The morning sun cast long shadows across the massive Colosseum as I arrived with Livia, the structure's ancient architecture blending with modern magical reinforcements in a way that was honestly impressive. The arena could hold tens of thousands of spectators, and judging by the crowds already streaming through the gates, it would be packed to capacity.
"You nervous?" I asked Livia as we navigated the congested pathways.
She glanced at me with that mischievous smile that usually meant trouble. "Nervous? Please. I'm more concerned about the political fallout if I accidentally humiliate someone important." She paused. "Actually, no. That sounds entertaining."
"Try not to start any blood feuds."
"No promises, Yan."
Participants and spectators created this chaotic mess of nervous energy and excitement. Some competitors looked formidable—hardened physiques, weapons humming with enchantments, the confident swagger of experienced fighters. Others appeared deceptively ordinary, which honestly made me more cautious. The dangerous ones often looked harmless until they weren't.
"Remember," I said as we approached the participants' area, "we're not revealing our connection yet. Let people make assumptions."
Livia's eyes gleamed with something calculating. "Oh, I'm very good at misdirection. Mother taught me well."
That was what worried me.
We parted ways at the entrance, Livia heading toward the general waiting rooms while I moved deeper into the facility. The elimination rounds had been brutal and efficient—hundreds of hopefuls whittled down to eight finalists through combat, strategy, and sheer stubborn determination.
The remaining competitors were displayed on massive screens throughout the Colosseum:
Raven Zeus Riyan Descartes
Livia Descartes Alex Karots Ava Mairis Fera Starlight Noha Kai Yanel Gates
The matchups appeared next:
Semifinal Round: Livia Descartes vs Raven Zeus Riyan Descartes vs Ava Mairis Alex Karots vs Fera Starlight Noha Kai vs Yanel Gates
I studied the brackets from the viewing area, analyzing potential outcomes. Livia versus Raven was unfortunate—my sister was skilled and politically brilliant, but Raven was on another level entirely. The protagonist versus his supposed fiancée would be interesting given their complicated dynamic.
But my own match... that was going to be something else entirely.
Ava Mairis. My cousin, my god-sister, and someone who'd made tormenting me into an art form over the years. Also someone who was absolutely insane when it came to fighting.
The crowd's roar indicated the first match was starting.
The arena floor was pure magical engineering—enchanted stone that could withstand devastating attacks while protecting spectators through layered barrier systems that probably cost more than a small country's GDP.
Livia emerged from one entrance, her ice-blue combat attire contrasting beautifully with her dark hair. From the opposite side, Raven strode forward with casual confidence, her grayish-white hair catching the light, those golden eyes scanning her opponent with tactical precision.
"BEGIN!"
Livia didn't waste time. Her bow materialized—beautiful crystallized ice and enchanted wood—and her first arrow was already flying before most people registered the match had started.
The projectile blazed blue with concentrated aura, streaking toward Raven with lethal speed. But Livia had already drawn again, firing in rapid succession, each arrow following different trajectories to cut off escape routes.
Explosions marked where arrows struck, sending up clouds of dust and fragments of stone. Smart strategy—as an archer facing a close-combat specialist, maintaining distance and pressure was crucial.
A larger arrow followed, glowing with pure white energy. One of Livia's signature techniques combining physical impact with essence disruption.
But Raven moved like lightning given physical form.
Her blade—a weapon that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it—swept through the air in perfect arcs. Each arrow was deflected with minimal wasted motion, efficiency that spoke of countless hours drilling fundamentals. The larger blast was caught on her blade's edge and redirected into the arena wall where it detonated harmlessly.
From the viewing area, I watched with growing concern. She's not even trying. That's maybe ten percent of her actual capability.
Livia's hands trembled slightly as she nocked another arrow. Every shot had been countered, deflected like they meant nothing. She'd known intellectually that Raven was stronger—daughter of the Academy's Principal, future powerhouse, all that prophesied greatness. But knowing and experiencing were entirely different things.
Raven wasn't just blocking anymore. She was advancing, each counter bringing her closer with methodical inevitability.
The crowd was going absolutely insane, but Livia barely heard them. Her focus had narrowed to the girl closing the distance with terrifying efficiency.
