"Who do you think will win?" Chloe asked, gazing intently at the arena.

    "I can''t say," Aiden replied, equally absorbed in the matchup.

    [Nexus interjected,] Silvia may look innocent, but she is one hell of a powerful girl here.

    Aiden nodded, acknowledging Silvia''s strength. After all, she had already defeated another spirit above Grade 9, the Frost Titan, by using her illusions to trick him out of the arena effortlessly. However, Ming''s spirit, the Crimson Basilisk, was also formidable, capable of affecting one''s mind. This matchup would be far from easy for Silvia.

    "Begin!" ordered the Examiner.

    Ming and Silvia stood still, scrutinizing each other with sharp eyes. The tension in the arena was palpable. Silvia''s Illusionary Dream Butterfly shimmered behind her, its ethereal wings gently fluttering, while Ming''s Crimson Basilisk coiled and uncoiled, its scales glistening ominously.

    Silvia made the first move, her eyes glinting as she activated Dreamlike Illusion. The air around Ming shimmered as if bending under the weight of an unseen force. However, Ming didn''t flinch. His eyes glowed a sinister red as he activated Petrifying Gaze, countering Silvia''s illusions with a mind-affecting power of his own.

    For a moment, the two abilities clashed, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike tableau where reality seemed to waver. The audience watched, breath held, as Silvia and Ming pushed their powers to the limit.

    Silvia, realizing the direct approach wouldn''t work, shifted tactics. Her butterfly spirit released a wave of Soul-ensnaring Charm, attempting to subdue Ming''s will. Ming staggered slightly but quickly retaliated with Venomous Strike. The spectral image of a serpent lunged at Silvia, forcing her to evade swiftly.

    The match became a dance of illusions and deadly strikes. Silvia''s Dream Shaker ability created multiple false images of herself, confusing Ming, who responded by using Serpent''s Curse, casting a shadow over the arena that made distinguishing reality from illusion even harder.

    Aiden watched with narrowed eyes, noting every move and counter-move. "This could go either way," he murmured, impressed by the display of skill.

    Chloe nodded, equally engrossed. "They''re both incredibly powerful."

    The match continued, each combatant pushing their spirit to the limit. Silvia''s Illusionary Dream Butterfly flitted around her, casting illusions and creating openings. Ming''s Crimson Basilisk coiled tighter, its gaze never wavering, seeking a moment of weakness.

    Finally, with a decisive move, Silvia unleashed a combined attack of Dreamlike Illusion and Soul-ensnaring Charm, creating a powerful, disorienting wave that momentarily overwhelmed Ming. Seizing the moment, she launched a direct strike, forcing Ming out of the arena boundaries.

    The crowd erupted in cheers as the Examiner declared, "Silvia is the winner!"

    Aiden and Chloe exchanged glances. "That was impressive," Aiden said, admiration in his voice.

    "Definitely," Chloe agreed, her eyes still on Silvia as she was congratulated by the spectators.

    The final matchups were set, and the excitement in the Colosseum reached a fever pitch as everyone anticipated the next round of battles.

    The Examiner took the stage and announced, "First, there will be a match between Aiden, Loyd, and Silvia. The losers of these matches will fight for ranks other than first."

    Hearing him, Aiden and the others nodded.

    The first match turned out to be between Aiden and Loyd. They stepped onto the stage and materialized their spirits: Aiden''s long golden sword and Loyd''s black dagger. Both took their stances, waiting for the referee''s signal.

    The referee looked at each of them and then declared, "Begin!"

    As he signaled, both Aiden and Loyd dashed forward.

    Examiner heard him through spirit whisper and then said " Next match Aiden vs Silvia"

    After a pause he continued " Winner of this match will be ranked first and then Silvia and Loud will fight for second rank and lover among them will have to fight other participants for third rank"

    The Examiner then motioned Aiden and Silvia to take the stage.

    Silvia, this time no longer hopping, reached the center with calculated steps, her gaze determined and ready to give her all. Aiden, too, took his position and gazed at Silvia calmly. Her silver hair and red eyes made her extremely cute and hinted at her potential beauty.

    "I know you are strong and even stronger than me, but I will not give up the first rank easily," Silvia declared.

    "I will do my best to attain the first rank," Aiden replied as they both materialized their spirits.

    The Examiner, seeing both ready, said, "Begin!"

    "Illusionary Dream!" Silvia shouted.

    Aiden sighed and began walking toward her, calmly, as if he was no longer afraid of her abilities.

    "Dream Shaker!" Silvia shouted again.

    But again, it had no effect on Aiden. One by one, she used all her skills, but Aiden reached her unfazed. He pointed his sword at her neck, ending the match right there.

    "Winner, Aiden," the Examiner announced.

    Silvia slumped to the ground. Aiden, seeing her like this, felt bad. ''I guess I totally broke her confidence.''

    "Your abilities are good; it''s just not everyone will fall for your illusions," he said.

    Silvia looked up at him.

    Seeing she was listening, Aiden continued, "I was affected by your abilities; it''s just that I kept walking straight, making you fluster and lose your edge."

    Silvia''s eyes widened slightly at the sudden revelation. "You tricked me!" she yelled, her dead eyes now filled with life.

    "Hmm, well, you were the first to show me those illusions," Aiden shrugged and then turned around, walking out of the stage, leaving Silvia stomping her foot in anger.

    Suddenly Aiden stopped and called out, "Hey!"

    "What is it?" Silvia crossed her arms and asked.

    "You rely too much on your illusions. Try to find other ways of fighting lest this becomes the reason for your death," Aiden said, and then continued to the stands.

    Silvia frowned and contemplated Aiden''s words. Her parents, standing in the audience seats, nodded at Aiden''s suggestion. They had always told her the same thing, but since no one had ever countered her illusions before, she had neglected their words. Now she couldn''t ignore them anymore.

    As Aiden walked away, Chloe approached him with a smile. "You did well," she said.

    "Thanks," Aiden replied. "Now it''s your turn to fight"