The arena buzzed with noise as the crowd recovered from Group A's survivor match. Fayden's victory had thrilled the spectators, but now a different kind of anticipation hung in the air.
The referee raised his hand, and his voice rang clearly across the field.
"There will be a brief intermission before the next battle begins. Furthermore, citizens of Ironwood, heed this! Tomorrow's semifinal matches will be attended by His Majesty the King himself! The King will bestow the reward upon this tournament's ultimate champion!"
A wave of approval swept through the audience. Nobles stood a little straighter with respectful awe, while commoners murmured in amazement.
"The King himself...?"
"So this tournament isn't just for show—it's received royal recognition!"
But in the shadowed stands, Kuro narrowed his eyes. *So the King will come. The weight of the finals just grew heavier…*
The referee continued. "Furthermore, there is an announcement regarding Group C. Both participants, Ryuto and Lucien, are declared ineligible for further competition due to a violation of tournament regulations."
A gasp of surprise rippled out.
"Ineligible? Both of them?!"
"What happened yesterday... could it be...?"
"The survivor advancing from Group C is declared to be Celestine Arkwright of Class A!"
A girl with short silver hair stood gracefully, bowing her head. Her holy aura shimmered faintly, a stark contrast to the shock and whispers around her.
From his seat, Lucien clenched a fist, his expression contorted. "Ineligible... is that it?" His voice was a low, bitter whisper.
Selvaria, sitting beside him, crossed her arms calmly. "You should be relieved. Any more and suspicion would have grown too strong."
"...But yesterday—" Lucien began to whisper.
Selvaria's crimson eyes were sharp as blades. "You let a fragment slip. No one could suspect anything more. Keep yourself composed. The event is not over yet."
Lucien gritted his teeth but said no more.
---
**The Next Match Begins**
The referee raised his hand again. "And now! The deciding match for Group B! Her Highness, Princess Alisa Ironwood of Class A, versus Eryndor Galeheart of Class A!"
The crowd applauded at the mention of the princess's name.
Alisa, dressed in her white and silver uniform, entered the arena with grace, her sword blade gleaming under the sun. An aura of soft but firm authority surrounded her, and a noble stillness radiated from her every movement.
Standing before her was Eryndor Galeheart, a tall young man with sharp, bright eyes. His weapon—a long spear—vibrated faintly with compressed wind magic.
"Your Highness," Eryndor said with a challenging nod. "Your defeat in this match is inevitable."
Alisa's expression did not waver. She lowered her sword slightly, her eyes clear. "I am not seeking pity, Eryndor-kun. I seek your determination. Show me the power of the wind... and I will show you the power of a princess."
In the stands, Fayden leaned forward, eyes narrowed. His lips curled into a smirk. "The princess has grown bold. But I doubt she'll let you win so easily."
---
**The Battle: Fire vs. Wind**
"Begin!"
Eryndor thrust his spear first, moving swiftly. "Tempest Pierce!" A sharp gust of wind surged forward, the air itself trembling as it shot toward Alisa.
With a graceful step, Alisa sidestepped, her blade edge glowing faintly. A flame danced along its length. She whispered softly—"Crimson Waltz."
Her blade shone in the air with elegant slashes. Each parry released sparks, transforming into small flames that countered the slicing wind.
*Clash!* Fire and wind met head-on, sparks and gales scattering outward.
The crowd was stunned.
"She's facing his wind head-on—?"
"No... she's weaving through it. She's... dancing with her sword strokes!"
Eryndor roared and pushed forward. He spun his spear, and the wind wrapped around him like a cyclone. "Wind Cutter!"
Blades of wind shot out in all directions, threatening to overwhelm her.
Alisa remained calm. She raised her blade high. Fire swirled around her, forming a protective mantle. "Blazing Veil!"
The wind blades struck, but the flames diverted them, burning them away with intense heat. The sight left the crowd in awe.
Fayden watched closely, his eyes narrowing further. "That technique… she's controlling the flame to defend. She couldn't do that before."
---
**The End**
Eryndor gritted his teeth. "I won't lose—Tempest Crash!" He thrust his spear forward, dashing in with immense speed. The wind at the tip was sharp enough to pierce stone.
Alisa took a gentle breath, her eyes firm. "Neither will I."
Her blade erupted in flames, swirling upward as the fire expanded into a pure blade of flame. She took a step forward, her movement regal and decisive.
"Royal Art—Solar Flare Strike!"
*Boom!* Her blazing thrust cut straight through the tempest, swallowing Eryndor's wind spear in an explosion of flame. A shockwave threw him backward onto the rough arena floor as he cried out. His spear lay shattered, the flames dying away as he stared up in stunned disbelief.
The referee raised his hand. "Winner—Princess Alisa Ironwood!"
---
**Aftermath**
The entire coliseum erupted in cheers, the princess's name echoing in unison.
Alisa lowered her sword and gave a dignified bow before exiting the arena. Her eyes met Fayden's for a moment from across the way. Neither spoke, but the tension between them was as sharp as steel.
In the stands, Kuro leaned back, his expression unreadable. Rei whispered softly beside him, "Just as predicted, Kuro-sama."
Kuro closed his eyes. "...The flames of royalty do not waver. Fayden's arrogance will soon be tested against that blaze."
Rei smiled faintly. "Yes… in the end, only one flame will remain."
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**