The dust in the arena had not yet cleared, but the tension had already reached its peak.
No one spoke.
Not a breath. Not a murmur.
Even the wind seemed to hesitate, as if the entire world was holding its breath with the crowd.
Slowly, the thick haze began to drift away. The broken fragments of stone glinted faintly in the light. Shapes started to take form. Eyes squinted. Hearts thudded.
Then it happened.
One figure stood.
The other knelt.
Logan Smith stood upright—blood still dripping from his temple, clothes singed and torn, one hand clenched at his side. Yet his back was straight. His eyes focused. Unshaken.
Varn Drayden was on one knee, gasping for breath, a hand pressed against the ground to keep from collapsing.
The referee came forward. And after checking Varn's condition he raised his hand and shouted with a booming voice, " Match Twelve—Logan Smith is the victor!."
There was silence.
A heartbeat.
Then—
BOOM.
A roar of voices, like a dam bursting.
"HE WON!"
"Logan!"
"Logan Smith!!!"
"The twelve-year-old boy WON!!"
The gallery exploded in disbelief and thunderous applause. The nobles in the balconies were no better—some clapped politely, others stood in shock. Even the announcer looked stunned.
Alice stood frozen. Her eyes welled up. Her lips trembled—and then she covered her mouth with both hands.
Ardyn leaned back in his chair, a grin of pure satisfaction on his face. "As expected."
Rudeous exhaled, then gave a small nod, arms crossed. "That's our boy."
Alice turned to both of them. "I knew he was strong… but still…" Her voice cracked. " I still couldn't stop myself from imagining the worst."
"A mother's heart is never calm." Rudeous said with a pleased expression.
Rudeous placed a hand on her shoulder. "And yet he stood tall."
But two people had a very sullen face. As if ice water had been thrown on them in the dead of winter.
Who else could it be? Of course it was Mirena and her son Darius.
And kael? His expression was totally unreadable.
Though all of them knew this would happen knowing Logan's earlier achievements. But still they hoped for what their heart desired. And feel despair when their dreams are not turned true.
Across the gallery, people shouted, clapped, even wept with excitement. A few guards who were watching casually before now looked fully alert.
"It was the best match yet!"
"Unbelievable talent!"
"Only twelve—and he fought like a Tier Two veteran!"
Even some of the nobles began murmuring.
"…That kid might actually rival Lilith someday."
"He's not just talented. He's terrifying."
Zephyr watched in silence, brows drawn. Rowan didn't speak either—his fingers were clenched against the railing.
He'll be a tough opponent, thought Prince Rowan. As both of them were in stage one.
But not everyone was disturbed.
Lilith Starwind leaned back with a sly grin, eyes bright with curiosity. "Now I'm interested."
Next to her, her father Noah Starwind's brows lifted in approval.
Many were happy for Logan's victory. But one person in particular. Even Logan's own parents weren't happy as this person was. And it wasn't Ardyn either.
Among all the cheers, gasps, and murmurs… one voice laughed out loud.
It was guttural. Hysterical. Full of disbelief and relief.
"YES! YES!!!"
Everyone turned.
It was none other but betting corner owner himself. His name was Albert—a chubby man with hair only covering the back half of his head. His grin stretched from ear to ear, exposing teeth stained from too many drinks—but today, he looked like a man reborn.
His face was flushed, sweat pouring down his forehead, but he was beaming like a man who had just escaped execution. Or someone who won a lifetime lottery.
His assistant stared. "You okay, boss?"
The owner grabbed him by the collar. "He was the only one no one bet on! Do you know what that means?! No payouts!" He burst into laughter again, tears in his eyes. "I just made a fortune!"
The assistant blinked. "So… you're happy?"
"I'm rich! Of course I'm happy!"
But those who lost the match had sour face.
Damn that kid... If only we'd known earlier. What a shame.
Back on stage, Logan slowly raised his head, took a quiet breath, and gave a polite bow—first to the audience, then to the nobles.
Even those who were wary of him couldn't help but admire the gesture.
Humble. Respectful. Composed.
He had just defied every expectation—and yet showed not a hint of pride.
As he descended from the arena, the applause only grew.
On the path leading to the balcony stairs, Noah Starwind stepped forward.
He extended a hand. "Well fought, kid. You carry your name well. I'm Noah Starwind, and this is my wife, Emily. You've already seen our daughter—she opened the tournament with her match."
Logan bowed slightly, accepting the handshake. "Thank you, Lord Starwind. I am honoured to meet you."
Just then—Alice ran forward.
She didn't hold back. She wrapped her arms tightly around her son, tears now falling freely.
"I'm proud of you," she whispered.
Behind her came Ardyn Vex, clapping once with his arms crossed. Rudeous gave Logan a rare pat on the head.
A few steps behind them, Mirena stood silently with Darius at her side. Her lips were pressed tight. Darius's face looked sour, his jaw clenched.
But Logan didn't even glance their way.
Noah looked at Alice and Rudeous. "To have raised such a child, Mr. Smith… you both should be proud. Truly."
Hahaha. Thank you Mr. Starwind. If my son could really impress you then i think his future is bright for sure.
Everyone knew about the starwind couple. Their adventurous life, bravery, greatness. So a compliment coming from them meant a lot.
Alice lowered her head with a small smile. "He walks his own path."
Lilith watched with the corner of her eyes that her father was genuinely praising Logan. Though she was impressed but it still wasn't up to a point that she would start a conversation with him. She still felt like she was above all. But her pride wouldn't let her step down—not yet. "He's good… but he still has a long way to go," she told herself.
Meanwhile, back at the waiting chambers, Rovan Yale limped in from the healer's quarters, wiping sweat from his brow.
"What did I miss?" he muttered.
Then a young attendant rushed over. "Rovan! Logan won—and he has dual affinities. Lightning and air!"
Rovan's eyes widened. "…What?"
He stood frozen in disbelief.
And before he could process it, a booming voice rang through the arena—
"Match Thirteen—Stage Two! Token 23 versus Token 26! Prepare for battle!"
The spotlight shifted. The crowd's energy surged once more. Another fight was about to begin.
But even as the arena refocused on the next competitors, murmurs still spread like wildfire.
About the boy with two affinities.
About the twelve-year-old who shook Arcadia.
Logan Smith.
And deep down, everyone knew—
They spoke of Rowan, Zephyr, Lilith, Morgan, Rovan, Darius and many others as the shining stars of this generation. But after today, a new name joins that list—"Logan Smith"