I can't lose here. Not in front of everyone.
She fired again, pouring everything into each shot, arrows streaking out in patterns designed to overwhelm through sheer volume and unpredictability.
Raven cut through them like they were standing still.
Then she closed the gap in a burst of speed that left afterimages burned into the air.
Her blade rose, crackling with dark energy that distorted space around it. The strike came down with devastating force, and when it connected, Livia's defensive aura shattered like glass. She hit the arena floor unconscious, the match over before it really began.
"Winner: Raven Zeus!"
Medical staff rushed forward immediately, family bodyguards materializing from the stands. I watched them carry Livia away, noting her injuries were minor. Raven had held back significantly—probably out of respect for family connections.
The gap between them is massive, I thought clinically. If Raven had used her actual techniques...
From across the arena, Raven's golden eyes found mine in the viewing area. Even at this distance, I could see the challenge in her gaze, sweet smile on her face that would've fooled anyone who didn't know better.
Later, that look promised. We'll have our turn later.
I smiled back. Sure, Ven. Looking forward to it.
The second match was announced, and I made my way to the arena entrance. The crowd's energy had reached absolute fever pitch—they'd just witnessed a dominant performance from the Principal's daughter, and now they were about to see what the record-breaking Riyan Descartes could actually do in combat.
Ava Mairis emerged from the opposite entrance, and I had to admit she looked incredible.
Long black hair cascading past her shoulders, obsidian eyes holding intensity that bordered on unhinged. The Asura bloodline was evident in everything about her—the way she moved, the confidence radiating off her like heat. She wore combat attire that was practical and elegant, red and black marking her family affiliation.
Our eyes met across the arena, and I saw that familiar spark of competitive madness.
The crowd's reaction was immediate and honestly kind of disturbing:
"STEP ON ME, GODDESS!"
"PLEASE DESTROY HIM, LADY AVA!"
"I'LL BE YOUR DOORMAT!"
"CRUSH HIM LIKE THE INSECT HE IS!"
I almost laughed. Ava had cultivated a devoted following of people who were absolutely into her dominant personality. They weren't wrong about her being powerful—she was talented, driven, and carried herself with absolute certainty in her superiority.
She was also completely insane when it came to fighting, which made this interesting.
"Yan!" Her voice carried across the arena, playful and sharp. "Try not to bore me too quickly, yeah? I want to savor this!"
I twirled my spear casually. "No promises, Ava. I know how you get when you're disappointed."
Her grin widened, predatory and excited. "Oh, you're gonna regret that confidence real soon!"
"BEGIN!"
She moved first, drawing her sword in one fluid motion that was honestly beautiful. Fire ignited along the blade's edge instantly—her natural S+ affinity made manifest—transforming the weapon into something that looked like it belonged in a painting about divine retribution.
I drew my spear and immediately attacked, weapon wreathed in mana as I drove toward her center mass with a straightforward thrust.
She moved to intercept, sword rising to block—
Her blade met flowing resistance instead of solid impact. My spear touched her sword with deceptive gentleness, but that gentle contact redirected her entire defensive position, tilting her blade downward and leaving her side completely exposed.
Her follow-up strike met empty air as I flowed around it, the impact dissipating into nothing like she'd swung at water instead of a physical opponent.
"What the—" Her eyes widened, then narrowed with pure exhilaration. "YES! FINALLY!"
She unleashed everything, her sword becoming a storm of fire and steel. Each strike was faster than normal human perception should track, each one carrying enough force to pulverize stone. Her Asura bloodline sang in her veins, fire magic amplifying every attack into something apocalyptic.
Dozens of flaming strikes descended simultaneously, each one potentially lethal, creating a maelstrom that should have overwhelmed any defense.
I spun my spear in response, the weapon becoming a spiral of flame and controlled motion. Each rotation deflected her attacks with minimal wasted energy, the clash of our techniques sending shockwaves rippling across the arena. Flames danced between us like living creatures fighting for dominance.
The impacts were deafening—each collision sending sparks and embers flying, the enchanted stone cracking under the pressure.
But I shifted my stance, lowering my center of gravity, and suddenly her attacks weren't being deflected—they were being absorbed and redirected. My spear moved like an immovable object, accepting her strikes and sending the force back amplified.
