The Azure Colosseum hummed with energy. Floating platforms, mystical pillars, and winding cliff paths had become the perfect canvas for the chaos of battle. Each combatant moved with precision, their auras blazing, energy trails carving arcs of light and shadow across the sky. From the observation deck, Lucien's clone sat cross-legged, hands folded, eyes glinting with amusement. Guru reclined beside him, still sipping tea, while Vaelion leaned against the railing, occasionally shaking his head at the spectacle below.
"This," Lucien's clone murmured, "is what a battle royal should look like. Pure skill, strategy, and ingenuity. Not blind brute force. Let's see who can truly survive when everything is tested."
The camera-like perspective of the arena shifted dynamically to follow multiple fights simultaneously.
Azure Dragon Sect: Ryuketsu and Misato were locked in a flurry of martial energy, Ryuketsu's fists aflame with azure fire, each strike causing gusts and heat waves, while Misato bent wind currents into spirals, deflecting and redirecting his attacks.
"You rely too much on raw power," Misato said, voice cutting through the wind. "Strategy wins battles, not muscle!"
Ryuketsu grinned, lightning crackling across his gauntlets. "Muscle sharpens strategy, my dear. Watch carefully!" He launched a spin that created a flaming vortex, engulfing Misato in a swirling storm of fire and energy. Misato countered midair, splitting the wind currents into multiple tornado-like spirals, scattering the fire into harmless trails. The clash sent shockwaves that rippled through the arena, forcing smaller sects to shift position.
Moon Shadow Clan: Seikatsu and Ayame teamed up against Takeshi and Hikaru. Seikatsu's shadows moved independently, striking with venom-tipped claws, while Ayame used her blades to slice through the terrain, creating hazards. Takeshi spun his massive staff, generating shockwaves that shattered the ground, while Hikaru phased through attacks, landing precise counter-strikes.
"Too predictable!" Hikaru muttered, his eyes narrowing as he adapted to Ayame's rhythm. Seikatsu hissed. "You underestimate the shadows of our clan!" A tendril of shadow lunged for Hikaru, only to be caught midair by a precise kick that sent it ricocheting into Ayame's energy field, causing a small explosion of light and dark.
Stellar Ascendants: Kaishin and Lumina worked in tandem, combining celestial fragments and light manipulation to create a dome of energy that trapped several minor sect disciples. Rento, observing from the air, unleashed a barrage of energy projectiles, each moving independently, weaving through the dome's barriers, striking Lumina's shields in rapid succession.
"Interesting technique," Lucien's clone muttered under his breath. "Adaptive… precise. They've learned to anticipate each other's moves." Guru tilted his head. "They've only just begun to play. Wait until fatigue sets in."
Major Families: Kunihiro and Sayuri, leading the family candidates, were weaving powerful barriers, summoning elemental beasts, and casting complex runes into the arena floor. Their energy intermingled with the terrain, reshaping portions of the battlefield in seconds.
"Your barrier will not hold forever!" Kunihiro shouted, his arms aglow with earth and water manipulation. Sayuri nodded, eyes glinting. "Then we'll adapt, as always." The floor beneath them shifted, forming a crystalline lattice that enhanced their energy output, forcing their opponents to scramble.
The arena erupted into chaotic collisions. Ryuketsu's fire vortex met Seikatsu's shadows midair, exploding into a dazzling inferno of flame and darkness. Kaishin's meteoric energy clashed with Takeshi's shockwave strikes, creating seismic tremors across the platform. Aelira watched wide-eyed, but Lucien's clone, seated calmly above, only smiled.
"Observe, little one," he murmured, gesturing subtly toward the arena. "Every move has purpose, every strike carries weight. Not power alone, but intention defines mastery."
Guru tilted his head. "He's getting philosophical mid-game. Does he always do that?"
Vaelion shook his head. "Only when he's bored of simple action. Enjoy it while it lasts; soon, this becomes pure chaos."
Aelira, inspired, formed small arcs of light that ricocheted harmlessly but beautifully against the arena walls, her aura flickering in tandem with the energies around her. Lucien's clone smiled at her progress. "Good… you're learning faster than I expected."
As the battle raged on, spectators and participants alike realized the Colosseum was alive with energy. Every strike, dodge, and technique reshaped the arena's terrain. Mountains crumbled, rivers of energy formed and vanished, and floating platforms shifted, responding to the intensity of combat.
Lucien's clone leaned back, observing the intricate dance of power, skill, and strategy. "It's beautiful," he said softly. "Each era, each generation… this is what true cultivation looks like." Guru chuckled. "You're hopelessly sentimental for a god."
"Perhaps," Lucien's clone admitted with a faint grin. "Or perhaps I just appreciate a good show."
The first half of the battle royal had concluded with no fatalities, but with enough tension, destruction, and spectacle to leave every participant breathless and strategizing for the next phase. Every sect and family was beginning to understand that survival in this arena required not only strength, but ingenuity, teamwork, and an intimate understanding of the battle's shifting metaphysical energies.
Above the arena, Lucien's clone raised a hand, signaling a brief pause. "Rest if you must," he announced. "But remember—this is not over. The next stage will push every one of you beyond your limits. And the peak disciples…" He smiled faintly. "Watch carefully. Learn, adapt, and survive."
Aelira's eyes sparkled as she clutched Lucien's clone's hand. "Papa… it's amazing!"
"Yes," he replied softly. "But it's only just begun."
And with that, the Azure Colosseum shimmered with renewed energy, preparing for the continuation of Round Three—a battle that would decide legends and reshape the destinies of all involved.