The day had finally arrived.
Lemurian Hunter Academy was already loud by the time the sun came up. Students poured out of the dormitories in waves, faces tight with nerves and excitement. Groups huddled along the pathways, checking gear for the tenth time or whispering last-minute strategies. The air felt thick. Heavy. Everyone knew what today meant.
The elimination round.
No more easy matches. Lose here and it was over. No second chances. No coming back next year for the ones who got knocked out early.
Aaron and Rei left the dorm together. The corridors were packed. Shoulders bumped. Eyes flicked to blades and armor. Rei kept cracking his knuckles as they walked, the sound sharp in the narrow hallway.
"Brother Aaron, my stomach's in knots," Rei muttered. "How the hell are you this calm? I feel like I'm about to throw up."
Aaron adjusted the Abyssfang Blade at his hip. "Same as always."
Rei let out a short laugh that sounded forced. "Yeah. Sure. Remind me why I room with the one guy who treats the biggest day of the year like it's nothing."
They turned into the long stone corridor that led to the arena. The crowd thickened. Voices echoed off the walls. Someone ahead argued about brackets. Another group whispered about Zheng Luic's last recorded fight.
Rei glanced around, voice dropping. "You think we'll get strong opponents right away?"
"Depends on the bracket," Aaron said.
Rei nodded, but his shoulders stayed tense. "Just hope I don't draw anyone nasty in round one. I'm not trying to die today."
Aaron's mouth twitched. "You probably won't."
They rounded the corner.
Someone bumped straight into Rei.
"Ah—sorry!"
The girl stepped back fast, head lowering. She clutched the strap of a small white staff like it was the only thing keeping her steady.
Rei blinked, then actually looked at her.
Long brown hair. Soft features. Nervous eyes that flicked up for half a second before dropping again. She wasn't flashy, but something about her made the hallway feel quieter.
"I wasn't watching where I was going," she said, voice low. "Sorry."
Rei waved both hands quick. "No, it's fine. My fault too."
She gave a small nod, still looking embarrassed. "Good luck today."
Then she slipped past them and disappeared into the crowd.
Rei stood frozen, staring after her.
Aaron waited.
Rei finally turned, eyes wide. "Brother Aaron."
"What."
Rei pointed down the corridor. "That one. She's mine."
Aaron looked at him.
Rei grabbed his shoulder, voice urgent but low. "Promise me you won't go after her. Please. I'm serious."
Aaron started walking again. "Focus on the tournament."
Rei hurried after him. "You didn't promise."
They reached the end of the corridor. The arena entrance opened wide in front of them. The stadium beyond was massive. Thousands of seats already filling up. Banners hung from the walls. The noise inside rolled over them like a wave.
They found seats in the participant section.
Aaron had barely sat down when someone settled beside him.
Luna.
She wore her usual calm expression, but her fingers tapped once against her thigh. Small tell. She was keyed up too.
"Morning," she said.
"Morning."
Rei leaned forward from Aaron's other side, looking between them. "When did you two get this friendly?"
Luna glanced at him. "Is that a problem?"
Rei shook his head fast. "Nope. Not at all."
The arena noise dipped suddenly. All eyes turned to the central platform.
Instructor Glenn stepped up. Same man who had run the qualifiers. He scanned the crowd, voice carrying clear through the speakers.
"Students of Lemurian Hunter Academy."
The stadium quieted.
"Today the elimination round begins."
A ripple of tension moved through the stands.
"Only the strongest from the qualification matches remain. From this point forward, every battle decides your future. Win, and you advance. Lose, and your journey ends here."
Glenn paused. The silence stretched.
He raised his hand toward the empty arena floor.
"Let the elimination round… begin."
Cheers exploded across the seats.
Aaron sat still, hand resting on the hilt of the Abyssfang Blade. The new skills sat quiet inside him. Phantom Void Step ready in his legs. Eternal Spirit Core humming steady in his core.
Rei leaned closer, voice barely above a whisper. "Bracket's about to drop. You ready?"
Aaron's eyes stayed on the arena floor.
"Always."
The giant screens above the arena flickered to life. The crowd leaned forward. Names started scrolling across the display in bright white letters.
First match.
Aaron Emegrey vs. Marcus Hale.
Rei let out a low whistle. "First round. Lucky you."
Aaron didn't move. He just watched the screen.
Marcus Hale. C-rank Blade Dancer. Fast. Aggressive. The kind of opponent most freshmen feared.
Rei nudged him. "You got this, right?"
Aaron stood up slowly. "Yeah."
Luna looked up at him. Her voice was quiet. "Don't hold back."
"I won't."
Rei slapped him on the shoulder. "Go show them what a Laborer can do."
Aaron started walking toward the participant entrance. The crowd noise swelled around him. Feet pounded on the stone steps. Voices shouted names. The air smelled of sweat and metal.
He stepped into the tunnel that led to the arena floor. The light at the end grew brighter. The roar of the crowd got louder.
This was it.
No more hiding.
No more quiet grinding in the wilderness.
The elimination round had begun.
And Aaron was ready to show the entire academy exactly who he was.