The announcer's voice rose once more after the short break, still burning with excitement that filled the entire arena.
"And now, it's time for the next match!
From the Elven Kingdom — the sharpshooter Maria Elfin!
Versus the representative of the Kingdom of Nevalor — the knight Daniel Silford!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, half shouting Maria's name, while the other half roared for Daniel.
The sky began to darken slightly, as if nature itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the coming battle.
In the royal platform, the Elven King, Eldrion, sat quietly, his calm eyes following his adopted daughter, Maria.
He murmured to himself:
"Show them the pride of the elves, Maria."
On the opposite side, the King of Nevalor — an old man with silver hair — watched intently.
Beside him stood Semifel, his gaze fixed on his pupil Daniel with restrained excitement.
Semifel smiled slightly.
"Daniel will not disappoint our kingdom."
Zeus raised his hand, his commanding voice echoing through the arena.
"Let the battle begin!"
Maria was the first to move.
She leapt lightly backward, drawing her elegant bow made from ancient wood — a weapon possessed only by elite elven archers.
An arrow of green energy formed between her fingers as gentle breezes gathered around her, swirling into a small vortex.
She whispered softly, her voice focused and calm:
"Wind Arrow — First Feather!"
The arrow shot forth faster than the eye could follow, slicing through the air like a shimmering green flash.
But at that same instant, Daniel raised his long sword, wrapped in radiant light.
"Shield of Light!"
A golden barrier materialized before him. The arrow struck it and burst into glittering sparks.
Daniel chuckled calmly.
"Impressive… perfect speed."
Then he vanished.
No one saw how he moved — just a single flash.
He appeared behind Maria, his sword glowing with a gentle brilliance.
She narrowly avoided the strike, using a burst of air beneath her feet to launch herself upward, firing three rapid arrows toward the ground.
Daniel swung his sword in a wide arc, releasing a blinding wave of light.
The arrows disintegrated within the radiant storm he created.
The crowd roared:
"Woooooaaaahhh!"
On the platform, the Elven King spoke in a low, worried tone:
"Light magic… the worst match for wind. This will not be easy for her."
While the King of Nevalor smiled proudly:
"That's how the sons of Nevalor fight… the light shows no mercy when it shines."
Semifel whispered under his breath, barely containing his excitement:
"Show them, Daniel… show them your skill!"
Maria refused to give up.
Winds gathered around her again, forming translucent wings of emerald energy from her back.
She drew another arrow, glowing with a faint blue hue, and shouted:
"Celestial Arrow!"
The arrow soared upward, piercing the clouds — then plummeted like lightning from the heavens.
But Daniel closed his eyes.
In that instant of silence, every light in the arena vanished.
Then, suddenly, a radiant glow burst from him, blindingly bright.
"Holy Sword… Dawn of Light!"
One strike — swift as the morning sun.
The explosion of air and light merged into a white shockwave that covered the entire arena.
When the light faded, Maria was on one knee, breathing heavily, while Daniel stood firm, his sword resting against the ground — calm, composed, and eyes gleaming.
The announcer paused for two seconds, then shouted at the top of his lungs:
"The winner — Daniel Silford of the Kingdom of Nevalor!!"
The arena erupted in cheers and applause.
The King of Nevalor stood proudly while Semifel clapped with joy.
"I knew you'd do it!"
The Elven King, however, smiled softly with proud sadness.
"You fought honorably, Maria… that's enough."
In the side stands, Arthur watched the match with serious eyes, arms crossed.
"That boy… his power is as straight as the sun, unbending."
Marcia looked at him with a teasing smile.
"Feeling threatened, Arthur?"
Arthur replied calmly, eyes still on Daniel as he greeted the crowd.
"Not threatened… just curious. I want to face him."
Marcia giggled.
"Heh… always searching for someone to awaken your inner flame.
Now I just hope your next fight will be against my brother."
Arthur smirked faintly.
"Maybe… that would be interesting."
Maria raised her head, smiling gently toward Daniel.
"Great fight… Knight of Light."
Daniel sheathed his sword and replied:
"And you… were the wind untouchable."
On the royal platform, Zeus spoke in a firm tone:
"We'll proceed to the next battle after a short break."