ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 186 RIVALS AND OLD ENEMIES

As Reeves and his entourage settled into their designated spot in the grand coliseum, the tension in the air was almost tangible. The group tried to steady their nerves, but it wasn't long before the Mysterious Swordsman broke the silence.

His voice was calm yet filled with an undercurrent of steel. "So, they've brought them," he said, his piercing gaze locked on the Valen Military Academy's representatives.

"Their usual trump cards," added the Dark Prince, his tone laced with disdain. "Old enemies. Rivals. And annoyances."

Kaelen and Morris followed their gazes toward the far side of the coliseum, where the Valen Military Academy's representatives stood in quiet confidence. Each of them exuded an air of power that made it clear they weren't to be underestimated.

The first was a young man with sharp eyes and a confident smirk, his fingers drumming idly on the hilt of a broadsword. "Jack of All Weapons," the Dark Prince murmured. "He's infamous for his uncanny affinity with any weapon he picks up. Swords, spears, bows, axes—he wields them all like he's mastered them for decades. A true prodigy."

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. "Any weapon?"

The Mysterious Swordsman nodded. "He adapts on the fly. He's a nightmare in combat because you never know what he'll use next—or how."

The second figure was far less composed, his movements erratic and unsettling. His body seemed almost translucent in places, with a faint shimmer like the surface of a liquid. "The Slime Harbinger," the Dark Prince said, his voice dripping with distaste. "A practitioner of slime magic. His body can transform into a semi-liquid state, making him nearly impossible to pin down. And his magic is corrosive, capable of dissolving both weapons and defenses."

Kaelen's eyes narrowed. "That... sounds difficult to deal with."

"It is," the Mysterious Swordsman replied. "And then there's him."

Their gazes turned to the third and final representative, a tall and imposing figure standing apart from the others. His presence was suffocating, his aura like a black hole that seemed to draw in the very light around him. He stood still, his arms crossed, but there was an unmistakable menace in his stance.

"The King Devourer," the Dark Prince said, his tone unusually grim. "He's the strongest of their group—and perhaps one of the most dangerous participants in this convention. He uses a unique form of magic called Devouring Magic. It allows him to absorb and consume the mana, techniques, and even life force of his opponents."

Kaelen felt a chill run down his spine. "Devouring Magic? That sounds—"

"Unfair?" Lila cut in, her tone sharp. "It is. He's not just powerful; he's ruthless. Once he gets a hold of you, it's over."

Reeves, who had been listening silently, finally spoke up. "Remember, they are here to test you, to push you to your limits. They may be strong, but strength alone doesn't guarantee victory. You've all trained for this moment. Focus on your own paths."

The group nodded, though the weight of Reeves' words did little to ease the growing tension. Kaelen glanced back at the Valen representatives, his hand unconsciously brushing against the hilt of his sword.

"We'll face them when the time comes," he said softly, determination flickering in his eyes.

The Dark Prince smirked. "Good. Because we've got scores to settle."

The Mysterious Swordsman said nothing, but the subtle tightening of his grip on his weapon spoke volumes.

As the representatives of Eldoria prepared themselves, the coliseum continued to buzz with anticipation. In this arena, rivalries would be reignited, and destinies would be forged.

As the tense silence settled around Reeves and his entourage, a sudden shift in the air made Reeves snap his head toward the coliseum's main gates. His eyes narrowed, and his expression hardened.

Without another word, he turned and led his delegation to their designated area in the coliseum.

As the crowd continued to buzz with excitement over the arrival of The Dawning of Magic, Reeves exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

Kaelen watched him intently. "Are they really that strong?"

Reeves glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Strong is an understatement. If you face them, Kaelen, you'll understand why the land of Arcanis is called the cradle of magic."

Kaelen nodded, a mixture of apprehension and determination settling in his chest. The stakes of this battle convention had just risen to a whole new level.

As the delegation from The Dawning of Magic settled into their section of the coliseum, an air of intrigue lingered among the Pacesetters Academy group. The Mysterious Swordsman and the Dark Prince exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to something akin to grim recognition.

"I see they've brought new blood this time," the Dark Prince muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the members of the Dawning of Magic's delegation.

"All of them are unfamiliar," the Mysterious Swordsman agreed, his tone neutral but tinged with an undercurrent of unease. "Except for one."

Morris, overhearing the exchange, raised an eyebrow. "One? You recognize someone?"

The Mysterious Swordsman nodded slowly, his gaze locking onto a tall, lean figure standing at the edge of the Arcanis group. The man's aura was subdued, almost as if he were masking his presence, but there was a sharpness to his demeanor that was impossible to ignore.

"Kent Harrow," the Mysterious Swordsman said, his voice lowering. "The one they call the Affinity God."

Kaelen frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Affinity God? What does that mean?"

The Dark Prince leaned forward, his voice grave. "It means he has an unmatched ability to align with any magical element on the spot, no matter how complex or rare. Fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, even exotic elements like void or time—he can not only use them but master them in moments."

Morris let out a low whistle. "That sounds... terrifying."

"It is," the Mysterious Swordsman confirmed, his jaw tightening. "He's the most versatile mage I've ever encountered. During the last convention, he single-handedly eliminated three academies' top representatives in the team battles. Each time, he used a different element to counter them perfectly."

Kaelen's eyes widened. "And he's here again?"

The Dark Prince nodded, his tone laced with bitterness. "He's their ace. If he's in the lineup this year, it means they've come to dominate, as always."

Kaelen stared at Kent Harrow, who stood silently amidst his peers, seemingly uninterested in the commotion around him. His calm demeanor only added to his enigmatic and intimidating aura.

Reeves, noticing the tension among his students, turned to address them. "It's true Kent Harrow is formidable," he admitted, his voice steady. "But remember, every opponent has a weakness. Focus on your strengths and teamwork. Don't let his reputation shake your resolve."

Kaelen nodded, a fire of determination igniting in his chest. He clenched his fists, his thoughts racing. 'Affinity God or not, I'll prove my strength in this convention.'

The group fell silent, each lost in their thoughts as they prepared for the battles ahead. In the distance, Kent Harrow turned slightly, his piercing gaze sweeping across the coliseum before briefly landing on Kaelen. A faint smirk played on his lips before he looked away, leaving Kaelen with a chill that only spurred his resolve further.