The roars of the arena still thundered in Edran's ears long after his match had ended. Dust from shattered tiles lingered in the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood. Somewhere in the stands, a chant of his name began to ripple, spreading like a wildfire that neither the academy's elders nor the tournament announcers could suppress.
But to Edran, it was nothing more than noise. His cold gaze swept across the crowd once before he turned his attention to the judges' platform. The panel of robed elders exchanged muted whispers, some nodding approvingly, others with expressions tight as a clenched fist.
At the far end of the viewing pavilion, beyond the reach of most eyes, a shadowed balcony held several cloaked figures. Their faces were hidden, but Edran could feel the weight of their scrutiny — sharp, like the edge of an unsheathed blade.
Edran's Cultivation Panel
Name: Edran VeylanAge: 17Realm: Qi Condensation – Mid StagePhysique:Dormant Dragon Vein (Unawakened)Cultivation Technique:Azure Dragon Breathing Art – Low Earth GradeSkills:– Azure Fang Strike (Qi-infused piercing blow)– Serpentine Step (High agility movement art)– Flowing Scales Guard (Qi defensive shell)
The next match was called, and the stone arena floor was swept clean by disciples wielding talisman-imbued brooms.
From the eastern entrance, a tall figure entered, shoulders broad and posture rigid — Edran's eldest sister, Lyara Veylan. She wore her hair bound in a high braid, a single silver ornament gleaming at its base.
The announcer's voice boomed:
"Lyara Veylan, Qi Condensation – Late Stage, of the Veylan Clan!"
Across from her, a stocky young man stepped into view, his skin tanned and hands wrapped in steel-thread gauntlets.
"Korin Dask, Qi Condensation – Peak Stage, renowned for his Iron Crusher Fists!"
Edran's eyes narrowed. Korin was a dangerous opponent — the type who didn't fear exchanging blows head-on.
The duel began with a sharp gong. Korin charged, fists glowing with dense earthen Qi, each strike heavy enough to splinter the arena's reinforced stone. Lyara, however, moved with precise, almost regal control. She sidestepped, countered with palm strikes that sent ripples of force through his defenses, and in three exchanges had driven him to the edge. Her finishing blow — a palm wreathed in golden Qi — struck his chest, sending him tumbling out of bounds.
Cheers erupted. The announcer declared her victory, and Lyara bowed gracefully before leaving the stage.
Two matches later, it was their younger brother's turn. Rynar Veylan, barely sixteen, stepped into the arena with a half-smile that betrayed his cocky nature.
"Rynar Veylan, Qi Condensation – Mid Stage!"
His opponent was a lithe, pale girl wielding twin short blades, her cultivation at the Mid Stage as well. Unlike Lyara's measured control, Rynar fought like a wildfire — aggressive, unpredictable. He launched forward with Storm Fang Barrage, a flurry of blade-shaped Qi slashes that forced his opponent into a defensive spiral. Within minutes, he overwhelmed her guard and claimed victory with a spinning kick that sent her weapon flying.
Edran watched both matches without moving, but inwardly, he measured their techniques. His siblings were talented, but the difference in approach was stark — Lyara's mastery, Rynar's reckless flair. He filed it away; family duels at home would be… interesting.
The sun shifted westward, shadows stretching long over the coliseum floor.
"Next match!" the announcer called, and Edran rose.
His opponent stepped out from the opposite gate: a lean young man with a wolfish grin, long hair tied back, and a dark crimson robe embroidered with the sigil of the Bloodfang Clan.
"Karas Bloodfang, Qi Condensation – Peak Stage! Known for his Crimson Fang Rend technique!"
Edran's gaze was like ice meeting flame.
Karas's smirk widened. "Mid Stage, huh? Guess this will be over quick."
The gong sounded.
Karas wasted no time — he lunged forward, his claws (fitted with curved metal talons) tearing through the air, Qi flaring crimson. The ground cracked beneath his steps as he unleashed Crimson Fang Rend, a brutal, sweeping slash aimed at Edran's throat.
Edran shifted. Serpentine Step carried him out of the strike's arc, his movements fluid yet unpredictable. Without warning, he countered with Azure Fang Strike, his fingers spearing toward Karas's exposed flank. The blow landed, forcing Karas back three paces, his smirk faltering.
"You're faster than you look," Karas growled.
"Observation is a skill you should cultivate more," Edran replied coldly.
Karas's eyes narrowed. He began circling, launching feints followed by sudden, bone-crushing assaults. Edran matched him, letting his Flowing Scales Guard absorb the brunt of heavier strikes while looking for an opening.
When it came, it was in the smallest shift — Karas overextending during a lunge. Edran stepped inside his guard, Qi flooding into his palm, and struck upward into his ribcage. The force lifted Karas off his feet and sent him sprawling across the tiles.
The crowd erupted. Karas struggled up, gasping for air, but the referee stepped forward. "Match over! Winner — Edran Veylan!"
Edran turned without celebration, leaving Karas kneeling in defeat.
Far above, in the shadowed balcony, the cloaked figures conferred quietly.
"He's improving faster than projected," one murmured.
"The Dragon Vein will awaken… sooner than they suspect," another replied, voice like dry parchment.
"And when it does," a third whispered, "the kingdom will burn."