CHAPTER 88: TODAY I WILL BE REBORN

After Michel’s fight against Avery, which kicked off the quarterfinals of the Grand Spring Tournament, the second fight continued with Lando against Axel Valentín. The fight between them was intense.

It wasn’t at the same level as Kael’s fight against his sister or Michel’s fight against Avery, but their performance had the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the fight, where they saw all kinds of unique moves and unknown techniques.

Finally, Axel Valentín claimed victory after Lando’s mana essence was completely depleted and he lost his physical strength.

Next up was Soren Medici, one of the top contenders to win the tournament, against Ryon Peridot, a member of one of the great families.

The start of the fight was quite intense, with both fighters exchanging powerful techniques and neither allowing the other to gain the upper hand.

As time went on, the fight intensified, and the noise from the excited crowd grew louder and louder.

Everyone participating in this tournament wanted the same thing: glory, recognition, and above all... pride.

A useless feeling that men have disguised as virtue, as if clinging to an illusion made them higher.

But how pathetic it is.

How blind you have to be not to see the truth: pride is a chain that you drag around with a smile on your face.

It is the need for validation turned into a shield.

A consolation for the weak who cannot accept their mediocrity.

The fight between Soren and Ryon was coming to an end. Both were already at their limit.

Staring into each other’s eyes with sweat covering their faces and screams ringing in the background, they jumped at the same time to end the fight. A sharp metallic sound echoed throughout the coliseum.

Soren Medici, who had been standing, slowly fell to the floor of the combat platform, and Ryo Peridot remained standing, proud, looking up at the sky with a lost expression.

[INCREDIBLE! WHAT WE JUST WITNESSED TODAY WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY! Against all odds, Ryo Peridot has just defeated one of the top favorites.]

[And now, as the stadium falls silent...]

[He stands tall, steady, unmoved... like a statue!]

After announcing his victory, Ryo also collapsed. He had been standing purely through sheer willpower.

After Soren and Ryo were carried away, the announcer, standing on the platform where, thanks to observation and sound magic, he had been speaking, said:

[What a spectacular fight! With that, we now have three of the semifinalists. But the day isn’t over yet... After a short break, it’s time for the last quarterfinal match! And this time, two members of the Medici family will face off in a duel that promises to be unforgettable.]

...

A few moments later, Kael was walking through the corridors of the coliseum, heading toward one of the entrances that led to the battle platform.

Leaning against the wall was Michel, his expression indifferent as he looked at Kael. However, he didn’t say a single word; there was no need for him to say anything, because he already understood.

Kael walked past him without even glancing at him and advanced through the large entrance, where screams assaulted his senses. He saw the faces of the people in the stands, who were euphoric.

"Give us another great fight, Kael! And show your big brother who’s boss around here!"

"I won’t let you lose. I’m counting on you to make it to the semifinals... Don’t fail me!"

"Faking honesty again, you bastard? Like we didn’t know you cheated last time!"

"Damn you! It’s your fault I lost all my money yesterday. I hope your brother knocks that fake smile off your face... You disgusting person!"

With all kinds of voices reaching his ears, Kael kept walking until he climbed onto the fighting platform. He was wearing the black Taoist robe made of iron spider thread, and on his back was the long sword given to him by his mother.

Standing before him was Jasper Medici, with his flawless face, fine features, blood-red hair, and intensely shining ruby eyes. He was wearing full light armor made of sturdy black iron, and in his hand he held a two-handed sword.

[And now, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the highlight of this fifth day of the Grand Spring Tournament! With the quarterfinals about to be decided, two powerful contenders face off in this epic duel... both members of the host Clan Medici! In this corner... Kael Medici! And facing him, his rival... Jasper Medici! Let the battle that will mark the history of this tournament begin!]

"The time has finally come, little brother," Jasper said with a broad smile, though his voice trembled slightly.

Kael stood silently before him, his expression indifferent. He did not respond. Not a word. Not a glance.

That silence weighed heavier than any insult.

Jasper clenched his fists. For a moment, he felt rage welling up inside him, but he held it back. This fight wasn’t like the others. It wasn’t just about winning. It was something deeper.

It was about him.

Kael, his younger brother, had followed two paths: magic and aura, and in less than a year, he had achieved what he had barely managed in years of practice on a single path. It was a talent that defied logic. A breakthrough that reduced his efforts to ashes.

And no matter how much he pretended not to care, no matter how many times he told himself that time would put everything in its place... he knew that something inside him had broken the day Lyra announced she would not be participating in the fight for succession.

Since then, that crack has silently widened.

Because it wasn’t the lack of recognition that hurt him. It was realizing that even without Lyra, there was someone else who overshadowed his existence.

Kael.

"What you achieved in months took me years," Jasper muttered under his breath. "But that ends today. I’m not here to match you... I’m here to destroy you."

His voice turned cold.

"Today I will be reborn..." he continued, raising his head. "Not as Zephyr’s second son, nor as anyone’s shadow. Today I will tear this inferiority from myself with my own hands... and I will take back the place that has always been mine."