The arena was electric. Dust swirled around the edges as the spectators leaned forward, eyes locked on the two figures in the center. Haruto—Aurelian, the Chosen Hero—stood opposite the wiry, cold-blooded warrior, Fenric. His piercing gaze alone sent chills through even the bravest of onlookers.
Aurelian clenched his fists, his muscles tense. This was no longer about fun or practice; this was a real test, and Fenric's aura made it unmistakably clear.
Fenric moved first, smooth and precise, his footwork almost dancing. Each strike was measured, calculated. The clatter of their clash echoed across the stadium, drawing gasps from the audience.
"You fight with all your heart… but your eyes betray you," Fenric said calmly, letting his aura radiate like cold steel. "Your fire is bright… but it blinds you."
Aurelian's jaw tightened. He realized this was more than a physical fight; it was a battle of minds. Fenric wasn't rushing—he was observing, waiting for a misstep.
The first exchange was brutal. A rapid flurry of strikes from Fenric forced Aurelian backward, narrowly dodging a low sweep aimed to trip him. Sparks flew where swords and minor bursts of elemental energy collided, illuminating the arena with flashes of light.
"Not bad… not bad at all," Fenric murmured, almost inaudibly, as if acknowledging Aurelian's raw determination. His stance never wavered, calm as ice, his eyes never leaving the hero.
Aurelian countered with a burst of speed, blending swordsmanship with a faint aura that flared along his blade. He struck, tested openings, and pushed Fenric to shift constantly, yet the wiry warrior anticipated nearly every move.
The crowd leaned forward in unison. Whispers and cheers mixed together:
"Look at the Chosen Hero! He's holding his own!"
"Fenric… so cold, so precise! He's terrifying!"
Mid-fight, Aurelian feinted to the left, prompting Fenric to parry instinctively. Then, with a subtle pivot and surge of controlled aura, Aurelian landed a solid strike on Fenric's side, making him stumble—a fleeting moment of vulnerability.
The audience erupted. Even Keira's ears twitched in excitement while Selphira's calm gaze betrayed only a slight twitch of interest. Fenric's cold stare sharpened, but he did not falter; he nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly, acknowledging the hero's growth.
Aurelian pressed forward, feeling every ounce of fatigue in his limbs, every ache from previous matches. Sweat dripped down his face, and dust clung to his bruised skin. He realized the fight wasn't just about strength—it was about strategy, adaptability, and heart.
Finally, with a calculated combination of strikes and defensive maneuvers, Aurelian forced Fenric back one last time. Fenric's expression remained stoic, but his slight stumble and measured retreat told the crowd everything. The referee signaled the end.
Fenric bowed slightly, silent but respectful, and exited the arena without a word. Aurelian exhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling as he took in the cheering crowd. He had survived—but more importantly, he had learned what true focus and calm could achieve in battle.
As the competitors took a short break, laughter and chatter returned to the stands. Aurelian sipped water, wiping sweat from his brow. Keira nudged him teasingly: "You did well… but don't act like you weren't terrified."
Aurelian grinned, embarrassed but exhausted. Selphira simply observed, a faint smile playing on her lips. The announcement came soon after: Final Round – Aurelian vs Selphira, the Champion.
The crowd roared, the tension rising once again, ready for the final battle that would decide the true victor of the Azure Summer Festival Tournament.