Chapter 24

The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement and adulation washing over me. The applause of the crowd was a testament to my strength and skill, and it was a feeling that I would always cherish.

As I walked out of the arena, my eyes scanned the stands, searching for any signs of admiration from the Silvergrade people. The crowd's roar of approval echoed in my ears, fueling my desire to win their respect. I raised my hand, waving to them, and I could feel their excitement growing.

A subtle smile appeared on my lips as I observed the people's reactions. I knew that their adoration could be used, just like the pieces on a chessboard. I made my way to the Silvergrade section of the stands. As I sat down, I noticed Andrew approaching me, his eyes fixed on me with a mix of admiration and pride.

"Congratulations on your win, Master Lucas," Andrew bowed before taking a seat beside me.

"Thank you," I replied with a smile before turning my attention to the contestants entering the arena. "Do you happen to know their names?"

"Yes, Master Lucas," Andrew nodded. "The young girl is Gaia, 12 years old earth powers and hails from a commoner family. She's quite talented. And on the other side, we have Ezekiel, 11 years old, son, of a baron, and he's known for his earth powers and deep religious beliefs."

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Gaia and Ezekiel faced each other in the arena, both tense and ready to fight. The audience was hushed, waiting with bated breath for the fight to begin.

Ezekiel, a young boy with a stern expression, stood with his feet firmly planted on the ground, eyes closed, and hands folded in prayer.

"O gracious God above,

I kneel before you with love.

As I prepare for this fight,

I pray for strength and might.

Guide me with your hand,

Help me make a righteous stand.

Grant me wisdom and control,

To triumph and reach my goal.

May my skills be sharp as a sword,

And my faith as solid as a rock, O Lord.

Let my actions reflect your grace,

And my victory be a testament to your holy face.

In your divine name, I lay my trust,

For with you, all is possible and just.

My heart and soul, to you I commend,

In this battle, may your will prevail until the end.

Amen, my God, amen."

Gaia, on the other hand, was a commoner with a gift for manipulating the earth beneath her feet. She had a determined look on her face as she scanned the arena, sizing up her opponent.

As the referee signaled the start of the match, Gaia quickly conjured a small boulder and hurled it toward Ezekiel. But he remained unmoved, his eyes still closed, and hands still folded. Suddenly, the ground beneath Gaia's feet began to rumble, causing her to lose her balance.

Gaia stumbled as the ground beneath her shook, struggling to maintain her footing. Ezekiel opened his eyes, and with a calm demeanor, he spoke.

"The earth may quake, the winds may howl,

But I shall remain steadfast and foul.

For with the Lord by my side,

I shall not falter nor be denied."

Gaia growled, frustrated by her opponent's confidence. She gathered her focus and commanded the earth to create a small pit in front of her. She hoped to lure Ezekiel into it, thinking she could use his weight against him.

Ezekiel took a step forward, his feet creating floating stones over the pit. He raised his hand and sent a wave of earth towards Gaia, who leaped out of the way just in time.

"Your power is impressive, young Gaia,

But it is no match for the power the lord has bestowed on me.

Your stones may break my bones,

But my faith will never falter nor be overthrown."

Gaia charged towards Ezekiel, hoping to catch him off guard. But he anticipated her move, and with a swift motion of his hand, he sent a wave of earth towards her, causing her to stumble.

She quickly regained her footing, but she was on the defensive now, dodging Ezekiel's attacks as he continued to chant prayers under his breath.

"O Lord, my God, my strength, my might,

Guide me to victory and let my spirit take flight.

Let my actions reflect your love and grace,

And let my victory be a testament to your holy face."

Gaia managed to create a small tornado of dust, hoping to obscure Ezekiel's vision. But he remained unfazed, his faith in the Lord unshakable.

As the dust settled, Ezekiel was nowhere to be found. Gaia looked around, trying to find any signs of her opponent, but he seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Suddenly, she felt a tremor beneath her feet, and she looked down to see a small patch of earth rising up to meet her. She tried to leap out of the way, but it was too late. The earth enveloped her, trapping her in a small mound of dirt.

The knight swung his sword, signaling the end of the match. The audience erupted in cheers as Ezekiel emerged victorious.

As Gaia was lifted out of the arena, Ezekiel approached her with a humble smile.

"Well fought, Gaia," he said, extending his hand to help her up. "May the Lord continue to bless and guide you on your journey."