The sun hung low over the mighty cliffs of Kaivelle as its last golden rays washed over the gleaming marble towers of the Arena of Valor. Built from ancient stone and imbued with protective runes, the arena had stood for centuries as a battleground of heroes. Today, it was draped in crimson banners with the twin emblems of Lumisgrave and Eshalorn, the two most powerful kingdoms of the realm. Thousands had gathered, eager to witness the Grand Finale — yet none knew the blood that would stain the ground before the bell would toll its final chime.
The Night Before
Both teams had been offered exclusive housing in grand apartments reserved for elite champions. The Lumisgrave Knights occupied the Southern Complex — spacious, warm, and filled with healing wards, while the Eshalorn Knights had taken the Northern Wing — darker, colder, and brimming with the sharp edge of conspiracy.
Inside the northern suite, the Magic Knights of Eshalorn sat around a glowing crystal table, lit only by the embers of arcane torches. Their leader, a crimson-haired knight named Zarek, placed a scroll upon the table. On it was the seal of King Mamba — the exiled monarch who had sworn vengeance upon Lumisgrave after his humiliating defeat.
"The time has come to act," Zarek whispered, his voice like rusted steel scraping glass.
Another knight, pale and thin, nodded. "We strike where it hurts. Not to win — but to send a message. We break them tonight, one by one."
"The crowd will think it's part of the play," smirked Daevira, her hair like white fire. "But they won't know they're watching executions."
Their plan was cruel and precise: to attack and injure the Lumisgrave Knights during the match. No magic for sport. This would be assassination under the veil of combat.
Their plan was clear: fake a normal match but eliminate the Lumisgrave Knights one by one. King Mamba's fury had been bottled since the political humiliation by Lumisgrave's council months ago — this was his payback.
Meanwhile, in a separate apartment at the southern arena district, the Lumisgrave Knights were preparing for battle with a very different spirit.
Maelis Kyrn adjusted her silver-green gauntlets and glanced at her team. "No matter the outcome," she said gently, "we keep our composure. Let this match be a display of grace and strength."
Malrik Envor spun his blade in the air, a streak of blue energy following the arc. "They've underestimated us before. They won't today."
Tarric Vohl placed a firm hand on Orien Dravell's shoulder. "Ready to shock them?"
Orien gave a rare smile. "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."
Arslan, dressed in his darker substitute uniform, stood in the shadowy corner near the balcony. He said nothing. His black eyes stared into the distance — far beyond the arena, beyond this war of kingdoms. He could feel something wasn't right.
The morning sun broke the silence.
Trumpets blared across Arena.People cheered, flags waved. Floating orbs projected the arena's center across the kingdom. Crystal pylons on the sides buzzed to life as the protective barriers hummed, shielding the crowd from magical residue.
As the Knights of Lumisgrave stepped into the arena, a wave of cheers burst from the crowd. Maelis, Malrik, Vaelith, Tarric, and Orien moved in calculated unity. Their armor gleamed beneath sunlight — not polished for vanity, but for clarity. Behind them, Arslan walked slowly, stopping before the substitute bench, watching silently.
Then came the Eshalorn Knights.
Their entrance was colder. Their steps rhythmic. Their smiles… rehearsed.
High above the battleground, a silver platform descended. Upon it stood Queen Maria of Kaivelle — regally poised in sapphire-blue royal robes, with her guards at either side.
"May the god bless this final match," she spoke, her voice echoing magically through every stone and soul. "Begin."
The protective barrier shimmered into transparency. The match had begun.
For the first few minutes, it felt like a true competition.
Vaelith Ren unleashed a wave of life-restoring vines, defending the rear flank.
Tarric surged forward with Thunderstep, leaving arcs of lightning where he moved.
Maelis conjured walls of rejuvenating flora to guard the center crystal.
Orien and Malrik worked like twin storms — Malrik's blade of rune energy clashing against Eshalorn's advances, while Orien summoned flashbursts to blind the enemies.
The crowd roared with excitement.
Then it happened.
Without warning, all five Eshalorn Knights converged toward the forward crystal — but not to claim it.
They rushed Maelis.
"Fall back!" Malrik shouted, eyes wide.
Too late.
Zevrik struck first — his blade plunged into Maelis's thigh. Blood splattered the ground.
Daevira's scorching whip lashed across her back. She screamed.
Sir Rygor slammed his knee into her spine, cracking the bone.
Maelis fell, gasping.
"No… this isn't—" she whimpered.
Orien's soulflash surged. "They're not playing to win—they're killing us!"
He blinked forward, but got intercepted mid-air.
Vaelith tried to reach Maelis, vines spiraling toward her limp form.
They were severed in mid-air by Daevira's fire.
Malrik roared and dashed to her side, slashing wildly, but was blasted backward by a synchronized force-wave from Zevrik and Rygor.
Tarric moved next, his steps leaving thunder behind — he collided with Daevira, but her magic armor deflected the shock.
He glanced around — Maelis unconscious, Malrik down, Vaelith injured, Orien bleeding.
Only he stood firmly.
He turned to the crowd — their cheers were gone.
Screams began to rise.
Queen Maria stood, her hand clutching her throne.
"This isn't right," she whispered. "This was meant to be symbolic. A finale of peace."
One of her guards leaned forward. "Your Majesty, shall we intervene?"
Maria stared into the arena. Her gaze landed on Arslan.
He had not moved.
But his eyes burned. His hands clenched into fists. His body trembled not from fear — but fury.
Inside him, the black aura flickered. Kar'Thæl stirred.
"They dared touch what was mine to protect…"
Then There's a rising shout...
"ARS..LAN!! Replace"
That was Orien who is badly injured....
Then Queen Maria had a sigh of relief as Arslan is going to set in the battle...
The scene was so brutal as Blood spots spread everywhere... Lumisgrave knights are in very bad situation...
But now Arslan is in the battle....