ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 162 KNOW YOUR PLACE

Nathaniel's hands tightened around his bow as he stared down Kaelen, his mind consumed by a single, unyielding vow

'I'll make you pay for taking Lila away from me'

He recalled the countless days he had watched her, hoping she would notice his feelings, only to see her gravitate toward Kaelen. That memory fueled him, a fire burning hot beneath his calm exterior.

As Sylvester gave the signal, Nathaniel launched his first arrow, a streak of silver that whistled through the air with precision and deadly speed. He wasn't just any archer; he was the Fierce Arrow of Pacesetters, known for his unyielding accuracy and raw potential. Each shot came faster than the last, turning into a rapid storm of arrows aimed to force Kaelen back. Yet Kaelen moved with fluid grace, his blade weaving an intricate pattern that deflected or dodged each strike, advancing steadily.

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed in frustration. Summoning all his power, he drew his bow to its limit, channeling his mana into one powerful, glowing shot aimed directly at Kaelen's chest. The arrow flew, glowing with fierce energy.

Kaelen's expression remained calm. In one swift motion, he sidestepped and slashed forward, his sword glowing faintly. In the next moment, the arena filled with a blinding cascade of strikes- his trademark move the Thousand-slash. The force of the attack overwhelmed Nathaniel, his aura shattering under the onslaught. With a final concussive blow, the energy propelled Nathaniel backward, sending him sprawling off the platform.

He lay on the ground below, dazed and defeated, as Kaelen sheathed his sword, barely winded. Kaelen's gaze lingered briefly on him before he looked away while spurting out three words with a face that is as calm as ever, while the crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs.

Charlotte's grip tightened on her shield, her gaze steely as flashes of her brutal training filled her mind. She remembered the relentless sessions, sweat dripping into her eyes as she was pushed to her limits by her instructor, who was unyielding in his demand for strength, resilience, and fearlessness. The blisters, bruises, and countless falls had all led to this moment.

With the memory fresh in her mind, Charlotte raised her voice, looking directly at the Fleeting Spear. "This time, I'm not the same fighter you all once knew," she declared, her voice echoing across the platform. "I've come here to prove that my shield can stand against even the strongest spear in this Academy."

The Fleeting Spear's eyes narrowed, his smirk fading as he sensed her resolve. The crowd fell silent, captivated by her words, and even Sylvester leaned in with interest, sensing the weight behind her bold statement.

But while Charlotte was making her bold statement, among the spectators, a girl with strikingly similar features to the Fleeting Spear—his younger sister, Callista—stood with a spear resting across her shoulder, her expression darkening as Charlotte's voice echoed through the arena. Her grip tightened on her weapon, and her gaze turned sharp, filled with a quiet but fierce intensity.

As she watched Charlotte's determined stance and heard the murmurs of excitement ripple through the crowd, her thoughts turned venomous. "You will pay dearly for overstepping your boundaries," she seethed internally, eyes narrowing. "No one challenges my brother without facing me next."

Even as the duel was about to begin, Callista's thoughts simmered with a hidden resolve. To her, this was more than just a battle between Charlotte and her brother—it was an offense to their family name and pride.

Right after both Charlotte and the Fleeting Spear got themselves ready for the duel, Sylvester finally announced as he swinged his hand downwards.

"Begin!!"