ONLINE: Blades of Eternity

Chapter 226 SCHEMES AND HIDDEN PLANS

The night was cool, and the faint sounds of chatter from other pavilions echoed through the air as Kaelen approached the entrance to the Soaring Dragons Pavilion. Before he could step inside, he noticed a familiar figure walking toward him from the dimly lit path.

It was Morris Grey, his shoulders hunched, his steps slow, and his expression unusually downcast. The confident and composed demeanor Morris usually carried was nowhere to be seen.

Concerned, Kaelen stepped forward and asked softly. "Morris? What's wrong? You don't look like yourself."

Morris looked up at Kaelen, his yellow eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and sadness. He let out a heavy sigh before responding. "It's Sofia..."

Kaelen frowned, sensing the weight behind the name. Sofia was someone Kaelen had seen with Morris often, and it was clear she was important to him. "What about her? Did something happen?"

Morris crossed his arms, his tone laced with disappointment. "She was eliminated from the individual class battles earlier today. She told me she needed some time alone to process it and locked herself in her room. She hasn't spoken to me since."

Kaelen's expression softened as he realized the depth of Morris's concern. He knew how much Sofia's success meant to him, and seeing her withdraw like this had clearly taken a toll.

'What can I say now that will liften this guy's spirit?'

For a moment, Kaelen wasn't sure what to say. Consolation wasn't exactly his strong suit, but he knew Morris needed support right now. Eventually, he placed a hand on Morris's shoulder, his voice calm and steady.

"Look, I know it's tough. Sofia's elimination is a setback, sure, but it doesn't define her. She's strong, and I'm sure she'll find her way back. Give her the space she needs for now. She'll come around when she's ready."

Morris stayed silent for a moment, staring at the ground. Kaelen continued, his tone becoming more encouraging. "And as for you, don't let this drag you down. You're in the final stage of the individual class battles. Sofia would want you to focus on that and do your best. Maybe even win it for her. Use this as your motivation, not your burden."

Morris looked up at Kaelen, surprise flickering across his face. He hadn't expected such thoughtful words from him. Slowly, the gloom in his expression began to lift, replaced by a faint determination. "You're right... Sofia wouldn't want me to sulk over this. I'll do my best in the final stage and make her proud."

Kaelen nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That's the spirit. You're one of the strongest people I know, Morris. Don't let anything hold you back."

Morris gave a rare smile in return, the weight on his shoulders seeming to lighten. "Thanks, Kaelen. I needed that."

As Morris walked past him toward the pavilion, his steps were steadier, and his posture more upright. Kaelen watched him go, satisfied that he had managed to lift his friend's spirits.

Turning back to the cool night, Kaelen glanced at the sky, the stars twinkling above. "Final stage, huh? Let's see what we're all made of."

The Hollowed One growled, but a sliver of doubt crept into his mind. Aether wasn't someone to be trifled with. Stories of his power and ruthlessness were whispered in hushed tones across kingdoms. But unfortunately for the Hollowed one, he was completely clueless about this being that is right in front of him, though his instincts were currently screaming at him to to flee.

"Balance? What nonsense are you talking about?" The Hollowed one eventually asked with a cautious look on his face.

Aether stepped closer, his movements smooth and deliberate as he replied. "You don't need to understand. All you need to know is that if you make another move against Kaelen, I will erase you from existence before you can even blink. Is that clear?"

The Hollowed One clenched his fists, his pride warring with the fear that now gnawed at him. After a tense moment, he lowered his dagger, the dark energy around it dissipating.

"Fine. I'll back off... for now." The Hollowed one eventually said

Aether watched him for a moment longer, ensuring the threat had truly been neutralized. Then, with a wave of his hand, he dismissed the barrier and turned away, his hood falling back into place while he said.

"Smart choice. Now leave."

The Hollowed One hesitated but eventually melted into the shadows, disappearing from sight.

Aether remained for a moment, his gaze fixed on the Soaring Dragons Pavilion below. His expression softened slightly, a hint of curiosity flickering across his features as he thought. 'Kaelen Dragonyx... let's see how far you'll go.'

With that, he vanished into the night, leaving the clouds undisturbed and the pavilion below unaware of the danger that had just been averted.

Meanwhile, high above the clouds in another region of Valoria Kingdom, the moonlight barely illuminated the misty shroud that enveloped the sky. Amidst the swirling haze, a faint silhouette stood, its form indistinct yet emanating an aura of quiet dominance. The figure's gaze was fixed below, piercing through the dense clouds to observe the kingdom sprawling beneath like a chessboard awaiting its master's hand.

The silence of the moment was broken as another hazy figure materialized from the mist, its presence heralded by a subtle ripple in the air. In its hands, it carried a strange, mystical box, its surface etched with glowing, incomprehensible runes that pulsed faintly like a heartbeat.

The second figure bowed slightly, its voice low and reverent. "Step one has been completed, my lord."

The first silhouette tilted its head ever so slightly, its voice a quiet, chilling resonance that seemed to echo beyond the clouds. "Good. The pieces are falling into place."

For a brief moment, the runes on the box flared brighter, casting an eerie light across the clouds. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the second figure dissolved into the mist, leaving the first silhouette alone once more.

The figure lingered, the oppressive silence returning as it continued to observe the kingdom below. Finally, it whispered, the words carried away by the wind. "Valoria... the storm is only beginning."

And with that, the hazy form faded into the mist, leaving no trace of its presence amidst the tranquil night sky.