Chapter 13: Phase 2

As the tournament moved into the Elite Rounds, the stakes rose even higher. The competitors were stronger, the fights more grueling, and the political tension palpable. Xavier's victory over Darius had made him a symbol of defiance for commoners, but it also painted a target on his back.

Whispers of sabotage began to spread. Poisoned meals, traps set outside barracks, and mysterious injuries plagued the contestants. Xavier and his friends had to remain vigilant, knowing the Mozzie Clan—and others—would stop at nothing to see them fall.

Despite the challenges, Xavier's resolve only hardened. Each battle brought him closer to his goal, and with every victory, he proved that strength wasn't defined by noble blood but by determination, skill, and heart.

The Elite Rounds were held in the Grand Arena, a colossal structure surrounded by banners bearing the sigils of noble houses and allied factions. This was where the tournament reached its peak, separating the truly exceptional from the rest. Each match now carried not only physical risk but also political implications, as the eyes of the kingdom's most powerful figures watched every move.

The Mozzie Clan, still smarting from Xavier's earlier victory, doubled down on their efforts to regain control of the narrative. Lord Mozzie reached out to the Reyes Family, a long-standing rival of Xavier after he killed Colby, seeking an alliance Lord Mozzie bowed gracefully.

"Xavier York is an anomaly," Lord Mozzie said to Lady Reyna Reyes, the matriarch of the family. "But his rise threatens not only our clan but the entire noble structure. If we let him win, the lower ranked Nobles will see it as a victory over our very own nobility."

Lady Reyna, a sharp-eyed woman draped in silks and jewels, smiled coldly. "Let me handle this. We have our own champion in the tournament, one who will ensure this brat doesn't live a moment longer."

The Reyes Family fielded Cyrus Reyes, a prodigy known for his cunningness and his ability to manipulate illusions, making him one of the most dangerous fighters in the tournament.

As the two families carried out their ploy the grand elders voice beckoned. "With the start of the elite round, Grandmaster Frank has purposely requested the two highest ranked fighters in attendance to start us off. Without further ah due. Jessica Vice and Rodrick Mozzie front and center."

Xavier had concern flash across his face as he worried for Jessica's safety. But before he could say anything Jessica gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, "wish me luck!" As she playfully jumped into the arena. Almost taking this challenge as a joke. 

Jessica's match against Roderic Mozzie, the eldest of the Mozzie brothers, was a clash of willpower as much as skill. Roderic, a Level 9 Noble Spiritual Fighter, was notorious for his brutal fighting style and his unrelenting arrogance.

As the match began, Roderic taunted Jessica, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're a disgrace to the Vice name, aligning yourself with a commoner. Let me remind you why nobles like us are superior."

Jessica, clad in her battle gear, raised her rapier, her eyes steely. "You've relied on your name for far too long, Roderic. Let's see how you fare without it."

The fight was intense. Roderic wielded his spiritual energy like a hammer, his strikes heavy and overwhelming. Jessica, on the other hand, fought with precision and grace, parrying his attacks and exploiting his overconfidence.

But Roderic wasn't just strong; he was cunning. Midway through the match, he unleashed a devastating technique—a spiraling vortex of dark energy that threatened to engulf Jessica.

The crowd gasped as Jessica was forced to her knees, her defenses crumbling under the weight of his assault. But she gritted her teeth, her mind flashing to Xavier and the promise they had made to fight their way to the top together.

Summoning the last of her strength, Jessica countered with her ultimate technique, Radiant Crescent Slash, a devastating arc of golden energy that sliced through Roderic's attack and sent him crashing to the ground.

As the dust settled, Jessica stood victorious, her rapier trembling in her hand. The elder declared her the winner, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

Roderic, battered and humiliated, glared at Jessica as he was carried off the field. "You'll regret this, Vice."

Jessica didn't even spare him a glance. "If you have time for threats, you should use it to reflect on your failure." With that Jessica though tired and hurt began skipping back to Xavier. Placing a weak kiss on his cheek. 

As Xavier was watching Jessica's match he gained new found knowledge as every exchange replayed in his mind until it was his turn to fight again. With a new found confidence he was ready for whoever his blade had to cross. However the unexpected occurrence happened moments later. 

"Xavier vs Cyrus Reyes" the elders voice trailed on. The crowd was in utter shock knowing the Reyes Family wanted Xavier dead. They quietly leaned in not daring to make a sound.

The semifinal match between Xavier and Cyrus Reyes was the most anticipated fight of the tournament thus far. Cyrus's reputation as a master of illusions had preceded him, and many believed Xavier's straightforward fighting style wouldn't be able to match Cyrus's cunning.

As the match began, Cyrus greeted Xavier with a mocking bow. "A commoner who dares to challenge the system. I'll admit, it's admirable. But your story ends here."

Xavier didn't respond, his focus entirely on the battle.

Cyrus's illusions were as disorienting as they were beautiful. He conjured duplicates of himself that moved with uncanny realism, creating a kaleidoscope of opponents that surrounded Xavier. Every time Xavier attacked, the illusion dissolved, only for another to appear in its place.

Jessica and the others watched anxiously from the sidelines. "Cyrus is playing with him," Felix muttered. "Xavier needs to stay calm and find the real one."

Xavier closed his eyes, focusing on his soul energy. He remembered Elior's advice: Soul energy isn't just about power; it's about clarity and connection.

Opening his eyes, Xavier activated his Infernal Soul Blade: Second Form, a technique he had been refining in secret. Flames erupted from his blade, spreading outward in a controlled wave. The heat distorted the air, revealing faint traces of Cyrus's true form amidst the illusions.

The crowd held its breath as Xavier lunged forward, his blade cutting through the mirage and landing a decisive strike on the real Cyrus. The Reyes heir staggered back, his illusions shattering like glass.

Cyrus smirked, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "You're more resourceful than I thought."

Xavier's gaze hardened. "You underestimated me. That was your first mistake."

With one final surge of energy, Xavier unleashed the full power of his Infernal Soul Blade, overwhelming Cyrus and securing his place in the finals.