The referee glanced between them, uncertain. "Shall we call—?"
"Not yet," both fighters said in unison, their voices cutting through the noise.
"Let's decide the outcome with one move," Viktor said, his eyes locking onto Lucia's.
"Even I had the same thought," Lucia replied, her voice steady.
Everyone was amazed by the persistence of these two, even the elders watching from above. Their resolve was clear and unyielding.
The elders sat with sharp gazes fixed on the arena, their expressions a mix of respect and thoughtfulness.
The Third Elder, a tall, stern man with salt-and-pepper hair, broke the silence. "These two are remarkable
"Agreed," said the Second Elder, a shrewd and sharp-eyed woman who always analyzed the family's growth. "It's clear we've underestimated the potential of the branch families. These young talents come from them, and they're proving their worth today."
The Fifth Elder, a stout man with a boisterous laugh and a well-trimmed beard, chimed in. "This tournament has shown us one thing—the branch families need more support. Resources, training, mentors—we need to strengthen them. It will only make House Graythorn unshakable. "The Third Elder nodded, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"The family head will see this as well when he returns. Perhaps reallocating some of the main family's unused resources could bolster the branch families. With the right guidance."It's a sound strategy," the Second Elder agreed, her voice decisive.
"If the family head permits it, we can expand the training grounds and share advanced techniques. Imagine a united Graythorn—main and branch families standing side by side as one formidable force."The Fifth Elder grinned broadly. "I'll drink to that. It's about time we set aside old divisions and look toward the future."
In the arena, Viktor spoke first. "Lucia, since we're going to end this with one move, let me use my new technique. I still haven't mastered it, Please be careful."Lucia nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I'm ready, Viktor. Show me what you've got."
"Don't hold back," Viktor said, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Lucia chuckled softly. "I wouldn't dream of it."
The air grew thick with anticipation as the fighters prepared for their final move. Viktor took a deep breath, his stance low and centered. The ground beneath him seemed to hum with energy, a visible aura of dark blue light enveloping his blade.
"Darkstrike Style: Third Form—Eclipse Fang!"
Viktor's blade glowed with an eerie luminescence, the shadows around him swirling like a tempest. He moved with lightning speed, his form blurring as he launched himself toward Lucia. The crowd gasped as they felt the raw power radiating from his attack.
Lucia's eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on her sword. She could sense the immense power behind Viktor's strike, but she remained calm. With a deep breath, she channeled her energy, her blade shimmering with a silvery light.
"Blackthorn Style: Third Form—Lunar Blossom!"
The two fighters clashed with a force that shook the very foundations of the arena. Smoke and dust erupted from the impact, shrouding the entire battlefield in a thick veil. The crowd held its breath, waiting to see the outcome.
As the smoke began to clear, the arena fell silent. Both fighters stood still, their blades locked in the final strike. Slowly, Viktor's form wavered, his energy spent. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious but without any life-threatening injuries.
The referee stepped forward, peering through the fading smoke. "The winner is... Lucia Blackthorn!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the arena. But before the celebrations could fully begin, Lucia's legs gave out, and she collapsed to the ground, fainting from sheer exhaustion.
Medical attendants rushed to the arena, carefully tending to both fighters. As they were carried away on stretchers, the crowd continued to cheer, their admiration for Lucia and Viktor's incredible duel evident in every voice.
Leonel sat quietly in the stands, his emerald eyes thoughtful as he watched the aftermath. He heard footsteps and a familiar voice.
"There you are, cousin! Hiding again?" Thaddeus said, plopping down beside him and grinning ear to ear. "So? What'd you think of that match? Don't just give me one of your boring answers."
Leonel smirked. "Boring answers? I didn't say anything yet."
"Exactly! You're always doing that stoic, mysterious thing," Thaddeus teased, jabbing his elbow into Leonel's side.
Leonel shook his head with a quiet chuckle. "Alright, alright. Viktor's Eclipse Fang was powerful, but unstable. Lucia's technique was calm, refined. She controlled the fight and forced him to overextend. Simple as that."
"See, that's what I wanted to hear! Knew you had a proper analysis hiding in there." Thaddeus leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. "So, what about you? Your match is up next, isn't it? Think you'll make it to the finals?"
Leonel arched a brow. "Are you planning to stop me?"
Thaddeus snorted. "Not a chance. I'm gunning for that final spot, too. Imagine us going all out in front of everyone. I'd give them the best show they've ever seen!"
Leonel chuckled. "I'll make sure you don't embarrass yourself too much."
"Ha! Big words, Leonel. Just don't hold back when the time comes, alright?" Thaddeus grinned, his excitement infectious.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Leonel replied, his tone light but firm.
The announcer's voice echoed through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, the next match will begin shortly! Leonel Graythorn versus Liora Moonshadow!"
Leonel rose to his feet, his calm composure returning. Thaddeus gave him a playful slap on the back. "Go give them a show, cousin! And remember, don't get distracted by Liora's silver hair. It's like a trap."
Leonel shook his head, smirking as he descended toward the arena. The crowd buzzed with anticipation as he stepped into the light. Across from him, Liora Moonshadow stood, her silver hair shimmering and her blade at the ready.
"Ready, Leonel?" Liora called out, a confident smile on her face.
Leonel nodded, his emerald gaze meeting hers. "Always."
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
Liora moved first, her sword a blur as it cut through the air. Leonel met her strike with a swift parry, the clash of steel ringing across the arena. The two fighters circled each other, their movements fluid and deliberate—a dance of blades, strategy, and precision.
From the sidelines, Thaddeus grinned, his voice carrying faintly through the noise. "Now that's a fight worth watching!"
Leonel's eyes sharpened as he focused entirely on Liora. The crowd roared, knowing this match was far from over.
Just as the excitement began to settle, Darian Graythorn received urgent news. He stood abruptly, excusing himself from the podium. "Apologies, I must attend to this matter immediately," he said, his tone serious. The other elders nodded in understanding as he made his way out.