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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5 : Where the Rose meets the Eagle

After many hard-fought days, the tournament finally reached the semifinals, with only four warriors left:

1. The Black Bull (Torren of House Blackwood) - rumored to be a sub-house of House Rosewood, but the exact details are lost to time.

2. The Young Rose (Galen of House Rosewood).

3. The Broken Fist (Eldren of House Dawnfist).

4. Eagle Eye - an unknown warrior from a small house.

The first match began with Galen facing off against Eagle Eye. The crowd buzzed with excitement as they took their positions.

Galen charged forward, swinging his sword in a heavy slash aimed at Eagle Eye's head. To his surprise, Eagle Eye dodged and deflected the attack, causing Galen's sword to miss. But in a quick recovery, Eagle Eye struck back with a swift slash aimed at Galen's side.

Galen barely managed to block the blow, feeling the force vibrate through his arm. The two warriors circled each other, each waiting for the right moment to strike. Galen realized that Eagle Eye was not just an ordinary fighter; he was fast and agile.

Determined, Galen changed his approach. He feinted to the left, trying to trick Eagle Eye into moving. Then, he lunged to the right, hoping to catch him off guard. But Eagle Eye was ready, slipping out of the way and launching a rapid counterattack.

Galen felt a surge of frustration as he narrowly avoided Eagle Eye's blade, which whipped by him and grazed his shoulder. Pain shot through him, but he pressed on, the adrenaline pushing him forward. The crowd's energy filled the air, urging him to fight harder

Eagle Eye launched a series of quick strikes, each one testing Galen's defenses. Galen blocked the first, but the second caught him off guard, injuring his leg. He staggered, but refused to give in. With a burst of determination, he charged again, swinging his sword at Eagle Eye with all his strength.

As they clashed again, Galen felt the heat of battle surrounding him. He made a move to the left, then quickly turned and aimed for Eagle Eye's head. But Eagle Eye ducked under the swing and came back with a low strike aimed at Galen's knee. Galen jumped back just in time, but the blade grazed his leg again, making him wince in pain

Once again, Galen charged, this time aiming for another powerful overhead strike, again targeting Eagle Eye's head. But Eagle Eye anticipated the move, ducking low and deflecting Galen's sword with a quick flick of his wrist. The force of the strike redirected the blade, and instead of hitting his target's head, it clipped Eagle Eye's eye.

Eagle Eye let out a cry, stumbling back and clutching his face, clearly in pain. Galen saw his chance and surged forward, ready to finish the match.

With victory in sight, Galen raised his sword for the final blow. But then he heard a desperate voice call out, "Wait! I surrender!"

The crowd gasped in shock. "Spare my life!" Eagle Eye pleaded, fear in his eyes.

Galen hesitated, surprised by the sudden change. Though still in disbelief he lowered his sword and reached out to help Eagle Eye up as a gesture of honour. But just as he did, a flash of movement caught Galen's eye—Eagle Eye's hidden dagger struck, plunging into Galen's neck.

Pain exploded through Galen's body as he fell to the ground, blood spilling out. Finding difficult to speak he whispered "You.... have no honor!" he gasped.

Eagle Eye stood over him, cold and unfeeling. "If it were about honor, I would have died long ago. It's nothing personal—its just fate, "everything happens for a reason young rose.... I'm just trying to look at the bigger picture"

With the tournament now in its final round, the stakes have never been higher. This last battle will determine who will ascend as king and protector of the realm. The remaining warriors, both battered but unbroken, stand ready, knowing that only one can claim the ultimate prize. The crowd watches with bated breath, sensing the gravity of what's to come—this final clash that will shape the future of the kingdom.