After Helbram announced the first matchup, the arena was instantly filled with hushed murmurs. Naturally, everyone began discussing the two combatants whose names had just been called. Some among them were already familiar with Yves and Hitch; they had read the information sheets. According to those, both stood at the 6th Level of the Scarlet Gold Rank.
It was well known that Yves hailed from the Lightning Wind Family. He was also acknowledged as the second strongest member of the Sword Seven. He was already over twenty years old, making him older than both Azur and Lore. Because of this, he was unqualified to contend for the position of the Lightning Wind Family's next leader. Instead, he poured his full support behind Azur, and hoped that one day he would become Azur's right-hand man.
Yves's public endorsement of Azur further diminished Lore's chances of ever inheriting the patriarch position. Once, Lore and Azur had stood shoulder to shoulder, equals in talent. But Lore had chosen to follow Ashe instead of refining his skill where he excelled most. Most Lightning Wind Family members were naturally gifted swordsmen who joined the Immortal Sword Pavilion, but Lore abandoned his swordsmanship for her sake. And so, he gradually lost any claim to the position that should have been within his reach.
As for Hitch, he was similar to Yves in cultivation level—also a 6th Level Scarlet Gold Rank. He had once been hailed as the most promising young member of the Alchemist Association. But ever since Brien appeared, Hitch had been overshadowed. Many believed Brien to be the stronger of the two.
Hitch was proud by nature—he had been raised within the Alchemist Association since childhood. However, because his flame was only a Red Alchemy Flame, he was never given much importance in the field of alchemy. Even so, in terms of direct combat, Hitch never believed he was inferior to Brien. But because Brien was the personal disciple of Morris himself, Hitch had no choice but to remain silent as others looked down on him.
Meanwhile…
In the section occupied by the Alchemist Association, Alicia stood before Hitch, speaking to him with measured seriousness.
"Hitch," Alicia said, her voice calm but firm, "do everything you can in this match. Show everyone that we are not only brilliant alchemists but also capable fighters. I still believe you're the strongest among the Alchemy Seven—so give this your all." She smiled encouragingly.
The other members of the Alchemy Seven heard her, but only Brien bothered to comment.
"Hmph. Believe whatever you like," Brien sneered.
Alicia's brows knitted in annoyance when she heard him, and the young man's smirk only made her irritation worse. Still, she forced herself not to respond. There was no point arguing with Brien—it would only exhaust her.
"Thank you, Elder Alicia. I will do my best, and I will make sure the Alchemist Association secures its first victory," Hitch replied earnestly. He turned his gaze to Morris, hoping for some gesture of approval—but seeing none, he sighed quietly. He bowed toward his faction master. "Association Master Morris, I will now enter the arena."
Morris didn't so much as glance at him. His attention remained fixed elsewhere. Hitch couldn't help but look to see what had stolen his leader's focus—and when he saw who Morris was watching, he forced a thin smile and turned away.
He could not blame Morris. He knew he wasn't especially gifted in alchemy—and to Morris, only those born with rare, extraordinary flames were worth his time.
Once Hitch had finally walked away, Alicia approached Morris and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Teacher, why didn't you give Hitch any encouragement? Even a few words to strengthen his confidence…"
At the sound of her voice, Morris gave her only a fleeting glance before returning his eyes to the young man seated calmly across the arena.
"Alicia," Morris said quietly, "do you think we can secure Finn Doria for the Alchemist Association? The more I reflect on it, the more convinced I am—it would be a grave mistake if he does not become a member of my faction."
Alicia sighed. She too wanted Finn to join them, but with Brien already in the Association, she knew it wouldn't be simple to bring Finn into the fold without conflict.
Besides, they both understood the Cloud Soaring Sect would never let go of Finn easily—especially now that his true abilities were known.
"It seems," Morris murmured, "I must visit the king once more and ask for his aid."
Indeed—if there was anyone who could compel the Cloud Soaring Sect to surrender Finn, it was the king himself. And Morris knew the truth of Noah's identity—he would only yield to the royal decree.
Brien, sitting not far away, heard every word. Rage simmered beneath his skin as he listened to them talk about the young man he despised most. Finn had humiliated him in front of countless Adventurers. The sting of that shame had branded itself into his bones.
'Hmph. He won't be around for long anyway,' Brien thought coldly.
He allowed himself a secret, twisted smile as his gaze drifted to Finn.
--
Below the stands, Yves and Hitch finally entered the arena. The gates rumbled shut behind them.
They faced each other across the wide battleground, eyes locked in an unspoken challenge. For a moment, neither moved—each gauging the other's strength.
Then, in perfect synchrony, they charged.
The clash of their auras collided in a violent gust of wind.
They both threw their fists forward—
BAM!
The impact was like boulders colliding, a thunderous crack splitting the air. A shockwave rippled out from the meeting point.
Both fighters sprang back in the same instant, landing lightly on their feet.
"You're strong," Yves admitted, his voice steady.
"You too," Hitch replied, breathing evenly.
Yves smirked. "But you still can't beat me. You won't win."
