ONLINE: Blades of Eternity-Chapter 169: BOTH A HUMAN AND A SHADOW

As the dust settled from Sofia’s incredible victory, General Cao couldn’t help but sigh with an appraising look, his eyes narrowed as if measuring the power displayed on the platform. He folded his arms, nodding thoughtfully.

"The potential of this generation is unlike any we’ve seen," General Cao murmured. "They’re pushing boundaries we thought were reserved for elite practitioners."

Vice Chancellor Reeves nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on Sofia, who was walking towards the position that was reserved for the Ice Jade Princess with a look of quiet confidence. "They’re surpassing the standards set by even the academy’s most promising alumni," he said. "Each duel showcases a blend of innovation and raw talent that I thought only a handful of students would possess."

The other pillars exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and pride. Carmilia, the usually cold and detached guardian amongst the others in the Academy, suddenly smiled slightly. "The Great Alaric would be proud to see such resolve."

Bowen, typically stoic, finally spoke, his voice layered with conviction. "With the sheer willpower and tenacity this group has shown, the academy’s future looks bright. It’s clear that we’re witnessing the rise of individuals who may someday change the balance of power outside these walls."

Their collective agreement seemed to reaffirm an unspoken truth—the academy had entered a new era, one where students were no longer just training to be strong. They were pushing each other toward greatness, rivaling legends of the past.

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Back on the platform, As Sofia took her place among the top contenders, Kaelen, Morris, and the others greeted her with proud nods and words of encouragement. Kaelen, his grin broad, clapped her on the shoulder. "You’re unstoppable, Sofia. That was a duel to remember!"

"Thank you," Sofia replied, her expression softened by a rare smile. She glanced at each of them in turn, clearly moved. "I couldn’t have come this far without all of you."

Just then, Sylvester signaled for the next challenger. Out of the murmuring crowd, a young man with dark, intense eyes and a look of unyielding determination stepped onto the platform. He carried himself with a familiar air, but there was an edge in his gaze as he focused on Ethan.

"Ethan," he announced, his voice carrying across the platform. "I challenge you."

The surprise was evident on Ethan’s face as he met the gaze of his former friend, Lloyd. There was a brief silence before recognition and disbelief settled into Ethan’s expression. Memories of their once-strong friendship surfaced, mingling with the undeniable tension that had grown since Ethan had forged bonds with Kaelen and the others.

Kaelen glanced between the two, quickly picking up on the shift since Ethan has told him most of his life here in the Academy right before he became an internal student. "That’s Lloyd, isn’t it? You two were close once," he murmured.

Ethan nodded, jaw set as he took a steadying breath. "Yeah, we were. But a lot’s changed since then."

Lloyd’s eyes flashed with resentment as he raised his weapon. "You left us behind, Ethan," he said, his voice low and accusing. "Ever since you joined Kaelen and the others, it’s like we don’t exist anymore. Let’s see if you’ve really improved that much."

Ethan’s expression hardened, and he gave Lloyd a determined nod as he climbed the platform. "If that’s what it’ll take, Lloyd. Let’s settle this here and now."

Then as soon as Sylvester gave the signal, Ethan suddenly vanished in an instant, dissolving into thin air as if he had never been there. A collective gasp swept through the audience. Lloyd’s eyes darted around, scanning every corner of the platform, but no trace of Ethan could be found. For someone in the assassin’s class, who prided himself on tracking and precision, the disappearance was nothing short of unsettling as he thought.

’How in the world did he just disappear right in front of me?’

Kaelen and his companions watched intently, a knowing smirk playing on Kaelen’s lips. "He’s refined his technique even more," he murmured, admiration clear in his voice.

"At this point am not even sure if we can beat him since just to detect his presence seems to be a very tall order" Morris commented with a wry smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Lloyd gripped his twin blades tighter, adrenaline heightening his senses. But despite his skill, he couldn’t detect Ethan’s presence at all. His frustration grew, veins visible along his clenched jaw, but he fought to keep his composure.

Then, without warning, a shadow stirred right behind him. Before he could react, Ethan materialized out of Lloyd’s own shadow, his movements silent and fluid as he placed one of his twin blades lightly against Lloyd’s neck. The sheer shock paralyzed Lloyd, his breath caught as the cold metal pressed against his skin.

"It’s over," Ethan murmured, his voice a calm whisper carrying an edge of finality.

Lloyd’s shoulders slumped in defeat, his eyes wide as he processed the swiftness and precision of Ethan’s maneuver. Around the platform, onlookers stared in stunned silence, the gravity of Ethan’s skill evident in the way he’d ended the duel before it even truly began.

As Sylvester signaled the end of the duel, he struggled to hide his astonishment, his usually composed expression slipping. The crowd murmured in awe, still wrapping their minds around what they had witnessed. Up above, in the clouds where the Academy’s pillars observed, Vice Chancellor Reeves and the other figures were left in silent awe.

General Cao leaned forward, his face etched with disbelief. "This... level of mastery over shadows is unheard of for someone his age."

Carmilia, equally stunned, muttered, "How did he even acquire such skills? This isn’t something taught within the Academy’s usual curriculum."

Reeves watched Ethan with a contemplative gaze. "It’s like watching a blend of human and shadow—someone who can traverse realms unseen, merging himself with darkness in a way that almost defies human capability."

Vlahiç, often reserved, nodded slowly. "And here we thought we’d seen the pinnacle of talent in previous generations. It seems... we might indeed be getting old."

The Vice Chancellor allowed himself a slight smile. "These students are rewriting our expectations. They’re something else entirely—pioneers of a generation born with strength and talent beyond our imaginations." His voice was laced with a mix of admiration and wariness as he continued, "But talents like Ethan’s… we should keep a close eye on."