THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The arena remained abuzz, with spectators and contestants alike struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Alethea's victory.

Sir Malakai's confidence had been shaken, his eyes fixed on Alethea with a mix of awe and trepidation.

Lysander approached Alethea, a grin spreading across his face. "You've been holding back, haven't you? Since we started, you haven't even broken a sweat."

Alethea's smile hinted at secrets untold. "Perhaps."

Lysander asked, "I just realised you haven't even drawn your sword out even once. Jeez how powerful are you. Do you plan on leaving your sword in its sheath for the whole tournament!?"

Alethea replied in a calm voice, "Maybe."

The host, still reeling from Alethea's performance, struggled to regain composure.

"And with a staggering 1000 monsters defeated, General Alethea takes the lead in the semi-finals! The crowd goes wild!"

As the audience cheered, Alethea's name echoed throughout the arena.

Speculators and analysts scrambled to reassess their predictions.

"Alethea's ice magic and spatial manipulation abilities make her nearly unbeatable."

"Her true strength was hidden in plain sight. She's been playing a strategic game from the start. It seems like this year,  Avalor's in it to win."

"The gap between Alethea and the other contestants has grown exponentially. Judging by her strength, does that mean the other warriors of Avalor are this strong!??"

In the midst of the chaos, Alethea remained calm, her gaze scanning the arena.

Her thoughts turned to Prince Kieran, their shared moments, and the unspoken understanding between them.

A gentle smile touched her lips.

The semi-finals had become a mere formality.

Alethea's focus shifted to the true challenge ahead.

Sir Malakai's eyes remained fixed on Alethea, his mind reeling from her breathtaking display.

"How did she...?" he trailed off, his thoughts consumed by the implications.

He had underestimated Alethea, believing her to be a skilled warrior, but not a master of magic.

"Alethea's abilities surpass anything I've seen," he admitted to himself.

Sir Malakai's confidence, built on years of victories, began to crumble.

"Can I still win?" he wondered.

Doubts crept into his mind, threatening to undermine his resolve.

"Alethea's ice magic and light magic... I've never faced an opponent like her. And she hasn't even drawn her sword yet."

He recalled their past encounters, realizing he had misjudged her.

"Alethea's been hiding her true strength, waiting for the perfect moment to strike."

"I will not concede. I will uncover Alethea's weaknesses and exploit them."

Sir Malakai's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with strategies.

"I'll need to adapt, to find a way to counter her magic."

As the crowd continued to celebrate Alethea's victory, Sir Malakai retreated into his own thoughts.

The semi-finals had become a personal challenge.

"Alethea may have won this battle," he thought, "but I will win the war."

Prince Kieran watched Alethea's triumph with a calm, thoughtful expression.

"Alethea's true strength is breathtaking," he thought, his eyes never leaving hers.

He had expected her to excel, but this... This was mastery.

"Alethea's magic, strategy, and confidence are unparalleled."

His thoughts drifted to their conversations, shared moments.

"I've seen glimpses of her strength, but this surpasses everything."

He recalled his words: "A girl who knows to defend herself, is kind, is responsible, and passionate."

"Alethea embodies those qualities herself," he realized.

Prince Kieran's admiration for Alethea deepened.

"Not just as a General, but as a person... She's extraordinary."

He noticed Sir Malakai's intense gaze on Alethea, sensing rivalry.

"Malakai underestimates Alethea at his own peril," Prince Kieran thought.

Prince Kieran's heart remained steady, but his thoughts betrayed his calm.

"Alethea's more than just a General, more than just a contestant."

"She's the woman who's captured my heart."

The host's voice pierced the stunned silence, echoing through the arena. "I know you're still reeling in shock, but the next round awaits. In this final semi-finals challenge, each of you will choose a partner from your kingdom. They will stand at the finish line, and you must navigate the treacherous Windy Plains to reach them."

The objective was simple: be the first to reach your partner.

Malakai chose his trusted lieutenant, while others selected their partners.

As Alethea deliberated, Prince Kieran discreetly tugged her clothing. She turned, astonished.

"Your Highness, you volunteered?" Alethea asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Prince Kieran smiled mischievously. "Mother and Father agreed."

Alethea's concern was palpable. "Be careful, my prince. This will be dangerous."

He nodded, understanding.

The finalists were transported to the Windy Plains, where gusts howled and sand swirled.

Tornadoes loomed, their funnels twisting menacingly.

Alethea's annoyance grew as her hair whipped wildly, her vision obscured by stinging sand.

Worry for Prince Kieran spurred her action.

She closed her eyes, focusing on her magic.

Her eyes snapped open, glowing blue like sapphires.

"Ice magic: 0 degrees."

The air didn't freeze, but the temperature plummeted.

An ice path materialized, leading her to Prince Kieran.

The crowd gasped, awestruck.

Alethea sprinted along the frozen route, her feet barely touching the ground.

She reached Prince Kieran in record time.

"I hope nothing happened to you, your Highness." she whispered.

Prince Kieran smiled. " I'm fine."

Alethea crossed the finish line first, securing her semi-finals victory.

The arena erupted in cheers, the crowd chanting her name.

"ALETHEA! ALETHEA! ALETHEA!"

The other finalists stumbled in after sometime, exhausted and battered.

Malakai's lieutenant aided him, concern etched on their faces.

Lysander grinned, impressed. "Alethea's unbeatable. She dropped the temperature of the whole place but didn't freeze the ground. How amazing."

Sir Malakai's eyes narrowed. "Not yet."

The host beamed. "And with that, our semi-finals conclude! Alethea takes the lead, followed closely by Malakai, Lysander Kael and Lyra. The finals await!"

As Alethea stood victorious, Prince Kieran's gaze lingered on her.