There were still five left.
They moved like wolves, coordinated, encircling him with swift, fluid steps. Their spears thrust in rapid succession, forcing Ryuzen into a defensive dance.
Each strike rattled his arms, but he held firm. His sword slashed out, cutting through the air with blinding speed.
Another clone fell, then another.
Even so, they kept coming.
The remaining ones didn’t hesitate. They moved faster now, more aggressively.
Ryuzen’s breathing grew heavier. His arms ached, but his superior dragon’s stamina kept him going.
He clenched his fist, drawing upon the heat inside him.
[ Firestorm Emission ]
As he activated skill, a surge of flame burst from his palms, sweeping in a wide arc. The fire roared, engulfing two of the remaining clones and reducing them to smoke and cinders.
Now, Only one was left.
She leapt back, breathing heavily, her face slick with sweat. Her spear hand trembled slightly. She had kept up the skill for too long, used too much energy.
"You’re strong," she panted, "but this fight... isn’t over yet."
Ryuzen raised his blade and pointed it at her. "Then come."
"Hyaah!" She screamed and charged.
He blocked the first strike, countered with a knee to her stomach, then sent her sprawling with a backhand swing of his sword.
She hit the ground, gasping, her body too exhausted to rise.
Ryuzen stood over her, chest rising and falling, scorched marks along his sleeves, a cut on his cheek, but still standing strong.
The spectators erupted into cheers, voices rising like a wave of thunder across the arena. Even Venus, who had tried to keep a stoic expression, let out an unconscious smile as she watched him stand victorious.
Irina lay on the ground, breathing heavily, her body trembling from exhaustion. Yet her gaze never left Ryuzen. She looked at his smiling face, a soft glow dancing in her eyes.
’So that’s what your smile looks like... it’s really beautiful. It was worth it, even if I had to lose for it.’
Her lips curled into a gentle smile. Despite her defeat, there was no sadness, only contentment. Her face, though worn and sweat-covered, looked peaceful. Happy.
From the outside, it appeared she had simply been overpowered. Her exhaustion was genuine. Her fall looked natural.
No one could tell the truth.
Her performance was flawless, and whatever reason lay behind her decision, she kept it close to her heart.
Only she knew why she had chosen to lose.
Regardless of her decision, the judges soon announced the result of the trial.
The Deck gradually quieted as the judges stood from their elevated seats. Their imposing presence silenced even the most excited whispers in the crowd. The lead judge— Commander Lugh, a broad shouldered man clad in crimson armor and a glowing holy spear in right hand, stepped forward. An insignia of the Blood Legion emblazoned on his chest.
"Participants," he began, his voice clear and resounding across the coliseum, "the Trial of second Blood Legion Selection has concluded."
Following his voice, a ripple of tension flowed through the crowd. Because they understood the six winners would be announced next.
Commander Lugh continued,
"After rigorous evaluation and careful deliberation, we, the Six Commanders, have chosen the six who shall advance as prospective members of the Blood Legion."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the stadium.
"In first place, Luthor Damon. At twenty-three years of age, he has shown unmatched consistency and power throughout every round, earning the highest distinction among all participants."
A man with sharp features and dark red hair rose slightly from the crowd, nodding with composed pride.
"In second place, Felix Von Sanguine. Though he suffered defeat, his mastery over the Blood Arts and noble discipline reflect the strength and refinement of the Sanguine lineage."
Felix bowed politely from where he stood, a calm smile on his lips despite his earlier loss.
"In third place, Venus Versalon. A young female warrior whose momentum and ferocity grew with every battle. Her potential is undeniable, and her instincts formidable."
A proud cheer burst from the audience as Venus stood tall, nodding once without a word.
"In fourth place, Irina Raiku. While she was defeated, her strategic depth and exceptional combat skills mark her as a candidate of great promise. Furthermore, we are not blind to the fact that her final defeat may have been a deliberate act."
"Huh! Really? I thought he lost fairly."
"Yeah, me too. But why would she want to lost deliberately? What could be the reason?"
Murmurs echoed through the crowd.
Irina’s face twitched after being exposed, but she offered no explanation.
Ryu was surprised by as well. Still, for now he continued to listen to the result,
"In fifth place, Rudos Forger. Though young and unconventional in appearance, this boy demonstrated remarkable talent in the Healing Arts, with potential that the Blood Legion cannot afford to overlook."
A wicked little grin flashed across the face of a pale boy with silver eyes and messy black hair. He waved halfheartedly as the crowd stared.
"And finally," the judge paused with subtle emphasis, "Ryuzen De Manus."
Whispers turned into gasps before transforming into loud cheers.
"A warrior of unorthodox nature. Though his origin remains veiled, his strength, battle awareness, and resilience in combat are indisputable. He shall be given the final seat."
Ryuzen did not move at first. Then, slowly, he exhaled and stepped forward, eyes steady, face calm. He did not smile this time.
Commader Lugh concluded, "These six shall now begin the next phase of training under the Blood Legion’s command. Let all present bear witness. The Blood Legion Selection has chosen."
"Clap, Clap, Clap..."
Thunderous applause followed, shaking the airships once more. But among the six chosen, each bore a different expression — pride, ambition, curiosity, and hidden thoughts — for the true journey had only just begun.