Chapter 36: ICE AND BLADE
The arena buzzed with renewed energy as the announcer’s voice echoed across the coliseum.
"Match Five—Second Round! Morgan Benedict versus Elira Thorn!"
By now, the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the field, marking the fifth battle since the midday break.
From one end walked Morgan Benedict, the silent swordsman clad in plain martial robes. No family crest. No armor. Just a simple blade sheathed at his back and eyes as calm as a winter lake. The dust on his boots told the tale of relentless training.
From the opposite side came Elira Thorn, graceful as a dancer, her lightweight armor shimmering faintly. Blue-green sigils pulsed on her gauntlets—clear signs of a water mage. Her long silver braid swayed behind her, and frost clung to each step she took. The very air around her shimmered with cold.
The crowd stirred with excitement.
"Boreal Crest, right? Aren’t they all ice spell specialists?"
"She’s dangerous. She froze the arena surface and used her jagged water spikes to defeat her opponent in the last round."
"But Morgan—he is silent at first. But when he fights... his silence is scarier than a monster’s roar! What happens when nature meets the storm?"
"Yes. Didn’t you see how he defeated Yarik in the last match? He used his sword to deliver the final blow like cutting vegetables!"
Up in the noble balcony, Lilith Starwind leaned forward, brushing silver hair behind her ear.