Chapter 48: Echoes of Fire and Stone
The roar of the crowd still vibrated in the coliseum's columns long after Kael and Yun had left the arena. The dust had not yet settled, and already the stands, corridors, and pavilions buzzed with comments, renewed bets, and eyes calculating strengths and weaknesses.
Among the crowd, disciples ranked 11 to 20 exchanged glances filled with respect and fear. Some patted each other on the shoulder, others whispered under their breath, already dreaming of challenging Kael someday—others of avoiding him at all costs.
I. In the Jade Stands
Aylin, her spear still warm in her hands, watched Kael as he was flanked by apprentices and healers. "Did you see how he absorbed the root of the ancient world... and returned it as pure fire?" "It's not just strength," whispered one of the younger disciples, "it's instinct, it's destiny."
Saira, the outsider from Starry Ice, watched in silence, sizing up each rival and storing her impressions like daggers up her sleeve.
Lyra, sitting next to Cedric, shared her analysis: "Yun lost, but he revealed that Kael needs time to turn defense into attack." Cedric nodded, his mind already devising possible formations to exploit those gaps.
II. The Pillars' Refuge
In the Pillars' Pavilion, Violeta and Eris shared a cold wine, their gazes fixed on the empty arena. "Kael has already surpassed most who call themselves dragons in the north," murmured Eris, amused. "And yet, each of his strikes is a question: will you follow me if I fall?" replied Violeta, more seriously.
Elowen, tending to the wounded, exchanged whispers with Xylia about whether an outsider might break the Morningstar hegemony. "Don't underestimate Saira," warned Xylia. "She has the look of someone who's already seen death up close."
III. Whispers in the Shadows
As the arena prepared for the next duel, smaller groups gathered in the corridors and behind the walls, where rumors and bets flowed like wine.
"They say Kael received secret training from the Patriarch," murmured one anxious apprentice. "Or that the crimson sword is an heirloom treasure, able to devour enemy Qi," added another, voice tinged with superstition.
A prodigy from the top 12, named Jian, stepped aside from the group, mentally noting all the details of the fight, planning how he would challenge his own rival. "If the crimson dragon can bleed, I can learn to make it roar."
IV. The Patriarch's Strategies
From the shadow of the tower, Samael watched. The system showed him diagrams, possible routes, weaknesses, but what he valued most was the fighting spirit he saw ignited in the young.
[Rivalry is the fire that tempers swords. Let every sequence fear falling; let every fallen one dream of revenge.]
Mentors and elders discussed possible line-ups and substitutions, knowing that the glory of one day could be the defeat of the next.
V. A New Horizon
When Kael entered the sequences' hall, he was greeted with pats on the back, hugs, and the occasional silent challenge. "Don't get used to the throne, brother," Eris warned with a fierce smile. "I only defend it so that someday, someone worthy will take it from me," Kael replied sincerely.
The citadel was alive: with promises, bets, and fear. Every heart burned, and beneath the surface, the roar of the Morningstar clan was only just beginning to grow.