Chapter 50: Echoes in the Frost
The silence that followed the draw between Aylin and Saira was more eloquent than any roar. For a few brief seconds, only the ragged breaths of the two young women at the center of the arena could be heard, the faint crackle of melting ice, and the drip of water on the broken spear.
Then, like a wave, the crowd erupted.
The youngest disciples jumped and screamed; some cried with joy, others in pure disbelief. The elders stood applauding, many unable to take their eyes off the two figures who, kneeling among puddles of Qi and frost, shook hands as equals.
I. Among the Pillars
Kael leaned toward Violeta and Eris, clear admiration on his face.
"I don't remember ever feeling such intense Qi from two aspirants," he confessed, his voice hoarse.
Violeta nodded, wiping away a tear of pride she didn't try to hide.
"Aylin was invisible yesterday. Today, no one will ever forget her."
Eris, ever impulsive, jumped to her feet.
"Now that's Morningstar blood! If the rest of the tournament has half that fire…"
"…it'll burn down the citadel and we'll rebuild it together," Kael finished, laughing in relief.
II. Among the Outsiders
In the box of the Starry Ice Empire, Lord Varian watched his daughter in silence while healers attended to her.
His gaze was hard to read, a mix of respect and calculation.
The young Saira, though exhausted, held her head high and sought eye contact with Samael. When she found it, she nodded, acknowledging both her defeat and her victory.
One of the southern envoys whispered:
"Did you see that bloodline awakening? The Morningstar tournament is more dangerous than we thought."
"And more tempting," replied his companion, jotting down names and techniques on a sealed scroll.
III. Among the Aspirants
Aylin was surrounded by apprentices and disciples who, the night before, had barely recognized her.
"How did you do it?"
"You have to teach me that root technique!"
Aylin, still trembling, just smiled.
"Today I fought as if there were no tomorrow. That's how we all should do it."
Saira approached her, already regaining her cold composure.
"Next time, there won't be a draw."
"Next time, I'll be the one to challenge you," Aylin replied, extending her hand.
The handshake was brief, but for all present, it sealed the start of a legendary rivalry.
IV. In the Shadows
In a corner of the citadel, Lyra and Cedric exchanged impressions.
"That draw changes everything," Cedric commented. "The top twenty won't be enough to contain so much talent."
Lyra nodded:
"Glory attracts monsters. Today the outsiders watch us... but tomorrow, they may want to devour us."
Xylia, always pragmatic, spoke up:
"That will only force us to go further. Competition is the only way to protect what we love."
Elowen, silent, was already preparing remedies and healing seals, foreseeing that the tournament had only just begun to bare its true fangs.
V. The Patriarch's Words
Samael descended into the arena. The commotion fell silent, as if the world itself awaited his verdict.
"Today, two spirits reminded us that the boundary between victory and defeat is nothing more than the courage to dare to cross it," he declared. "The Morningstar clan recognizes Aylin and Saira as legends of this generation, and their draw…"
He paused, looking at the bright eyes on both sides.
"…is a door. May every heart here dare to cross it."
The applause was a roar. The Star Tree dropped two golden leaves, one for each young woman, sealing their destiny before gods and men.
VI. Epilogue: The Wind Changes
That night, the citadel vibrated with new hope and new fear. Rumors of alliances, betrayals, and upcoming challenges spread like wildfire through the halls.
Atop the tower, Samael watched the moon, the system whispering notifications about newly awakened prodigies and old enemies who, drawn by the day's roar, were now moving in the dark.
The real tournament was only just beginning, and the Morningstar clan felt the pulse of legend in their veins.
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Author's Thought:
Chapter 50 completed! 🚀
We are growing fast, and it's all thanks to you. If you're enjoying the path Samael is taking, don't forget to add the novel to your Library and drop your Power Stones.
What do you think of the story's evolution so far? I'll be reading your thoughts in the comments! 👇