Chapter 37: Third Round

The arena buzzed with excitement as Nathan Greenwood, the top-ranked outer core disciple, stood up, a smirk on his face. His confident aura radiated through the crowd as he declared, "Well, looks like it's my turn. Xavier York, it's our time for fun."

Cheers erupted, and the spectators began taking friendly bets on the outcome of what was sure to be the most anticipated match so far.

Xavier stepped into the ring, his gaze steady and unwavering. Nathan's lightning aura crackled around him, illuminating the arena with streaks of blue energy. The two warriors locked eyes, and the tension in the air was palpable.

Lord Cedric raised his hand. "Begin!"

Nathan wasted no time, summoning a field of lightning that surged toward Xavier like a ferocious storm. The sheer speed of his attacks made it impossible for Xavier to close the gap. Each time Xavier attempted to advance, Nathan unleashed another wave of crackling energy, forcing him to retreat.

"You're quick," Nathan taunted, his voice calm yet mocking. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Xavier gritted his teeth, dodging a bolt of lightning that scorched the ground where he had just stood. Nathan's aura grew stronger with each passing moment, the flashes of electricity illuminating his confident smirk.

In the midst of the chaos, Elior's voice echoed in Xavier's mind. "Fight fire with fire, Xavier. Use your infernal flames to counter his lightning. Project your flames outward to disrupt his attacks, and then use your Mirage Step to close the distance."

Taking a deep breath, Xavier summoned his infernal flames, the crimson energy erupting around him in a fierce blaze. The crowd gasped at the sudden change in the battlefield, the fiery aura clashing against Nathan's lightning in a dazzling display of power.

With a powerful swing of his Infernal Soul Blade, Xavier sent a wave of flames toward Nathan, forcing him to divert his lightning to block it. The momentary distraction was all Xavier needed. Activating Mirage Step, he vanished from sight, his speed enhanced by both his flames and his newfound mastery of soul energy.

Nathan's eyes darted around, searching for his opponent. "Where are you—"

Before he could finish, Xavier reappeared behind him, his blade slashing downward. Nathan managed to twist at the last second, avoiding a critical hit, but the edge of the blade left a deep gash across his chest.

Nathan staggered back, his lightning aura flickering. "You got me good," he muttered, his tone losing some of its arrogance.

Not willing to give Nathan a chance to recover, Xavier pressed forward, his attacks relentless. Nathan tried to summon one final surge of lightning, but the pain from his wound slowed him down.

Xavier's blade struck again, this time with enough force to send Nathan crashing into the arena wall. The impact was so intense that cracks spiderwebbed through the stone. Nathan slumped to the ground, unconscious, his aura dissipating.

Lord Cedric stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Nathan Greenwood is unable to continue. Xavier York is the winner!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, the spectators unable to contain their excitement after witnessing such an intense battle.

Xavier sheathed his blade and took a deep breath, his flames flickering before fading away. He glanced at Nathan's unconscious form and muttered under his breath, "You fought well."

Medics rushed to tend to Nathan, and as they carried him away, Xavier returned to his friends, who greeted him with proud smiles.

Jessica gave him a knowing look. "You're really something, aren't you?"

Liana smirked. "No wonder you're ranked second."

Xavier chuckled, brushing off their comments. "It's not over yet. There's still more to come."

As the next matches were prepared, the name "Xavier York" echoed through the arena, solidifying his reputation as a rising star and a force to be reckoned with.

The arena erupted into murmurs as Jessica Vice leaned over to Xavier, a playful glint in her eyes. "So, my love," she said with a mischievous smile, "how about we see how you fair against me and my ice abilities?"

Xavier smirked, kissing her gently on the cheek. "Don't hold back," he said confidently.

Jessica stood up and faced the crowd. "Well, since we're ranked one and two and didn't face off last time, I challenge my future husband!" She playfully hopped into the ring, her glacial aura already radiating a frosty chill that made the spectators shiver.

The crowd couldn't believe their ears. Gasps and cheers filled the arena as they anticipated what would surely be the most exciting match yet.

Lord Cedric raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well. Xavier York versus Jessica Vice. Begin!"

Jessica didn't waste any time. She unleashed her Glacial Sword Art, summoning shards of ice that spiraled through the air, each one sharp enough to cut through steel. The frost around her feet crystallized, spreading across the ground and threatening to trap Xavier in a cage of ice.

Xavier leaped backward, his speed allowing him to avoid the icy tendrils creeping toward him. "You're not holding back, are you?" he teased, his breath visible in the frosty air.

Jessica smirked. "You told me not to." She thrust her sword forward, sending a wave of icy spikes toward Xavier, forcing him to dodge and weave at lightning speed.

Though Jessica's strength far surpassed Xavier's, he relied on his agility and wits. His Mirage Step allowed him to vanish and reappear in unpredictable places, keeping Jessica on edge. Each time she launched an attack, he was already one step ahead, studying her movements and looking for an opening.

