BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 45: The Final Matches Begin

The Entrance Duels were nearing their end.

It had been a long day, filled with clashes of steel, bursts of magic, and the rise and fall of reputations. Some nobles had cemented their superiority, while others had barely scraped by.

Now, only a few duels remained before the final fight.

Kael sat in the stands, watching the battlefield below. Selene's victory over Leonel Faelwyn had been precise, controlled—but not perfect. She had hesitated once, proving that even she wasn't untouchable.

Still, she had won.

Leonel, despite his loss, had proven himself a worthy fighter. But his defeat only raised more murmurs in the audience.

"House Faelwyn is one of the strongest families—how did he lose?"

"Selene Duskbane is different. She doesn't fight like the rest of us."

"Leonel was holding back against Kael, but he fought seriously here. That means he gave it his all and still lost."

Kael adjusted his uniform, his deep red eyes narrowing slightly.

Only a few fights remained before the final match.

Brief Highlights of Other Matches

Match #47 – A Lesser Noble vs. a Commoner:

The noble won easily, showcasing refined swordplay.

The commoner fought well but lacked the refined training of a noble warrior.

Match #48 – Two Commoners Face Off:

A fast-paced duel between two swordsmen, neither holding back.

The winner was Eryk Vallon, a commoner with impressive dual-wielding skills.

Match #49 – Two Lesser Nobles Clash:

Arrogance vs. Strategy.

A noble girl, Lyra Hawthorne, underestimated her opponent and was defeated.

Her loss humiliated her, sparking whispers among the noble families.

The audience barely had time to process these fights before the final match was announced.

Match #50 – The Final Battle Begins

The air grew tense as the announcer stepped forward one last time.

"This is the final match of the Entrance Duels!"

Murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Who's fighting?"

"It must be two top-ranked nobles!"

"Wait—who's that commoner girl down there?"

Kael leaned forward slightly.

Two figures stepped into the arena.

Damien Nocturne – The third son of House Nocturne, known for his mastery of Veilcraft illusion magic.

Mira Valcroft – A commoner with no noble bloodline, barely acknowledged by the academy before today.

The crowd fell silent.

A noble from one of the strongest families in Eldoria… versus a commoner?

No one expected this match to be close.

No one, except for the headmaster and lecturers, who watched without surprise.

Kael frowned. Something about this match felt different.

Because Mira Valcroft was about to shock the entire academy.