CHAPTER 228: CHAPTER 229: GRACE IN BLOOM

- Elena POV -

The arena roared with life.

Now well into the afternoon, the tournament had reached its peak hours—thousands of spectators filled the stands, voices echoing from every direction. With most citizens off work, the grand coliseum was packed wall to wall, the energy rising with every match.

Floating crystal screens projected live visuals from different angles. Vendors moved through the outer rows shouting, and excited students from various academies leaned forward, eager for the next clash.

A sudden shift in lighting washed over the stage.

The announcer’s voice boomed across the field with practiced clarity.

"Next Match!"

The crowd surged again.

"From the continent of Valor, representing the Imperial Academy—second-year student Elena von Lestaria!"

From the left tunnel, Elena stepped into view.

She walked with quiet confidence, her long platinum hair flowing freely. A small flower bloomed from the braid near her temple, glowing faintly with life mana.

There were cheers from the Valor section—louder than expected. Elena’s calm presence had gathered attention, especially after her performance in earlier duels.

"And from the Elarith Continent... one of the Top Five students of Luceria Grand Academy—Serena de Virelle!"

From the opposite tunnel emerged a graceful figure dressed in Luceria’s deep-purple uniform. Serena de Virelle wore her soft pink hair in a twin-ribbon style, and her silver-trimmed staff pulsed gently with light-aspected magic. Her expression was poised and charming—composed but confident.

Luceria students erupted in applause, waving flags and banners from the stands.

Both fighters approached the center of the arena. Serena gave a graceful half-curtsy. Elena responded with a simple nod, her expression unreadable.

The announcer raised his hand once more.

"Combatants... ready?"

"Ready," Serena said with a warm smile.

Elena spoke only one word. "Ready."

A beat of silence.

"Begin!"

Serena moved first.

Her staff lit up with soft white light, sending out a rapid series of light-blades in a tight spread—fast, precise, and glowing with searing mana. The spells hummed through the air like glass needles.

Elena didn’t blink.

She stepped lightly to the side, then back, her body weaving between the projectiles with a natural rhythm.

One of the light-blades came dangerously close.

"Flourish Veil."

A swirl of emerald leaves burst around her, spinning mid-air and deflecting the remaining shots. The crowd gasped as petals scattered across the stone floor, vanishing in green motes.

Using the cover of her own veil, Elena darted forward.

"Sylvan Step."

With a rush of wind and a trail of leaves behind her, she zipped across the stage—fast and low, her boots barely touching the ground.

She appeared beside Serena in a blink, arm already glowing green.

"Verdant Slash."

Her open hand sliced through the air, coated in razor-sharp natural energy. Serena raised her staff just in time to block it—sparks and light clashing with root and wind.

The impact pushed her back a step.

From above, the audience roared. The match had started fast—and Elena wasn’t holding back.

On the field, Serena pushed back, launching a flash-burst of light to force distance.

Elena slid back smoothly, letting the blast pass.

Both fighters reset, circling. The tension between them was building—but it was clear: Elena had taken the initiative.

Serena’s stance shifted.

She raised her staff high and channeled a wide wave of light magic, the arc expanding rapidly toward Elena in a blinding fan. A technique meant to disrupt vision and force a retreat.

But Elena didn’t retreat.

She raised her left hand calmly.

"Warden’s Embrace."

A curved shield of bark and glowing roots formed instantly in front of her, absorbing the blast. The light collided with the natural barrier in a dazzling flash—but the shield held.

As the glow faded, Elena stepped forward.

"Leaf Dancer."

A gust of wind burst from beneath her feet, launching her into motion. Dozens of razor-thin leaves followed her trail, slashing outward with every pivot and turn. She moved like a storm, cutting past Serena’s defenses as the crowd gasped.

Serena tried to cast a counter-beam—but Elena had already closed the gap.

"Snare Bloom."

Green vines burst from the floor beneath Serena’s boots, wrapping her ankles with explosive speed. She gasped, trying to leap back—but it was too late.

"Vine Fang."

A spear-like root shot up from the ground straight toward Serena’s chest. She barely managed to raise her staff in time, deflecting it to the side—but the force knocked her off balance.

The audience erupted in cheers as Serena stumbled back, her elegant posture broken for the first time.

She landed hard, one knee on the ground, breathing fast. Her staff pulsed weakly in her hand.

Elena stood in the center of the arena—silent, composed, her hair flowing gently with the wind still circling her.

Everyone watching could see it.

Elena von Lestaria was in control.

Serena rose to her feet, her breath uneven. The glow around her staff flickered as she tried to gather mana again, forcing a tight smile to hide the exhaustion on her face.

But Elena didn’t hesitate.

She moved.

"Soilbound Leap."

Roots burst from the ground beneath her feet, launching her diagonally to Serena’s left side. It wasn’t just speed—it was positioning. Serena turned instinctively to follow the motion—

And missed what was happening below.

"Root Snap."

The moment her boots touched the ground, it exploded beneath her. Roots twisted violently and detonated upward in a burst of splinters and earth. Serena lost balance mid-turn.

Her stance broke.

"Briar Whip."

A long, thorn-covered vine cracked through the air and wrapped tightly around Serena’s arm, yanking her staff clean from her grip. The weapon clattered across the stone, rolling to a stop.

Serena’s eyes widened.

Elena dashed forward.

"Verdant Slash."

Her arm, coated in sharp green mana, cut forward in a clean horizontal arc—stopping just before Serena’s torso. The wind pressure alone pushed the Luceria student back half a step.

Her defensive artifact flared instantly—pale white light pulsing around her body. The barrier held, triggering the automatic safety.

Ding.

The bell rang.

"Victory goes to Elena von Lestaria of the Imperial Academy!"

Cheers erupted through the arena—louder and more genuine than before. Even students from other factions clapped, some nodding in quiet respect.

Elena didn’t smile.

She simply stepped back, lowered her hand, and gave a subtle bow.

Serena, still catching her breath, looked up at her with tired eyes—but smiled nonetheless. She gave a small nod of acknowledgment.

Then Elena turned and walked toward the exit tunnel, her figure composed, every step surrounded by fading petals.