BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 58: The Time Skip – Entering the Fourth Year

Three Years Later – Eldoria Academy, Year 4

Three years had passed since the entrance duels, and Kael Veyrin, along with his peers, had grown in both strength and stature. No longer wide-eyed initiates, they now stood as Fourth-Year students, among the strongest in their class.

In these years, they had endured relentless duels, tactical missions, and grueling training, refining both their combat abilities and their physiques. Their names had become legends within the academy, and only the strongest dared to challenge them now.

The Fourth-Year Uniform – A Mark of Prestige

As Fourth-Years, they now donned the midnight black uniforms with silver and blue accents, symbolizing their maturity, combat expertise, and the authority to lead younger students on missions.

Each uniform was designed for practicality and style, reinforced with mana-stabilizing runes embedded into their coats, gloves, and boots. These runes allowed them to better regulate their magic, ensuring greater control in battle.

For nobles, their family crests were now proudly displayed on their sleeves, while commoners bore the academy sigil, marking their personal achievements.

Even their boots and gloves were arcane-threaded, increasing resistance against both physical and magical attacks, a testament to how far they had come.

The Elite 10 – Their Growth and Power

These were the strongest Fourth-Year students, the ones who had dominated every duel, broken through limits, and earned the respect of the entire academy.

1. Lucian Eldoria – The Crown Prince (Draconic Heritage, Flame Sovereign)

Now 15, Lucian had fully embraced his royal power. His golden eyes burned brighter than ever, radiating his latent draconic might.

His once lean frame had developed into a warrior's physique, broad-shouldered with a defined muscular build, honed from years of intense training.

His Draconic Aura, once restrained, now naturally exuded pressure, making even strong opponents hesitate before challenging him.

Wears a modified version of the Fourth-Year uniform, his Eldoria crest embroidered in gold, signifying his royal blood.

Rumors say his flames are strong enough to rival full-fledged knights.

2. Kael Veyrin – The Arcane Sigilist (Runic Prodigy, Crimson Arcane Knight)

Now taller and leaner, Kael's body had transformed, his formerly slender frame filling out with muscle, sculpted from relentless sword training and mana reinforcement exercises.

His crimson eyes burned with an intensity that rivaled even Lucian's, showing his unyielding will to surpass him one day.

His mastery over Arcane Sigils and Crimson Sigils had reached a terrifying level, allowing him to carve runes faster, store more spells, and layer his abilities in ways even professors struggled to follow.

His Veyrin crest glowed faintly with mana on his black coat sleeve, marking his status as a noble heir.

He now dual-wielded a sword and dagger, using Crimson Runes to empower each strike.

3. Mira Valcroft – The Underdog Champion (Balanced Fighter, Adaptive Combatant)

Mira had grown into a striking beauty, her once-short hair now reaching past her shoulders. Her hazel eyes burned with a fierce determination, showing she had never lost sight of her original goal—to prove commoners could stand among nobles.

Years of intense strength and agility training had toned her body, giving her stronger curves and powerful legs, built for explosive movement.

No longer underestimated, she had refined her dual-wielding techniques to near perfection, making her a deadly force in battle.

She no longer fought just to prove herself—she fought to win.

4. Selene Duskbane – The Shadow Spear (Eclipse Sight, Tactical Genius)

Selene's once-soft features had sharpened, her silver eyes cold and calculating, revealing the mind of a battle-hardened tactician.

Her body had developed elegantly, a perfect balance of lean muscle and feminine curves, her legs powerful from years of precise footwork.

Her Eclipse Sight had evolved, allowing her to see seconds further into the future, making her nearly untouchable in combat.

She carried a new, custom-made spear, engraved with shadow-enhancing runes, complementing her speed and prediction abilities.

5. Evelyne Grimthorne – The Titan (Unbreakable Defense, Absolute Strength)

Evelyne had grown into a towering, imposing figure, her broad shoulders and muscular frame radiating unstoppable strength.

Her once-playful nature had matured, but she still carried an undeniable confidence that made her presence commanding.

Her bust and hips had filled out, but her powerful arms and core strength made it clear—she was not to be underestimated.

No longer just defensive, she had perfected counterattacks, making her just as dangerous offensively as she was defensively.

6. Darius Zephyrion – The Stormcaller (Lightning Master, Aerial Combatant)

Darius had grown taller, his white hair now slightly wilder, reflecting his untamed lightning magic.

His body was lean but defined, sculpted for speed, reflexes, and aerial combat.

His control over lightning had reached terrifying levels, allowing him to move at speeds others struggled to react to.

His Zephyrion crest glowed faintly on his coat, charged with storm energy.

7. Cassian Duskbane – The Phantom Duelist (Rapier Master, Trickster Tactician)

Cassian had grown sharper in both looks and skill, his smirk never fading, even as his opponents fell before him.

He had developed a lean, flexible build, designed for rapid movements and fluid dueling.

His flirtatious nature had only grown, but so had his deadliness in combat.

8. Leonel Faelwyn – The Beast Tamer (Summoner, Wild Instincts)

His connection to his summoned beasts had deepened, making him a true force on the battlefield.

His body had grown more muscular, reflecting the wild energy that coursed through him.

9. Damien Nocturne – The Illusionist (Veilcraft, Shadow Manipulation)

His illusions had become nearly impossible to distinguish from reality.

He had cultivated a mysterious aura, his violet eyes piercing through deception.

10. Rael Varros – The Phantom Duelist (Void Step, Elusive Combatant)

Still one of the most unpredictable fighters, his Void Step ability made him nearly untouchable.

His growth had been quieter than the others, but no less dangerous.

The Academy Respects Their Strength

For three years, they had crushed nearly every challenger, forcing others to acknowledge them as the untouchable top 10.

Few dared to challenge them anymore—except Cedric Voss, who had long since fallen from the rankings, but continued trying to reclaim his place.

Now, as Fourth-Years, they were no longer just students. They were warriors.

And soon, they would face real missions—real danger.

Their true journey had only just begun.