"You're mistaken," Finn replied calmly, lifting his gaze to meet Ashe's. His tone was gentle, but there was a quiet firmness to it.
"Even if they're our opponents in this tournament, that doesn't mean they're enemies who deserve no compassion. Jacobus took a forbidden pill—you know well how severe the consequences can be."
He paused to take a slow breath, then offered a faint smile.
"If I hadn't helped him, he might have been crippled for months, unable to continue competing. I happened to have a pill that could ease that backlash, so why shouldn't I offer it willingly?"
Ashe froze mid-retort. For a few seconds, she simply stared at him, frowning hard. She understood his reasoning—she really did—but that didn't stop the frustration simmering in her chest.
"He chose to swallow that forbidden pill," she shot back stubbornly. "He was desperate enough to risk everything just to beat you. He has no one to blame but himself. We live in a world of greed and ambition—why don't you just embrace that? You'd be stronger if you used every resource you have solely for your own sake."
Finn shook his head. A sigh slipped from his lips.
"You're wrong," he said quietly. "We can't blame Jacobus for doing what he did. Just like you girls, we men also have our dignity—something we can't let go of."
He turned his eyes back to the arena floor, as though recalling something far away.
"Most Adventurers dream of being recognized, of becoming strong enough to achieve the purpose they've chosen. I'm the same."
He glanced back at Ashe, and though his voice was soft, there was no wavering in it.
"And as for giving away what's mine… yes, I have selfish moments. But I can't bring myself to ignore an Adventurer in need. My parents taught me that—a lesson I'll never forget."
Ashe's mouth opened, but no words came out. She slightly tilted her head, her fists tightening at her sides.
His words stirred up memories she didn't want to remember—and a twinge of envy she'd rather deny.
How could she not feel envious? Finn's family was whole, close, and caring—everything hers had never been.
"…Hmph." She turned away abruptly. Not another word. She stalked over to an empty seat and sat down, scowling. She could see it in Finn's eyes—he didn't regret what he'd done. And now it was over anyway, there was nothing more to say.
Finn exhaled in relief, turning back to the arena.
The fifth match had already begun. He focused all his attention on the two combatants—members of the Ancient Seven and the Soul Seven. Both radiated a terrifying aura, and Finn watched them with keen, serious eyes.
He seemed to be the only one observing them so intently. The other factions were still grappling with the aftermath of his own battle.
They couldn't comprehend how someone at 1st Level Scarlet Gold Rank had crushed Jacobus—a 4th Level—with such ease.
No matter how they replayed it in their minds, they all felt the same:
The power Finn had displayed was that of a 5th Level Scarlet Gold Rank.
And yet… his aura was undeniably still that of a 1st Level. The contradiction only deepened their confusion.
--
"Teacher," Alicia murmured, leaning closer to Morris as she formed a sound-concealing field around them, "I remembered something. Back then, Finn was able to hide his true level from us as well."
Morris turned to her, frowning. "He did? But even if he was hiding his true level and rank, how could he do it in front of Sky Rank Adventurers? Our senses are far too keen for that trick."
Alicia nodded solemnly, her gaze drifting back to Finn.
"The first time I met him, he was still a student at the Sacred Dragon Institute—only a 5th Level Bronze Rank. I didn't sense anything out of the ordinary, so I never suspected. But according to some texts on armaments, there is a rare type of armament that can completely conceal an Adventurer's true strength. Do you think… Finn has such an item?"
Morris fell silent, thoughtful. He studied Finn in the distance, stroking his beard.
He had never seen or held such an artifact himself—but he had heard of them. They were rarer than any treasure.
"…If that's the case," he murmured, "it explains everything. I can hardly believe he's hiding it so flawlessly, even from us."
Morris's eyes narrowed. A thought came to him, unsettling but logical.
"There was a feud between the Nine Ice Family and the Azure Wood Family, wasn't there? Now I understand why he concealed his strength. He was afraid of a desperate attack from the Nine Ice Family. But now… they won't dare move against him."
Alicia nodded seriously.
If the Royal Clan hadn't learned of Finn's alchemy gifts, perhaps the Nine Ice Family could still have acted. But with Helbram himself aware of what Finn could do, there was no chance left—even if they begged the Ice Feather Sect for help.
--
At the other end of the stadium, the Ice Feather Sect was having a similar conversation.
Tiffanya's voice trembled as she recounted everything to Sheeha.
Sheeha's golden eyes were pensive as she listened.
"Now that the Royal Clan knows what he is capable of," Sheeha said quietly, "there truly isn't anything we can do to erase Finn Doria from this kingdom. If we try to attack him, we'll only bring ruin on ourselves."
