BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 42: The Phantom and the Windblade

Match #24 – Cassian Duskbane vs. Vance Hollowind

The tournament pressed on.

With nearly half of the first-years eliminated, the arena's energy only grew more intense.

23 matches had passed, and the remaining fighters were the strongest of the newcomers. Some, like Lucian Eldoria, had confirmed their dominance. Others, like Evelyne Grimthorne, had sent a warning to anyone foolish enough to challenge them.

Now, it was Match 24.

The next two names rang out across the arena.

"Cassian Duskbane vs. Vance Hollowind!"

Excited murmurs rippled through the stands.

"The Duskbane heir… versus a Hollowind?"

"Cassian's got Eclipse Sight. This won't even be fair."

"You don't get it. Vance is fast. If anyone can mess with future sight, it's him."

Kael adjusted his position in the VIP seating, watching as the two fighters stepped onto the battlefield.

Cassian Duskbane—his closest friend, the arrogant strategist.

Vance Hollowind—a lesser noble, but one of the fastest in their year.

This fight would be different from the others. This was going to be a test of speed and prediction.

Cassian Duskbane – The Phantom Duelist

Cassian strode into the arena, his platinum-blond hair slightly tousled by the wind.

He had the same lazy smirk he always wore, as if none of this really mattered. His uniform was buttoned loosely, and he carried his thin duelist's rapier with an effortless grip.

But Kael knew Cassian well.

Behind the smirk was calculation.

Behind the lazy stance was a mind that had already run a hundred scenarios.

Because Cassian Duskbane had Eclipse Sight—the ability to see flashes of the future.

Vance Hollowind – The Windblade Prodigy

Vance stood across from him, rolling his shoulders.

Unlike Cassian, who radiated effortless confidence, Vance looked coiled—ready to strike at any moment.

His black and silver Hollowind uniform clung tightly to his lean frame, designed for movement. His dual scimitars gleamed under the sun, enchanted to redirect wind currents, making him even faster than he already was.

Vance's specialty? Speed.

And against someone who could predict the future, speed was the only way to survive.

The Fight Begins

Professor Selwyn Draeven stepped forward, scarred arms crossed.

"No killing. No running. No excuses." His gaze flickered between them. "Fight."

He dropped his arm.

BOOM.

Vance vanished.

The Test of Speed and Prediction

Cassian exhaled slowly, his world slowing as Eclipse Sight activated.

One second into the future. Two seconds. Three.

He saw it.

Vance appeared behind him.

Cassian sidestepped before the strike landed, his rapier flicking up to counter.

Clang!

The moment their blades met, Vance twisted, using his momentum to spin midair, landing behind Cassian again.

Cassian pivoted—just in time.

His rapier met Vance's scimitar again.

The crowd gasped.

"He dodged both?!"

Selene Duskbane, watching from the stands, smirked. "Of course he did."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "But Vance isn't done."

Unpredictable Speed vs. Predictable Sight

Cassian's Eclipse Sight let him predict attacks.

But Vance?

Vance was too fast to follow normally.

His movements weren't linear. He twisted, dashed, jumped—his footwork was erratic, constantly shifting.

Cassian's predictions were getting hazy. He could see attacks coming, but not the feints, not the adjustments.

Vance pressed forward.

His scimitars slashed in a deadly flurry, pushing Cassian back toward the edge of the arena.

Cassian clicked his tongue. "Annoying."

Vance grinned. "Too fast for you?"

Cassian didn't answer.

Instead—he switched tactics.

Cassian's Counterattack

Cassian exhaled, focusing his Eclipse Sight not on dodging, but predicting openings.

He let Vance attack.

One slash. Dodge.

A spin. Step back.

A downward strike—there.

Cassian saw it before it happened.

He shifted his blade just slightly—

And let Vance's own momentum drive him forward.

At the last moment, Cassian angled his rapier and redirected Vance's strike, sending him stumbling forward.

The crowd gasped.

Cassian smirked. "Predictable."

Vance recovered instantly, but Cassian was already moving in.

The Decisive Moment

Vance lashed out again—faster, stronger.

But Cassian was ready.

His rapier danced like a phantom, slipping between Vance's attacks.

A sharp strike to the shoulder.

A stab to the leg.

Vance gritted his teeth, his movements slowing.

And then—

Cassian's rapier hovered at his throat.

Winner: Cassian Duskbane.

Vance stood frozen.

Then—he sighed, lowering his blades.

"…Damn."

Cassian stepped back, twirling his rapier lazily. "Fast. But not fast enough."

The crowd erupted.

Kael exhaled. Cassian had to actually work for that win.

Darius chuckled. "I almost thought Vance had him."

Selene smirked. "Cassian doesn't lose. He just takes his time winning."

Cassian, walking off the field, smirked up at them.

"Try not to be too impressed."

Kael rolled his eyes. "Cocky bastard."

Cassian just winked.

🔥 Tournament Continues…

With Cassian's victory, the first round of matches neared its end.