Chapter 33: A CLASH WORTHY OF RESPECT
The afternoon sun hung low over the Arcadia Arena, casting long shadows across the stone pillars as nobles, mages, and commoners alike returned to their seats. The arena pulsed once more with excitement.
The first second-round match had ended with thunderous applause—Lilith Starwind had obliterated Sylas Veylor in under five minutes, shocking even her harshest critics. Yet somehow, the tension in the arena was only rising.
Everyone knew what came next.
The announcer’s voice rang out again, echoing with renewed vigor.
"Match Two—Second Round! Cicilia Wales versus Prince Rowan!"
A wave of murmurs rolled across the stadium like a gathering storm.
"Cicilia... that’s the sword witch from the Western Expanse, right?"
"She defeated a Tier 2 last round... with only wind magic and a rapier."
"She’s no noble—but she’s got bite."
"And Rowan—he didn’t even break a sweat in his last match..."
In the noble balcony, Logan narrowed his eyes slightly. Cicilia’s control over wind had impressed him. She wasn’t flashy. She was sharp. Efficient. Dangerous.