BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 43: The Duel of Runes and Shadows

Match #45 – Kael Veyrin vs. Rael Varros

The final matches of the Entrance Duels were underway, and anticipation surged through the stands. Forty-four battles had already taken place, with nobles and commoners alike proving their strength.

Now, Match 45.

The murmurs started before Kael even stepped onto the field.

"The heir of House Veyrin is finally fighting."

"His rune magic is powerful, but can he handle Rael?"

"That guy is no joke—he's got Void Step."

Kael ignored the whispers. His deep red eyes gleamed under the torchlight, his black hair lightly tousled by the wind. His dark blue and silver-trimmed first-year uniform clung to his form, the Veyrin crest embroidered onto his sleeve—marking him as noble-born.

Across from him, Rael Varros stepped into the arena, his expression calm and unreadable.

Rael Varros – The Phantom Duelist

Unlike Kael, who carried himself with noble refinement, Rael's presence was like a shadow slipping into place—fluid, unnoticed at first, but impossible to ignore.

He was slender but toned, built for speed rather than power. His black academy uniform bore no noble crest, just the simple academy insignia on the chest—a reminder that he had no great family behind him.

His dark brown hair was cut slightly uneven, as if he had trimmed it himself. His silver-gray eyes held an eerie stillness, their gaze sharp and observant, taking in everything.

At his waist, a single curved shortsword rested in a loose grip. Not decorative like a noble's weapon—functional, worn, deadly.

Kael hadn't seen him fight before, but the way Rael moved told him enough.

"This guy is dangerous."

Rael tilted his head. "So, you're the Veyrin heir?"

Kael nodded once. "And you're the Phantom Duelist."

Rael smirked. "Let's see if you can catch a ghost."

The Fight Begins

Professor Selwyn Draeven stepped onto the stage, his mechanical arm gleaming.

"No killing. No running. No excuses," he said gruffly. His sharp silver gaze flickered between them.

"Fight."

He dropped his arm.

BOOM.

Rael vanished.

Rune Magic vs. Void Step

Kael had seen fast opponents before.

But this?

This was different.

One moment, Rael was in front of him. The next—he was gone.

Kael's instincts screamed. He twisted—just as a blade slashed past his ribs.

He barely avoided it, but he wasn't fast enough to counter.

Rael reappeared behind him.

A sharp kick struck Kael's back.

He stumbled forward, catching himself on one knee.

The crowd murmured.

"Kael's getting pushed back?"

"Rael is too fast—he can't even activate his sigils."

Kael gritted his teeth. He needed to adapt.

Rael disappeared again.

Kael didn't wait.

He carved two runes in the air instantly.

Acceleration. Impact.

The symbols flared with energy.

Rael **reappeared behind him—**but Kael was already moving.

His speed surged, and this time—he dodged.

Rael's silver eyes widened—his Void Step had never failed this early before.

Kael didn't hesitate.

He raised his sword, the Impact Rune flaring to life.

His blade crashed against Rael's, forcing him back with unexpected force.

The crowd gasped.

"He's countering Void Step?"

"No, he's predicting it."

Rael **teleported again—**but now, Kael was already moving.

His fingers traced a rune on the ground.

Binding.

The moment Rael appeared—

The rune activated.

A sudden force locked Rael's movement, halting his Void Step mid-dash.

Rael's eyes widened. "What—?"

Kael was already there.

His sword pressed against Rael's throat.

Winner: Kael Veyrin.

Rael froze.

Then, after a long pause—he chuckled.

"Damn," he muttered. "Guess you caught me."

The crowd erupted.

Kael exhaled, sweat dripping down his brow. He'd won.

And then—

[System Notification: Quest Completed]

🔹 Reward: +5 Stat Points, +1 Arcane Sigil Slot

Kael smirked.

His real journey had just begun.

Tournament Continues…

With Kael's victory, the Entrance Duels pressed on.

But the next fight was just as intense.

Because next was Selene Duskbane vs. Leonel Faelwyn.