Infernal Blade

As Xavier sat next to his friends in anticipation of the next battles to come he went over the tournament details one last time. As Xavier continued to catch his breath he read what the Tournament layout would look like.

The tournament wasn't just a contest of strength; it was a stage where rival clans, schools, and factions competed for dominance. Nobles fought to solidify their power, while the lower Noble ranked warriors only hoped to make it into the Academy. 

Xavier sought to prove their worth and break societal barriers. Alliances were made and broken in the shadows, and every match held the potential to shift the balance of influence.

The event was divided into three tiers:

1. The Open Bracket, where all competitors fought to secure their place.

2. The Elite Rounds, where only the strongest faced off, often under the watchful eyes of clan elders and high-ranking nobles.

3. The Championship, a grand spectacle where the final competitors vied for the ultimate prize—a legendary artifact said to grant unparalleled spiritual power.

Each tier was fraught with danger, as combatants were not only fighting for victory but also for survival. Injuries were common, and the death toll, though frowned upon, was not unheard of.

The political stakes were as high as the battles themselves. The Mozzie Clan, one of the most influential noble families, was determined to assert their dominance. They saw Xavier's victory over Darius as a personal insult, and their allies whispered plans of retaliation.

Meanwhile, whispers of other factions circulated. The Ironwood Consortium, a coalition of wealthy merchants, had quietly sponsored several fighters, hoping to disrupt the traditional noble-dominated structure. The Crimson Blades, a guild of rogue warriors, entered the tournament to prove their independence from the ruling factions.

Jessica Vice, with her noble lineage, found herself in a precarious position. Her family's standing had already been jeopardized by her engagement to Xavier, a commoner. Many nobles openly mocked her, while others viewed her as a potential ally in their schemes.

As Xavier was lost in thought the elders voice grabbed his attention. "Will Mara and Keldron of the Ironwood consortium please come to the ring."

Mara stepped into the arena, her lithe frame contrasting with her opponent, Keldron, a hulking warrior with arms like tree trunks. His aura radiated earthy strength, and he wielded a massive hammer infused with spiritual energy.

Keldron sneered at her. "Go home, little girl. This fight isn't for weaklings."

Mara smirked, her confidence unwavering. "We'll see who's weak when you're kissing the dirt."

The battle began with Keldron charging forward, his hammer swinging with devastating force. Mara danced around his attacks, her wind-based abilities allowing her to move with impossible speed. She darted in and out of his range, landing precise strikes that chipped away at his defenses.

As the crowd roared, Mara summoned a gale of wind, using it to lift herself into the air. From above, she unleashed a whirlwind that disarmed Keldron and knocked him flat on his back.

The elder declared her the winner, and as she exited the arena, she glanced at Eddie with a wink. "One down. Who's next?"

As the crowd cheered for Mara's amazing victory. The elders voice chimed in "Up next we have Eddie vs Aleric Mozzie!" The two warriors met in the center of the ring. 

Eddie's match against Aleric, one of Darius's brothers, was a clash of raw strength. Galen, a towering figure with a cruel smile, was known for his brutal fighting style.

"You're just another pawn in York's little rebellion," Galen taunted as they faced off.

Eddie cracked his knuckles, his grin feral. "And you're just another bully who's about to get humbled."

The match was brutal. Galen's heavy strikes shook the arena, but Eddie met him blow for blow, his own spiritual energy crackling like electricity around his fists. The crowd gasped as Eddie landed a decisive uppercut, sending Galen sprawling to the ground.

As Galen was carried off, he spat venomous words. "This isn't over. You and Xavier will pay for this."

Felix was the last of the group to fight in the first phases of the tournament due to Jessica's high noble rank she didn't have to participate. 

Felix's opponent, Ingrid, was a cunning rogue whose agility and skill with twin daggers made her a crowd favorite.

"You don't look like much of a fighter," Ingrid teased, circling him like a predator.

Felix adjusted his glasses calmly. "And you don't look like much of a thinker. Let's see who's underestimated whom."

Ingrid struck fast, her daggers flashing like lightning. Felix countered with precision, conjuring barriers of energy to deflect her attacks. His calm demeanor unnerved her, and when he unleashed a storm of energy bolts, the crowd erupted in cheers.

As Ingrid conceded, Felix bowed politely. "A good fight. Perhaps next time, you'll lead with strategy instead of bravado."

And just like that the first phase of the tournament ended. Most warriors who ended up facing Xavier or his friends forfeited or met a quick end hoping to remain on the good graces of Xavier.

After Phase 1 wrapped up, most warriors began to rest and take healing pills awaiting further guidance. leaving only one hundred competitors left for the next two phases. The warriors who didn't lose their life's may have lost. But they gained the experience of battling tougher opponents. 

After two of the three brothers got defeated, the Mozzie Clan began plotting. In a private meeting, Darius, Aleric, and their eldest brother, Roderic, met with their father, Lord Mozzie.

"This Xavier York is an embarrassment to our name," Roderic growled. "If we can't crush him in the arena, we'll destroy him outside of it."

Lord Mozzie, a man of cold ambition, nodded. "He's gained allies and momentum, but that only makes him a bigger target. Strike at him where he's weakest—his friends and his fiancée. Break him before the finals."

While the Mozzie Clan schemed, Xavier and his friends found unexpected allies. Jessica's reputation as a noble with integrity drew the attention of Lady Aria of the Ironwood Consortium, who offered her support.

"You've made waves, Xavier York," Lady Aria said during a private meeting. "But waves can drown as easily as they can carry you. Align with me, and I'll ensure the Mozzie Clan won't touch you."

Xavier hesitated. "I appreciate the offer, but I can't align myself with anyone who doesn't share my vision for a fairer world."

Lady Aria smiled faintly. "Idealism is a dangerous game, Mr. York. But I admire your resolve. Be careful—victory will make you powerful, but it will also make you a target."