Chapter 10
Grey Reaper
The arena's tension shifted. All eyes were drawn to a single name.
"Ray of Ashvale."
The moment the announcement rang, a hush fell over Eclipse Ground.
No one knew what to expect.
Ray stepped forward.
Black hair fell to his lower neck, covering his ears. The pale sunlight caught the strands, giving them an almost metallic sheen.
Grey eyes scanned the arena—not with curiosity, not with fear—but with calculation.
Every movement measured. Every breath controlled.
He stopped at the mark. The chipped sword hung at his side in his right hand, unused.
For the first time, the crowd could see him clearly.
Ashvale had sent its captain.
But Ray wasn't here to impress.
Far from the arena, within the marble halls of Romiya, the royal family gathered around a polished table, golden light spilling over their faces.
King Alaric Romiya leaned forward, hands clasped. His eyes were sharp, calculating every line on the table.
Queen Selene stood behind him, expression calm but commanding, arms folded.
Prince Darian rested one hand lightly on the table, gaze wandering to a map of Eclipse Ground etched into enchanted crystal.
Princess Lyanna lingered near the window, distant, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her attention.
Before them, a single Blood Knight, Sir Caelen Draven, kneeled slightly. His armor glinted faintly, sigils marking decades of service.
"You requested an audience, Your Majesties," Caelen began, bowing slightly.
King Alaric's voice cut smooth and deliberate.
"This is not about fighters or camps. It's about balance. Romiya must maintain its authority—political, economic, and military—over the next decade. We cannot afford divisions or weaknesses to be exposed."
Queen Selene nodded.
"The other realms are watching. Eclipse Ground is more than a tournament. It is a statement. A single misstep could embolden those who would challenge our governance."
Caelen's hand tightened on his gauntlet.
"Understood, Your Majesties. The Blood Knights will monitor for any irregularities, but influence moves faster than we can sometimes anticipate."
Prince Darian leaned in.
"And not only influence from outside. Our own internal factions… the noble classes must see Romiya as unbroken. Unity is as important as strength."
Princess Lyanna's voice cut softly, almost like a whisper, yet it carried across the room.
"Even the smallest demonstration of power… or control… will be noted. Every camp, every victor, every loss sends a ripple."
King Alaric's hand tapped the crystal table once.
"Exactly. That is why we watch. Not the fighters themselves, not their squabbles, not their personal glory. But what this decade's Eclipse says about Romiya's reign. The world must see it as ours, uninterrupted."
Sir Caelen bowed again.
"As you command. Romiya's prestige shall not falter. Not from the arena. Not from politics."
The royal family shared a brief look. Silent understanding passed between them: every decision, every move, would echo far beyond Eclipse Ground
Back in the arena, the bell rang.
Ray faced Noctis Vale of Moonspire, who approached with calm precision. His cloak flared in the wind, aura restless and unpredictable.
Noctis didn't speak. Ray didn't speak.
Both stood silently, measuring each other.
Then Ray moved.
Not fast. Not sudden.
He didn't draw his sword.
He stepped forward, eyes fixed. One clean motion. One punch.
Noctis tried to react.
The movement was almost too fast to follow.
The fist connected with his jaw.
The force carried him backward.
The stone cracked under him.
Noctis Vale collapsed. Unconscious. Out cold.
The crowd froze.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
Ray didn't flinch. He didn't move the sword. He simply stood, grey eyes cold, hair falling over his ears, as if nothing had happened.
The Eclipse rune glowed faintly.