She turned her gaze calmly to Tiffanya.
"But don't worry. Finn won't make the first move either. He's clever enough to understand it would be a fool's choice to provoke a Sky Rank adventurer."
--
Soon, the fifth match neared its end.
Even though the Soul Seven fighter had his puppet to aid him, the Ancient Seven member had gradually gained the upper hand.
When it was finally over, both fighters bore cuts and bruises. But with the help of recovery pills, their wounds began to heal quickly.
The Cloud Soaring Sect grew tense again, knowing one of their own would take the stage next.
This time, they were facing the Alchemist Association.
"Soaring Seven Ezekias Sieve versus Alchemy Seven Owin Herschel!"
Finn's eyebrows lifted slightly. Herschel…
His gaze shifted toward where Alicia was seated.
Her full name was Alicia Herschel. He found himself wondering what connection she might have to Owin. But he had never seen the two speak or show any closeness.
In truth, Owin was only a distant relative—someone Alicia barely acknowledged. She'd severed her ties to her family long ago, after years of cold treatment. They had only tried to feign kindness when she joined the Alchemist Association. Out of obligation, she'd secured a place there for Owin—who possessed a Red Alchemy Flame—and then cut all ties. She never looked back.
--
Ezekias and Owin stepped into the arena.
Owin wore a smirk as he faced his opponent.
Wasting no time, Ezekias drew his weapon—a massive, Top-tier Rare Armament greatsword. They were both 4th Level Scarlet Gold Rank, so at first, the match was evenly matched.
Blow after blow rang out across the arena, each strike carving rents in their uniforms, sending sparks flying.
Gradually, though, Owin began to dominate.
Battle Sword Slash!
He leapt high, gathering a heavy aura that pressed down on Ezekias like a physical weight.
Ezekias sucked in a ragged breath, his grip tightening on the greatsword. He braced himself to block.
BANG!
The clash resounded like thunder. Cracks spiderwebbed across the floor, dust billowing thick.
Finn watched silently, his gaze somber.
"He's lost," he murmured to himself.
When the dust cleared, both young men stood opposite each other, still upright—but only for a heartbeat.
With a strangled sound, Ezekias toppled to the ground. Across from him, Owin vomited blood, swaying on his feet.
"As Ezekias Sieve can no longer fight, the victor of the sixth match is the Alchemist Association!"
"…I won…" Owin rasped. And then, as if those words cost him the last of his strength, he collapsed.
Marcus immediately descended to help Ezekias. Alicia did the same for Owin.
"That was an excellent fight," Marcus said with a warm smile.
"It truly was," Alicia agreed.
After offering each other a respectful nod, they carried the two unconscious combatants back to their factions.
Marcus gave Ezekias a recovery pill. Within minutes, the young man's eyelids fluttered open.
When he realized where he was, he forced himself upright and bowed low to Noah and Marcus, shame coloring his voice.
"Sect Master Noah, Elder Marcus—I'm sorry. I've humiliated the Cloud Soaring Sect."
"You're wrong," Noah said firmly, laying a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You did splendidly. You showed us a match worth remembering. Rest now—you've earned it."
Marcus nodded, beaming. Even in defeat, Ezekias had given everything he had. He'd only lost because Owin was a little stronger.
Tears prickled at the corners of Ezekias's eyes. He'd braced himself for scorn, but all he saw were approving smiles.
Even Lore and Ashe, though unsmiling, clearly shared the same pride.
--
Then everyone noticed Helbram still hadn't announced the next match. A puzzled hush spread.
Helbram stood tall, smiling broadly.
"A fine duel just ended," he declared, "but I have some good news for you all."
He turned slowly, his gaze sweeping the factions, and continued in a voice that carried to every corner of the arena.
"Every one of you has been waiting—perhaps more than anything else—for the seventh match. For it is a battle between the two most famous young adventurers among all the Seven Great Factions!"
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd. Even the faction masters and elders leaned forward, smiling.
Only a handful—Lore, Ashe, and Finn—remained unmoved.
They already knew. Marcus had warned them on the journey to the Floating Island.
"These two names are renowned across the Sacred Dragon Kingdom," Helbram intoned. "Even at a young age, they have each reached Seventh Level Scarlet Gold Rank. The King himself has expressed admiration. And because they have never fought before, there has always been fierce debate—who is the stronger?"
He paused, then lifted his hand in a gesture of theatrical gravity.
"Today, that question shall be answered."
"Seventh Match—Immortal Sword Pavilion versus Ancient Darkness Island!"
"Sword Seven, Azur Lilytel versus Ancient Seven, Gerould Faust!"