One match after another blurred past.
With the preliminary rounds over and the top contenders stepping forward, excitement surged anew—this was no longer a show of numbers, but of skill and pride.
"Next: Renn Valen vs. Goril Valen."
Renn swept aside his cloak, stepping onto the stage. Goril, a broad-shouldered brute with earth affinity, cracked his knuckles.
The match was short. Goril tried to overpower him, but Renn's lightning-fast movements and clean swordsmanship cut down the assault. His blade found Goril's side with surgical precision.
"Renn Valen is victorious."
"Next: Maris Valen vs. Thena Valen."
Two water users. Beautiful in movement but vicious beneath the surface. Their fight turned the stage slick and dangerous. After an exchange of sixty moves, Maris locked her opponent in a swirling water snare, forcing Thena to surrender.
"Maris Valen is victorious."
The crowd watched with growing tension as elite after elite was narrowed down. Injuries mounted. No more playful skirmishes—each match left behind pain, pride, or both.
Then the elder stepped forward again, voice calm but loud:
"Final match of this round… Alina Valen vs. Serena Valen."
The name sent a shock through the courtyard.
The roar of the crowd halted for a heartbeat—and then came back tenfold.
It was the match no one expected—but everyone secretly wanted.
Two sisters.
One, the jewel of House Valen.
The other, its broken disgrace—now suddenly rising.
Maris's eyes widened. "This… isn't random, is it?"
Renn clenched his jaw. "No. Someone wanted this."
Across the platform, Alina rose slowly, grace in every motion. She gave no sign of surprise.
Serena, for her part, did not move yet.
Cenya, still wincing from her loss, gave a bitter laugh. "About time someone put her in her place."
Elder Thalor said nothing, but his eyes sharpened. The patriarch leaned forward slightly. Even distant stewards and honored guests grew still.
Taron sat on the sidelines, still nursing bruised ribs. "She's strong," he muttered. "But… this is Alina."
With no emotion on her face, Serena rose.
She stepped lightly from her seat, cloak fluttering. Her pale gaze never shifted from her sister.
The sun dipped lower behind the clouds, casting elongated shadows.
As the two faced each other on the cracked stone platform, the elder raised a hand.
"This is a match between two of the top talents of House Valen. Serena Valen—Essence Vein Stage 3. Alina Valen—Essence Vein Stage 6."
Murmurs spread.
"Stage 3? She's fighting a Stage 6 opponent?"
"Did she fake her strength before?"
"This might be suicide…"
The elder continued, unfazed.
"No outside interference. No holding back. This is a duel under House Law."
Both sisters bowed with stiff formality.
Neither spoke.
And as they straightened—Alina gave a faint, sharp smile.
"Are you sure you want this?"
Serena's voice was cool. "It was never about want."
A pause.
Then the elder raised his arm—
"Begin."