BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 49: Banter and Battle – Shadows in Blue and Gray

After Kael's explosive duel with Lucian, the tension backstage slowly eased into a mix of cautious relief and lighthearted banter. The young initiates—each clad in the standard Dark Blue & Silver first-year uniform of Eldoria Academy—were still feeling the sting of battle, but also the rush of having faced the crown prince.

Kael sat against a wall, still catching his breath and nursing a few bruises. It was then that he noticed two figures approaching him from the corridor: Cassian Duskbane and Darius Zephyrion. Although they'd only recently met during the entrance duels, their personalities already shone through.

Cassian's ever-casual grin and mischievous glint in his eyes contrasted sharply with Darius's more reserved, stormy demeanor—especially considering Darius had fought Lucian once before and wasn't eager to relive that memory.

Cassian clapped Kael on the shoulder. "Not bad, Veyrin. You really made the Crown Prince sweat today. Even I wouldn't have dared get that close!"

Darius shifted uncomfortably, his expression a mixture of pride and annoyance. "Well, you know—I managed to hold my own… at least until Lucian reminded me who he is."

Cassian chuckled and leaned in, his tone playful. "Oh come on, Darius. You only lost once because you got distracted by your own storm. Maybe next time try not to spin yourself into a hurricane, alright?"

Darius's cheeks flushed as he shot Cassian a sharp look, but there was no malice—just the quick, teasing banter of newly acquainted fighters in the heat of the duels.

Kael grinned. "I'm not disappointed at all. I learned a lot out there. And if I made the prince bleed even a little, that's a win in my book."

The three shared a brief laugh before the attention of the room shifted. The arena's loudspeakers announced the next match

Uniforms and the Arena

From their spot in the first-year viewing stand—where every initiate proudly wore their Dark Blue & Silver uniform, high-collared with silver embroidery, and dark leather boots etched with subtle runic patterns—they watched the next duel. The uniform system was a constant reminder of their status as newcomers; each family crest or academy insignia on the jackets whispered of legacy and potential.

Selene Duskbane, with her crisp uniform and the Duskbane crest embroidered in silver on her jacket, exuded calm confidence. In her hand, she wielded a sleek, dark silver spear—a weapon that perfectly matched her innate Eclipse Sight.

Across the arena, Evelyne Grimthorne cut a contrasting figure. Her uniform, though identical in color to the others', was marked by rougher, bold lines that hinted at her family's legacy of Titan's Resilience. With a massive greatsword slung casually over her back, Evelyne's presence radiated raw, unyielding strength.

The Duel of Shadows

As the match began, the arena's energy shifted. Selene moved like a phantom, her steps deliberate and graceful—almost as if she could predict every strike from her opponent. Evelyne, however, charged forward with the raw power of her lineage, her greatsword swinging in heavy, earth-shaking arcs.

Cassian leaned toward Kael, his tone teasing. "Look at Selene—so cool and collected, like she's dancing through the battle. Meanwhile, Evelyne's just smashing everything in her path."

Darius muttered under his breath, "I'd love to see a battle where finesse meets raw strength without someone getting trampled…"

The duel quickly became a showcase of two distinct styles: Selene's precise, calculated strikes countered by Evelyne's sheer physical dominance. Every parry and thrust was a lesson in contrast—light, shadow, strategy, and brute force.

Kael watched intently, his mind already churning over what he'd learned from his own fight. "I can't wait for my next shot," he murmured, a determined gleam in his eyes.

Cassian ruffled his hair, his smirk softening just a bit. "Keep that fire alive, Veyrin. Today you made the prince sweat, and soon you'll be the one redefining strength at Eldoria."

Even Darius, despite his earlier embarrassment, managed a small, respectful nod. "Yeah—every battle is a lesson. And if you ever figure out how not to dance out of your own storm, you might actually beat me someday."

The playful ribbing, the earnest conversation—it all blended into the vibrant energy of the academy, where every duel was more than just a contest; it was a step toward greatness.

The Moment of Reflection

As Selene's spear clashed with Evelyne's greatsword, and the roar of the crowd swelled around them, Kael's thoughts wandered momentarily to his own future. Though he had lost his duel with Lucian, he had earned respect and, more importantly, valuable experience. His defeat wasn't the end—it was a spark that promised a brighter, fiercer comeback.

He smiled to himself as he watched Selene and Evelyne continue their intense battle—a duel that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the academy: the convergence of precision and raw power, of youthful ambition and ancient legacy.