Sacred Arts

16. The Top Twenty Five

Master Shawn rose from his seat, extending his congratulations to the remaining warriors. "Stand proud, all of you, for each of you have earned a place among the top twenty-five warriors in this esteemed academy," he declared. "The next round will determine the top ten, and on a side note I want to announce a special placement." "Due to her exceptional abilities, Jess will be ranked thirteenth." "We are confident that none below that rank could best her in a sparring match."

"However, if anyone disagrees, they may challenge her for the spot after she recovers." "Jess will be back in action for the next round of the tournament," Master Shawn added. The remaining warriors reminisced about Jess's impressive performance in a battle a week prior. Many of them acknowledged that they would likely struggle against her in a match. "As for the remaining twelve spots, closer examination and victories in your upcoming battles will heavily influence your final placements."

"With that being said, you may all step forward to draw your lots," Master Shawn instructed. The twenty-four remaining warriors drew their lots once again, and this time the numbers ranged from one to twelve. The first match was about to begin. It was between Flint Cason, last year's fourth-ranked tournament participant, and Phillip Fabian, who held the twenty-fifth rank. "I admit defeat," Phillip said before even stepping onto the stage.

This means that he is accepting his place within the top twenty-five and passing up the chance to climb the ranks. The next four matches ended similarly, with Jan Byrne, last year's sixth-ranked warrior, winning against Luna Maree, ranked eighteenth, and Ernest Cade, last year's eighth-ranked warrior, prevailing over Kaden Bryant, who held the twenty-second rank. Rain Anderson, last year's second-ranked warrior, emerged victorious against Esmae Farley, the fifteenth-ranked warrior, and Jonathan Vere, last year's ninth-ranked warrior, won against Jed Cadence, ranked twenty-third. The sixth match began, and two formidable warriors stepped onto the stage, emanating powerful auras. Carter Fred, last year's sixteenth-ranked warrior, faced off against Alexander Kayce, who held the seventeenth rank in the previous year's tournament.

Alexander, a proud and honorable warrior with long blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a slim build, confidently stated, "I believe it is time I moved up in the ranks, Carter." "I suppose I can give you a shot," Carter replied, grinning. The clash of their powerful auras reverberated through the fighting stage. Carter summoned his long sword, while Alexander wielded twin swords. "Finally, we shall determine which is superior, one sword or two," Alexander chuckled.

"I can hardly contain my excitement," Carter responded sarcastically. The crowd eagerly watched as the two warriors vanished, their swords clashing and sparks flying in all directions. At first glance, their talents appeared evenly matched, but Amon noticed that Carter held a significant advantage over Alexander. Carter lunged, swinging his sword vertically toward Alexander, who used both his swords to block the attack. At that moment, Carter kicked Alexander in the chest, sending him back several feet.

Undeterred, Alexander charged forward once more. Carter infused his sword with energy, slashing it horizontally and unleashing an arc of energy toward Alexander. In a swift maneuver, Alexander evaded the attack by leaping and slashing both his swords, forming a cross-shaped cascade of energy aimed at Carter. Carter sidestepped and intended to pierce Alexander's chest upon his landing, but Alexander swiftly crossed his swords, using them as a shield against Carter's thrust. The skilled warriors then created distance between them, smiling and catching their breath.

"You have grown much stronger, but I believe it is time we ended this," Carter declared to Alexander. "You're no fun, Carter." "It was just getting good," Alexander said mockingly. As Alexander prepared for his final attack, a fierce aura engulfed him. However, Carter closed his eyes, and his violent aura suddenly dissipated.

"Don't tell me you're giving up!" Alexander shouted as he charged toward Carter, raising his two swords with the intention of striking. Simultaneously, Carter pointed the tip of his sword at Alexander, his eyes flashing open. A resounding clap echoed, and a powerful gust of wind swept from the stage as Carter disappeared and reappeared a considerable distance behind Alexander, thrusting his sword forward. As Alexander's body began to fall onto the floor, Carter sheathed his sword and walked off the stage, symbolizing his victory. The crowd cheered and clapped at the outstanding performance both swordsmen displayed.

The healers attended to Alexander, carrying him to a room for treatment. "If last year's sixteenth and seventeenth ranked warriors are this powerful, I wonder just how formidable last year's ranked one warrior is?" Amon wondered curiously. "Jess must possess extraordinary skills for the masters to rank her above someone as powerful as Carter," Matthew thought, angrily clenching his fist. The time for the seventh match arrived, and both warriors approached the stage. Barry Coleen, last year's warrior who was ranked number one, faced off against Dash Adalyn, who held the twenty-first rank in the previous year's tournament.

Dash nervously entered the stage, irritating Barry, who felt a dent in his pride, because his opponent had not yet admitted defeat. "I had planned to test myself against you until the very end," Dash confessed. With beads of sweat dripping down his face, Dash hesitated as he spoke to Barry. "Before stepping onto this stage, I had every intention of fighting you until I could fight no more to see how I'd fair against you," Dash continued. "However, now I find myself uncertain if I truly want to carry through with this battle," he added nervously.

"Do you still wish to challenge my might?" Barry asked, unimpressed by Dash's wavering determination. "I do," Dash replied, mustering all his courage. "You may begin," Master Shawn said, declaring the start of the match. A powerful aura emanated from Barry, who nonchalantly kept his hands clasped behind his back. The weight of his aura was so intense that the crowd felt as though they might crumble to dust under its immense pressure.

Amon and Matthew furrowed their brows, sweat forming on their foreheads, as they contemplated the immense challenge that Barry presented. "How could anyone our age wield such power," Matthew thought as his legs started to buckle. "I'd be lying if I said this guy wouldn't be a problem," Amon thought, gritting his teeth intending to endure the pressure. They were not alone in their doubts, as the entire crowd held the belief that Barry would undoubtedly reclaim the number one rank. Dash felt the suffocating weight of Barry's aura press him to the floor, rendering him helpless.

"I admit defeat!" Dash cried out in anguish as his bones creaked under the immense pressure. "The first step to gaining power is to realize your limitations, and aim to go beyond them at a reasonable pace," Barry informed Dash. Barry released the pressure he put on Dash after Dash had passed out. The healers rushed onto the stage and recovered Dash, so they could take him to the healing room to recuperate. With the conclusion of the seventh match, the crowd just sat in amazement and fear of Barry's strength with everyone trying to figure out how hard he must have worked to achieve such a level of power. Barry walked off the stage as though he had never been in a fight, and sat cross-legged in a corner to cultivate.