The arena buzzed with anticipation as the final semifinal match was about to begin. All eyes turned to the center stage where Leo Aetherwind, the rising star whose power had steadily shocked the entire stadium, stood calmly, arms crossed, exuding composed dominance. The wind seemed to still around him, a subtle indication of the power he restrained within. His cloak, dark and flowing, fluttered gently behind him. His golden eyes, resolute and piercing, scanned the area ahead with quiet assurance.
Across the stage, a figure stepped forward, his expression taut with intensity—Alex Bladecrest. His movements were sharp, determined, filled with purpose. His posture was rigid, shoulders squared and fists clenched. Though his prior victory had ended in an awkward spectacle, none could deny the refined sword aura he emanated. He was a prodigy of the Bladecrest clan—until he had been expelled. That humiliation drove his every thought and breath, a hunger for redemption etched in his bones.