"You blocked everything!" Ava's laugh was slightly unhinged, delighted. "Every single fucking attack! God, I could kiss you right now!"
The students watching were losing their minds, unable to process someone matching the Asura Princess blow for blow. But I understood what was really happening—we were both holding back, neither willing to reveal our actual trump cards in a semifinal.
But this dance had to end eventually.
Ava gathered her fire, channeling everything into one devastating strike. The flames condensed around her blade until the weapon looked like solidified sunlight. "Let's see you handle THIS!"
A massive dragon construct of pure flame erupted from her sword, roaring as it surged forward with enough force to level buildings. The heat was intense enough that the protective barriers flickered.
I channeled darkness into my spear, the energy coalescing into spectral forms that seemed to drain light from the surrounding air. The two techniques collided at the arena's center.
The explosion was blinding. Smoke filled the entire battlefield, obscuring everything in a gray haze.
When it cleared, I was still standing.
Ava lay on the ground, conscious but unable to move, minor burns and complete exhaustion having finally overcome her. She'd pushed herself to absolute limits and beyond.
"Winner: Riyan Descartes!"
The crowd's reaction was pure chaos—shock, disbelief, outrage from Ava's devoted fans, and genuine awe from those who could appreciate the technical brilliance they'd just witnessed.
I walked over to where Ava lay, looking down at her with a mix of respect and amusement.
She grinned up at me, breathing hard. "That... was fucking amazing... Yan..."
"You too. Almost had me worried there."
"Liar." Her grin widened. "Next time... I'm winning..."
"Sure, Ava. Keep telling yourself that."
"Bastard..."
Medical staff rushed forward, but her eyes never left mine until they carried her off. That competitive fire hadn't dimmed even slightly.
I turned back toward the viewing area, feeling oddly satisfied. The match had been challenging, genuinely fun in a way I hadn't expected.
Now came the interesting part—watching the protagonist's battle and seeing how the golden boy handled pressure.
Alex Karots versus Fera Starlight was next, and I settled in to watch with genuine interest.
The protagonist emerged looking confident, his blue hair catching the light, those bluish-white eyes scanning the arena with tactical awareness. Fera appeared from the opposite entrance, her spirit magic already manifesting as faint wisps of energy around her.
"BEGIN!"
Alex moved first, water coalescing around his hands as he sent a barrage of pressurized blasts toward Fera. Smart opening—test her defenses, gauge her reaction speed.
Fera responded with spirit constructs that absorbed the water attacks, her unique affinity allowing her to manipulate spiritual energy in ways most people couldn't comprehend. Ethereal forms danced around her, serving as both shields and weapons.
The fight was technical, methodical, both fighters clearly well-trained. Alex's water manipulation combined with his holy affinity created attacks that were difficult to defend against—purifying energy that disrupted most magical defenses.
But Fera's spirit magic was versatile in ways that kept surprising him. Every attack he launched was countered, redirected, or absorbed by her spiritual constructs.
Then Alex stopped holding back.
Holy energy blazed around him, brilliant white light that made people shield their eyes. His water attacks transformed, becoming something closer to divine judgment than simple elemental manipulation.
Fera's spirits couldn't withstand that level of power. Her defenses crumbled, and a concentrated blast of holy-infused water struck her directly, sending her crashing into the arena wall.
"Winner: Alex Karots!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. The protagonist had delivered exactly what they expected—a display of overwhelming power that justified his reputation.
I watched him help Fera to her feet, playing the gentleman hero perfectly. It was almost nauseating how textbook it was.
The final match between Noha and Yanel was quick and brutal. Both were skilled aura users specializing in close combat, and their fight was a pure exchange of technique and power. Noha eventually claimed victory.
Final Standings:
Raven Zeus (Winner vs Livia)
Riyan Descartes (Winner vs Ava)
Alex Karots (Winner vs Fera)
Noha Kai (Winner vs Yanel)
Tomorrow would be the finals.
Raven versus Alex.
Me versus Noha.
And then, if everything went according to plan, I'd face either the protagonist or my childhood friend for first place.
Either way, it was going to be entertaining.