Grey Iricson

The atmosphere within the tournament arena was electric, charged with anticipation as the audience held its collective breath. No matter where their support laid, it was undeniable that the tournament had reached its absolute climax. What they were about to witness was the grand final—the most prestigious match of the entire year—featuring the unprecedented appearance of three complete ethereal warriors. Any murmurs of discontent regarding earlier incidents had been silenced, replaced by a palpable sense of privilege to witness this exhilarating, unexpected twist in the tournament's format.

Noah Heeden materialized back in his seat, his eyes gleaming with an eagerness. As the youngest complete ethereal warrior out of the ten, the battle between complete ethereal warriors had always captivated his interest more than anybody else.

King Eldran leaned forward with unrestrained excitement. This was, after all, the first Interacademy Ethereal Combat Tournament under his reign, and the innovations he had introduced seemed to resonate well with the people. His decision to shake things up had been a gamble, but one that was paying off spectacularly.

Even Tom Smith, whose presence had been conspicuously absent in previous rounds, had made his way to the audience area. He knew that this was not a battle to be missed—a fight that would haunt him if he let it slip by.

But of all those present, none were more eager than Glynn Belkarn, the grand head of the Belkarn Clan. His smile was uncontrollable, tinged with a glimmer of madness. He knew exactly what was about to unfold, and the thrill of it all was too much to contain.

"Show the kingdom, girl," he murmured, his voice dripping with anticipation.

Leon Ermy, on the other hand, had not bothered with any grand strategies or words of encouragement. He knew deep down that the bond between Shun and Silver had forged an unbreakable synchronization. Even if he loathed to admit it, two minds working in harmony were better than one, even if that one mind was his own.

As the four contestants stepped onto the arena, the world seemed to hold its breath. Every eye was fixed on these future stars of the kingdom, expecting nothing short of a legendary skirmish.

Ray and Shaden turned and gave their teammates a thumbs-up, utterly convinced of their impending victory. In their minds, the outcome was already decided. Despite their previous triumphs, Silver Iricson was merely the 99th complete ethereal warrior, and there was still that rankless ascended warrior to contend with.

Ryder Cliffrock grinned brightly, Brendon Harper offered a slight bow, Jennifer Lercury waved back with confidence, while Oliver Grave looked away, offering no response.

"We will win," Ray whispered, unsure whether he was reassuring his teammates or himself.

Shun's expression remained cold and detached, as though this grand event was nothing more than a foolish party he got forced into.

Yet Silver's eyes gleamed with unwavering confidence, her body trembling slightly with anticipation. Ray and Shaden noticed their unusual demeanor, but dismissed it without much thought.

"Who do you think will win, Alfred?" Glynn's voice trembled with barely suppressed excitement, his hands unable to stay still.

"Since you ask, I'll put my money on SIGMA Academy," King Eldran replied with a resigned shake of his head. Betting against someone who could read minds felt pointless, if not outright foolish.

Ray Scarlet adjusted his uniform, his voice wavering yet resolute.

"Ray Scarlet, 59th complete ethereal warrior, King of Haven Royal Academy."

"Shaden Gawn, 83rd complete ethereal warrior, Queen of Haven Royal Academy."

"Silver Iricson, 99th complete ethereal warrior, King of SIGMA Academy."

"Shun Xshasi, just a shameless traitor, Queen of SIGMA Academy," Shun declared, his voice laced with boredom and mockery. But the audience, consumed by the looming battle, barely registered his self-serving remark.

The four students exuded confidence and determination, as though they were privy to the outcome of this fabled duel. But their perspectives differed, and the only way to prove whose view was superior was through action.

"Interacademy Ethereal Combat Tournament," the host announced solemnly. "Grand Finals…"

Silver took a deep breath, whispering to the air, "Are you ready?"

Shun glanced at her, his gaze searching for hers, but finding none.

"Is that question for me?"

Before Silver could respond, the host's voice boomed.

"Commence!"

In an instant, Shun's confusion was dispelled.

A brilliant, intense light flooded the arena, a powerful and unmistakable presence radiating from its core. Silver Iricson's usual dark and enigmatic aura was nowhere to be found. Shun could no longer feel the connection to the Blade of Yin, leaving him momentarily adrift.

As the light began to recede, a tall figure emerged where Silver once stood, spinning a colossal sword with the ease of a child playing with a toy.

When the light fully vanished, it became clear that the person before them was not Silver Iricson. Instead, it was a tanned, muscular boy with striking white hair.

Ray and Shaden watched with cautious curiosity, unwilling to make any rash moves until they fully grasped the situation. Yet their confidence remained unshaken, undiminished by the unexpected turn of events.

"Silver?" Shun's eyes widened in disbelief. The aura emanating from the boy was both familiar and wholly opposite to what he had come to expect.

The boy tilted his head slightly, his presence commanding attention, impossible for mortal eyes to ignore.

His white eyes radiated an aura of mystery and unyielding confidence, barely concealing the immense power within his perfectly sculpted frame. His face was a masterpiece of symmetry, his sharp jawline a testament to the pinnacle of manhood.

And then there was the sword—a simple yet exquisite white blade that seemed to pulse with a thirst for battle and bloodshed.

"Silver?" Shun repeated, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

The boy's response was deep, definitive, compressing the very air around him.

"Silver?"

"I'm not Silver."

"I'm Grey Iricson."

"99th complete ethereal warrior."

"Blade of Yang."