Chapter 110: Ryker Vs Mira
"Match called!"
Sylas’s voice rang out, cutting through the charged silence like a blade. The tension that had been building in the arena snapped, dissipating into the air like mist.
The students leaned forward, their breaths held, their eyes fixed on the two fighters who had been moments away from delivering their final blows. Some exhaled in disappointment, others in relief. The anticipation of the last attack, the one that would have determined the winner hung in the air like a ghost.
"The time limit has been reached. Match result: draw. Each student is rewarded with one point," Sylas announced, his voice echoing through the coliseum.
A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd. The students exchanged glances, some shaking their heads, others letting out frustrated sighs.
"The time was too short."
"Sighs, the battle was just getting interesting, and it gets called off."
"I’ll have to change my tactics for the next match."
A few students nodded in agreement, already mentally adjusting their strategies. Others remained focused on the arena, replaying the fight in their minds, analyzing the moves and counter-moves.
Kael and Elara stood in the center of the arena, their chests still heaving, their bodies glistening with sweat. They exchanged a glance as they retracted their Armaments, the weapons dissolving into particles of light and shadow.
Even though they were a bit unwilling to draw with the other person, they left the arena. Their steps were slow, their bodies heavy with fatigue, but there was a mutual respect in their eyes.
The instant they stepped off the arena floor, they felt the restriction lift. Their cultivation returned in a rush, their Originat surging back to full capacity. Any injuries they had sustained healed instantly, as if the battle had never happened.
It didn’t feel as if they had fought at all.
Lucien had watched the battle from beginning to end, his sharp eyes missing nothing. He didn’t believe that was all they had to offer. The fight had been constrained, limited by time and the restriction to the Spirit Realm. Neither Kael nor Elara had been able to fight at their true potential.
First, the time was limited. Ten minutes was barely enough for them to test each other’s abilities. Second, their Originat was restricted to the 1st level of the Spirit Realm. They couldn’t use their full power. Third, each of the Honor students possessed powerful talents, unique bloodlines, and specialized physiques. Kael and Elara hadn’t activated any of that. Fourth, everyone has a trump card even though not advisable to expose it here, some can.
This was just a glimpse of what they could do.
He glanced around at the other Honor students. With that battle fresh in their minds, they would understand the stakes now. They would know they had to give their all without making mistakes. One wasted move could cost them defeat.
Sylas stepped forward, his voice echoing through the coliseum. "The next match will be between Ryker Auric and Mira Sterling. Please make your way to the arena."
As he spoke, the shimmering screen in the center of the arena flickered to life. A holographic portrait of Ryker Auric appeared on the left side. He was a young man with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes. His black hair was neatly styled, and his expression held a quiet intensity. Beneath his image, his name was displayed in elegant silver script.
On the right side, a holographic portrait of Mira Sterling appeared. She was tall and graceful, with flowing chestnut hair and warm, amber eyes that held a sharp, analytical glint. Her features were soft yet determined, and her posture carried an air of quiet confidence. Beneath her image, her name was displayed in the same silver script.
Between them, a glowing emblem of crossed swords appeared, symbolizing the upcoming battle. Below the emblem, text read:
Second Match
Ryker Auric vs Mira Sterling
Ryker heard his name called out and stepped forward. He was a young man with sharp, angular features and cold, calculating black eyes that seemed to miss nothing. His black hair was neatly styled, and his expression carried a quiet intensity. He moved with deliberate confidence, his posture straight, his steps measured.
On the way to the arena, he paused and turned back, his voice carrying across the space. "Mentor, wish me victory."
Lucien’s expression was full of black lines. All the students now had their eyes on him again. Whispers spread like wildfire, their curiosity piqued. Now, they were feeling a great mystery surrounding Lucien.
"Did he just call him mentor, or did I mishear?"
"You didn’t. I heard it too. A student mentoring another student? That’s surprising."
"Or maybe it’s just a nickname."
Ryker walked to the arena, not bothering about the commotion he had caused. His steps were steady, his focus fixed on his opponent.
The students exchanged glances, their curiosity deepening.
One of the girls near the front whispered to her friend, "What kind of relationship do they have?"
Her friend shrugged. "I don’t know, but it’s interesting."
A boy near the back crossed his arms. "Mentor? That’s not something you say lightly."
Lucien’s jaw tightened. He could feel their stares, the weight of their curiosity pressing down on him. He kept his expression calm, his eyes fixed on the arena.
’I’m never going to have a peaceful day, am I?’
Ryker reached the arena and turned to face his opponent. When he stepped into the arena, he saw Mira Sterling for the first time up close. She was tall and graceful, with flowing chestnut hair that cascaded down her back like a silken curtain.
Her amber eyes were warm yet sharp, holding a quiet intensity that betrayed her calm demeanor. Her features were soft and elegant, but there was a firmness in her stance that spoke of discipline and training. She wore the standard Honor uniform, but it seemed to fit her perfectly, accentuating her poised, athletic build.
Sylas stepped forward, his voice echoing through the coliseum. "The match will begin when I give the signal."
Ryker and Mira locked eyes, their bodies tensing.
Sylas raised his hand. "Begin."