As the fight wore on, Xavier suffered minor cuts from the flying ice shards, but he remained focused. He noticed a pattern in Jessica's attacks: her glacial abilities required her to plant her feet for just a moment longer than usual.

Elior's voice echoed in his mind. "Speed is your advantage. Use it to outmaneuver her and make her overextend."

Xavier darted around the arena, closing the distance between himself and Jessica. She swung her sword in a wide arc, creating a barrier of frost, but Xavier was already behind her.

In one fluid motion, Xavier's blade stopped inches from Jessica's neck. He hadn't struck her, but the intent was clear—if this had been a real battle, it would have been over.

Jessica froze, realizing she had been outmaneuvered. Her glacial aura flickered and faded as she let out a breathless laugh. "You've found my weakness," she admitted, lowering her sword.

"I yield," she said, her voice carrying both pride and admiration.

The arena fell silent for a moment, the onlookers processing what had just happened. Then, an eruption of cheers and applause shook the air. The spectators couldn't believe that Xavier, despite being at a disadvantage, had managed to make Jessica yield without landing a single blow.

It was clear to everyone watching: if Xavier had wanted to, he could have ended the fight in that moment.

Jessica turned to Xavier, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "I guess I underestimated you," she said, a playful grin spreading across her face.

Xavier smiled and sheathed his sword. "Never underestimate your opponent," he said, his tone teasing but warm.

As the two walked off the stage together, hand in hand, the crowd continued to cheer for the couple who had shown not just strength but mutual respect and understanding.

Jessica leaned closer to Xavier, whispering, "That was impressive. But next time, I won't go easy on you."

Xavier chuckled, his confidence unshaken. "I'll be ready."

The grand tournament concluded with cheers and applause echoing across the arena as Lord Cedric stepped forward to announce the rewards. He called out each participant's name, detailing their prizes—spiritual herbs, cultivation resources, and access to training chambers. When he reached Xavier, Cedric's tone shifted, signaling the weight of what was to come.

"Xavier York," Lord Cedric began, his voice resonating with authority, "as the victor of this tournament, you are granted exclusive access to the Inner Core Spiritual Lake for three days. During this time, only you may enter. This sacred opportunity is reserved for those with unparalleled potential. Use it wisely to refine your strength."

The crowd erupted into whispers, envious of Xavier's prize. The Inner Core Spiritual Lake was known to accelerate breakthroughs, heal injuries, and enhance one's spiritual energy exponentially.

Xavier stood tall but couldn't hide his frown. He turned to Jessica, his heart heavy. "I wish you could come with me," he said softly, his voice filled with longing.

Jessica, however, smiled brightly, her hand reaching to touch his face. "Don't worry about me, my love. This is your victory. You've earned it," she said, pulling him into a kiss. "Enjoy it and come back stronger. I'll be waiting for you."

Her encouragement eased his heart, and he nodded.

Just as the victorious mood settled, a cold and commanding voice cut through the air, silencing the crowd.

"Lord Cedric," the voice called out, dripping with malice. "I, Alexander, challenge Xavier York to a battle to the death—after he emerges from the Spiritual Lake."

The crowd gasped, shocked by the audacity of Alexander's declaration. All eyes turned toward him as he stepped forward, his face twisted with a devilish grin.

The weight of the challenge sank in immediately. By challenging Xavier after his time in the lake, Alexander revealed his true motive: he wanted to strike fear into Xavier while ensuring the fight would determine who truly deserved the title of the strongest.

Lord Cedric's eyes narrowed, but he maintained a composed demeanor. "You understand what you are asking, Alexander? This challenge is a battle to the death, a grave matter that goes beyond the tournament."

Alexander clasped his hands and bowed slightly. "I understand, Master. But as Xavier is now an inner core disciple, I believe this is the only way to resolve matters between us."

Lord Cedric turned to Xavier, his expression unreadable. "Xavier, as an inner core disciple, you have the right to refuse such a challenge if it is issued out of malice or personal vendetta."

Xavier smirked and took a step forward. His golden dragon eye glinted dangerously under the light. "There's nothing to refuse," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I accept."

The crowd erupted into chaos, debating the implications of this challenge.

Cedric raised a hand, silencing the audience. "Very well," he said, his gaze shifting between the two disciples. "Alexander, your challenge is accepted. But hear this: if either of you breaks academy rules or disrupts the sanctity of the Spiritual Lake, the consequences will be severe."

He paused, then addressed Xavier directly. "Xavier, use these three days wisely. When you emerge, the challenge will await you."

Alexander grinned, his eyes burning with determination. "Enjoy your time in the lake, Xavier. It will be the last peace you'll ever know."

With that, the tension in the air thickened. Xavier turned to his friends and Jessica, his calm demeanor masking the fire brewing inside him. Jessica grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Come back stronger than ever," she whispered.

"I will," Xavier promised, his gaze never leaving Alexander's retreating figure.