Participants'' numbers kept dwindling as the matches progressed. From 42 to 21, then to 11, and finally down to 6. The last remaining six were those with spirits above grade 9, with the exception of Loyd, who had progressed due to receiving two byes. But now, there would be no more byes.

    The atmosphere grew tense as the final six gathered in the center of the arena. The Examiner stepped forward, his presence imposing.

    "Congratulations to the final six," the Examiner announced, his voice echoing throughout the Colosseum. "You have proven your strength and resilience to make it this far. But now, the real challenge begins. These final matches will determine who will be ranked higher after entering the Five Kingdoms Academy."

    Aiden, Chloe, Loyd, and Durren were joined by Silvia from the Dukedom of Frostlings in Panso Kingdom, located to the south of Ravan Kingdom, and Ming, a frail-looking boy from the Baron family of the Naga Kingdom to the east of Ravan Kingdom. They all stood in line, ready to draw lots to determine their matchups.

    Aiden''s spirit was a radiant golden sword, Chloe''s spirit was an 18-winged fallen angel, disguised as a Black Valkyrie with only two visible wings. Silvia''s spirit was an Illusionary Dream Butterfly, and Ming''s spirit was a Crimson Basilisk. Lastly, Loyd''s spirit was a Soul Devouring Dagger.

    The Examiner gestured to the box containing the lots. "Step forward and draw your lot," he instructed. Continue your saga on My Virtual Library Empire

    Aiden was the first to step forward. He reached into the box and pulled out a lot with the number 1. Next was Chloe, who drew lot number 2. Loyd stepped forward and drew number 3, followed by Durren with number 4. Silvia drew number 5, and finally, Ming drew number 6.

    The Examiner took note of the pairings. "The matches are as follows: Aiden versus Chloe, Loyd versus Durren, and Silvia versus Ming. The winners of these matches will face each other to determine the final ranking."

    Aiden and Chloe exchanged a glance. They had trained together for years, and now they would have to face each other in the arena. Both were determined to give it their all.

    "Prepare yourselves," the Examiner said. "The first match will begin shortly."

    The participants moved to the preparation area, each focusing on their own strategies and gathering their strength. The anticipation in the arena was palpable as the crowd waited for the matches to begin.

    Aiden and Chloe stepped into the arena, facing each other. Aiden''s golden sword gleamed in the sunlight, while Chloe''s Black Valkyrie form radiated an aura of power and grace.

    "Begin!" the Examiner''s voice rang out.

    Aiden moved first, his sword cutting through the air with blinding speed. Chloe countered with her own swift movements, her two visible wings flaring out as she dodged and parried. The clash of their spirits created a dazzling display of light and energy, captivating the audience.

    Meanwhile, Loyd and Durren were preparing for their match. Loyd''s Soul Devouring Dagger shimmered with a dark energy, while Durren''s White Annihilation Lion exuded an aura of raw power. Both participants were eager to prove their superiority.

    Silvia and Ming, too, readied themselves. Silvia''s Illusionary Dream Butterfly hovered around her, its wings creating mesmerizing patterns, while Ming''s Crimson Basilisk coiled menacingly beside him, its eyes glowing with a deadly intensity.

    Back in the arena, Aiden and Chloe continued their intense battle. Aiden''s precise sword strikes were met with Chloe''s agile dodges and counterattacks. They moved with a synchronicity born of years of training together, each pushing the other to their limits.

    As the match reached its climax, Aiden summoned a burst of energy, his sword glowing with a golden light. Chloe, not to be outdone, unleashed the true power of her Black Valkyrie form, revealing the hidden strength of her fallen angel spirit.

    The two powers clashed in a brilliant explosion of light and energy, leaving the arena in stunned silence. When the dust settled, both Aiden and Chloe were standing, breathing heavily but still determined.

    The Examiner took a note of Aiden''s sword just inches away from Chloe''s neck while Chloe, having lost her black sword, stood defenseless. He nodded approvingly before announcing, "Aiden is now holding the first position. Chloe will also advance to the next round."

    Inwardly, he muttered, ''Teacher, please help me if I were to die.''

    The beautiful figure accompanying him solemnly nodded.

    As for the old man, he began to walk towards Loyd, his spirit materializing behind him. It was that of a spotted leopard, a black one signifying its element.

    The spirit, like its owner, glared at Loyd, but then sensing something, it shrank back a little.

    The old man, in his anger, didn''t notice it as he kept approaching helpless Loyd.

    Reaching him, he raised his hands high in the air. "I will now execute you for killing a fellow student," he said and swung his claw.

    Loyd closed his eyes.

    Splurt!!!

    Feeling the warm liquid on his face, Loyd opened his eyes and saw a headless body. He looked around and saw the young Examiner holding a sword stained with blood.

    "Go back to the stands," he said. With another wave of his hand, he threw out the old man''s body and Durren''s body, then dismissed Loyd.

    Looking at the audience, he said, "It was first Durren who killed a fellow participant, so his dying doesn''t make Loyd evil."

    As he said those words, the audience began to chant Loyd''s name, praising him.

    Aiden, seeing this, shook his head. ''Well, a protagonist aura is a protagonist aura after all.''

    And then the next participants took the stage: Silvia and Ming.

    Silvia, a silver-haired girl with a charming smile, hopped to the stage, while Ming calmly walked to his position.

    Both then invoked their spirits. Behind Silvia, a butterfly with aurora wings formed, its black, big beady eyes making it look cute and beautiful. It slowly flapped its wings and stardust scattered around Silvia, making her look like an angel from outer space.

    Seeing this mesmerizing display, everyone cheered hard.

    Ming, on the other hand, looked menacing with his spirit. His crimson serpent spirit coiled around him, its predatory yellow eyes gazing at Silvia. It opened its mouth, showing rows of sharp dagger-like teeth.

    Seeing this, many flinched but cheered hard for Ming too.

    Now it was time for the battle of beauty and the beast.