BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 47: The Round of the Strongest

The duels had reached their final stage.

Only six fighters remained.

What had started as a massive battle among the first-years had now been whittled down to the strongest. Even among the great noble houses, only the most skilled survived.

And among them—a commoner still stood.

Mira Valcroft's continued victories sent waves of disbelief through the academy. The nobles despised her presence, whispering that her luck would soon run out.

But luck had nothing to do with it.

Every fighter standing in the final round had won three duels already.

Now, they would face their toughest challenge yet.

The Final Six – The Fighters Who Remain

Crown Prince Lucian Eldoria (House Eldoria – Draconic Heritage)

The most dominant first-year.

Overwhelmed every opponent so far, including Darius Zephyrion.

Barely even tired—his sheer strength made it seem easy.

Kael Veyrin (House Veyrin – Arcane Sigilist)

Defeated Rael Varros, a skilled swordsman in Round 1.

Adapted and refined his runic combat in Rounds 2 & 3, proving his tactical mind.

Now facing his biggest challenge yet—the Crown Prince himself.

Selene Duskbane (House Duskbane – Eclipse Sight)

Defeated Leonel Faelwyn, the beast tamer in Round 1.

Used her spear and foresight to outmaneuver stronger opponents in Rounds 2 & 3.

Still hasn't been truly pushed to her limit.

Cassian Duskbane (House Duskbane – Duelist & Tactician)

Defeated Vance Hollowind in Round 1.

Won his next fights through perfect strategy, proving he was the best technical duelist in their year.

Still smirking, still confident—but now facing a true wildcard.

Evelyne Grimthorne (House Grimthorne – Titan's Resilience)

Crushed every opponent through sheer endurance and brute strength.

Defeated a lesser noble in Round 1, then dominated Rounds 2 & 3.

Has never been knocked down in a fight.

Mira Valcroft (Commoner – The Underdog)

Defeated Damien Nocturne, a great noble, shocking the academy.

Continued winning against lesser nobles in Rounds 2 & 3.

Everyone is waiting for her luck to run out—but will it?

The Arena – The Eyes of the Academy Are Watching

The final duels were no longer just for ranking.

Now—they were for legacy.

The stands were packed, filled with nobles, commoners, and lecturers alike. Even though the headmaster had remained silent, watching from above, the lecturers were now discussing openly.

"This is the future of the academy," one of them muttered.

The six first-years stood at the center of the battlefield, their uniforms immaculate despite their previous fights.

Kael, Cassian, and Selene wore the dark blue and silver uniforms of House Duskbane and House Veyrin, their noble crests gleaming.

Lucian's uniform was white and gold, the royal sigil of House Eldoria embroidered into his sleeve.

Evelyne's uniform bore black-and-gray markings, the symbol of Grimthorne stitched into the fabric.

Mira's uniform was simple—no house sigil, only the academy insignia.

Even now, nobles whispered at the sight of Mira standing among them.

"This has gone too far."

"She'll be eliminated soon."

"She shouldn't even be here."

The murmurs died down as Professor Draeven stepped forward.

His mechanical arm gleamed under the sunlight as he unrolled a scroll.

"These are the matchups for the next round."

A hush fell over the crowd.

Round 4 Matchups – The Clash of the Strongest

Match 1: Kael Veyrin vs. Crown Prince Lucian Eldoria

Match 2: Selene Duskbane vs. Evelyne Grimthorne

Match 3: Cassian Duskbane vs. Mira Valcroft

The moment Kael's name was read, the entire arena erupted.

"The Crown Prince is fighting a Veyrin?"

"Kael is strong, but Lucian is on another level!"

"Will Kael even last a minute?"

Kael's crimson eyes locked onto Lucian's golden gaze.

The Crown Prince's expression didn't change. He simply nodded.

"Let's see if you're worthy of standing in my presence."

Kael smirked.

"We'll see about that."