READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 36: The Third Trial – Tournament of Resolve (Part I)
The crowd murmured in anticipation as the crystalline board hanging above the arena lit up, displaying the next matchup. Rui Kirean's name appeared in bold letters, paired with Fareth Lioran, a name unfamiliar to most. Gasps rippled through the gathered students as excitement swelled. Many were eager to see the boy with the silver core in action, and whispers of his prodigious strength filled the air.
Rui stepped forward, his silver eyes calm and unwavering as he approached the designated arena. His opponent, Fareth, was already there, standing with a practiced poise that suggested experience. The boy was tall and lean, his dark hair falling neatly to the side, revealing sharp, calculating eyes. His robes were unadorned but practical, the mark of someone who prioritized function over form.
Fareth smirked, though there was tension behind his expression. "Looks like I've drawn the short straw," he said, his voice carrying a light humor that didn't quite mask his apprehension. "The Kirean prodigy, huh? Let's see what you're made of."
Rui didn't respond. His focus was on the arena—a circular platform bordered by glowing glyphs that shimmered faintly. The enchantments hummed to life, and with a subtle shift of the terrain, jagged rocks and uneven ground emerged, transforming the space into a rocky battlefield.
The proctor stood at the edge of the arena, his voice booming over the murmurs. "This match will test not only your strength but your control and strategy. Victory is determined by submission or incapacitation. Begin!"
Fareth moved immediately, his agility bringing him forward in a blur. His hand shot out, summoning a streak of condensed mana that sliced through the air toward Rui. The arc crackled with force, the vibrant blue light reflecting off the rocky terrain.
Rui raised his hand, a subtle shimmer of dense mana forming an invisible barrier before him. The attack struck it with a sharp crack but dissipated harmlessly, leaving him unmoved. He tilted his head slightly, observing Fareth's next move.
"Impressive," Fareth muttered, his smirk faltering. He leapt back, placing distance between them as he began to channel a larger attack. Both hands glowed as he summoned a swirling orb of mana, its energy vibrating with intensity.
Rui didn't wait. He stepped forward, each movement precise and deliberate. His silver core thrummed faintly within him, and with a subtle gesture, a wave of his mana surged outward. It wasn't flashy—it was dense, deliberate, and unstoppable.
The wave slammed into Fareth's orb mid-formation, shattering it into harmless fragments. The force carried forward, catching Fareth off guard and sending him stumbling back. He barely managed to steady himself, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"What—" Fareth began, but Rui was already in motion.
With a single step, Rui closed the distance between them, his hand glowing faintly as he channeled his mana into a concentrated strike. He didn't aim for overwhelming power; he didn't need to. His attack was precise, striking Fareth's barrier with such density that the protective field buckled instantly. The force knocked Fareth to the ground, his breath escaping in a sharp gasp.
Fareth scrambled to his feet, desperation flickering in his eyes. He summoned another burst of mana, aiming to trap Rui in a binding spell. The glowing lines of the spell formed in the air, snapping toward Rui like chains.
But Rui's mana pulsed again, dense and unyielding. The chains disintegrated before they could reach him. He stepped forward, his calm demeanor unchanged, and placed his hand just above Fareth's chest. The air between them grew heavy with restrained power.
"I yield!" Fareth shouted, his voice echoing through the arena. His hands shot up in a gesture of surrender, his body trembling under the weight of Rui's mana.
The proctor's voice rang out. "The match is over. Rui Kirean is victorious!"
The crowd erupted into murmurs, a mix of awe and unease rippling through the gathered students. Rui stepped back, allowing Fareth to stand. His silver eyes scanned the crowd briefly before he turned and walked toward the edge of the arena, his expression unreadable.
Fareth stood shakily, casting Rui a wary glance. Despite his loss, there was no resentment in his eyes—only a newfound respect. He nodded once toward Rui, though Rui didn't return the gesture.
From the sidelines, Amara Velare watched intently, her crimson gaze sharp. "He didn't even try," she muttered to herself, her tone carrying a mix of admiration and frustration. "That wasn't a fight. It was a lesson."
Leoray Valden, standing nearby, smirked. "Lesson or not, it's clear he's not here to make friends."
The proctor reset the arena, the terrain shifting back to its neutral state. The crystalline board flashed again, announcing the next matchup. But the whispers of Rui's overwhelming victory lingered in the air, the other students glancing at him with a mix of fear and curiosity.
As Rui returned to his seat among the competitors, he remained calm, his mind already focused on the matches ahead. The first fight was over, but the tournament was far from done. And while Rui didn't crave the attention, he knew one thing for certain—his presence had been felt.