Hitch didn't bristle at the provocation. Instead, he smiled coolly. "It's easy to say that. But how will you prove it?"
Yves threw back his head and laughed. Without a word, he lifted his hand to his interspatial ring.
"You doubt me? Fine. Let me show you the proof—my sword!"
A silver blade materialized in his hand, crackling with sparks. The weapon's aura radiated unmistakably—it was a Top-tier Rare Armament, wreathed in arcs of electricity.
"This sword was my father's legacy to me. The Silver Lightning Sword. It will be an honor for you to taste defeat beneath it. Prepare yourself!"
Yves lunged forward.
Seeing this, Hitch also reached for his own interspatial ring. He drew a saber, likewise glowing with the power of a top-tier Rare Armament—though it was clearly weaker than Yves' blade.
SWOOSH!
CLANG!
SWOOSH!
CLANG!
Their weapons met in a shriek of grinding metal. Yves struck again and again, his movements precise, relentless. Hitch dodged and parried as best he could, but it was plain to see—Yves held the advantage in swordsmanship.
Of course, that was to be expected. Yves was trained in the Immortal Sword Pavilion. His mastery of the blade was in a realm Hitch could hardly hope to rival.
Meanwhile, in the Cloud Soaring Sect's area, Finn watched the duel intently. From the moment the two had drawn their weapons, he already knew who would emerge victorious. Even so, he kept observing—waiting to see if fate might bring some unexpected twist.
As he watched, a voice suddenly spoke beside him.
"You're watching so seriously. Who do you think will win?"
A slender girl in a red dress had come to stand by his side. Her hair was tied with a crimson ribbon, and her bright eyes shone against her serene features. There was no mistaking her—among the Soaring Seven, only Ash possessed such beauty.
"I'm not in any position to say who will win," Finn replied evenly, his gaze never leaving the arena. "I'm only watching to learn."
Ashe frowned, her expression annoyed. "Even now, you still pretend? Still showing that polite mask because of your family?"
Finn only smiled faintly. Yes—this was exactly why he always kept his composure. He was careful, deliberate. He had no wish to draw needless enmity. The truth was, his fists itched to slaughter the adventurers who had tormented his clan. But he swallowed that urge—if only for his family's sake.
"Hmph." Ashe folded her arms. "I came here to thank you for the Advance Scarlet Pill. Because of it, I was able to break through again. If not for that pill, it would have taken months longer." She sounded begrudgingly sincere. After a pause, she added, "As thanks, you may call me by my name."
Finn blinked and finally looked at her, studying her face as if he couldn't quite believe she was serious. That pill had been worth nearly five hundred thousand gold coins—and this was her only gratitude?
Even so, he said nothing more, returning his attention to the duel.
Elsewhere, Lore watched them from afar. Watching Ashe stand so comfortably next to Finn made something twist in his chest. For years, he had pursued her, loved her—but never had they spoken so easily. Still, he knew he had no right to be angry or jealous. He didn't even wish to disturb Finn—he too sensed there was something about the youth he couldn't quite fathom.
Even so… He would go on loving Ashe, no matter how it hurt. From near or far, he would always admire her. His feelings were pure—and real.
Noah, observing it all, could only sigh, a deep and pensive look crossing his face.
--
Down in the arena, Yves and Hitch were breathing heavily, each of them bloodied and bruised. But it was clear who had suffered more. Hitch's green uniform was shredded, his body marked with deep cuts. The only intact piece of armor he wore was the Mid-tier Rare Armament beneath his outer clothes. Even so, there was still defiance in his eyes.
With a final cry, Hitch charged again, saber swinging.
Light Slash!
CLANG!
Yves parried effortlessly and, seizing the opening, brought his sword down with all his weight.
CLANG!
Hitch tried to block—but his strength gave out. His saber was wrenched from his hands, and he was hurled back across the arena.
Gasping, he struggled to rise. But his legs would no longer obey him. All he could do was watch as Yves advanced, the gleaming point of the Silver Lightning Sword leveled at his chest.
"I told you from the start," Yves said between ragged breaths, "you couldn't defeat me." He studied Hitch's defeated gaze, then added quietly, "But… it was a good fight. I hope this won't be the last time we cross blades."
Yves was not a particularly gentle man. But he respected those who fought bravely. And in the end, he couldn't deny the thrill of facing someone who refused to yield.
"Tch. Trash," Brien muttered from the stands.
He hadn't even bothered watching most of the match—his attention had been fixed on Finn and Ashe. But when he realized the duel had ended and the Alchemist Association had lost, he didn't hesitate to sneer.
Alicia shot him a dark glare. She truly couldn't stand his arrogant tongue.
Hitch had given everything he had in that match—only to be belittled by his own faction. 'Absurd.'
Moments later, Helbram's voice once again rang out across the stadium.
"The first match has ended. I hereby declare the Immortal Sword Pavilion victorious. They earn ten points."
"Now that the first duel is over, we proceed to the next match!"
"Ancient Darkness Island versus Burning Heaven Sect!"
"Ancient Seven Jeene Sieve… versus Burning Seven Edelina Fiore!"