Chapter 128: Duel of the Skies

The arena had seen its fair share of duels, but as the sun began to sink beneath the horizon, casting elongated shadows across the battleground, two formidable challengers took center stage, each ready to prove their worth.

Talina, hailing from the majestic South Heaven City, was first to step up. Her challenger was the 90th ranked student, a tall and lanky boy named Finnian. His card monster was the revered Thunderclaw Griffin, a magnificent creature with the body of a lion, the wings and head of an eagle, and talons that crackled with electricity.

Talina, with her fiery red hair and sharp eyes, confidently addressed her opponent, "Finnian, you may be a formidable opponent, but my Whirlwind Harpy won't back down."

Finnian smirked, "I've seen your Harpy's maneuvers. Let's see how it fares against the might of my Griffin."

The duel began with the Thunderclaw Griffin taking to the skies, its wings generating thunderous booms with each flap. Talina, ever strategic, commanded her Whirlwind Harpy to generate powerful gusts, causing the Griffin to lose balance. The two aerial creatures danced around each other, their acrobatic movements leaving the audience in awe.

At one point, the Griffin managed to trap the Harpy within its electric talons. Still, with a swift maneuver, the Harpy broke free, using its whirlwind ability to send the Griffin spiraling downwards. The duel concluded with the Whirlwind Harpy's masterful control of wind currents, overpowering the Griffin and ensuring Talina's victory.

The crowd's cheers were deafening, but the night was far from over.

Yin Yue, representing the enigmatic Xuan Cliff City, stepped onto the platform, selecting her opponent: the 92nd ranked student named Elara. Elara's card monster was the Abyssal Leviathan, a colossal sea creature with shimmering scales and razor-sharp fangs, known for its mastery over water.

Elara, with a sly smile, said, "Yin Yue, you may have defeated many, but the depths of the Abyssal Leviathan are unbeaten."

Yin Yue's expression remained calm, her eyes reflecting the depth of her experience. "We shall see," she replied. When asked about her card monster, she revealed the Celestial Lynx, an elegant feline creature that seemed to have the night sky etched onto its fur, its eyes twinkling like stars.

The battle was intense. The Abyssal Leviathan conjured massive tidal waves, attempting to engulf the arena, while the Celestial Lynx, agile and quick, danced around, avoiding the water's grasp. Elara and Yin Yue exchanged strategies, constantly adapting to each other's moves.

In a climactic moment, the Leviathan trapped the Lynx within a vortex of water. But, in a surprising turn, the Lynx summoned the power of constellations, creating a celestial shield that shattered the watery prison. With a burst of starry energy, the Lynx defeated the Leviathan.

As the crowd erupted in cheers for Yin Yue and her Celestial Lynx, the night's battles drew to a close. The next chapter of this tournament promised even more excitement and fierce competition.