Chapter 99- And so the Finale begins

Words : 1031 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Raph was left stumped, his gaze flickering with intensity as he looked away. He wasn't the type to try to talk someone out of their innate characteristics, but he didn't mind if it helped in the future. And some may wonder, how did this bias affect her progress? Well, for starters, she became difficult to partner with during the war. She showed so much hostility towards men that the number of male footmen who died during the war was astoundingly high. It was hard to imagine someone as rational as her having such a cold side when it came to people's lives. Having a bias is one thing, but letting it cloud your judgment is another. She was a powerful mage at the time, reaching the 10th circle and becoming a Grand Mage, but her progress became stagnant. Surpassing the 10th stage of aura and mana involves a form of ascension known as energy perception, the ability to form an imprint on the world. And to do so, you must be in control of all parts of yourself. Well, there are other conditions that must be met, but a 'bias' that has brewed something much deeper and darker within you is not one of them. 'And she shows so much promise. I won't let her limit herself.' These were his thoughts at the moment. At one point in his past life, Ciara lost the initiative in becoming the Family head, or rather, it took a while before she became one. In fact, from what he was aware of in his past life, she had not become one until his death. 'Which also means the executive of the Merlin household at the time of my execution was probably not Ciara...'. Well, he always hoped that it wasn't. He had a goal set once he started his academy life, and Ciara was included in it. He sighed deeply, turning towards Ciara, her gaze still fixed on him. "...do you have something to say?" He asked, his eyebrow forming an arch when he noticed how condescending her stare was. She shook her head. "How do you expect to win this battle? I remember how much you boasted at the beginning, but with time...I could tell you're not as cut out as you think you are". Her tone was laced with curiosity rather than any form of negativity. He could at least say he was making progress; Ciara from his past life would have walked away the moment she noticed a man in her personal space. Though her question... "Well, it's all a matter of circumstance, you see...." He replied, the image of the King appearing in his mind. "Not to mention, fooling the Patriarchs...it would be nice to continue like that, but as you said, I won't win if I showed that level of prowess". Ciara stared at him with a blank expression. She never could read through him, unlike most men she knew...or boys her age. Continue your journey with empire She was curious, though, how was he going to win? "Do you have a plan or something?" She asked, folding her arms beneath the blanket. Raph stared into space for a while, a short silence suffusing the air. "Not yet...though it may be nice if the King didn't show up". "How could I not?! That...demonic energy? How?" She snapped at him, standing to her feet and summoning her wand. It was but a fleeting moment, but they felt it so clear, so vivid, enough to leave an imprint on their souls. "....let's return to our quarters?" Raph asked, unable to find anything of noticeable change. She nodded, her expressions betraying her action. 'Is he trying to make me do something I don't want to? Stupid boy.' Her thoughts screamed in her mind, but then again...better safe than sorry. They both retreated, Ciara walking through the door while Raph jumped all the way back and returned to his chambers through the door. It was a cold night, and the hollow winds only made it worse by settling that coldness around, increasing in intensity with time as the Moon's luminescence dyed the atmosphere in an ethereal milky white. It was in that darkness, at the top corner of the Colosseum, where a female figure appeared. Her body features seemed to be straining against her clothing, and her eyes glowed with a malevolent hue. "Oh, how cute~, they felt that". **** The sun's rays were like a magnificent beam of radiant brilliance that illuminated the skies in an iridescent red and yellow as it stood mightily in the sky in all its splendor. The beams slid off the walls of the Colosseum, as the cries and cheers of the audience sparked life within its very walls. The noise was so great that it inevitably filled the empty streets, while people fought for a chance to get a front-row seat to the finale of the Rankings Battle. Who would have thought that a battle so mighty would actually have its end? Well, not necessarily mighty....but more like, interesting and unique? Something like that. The Arena had an otherworldly glow that only radiated with the brilliant beams, igniting the hearts of many as they watched the four people who stood on that very ground. One was, of course, their commentator, as well as the Patriarch of the Jun household. One would wonder why such an exalted figure would commentate, but it was something that had been done since time immemorial. Or since when the Rankings Battle began. It was normal for a Patriarch to be chosen as a commentator, and he happened to be the one this year. The other three were the participants for the finale. Darell Silvan, Jang Kang Lin, and Raffaelo Jun. Their names sent waves of excitement within the stands, and the Patriarch seats were not left empty...though one seemed particularly empty at the time. It was time for the finale, and for the ending of this prolonged battle that had been carried out for about a week. "Are you ready?"

Chapter 99- And so the Finale begins

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