Chapter 24 - Road to the Finals

“Yo Az! You finally getting out today, huh?”

“Hey guys. You didn’t need to come.”

As Azrael prepared to leave the healing ward, Winston and Zer arrived to pick him up. It had been four days since the assassination attempt. Although his wounds had healed the day before, the healers had kept him in the ward for precautionary reasons.

Azrael was pleasantly surprised by his rapid recovery. The wound in his left chest had been life-threatening, and it would have been normal for it to take over a month to heal. When Azrael noticed the unusually quick healing, he asked Samjoko about it.

‘Hey Samjoko, does my unusual healing rate have anything to do with you three, or is it just my body’s constitution?’

‘Master, it is a special attribute of Bonghwang.’

‘Oh… a fire elemental with a healing attribute? I thought fire was focused on destruction?’

‘Master, my ‘Fire of Life’ does have a healing effect on its wielder. It has accelerated cell regrowth in your body, which has sped up your recovery.’

‘So it’s because of you, Bonghwang, huh? Thank you.’

‘It is only natural for I, your servant, to protect you after all, Master.’

‘Jeez, how many times do I have to tell you three that you aren’t servants? And like I’ve said before, please stop calling me master. Anyway, I’m still very grateful.’

Azrael had never felt like a master to Samjoko, Chunyong, or Bonghwang. Since meeting them when he was six, they had been kind and trained him in magic. To Azrael, they felt like older siblings: warm, kind, and caring.

‘Uu….. I feel useless. I wasn’t able to assist Master at all…’

‘Haha, don’t worry Chunyong. I’m sure I’ll need your help in the future. I’ll be counting on you then, okay?’

During Azrael’s time in the healing ward, Winston and Zer had visited him frequently. They came by to check on him before and after their training sessions, helping to alleviate his boredom.

When they first heard about the incident, they were furious. Their best friend had been on death’s doorstep. Thankfully, Azrael was able to stop them from taking rash actions.

“Hmmm, I don’t see a familiar face today?”

At Azrael’s teasing, his face reddened. His best friends weren’t his only visitors. During his stay, Han Byul had often stopped by to check on him, bringing fruits. As they ate the fruits she peeled, they talked about various topics—hobbies, childhood memories, and dislikes. Their bond grew closer with each visit.

Winston and Zer had seen her there on several occasions. Each time, she would stand up, smile, and tell Azrael she would visit another time, leaving them to enjoy their visit. They had initially been surprised to see her, but eventually, they came to accept her presence and treat her as one of their own. Winston had noticed a change in the atmosphere between Han Byul and Azrael.

“Eh… Han Byul said she had important matters to attend to, so she wouldn’t be able to make it today.”

“Oh, so that’s why you have such a long face, huh? Also, I’ve noticed lately that you’ve started calling the Princess by her name. Suspicious… suspicious indeed…”

Azrael rolled his eyes. While he laughed at Winston’s jest, Zer explained why Han Byul couldn’t make it.

“Winston, stop teasing Az. Anyway, she’s dealing with issues related to the assassination attempt. Since the attack, the King has been trying to send Guardians to protect her, but she’s been resisting.”

“Guardians?”

“Yup. The Guardians are the royal guards of the Rhostaz Kingdom. They’re considered the elite of the elite in the West.”

“*whistles* I’ve heard about the Guardians. Supposedly, the minimum requirement to join them is Emperor Rank. They’re said to be in contention with Felsia’s Retribution as the strongest military unit on the continent. My dad’s been envious and is building a royal guard similar to them for the Sunder Kingdom.”

Azrael was shocked. The minimum requirement was Emperor Rank? To have an entire unit of Emperor-ranked soldiers was almost inconceivable.

“Well then, let’s go eat to celebrate Az’s release! We’ll train a little later to ease his body back into shape. Luckily, his match isn’t until Sunday.”

With that, Winston grabbed Azrael and Zer by the shoulders and led them toward the cafeteria. Shaking their heads at Winston’s love for food, the two grinned and allowed themselves to be guided by the impatient Winston.

The following month was enjoyable for Azrael. Han Byul began hanging out with them more. She had known Zer since childhood, so their friendship was natural, and she quickly became close friends with Azrael. Winston had initially felt awkward around her due to her royal status, but her friendliness and Winston’s relaxed personality soon broke the ice.

During this time, Azrael, Zer, and Han Byul advanced through the tournament. Winston was unfortunately defeated in the round of thirty-two by an intermediate light elemental student. He lacked sufficient offensive power and was eventually overcome.

In the first of the two semi-final matches, the arena erupted into cheers as one contestant fell to the ground.

“Winner Azrael Celeste!”

The crowd roared as Azrael bowed and left the stage. As he walked toward the corridor, the commentators began analyzing the battle.

“As expected of contestant Azrael, right, Rialesta?”

“Just as he has shown in all previous battles, Azrael has displayed clear dominance. Even though his opponent, Beth Reinhart, was one of Sinara Academy’s representatives in last year’s Rising Stars Tournament, Azrael defeated her with ease. Beth couldn’t withstand the combined fire and water magic attacks. I believe the only one who stands a chance against him is our next contestant, Zer Aiur.”

