ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 210 DEPARTURE

The morning sun had barely risen, casting a golden glow across the city of Valoria. At the Soaring Dragons Pavilion, the representatives of the Pacesetters Academy gathered, each one exuding an air of anticipation. The soft hum of conversation filled the courtyard as they prepared to depart for their respective coliseums. The day they had been training for had finally arrived—the first stage of the Battle Convention.

Kaelen stood at the forefront of his group, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sheathed blade. Beside him were the Mysterious Swordsman, cloaked as always, his aura unreadable; the Dark Prince, whose crimson eyes gleamed with a quiet menace; Eldric, who wore a confident smirk, ready to showcase his lightning prowess; Charlotte, calm and composed as ever; and Ethan, who seems to be going in and out of the shadows.

They were the group bound for the Northern Wind Spire Coliseum, the battleground for melee combatants.

Behind them stood the second group: Lila, her serene yet commanding presence unshakable; Morris, his eyes sharp with focus and determination; Guinevere, a fiery aura swirling around her as she adjusted her mage's robe inwhich she is wearing for the first time; and Sofia, her subtle confidence shining through. This group would be heading to the Southern Azure Dawn Coliseum, the designated arena for mages and magic-based combatants.

Chancellor Castaneda stood at the center of the courtyard, flanked by Marel, Vice Chancellor Reeves, and General Cao. The air grew tense as Castaneda addressed the students.

"Today marks the beginning of your journey in this convention," Castaneda said, his deep voice resonating with authority. "Each of you carries the honor of the Pacesetters Academy, but remember: this is not just about glory. It's about representing who you are and the values of this institution. Fight with everything you have, but fight with honor."

His gaze swept across the assembled students. "Marel and I will escort the group bound for the Northern Wind Spire Coliseum," he continued, his eyes briefly meeting Kaelen's. "Vice Chancellor Reeves and General Cao will accompany the group heading to the Southern Azure Dawn Coliseum. Do not forget the guidance we've given you and the discipline you've honed. Now, let us depart."

The students nodded in unison, their resolve evident.

The groups began to separate. Kaelen led the way for his team, his footsteps steady as he walked alongside Castaneda and Marel. The streets of Valoria were alive with energy, as citizens and spectators from all over the human territory gathered to watch the day's events unfold in awe and anticipation. Whispers of excitement and awe followed the Pacesetters students wherever they went.

In another direction, Lila took the lead for the mage group, her head held high as she walked with Vice Chancellor Reeves and General Cao. Morris followed closely behind, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. Guinevere and Sofia exchanged a quiet conversation, their confidence bolstered by the presence of their academy's leadership.

As they walked, Castaneda leaned slightly toward Kaelen, speaking just loud enough for him to hear. "Remember, Kaelen, this is not merely about skill. Keep your wits about you. There will be more than just competitors watching you today."

Kaelen nodded subtly. "I understand, Chancellor. I'll be ready."

Reeves, escorting the mage group, gave similar advice. "Stay sharp," he said to Lila and Morris. "The Azure Dawn Coliseum is notorious for its unpredictable terrain. Use that to your advantage."

Charlotte's expression hardened. "He won't be crushing any of us," she said firmly.

Further down the path was Magnus Ferrum, a mountain of a man whose sheer presence seemed to shake the ground. Resting casually on his broad shoulders was a gigantic hammer, its head almost as large as a small boulder. The weapon's surface was inscribed with intricate carvings that glowed faintly, suggesting it was more than just a blunt instrument. Magnus grinned broadly as he exchanged casual remarks with his entourage, his voice booming like thunder.

The Mysterious Swordsman, who had remained silent up to this point, glanced briefly at Magnus before speaking in his usual calm tone. "A brute, but not without skill. His hammer isn't just for show."

Kaelen nodded. "We'll deal with him if we have to."

As Kaelen and his group continued walking, the atmosphere grew heavier. It was impossible to ignore the palpable tension in the air as their paths crossed with those of the other competitors. Aric's group turned briefly to look at them, and for a moment, Kaelen locked eyes with Aric. Although The Alexandria heir didn't show any expression while glancing at them, but that couldn't be said to his teammates who stared at Kaelen and the others as their lips curved into a faint smirk, a challenge unspoken but clearly understood.

Eldric clenched his fists. "There looking down on us."

Kaelen placed a hand on Eldric's shoulder. "Let them. The arena is where it matters."

Meanwhile, Magnus Ferrum noticed the Dark Prince and let out a booming laugh. "Hey, isn't that the boy from Pacesetters? You still think you can punch above your weight, little guy?" His entourage laughed along with him, though the Dark Prince didn't rise to the bait, his jaw tightening as he stared ahead.

The Devouring King, however, didn't even glance their way. His focus seemed entirely elsewhere, his imposing figure disappearing into the crowd as he moved toward the coliseum gates.

The tension eased slightly as Kaelen and his group finally arrived at the Northern Wind Spire Coliseum. The towering structure loomed above them, its jagged architecture reminiscent of a colossal blade piercing the sky. The air was cold, the northern winds whipping through the area, but the chill only served to heighten their focus.

As they approached the entrance, Castaneda stepped forward. "This is where I leave you for now," he said, his voice steady. "Remember everything you've learned and watch each other's backs. The competition begins soon, but the real battle is maintaining your composure under pressure."

Kaelen nodded. "We'll make you proud, Chancellor."

With that, Castaneda and Marel took their leave, blending into the crowd of spectators and academy officials. Kaelen turned to his team, his expression resolute. "Let's focus on the task at hand. No distractions, no fear. We're Pacesetters. Let's show them why."