Celestrius leapt, driving his broken rapier's tip into the exposed flank. A flash of light burst forth—then silence.
Gravgar crashed to the arena floor, convulsed once, then went still.
The stadium erupted into thunderous cheers. Luzis brushed dust off his cloak, smirking.Celestrius bowed dramatically, his grin as sharp as his blade had been.
"Well," Celestrius teased, "that was… entertaining."
Luzis chuckled. "Entertaining? Please. That was artistry."
The commentator's voice boomed overhead:
"Incredible teamwork! Luzis Zurion and Celestrius Aeonhart triumph over Gravgar the Untamed! A stunning display of skill, strategy, and style!"
In the royal viewing box, Empress Rozaria and the assembled nobles applauded.
"Hohoho! As expected, all the students from Leclair Class are remarkable in their own ways," one noble commented.
"Haha, indeed," the Empress replied with a gentle smile. "Their talent gives me great hope for the Empire's future."
Another noble leaned forward smugly. "If I recall correctly, next is the infamous defactus of the young master of Kanon families team, isn't it?"
"Yes," the Empress said, her gaze softening. "It should be his turn now."
"Ah, the boy from the Kanon family," another noble sneered. "A shame his kin are too occupied to attend."
"Watch your tongue," another noblewoman interjected sharply. "The Kanon family fights at the Empire's frontlines. Show some respect."
A calm yet firm voice joined in. "Indeed. Even if Duke Kanon is away, his blood still flows strong in that boy."
The speaker was none other than Lady Elanor. The Empress turned to her, smiling warmly.
"Lady Elanor! What a pleasant surprise. It's rare to see you outside your estate."
Elanor laughed softly. "Young Master from our families insisted I attend. I suppose it's good to remind the court we're still very much alive."
Rozaria's smile deepened. "I'm glad you did. Your presence brightens this day."
The two women exchanged knowing smiles as murmurs died down among the nobles.
Across the arena, Veramount Kanon sat quietly beside Alexia Asmodeus.
"Hehe," Alexia chuckled. "I can't wait to see your little brother perform. Think he'll live up to your reputation?"
Veramount's eyes remained on the field. "We'll see."
"Shush," Mers cut in, grinning. "They're coming out now. Let's see if the rumors hold true when he and that Jarek boy fight."
The stadium's attention shifted as Ashura, Edmond, and Jarek stepped into the arena. The crowd buzzed , and everyone wanted to see if Leclair's victory could be surpassed.
"Ugh, it feels like we just walked into a den of predators," Edmond muttered.
"You can say that again," Jarek agreed, fiddling with his gear.
Edmond shot him a look. "What, no brave declaration this time?"
"Hey, even heroes need self-preservation!" Jarek protested. "Besides, if I get eaten, I'm not dying hungry!"
Edmond rolled his eyes. "You and those chips… unbelievable."
Jarek grinned. "Anyway, we've done our prep. Time to make history, right, Ashura?"
Ashura, looking around at the roaring crowd, sighed inwardly.Great. Just what I needed—thousands of witnesses in case I trip and faceplant.
He muttered aloud, "Let's just not embarrass ourselves."
As they approached the summoning sphere, its ethereal voice echoed:
"What monster from the Abyss do you three wish to challenge?"
The trio exchanged glances. Edmond stepped forward and shouted:
"We choose Flarebane, the Ember Wretch!"
The entire arena fell silent for a heartbeat—then erupted in disbelief.
"EHHHHHHHH?!"