“Zer Aiur is indeed formidable. He has been as impressive as Azrael, sweeping through his opponents like a storm. However, to reach the final and face Azrael this afternoon, he must first overcome Princess Han Byul. She’s not to be underestimated! With her precise control of wind magic and shortened incantations, she’s proven to be a rising star alongside Azrael and Zer.”

“Kevin, this freshman class is one of the brightest we’ve ever seen at Sinara Academy. I’m confident that all three will develop further and become the pride of our academy. I don’t believe this semi-final will be pleasant for either contestant. Not only is Zer’s father the Prime Minister for Princess Han Byul’s father, King Han, but they are also reportedly seen together often, along with contestant Azrael Celeste and Winston from the Wozeal House.”

As the commentators’ voices grew distant, Azrael noticed Zer finishing his preparations and smiled as they made eye contact.

“Good job as always, Az.”

“Thanks, man. You ready for your match?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be. It’s not like Han Byul and I haven’t sparred before. She still swears she’ll beat me one day, haha.”

“That’s true, haha. I’ll be waiting to see which one of you I’ll face this afternoon!”

Contrary to the commentator’s belief, the atmosphere was relaxed. The three were looking forward to their battles as a chance to test their strength. As Zer completed his preparations, the commentators introduced Han Byul.

“Alright then, good luck, Zer. I’ll be watching from the stands with Winst.”

“Just be prepared to lose in the final, Az.”

As he laughed, Azrael patted Zer on the shoulder and headed toward the stands where Winston awaited him. When Zer’s name was announced, the crowd erupted into cheers as he entered the stage. Across from him stood Han Byul, looking determined.

“I guess that little crybaby girl from before is gone, huh, Han Byul? Look at you becoming stronger and reaching this far.”

Han Byul’s face reddened at Zer’s barb. She fumbled with her words before retorting.

“Ju…just who was a crybaby! Hmph, just you wait! Today will be the day I finally beat you!”

“Ah… So you think you can beat me on your seventy-fifth try, huh? Anyway, have you decided what you’re going to buy us for dinner tomorrow night?”

Han Byul couldn’t help but smile at Zer’s words. After the round of thirty-two matches, Azrael, Zer, and Han Byul had made a bet: the first to lose would buy dinner for the group.

“Alright, both of you know the rules. The match will last until a contestant surrenders, loses consciousness, or the panel decides the match is over. Hits on vital areas are not allowed. Contestant Zer Aiur, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Contestant Han Byul, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“The match will start in five, four, three, two, one, BEGIN!”

As the match began, Han Byul dashed forward. Zer was surprised. She had always kept her distance during their sparring sessions, so this direct approach was new.

Inside the stage, a powerful wind began to swirl around Zer, lifting dirt and gravel. Han Byul had noticed that Azrael and Zer used their environment to their advantage, so she used this spell to hinder Zer’s vision and position herself for her next attack.

As the wind howled, Zer realized he had underestimated Han Byul. He had to wait for the wind to die down and prepare for her

next move.

When the wind settled, numerous condensed air projectiles the size of fists rained down on Zer. Despite the onslaught, Zer smirked. He recognized Han Byul’s favorite spell, ‘Air Bombardment,’ and had prepared his counter.

“... and protect your master from all foes who wish to harm him! Gaia’s Protection!”

The earth around Zer broke apart and formed a protective dome. Despite cracks appearing from the barrage, the dome held and shielded him from the attacks.

As the bombardment ceased, Zer rushed toward Han Byul. But as he closed the distance, he felt a cold chill at the sight of her evil grin.

“Wind Reaper.”

With those words, a crescent-shaped wind blade flew toward Zer. Even in a tough spot, he couldn’t help but admire Han Byul’s development.

‘She’s improved significantly. She’s not just relying on her strongest spells to overpower her opponent, but also using spells to guide them into the final blow.’

Han Byul was confident the match was hers to win. With only fifteen yards between them, she believed there was no way for Zer to dodge the attack. That confidence, however, led to her defeat.

“… and give me the strength to defeat a thousand foes! Steel Break!”

With the incantation complete, Zer’s body was enveloped in a silvery aura. For a brief moment, he moved at an inhuman speed, dropping to his knees and bending backward. With this momentum, he evaded the wind blade and emerged in front of Han Byul.

“I believe this battle is over, Han Byul. You shouldn’t have much mana left, right?”

Facing the sword extended toward her, Han Byul conceded.

“I surrender.”

The crowd erupted in excitement as the commentators animatedly discussed the match. Han Byul and Zer, however, remained on stage, gazing at each other.

“Haa… Once again, I lost, huh? When did you become Emperor Rank in the steel element?”

“Just last week. I was planning to save ‘Steel Break’ as a trump card for the finals against Azrael, but who would have thought you’d force me to use it?”

Seeing Zer’s helpless shrug, Han Byul felt a surge of triumph. For the first time, she had pushed Zer to go all out. Though she would have to wait another day to defeat him, she was content with this result.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the finals will commence in three hours to determine the winner.”

With the announcement echoing through the arena, Han Byul and Zer exited the stage, awaiting the final match. The road to the finals had finally reached its end.