The Aura Ascendant: A Knight's Unbroken Path

Hayden couldn't help but feel amused seeing how Claire was trying to look tough even at this moment. It was definitely a composure befitting a noblewoman like her…

"I'm just getting started…" Claire said coldly as she took a deep breath. She certainly looked like she was about to lose, but she wasn't the Academy's strongest for no reason.

At this time, even her Master realized what she was about to do… Fern looked at her and nodded.

There was no point in hiding her secret technique until the real tournament. After all, whoever her opponent was in that tournament, they shouldn't be as strong as Hayden at all.

'Hayden must be at the peak of the Trainee Stage and about to break through and reach the first level of Aura Master.' Grandmaster Fern thought as he looked at Hayden seriously.

As Aura Swordsman, they also have their own stages to reach their current level.

Just like how the Aura Knight had five Knight Trainee Stages, from Novice, Apprentice, Squire, Aura Initiate, and Knight Candidate before becoming an Aura Master or First-Level Aura Knight, the Swordsman also had five Sword Trainee Stages before becoming an Aura Master or First-Level Aura Swordsman.

In any case, the first five stages were all quite similar, and Fern was sure that Hayden's Aura was about to evolve at this point.

'If you beat him, there's no doubt that you'll conquer the competition. You can do it…' Fern thought as he clenched his fist, hoping for his disciple to win.

***

"I'll win!"

Claire shouted as she poured all of her remaining Aura. She may be unable to transfer her Aura to her sword since she wasn't an Aura Knight yet, her special sword was still activated because of her Aura.

It was something that the Competition could allow since it was also a Knight's ability to obtain good or suitable weapons for their fighting style.

Of course, it would still be illegal if it had an overwhelming effect and that would be based on the judges' decision.

In any case, this was Claire's trump card…

Suddenly, her rapier's blade glowed white-hot!

It had a bit of fire enchantment. There was no flame on the sword but everyone could tell that it had become extremely hot!

The crowd gasped as they believed that Hayden's sword would be no match for that.

"Ahh… I thought I'd lose my entire savings…"

"Hey! Girl! Finish him off! Quickly!"

"Right… he's tired now… Go!"

Obviously, these supporters wanted Claire to win for the bet they had placed. Seeing that her sword was enchanted or whatever it was called, they couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.

Fern, watching from the sidelines, also smiled as soon as he saw the sword...

"Now you'll see true Solaris Swordsmanship."

On the other hand, Headmaster Mensa simply smiled as he knew very well how capable Hayden was.

"Let's watch for now…" Mensa said as he didn't want to get ahead of himself.

Soon, Claire attacked again, her heated rapier even left some trails of steam in the air. It was definitely a rapier that could pierce through almost anything!

Each thrust came faster than the last, forcing Hayden to retreat toward the arena's edge.

He decided not to use his Mind Sword for now as he felt interested in the enchanted rapier…

Of course, he was still planning to win. As a matter of fact, he wasn't just retreating.

He was herding her. Right where he wanted her.

As soon as his Ocularis Lens recorded everything it needed, Hayden continued with his plan to end this duel.

After a few moments, Hayden feinted left, baiting Claire to overcommit. Thankfully, Claire followed him.

Shane then dodged right and used his Mind Sword! As soon as he used it, Claire almost fainted…

However, she shouted with all of her Aura to awaken herself and endure the pain in her head…

"Ahh!"

Unfortunately, as soon as she tried to forcefully send Hayden back, she made a mistake. Her sword was now too slow, so Shane used his Dawnbreaker Reversal, slamming the flat of his sword against her wrist.

CRACK.

Claire's grip faltered.

Hayden didn't give her time to recover. He swept her legs, sending her crashing onto her back—

And before she could move, his sword tip hovered at her throat.

As soon as Hayden did this, everyone was shocked, even Claire herself couldn't understand how she had fallen just like that…

"Yield…" Hayden said as he smiled at her… He didn't look very tired, but his breathing was heavy.

Clair stared up at him, and obviously, her eyes were filled with frustration… and something else.

Respect.

This was her first time being defeated by someone younger than her.

In most cases, she was the one defeating older opponents.

"Fine…"

Claire gritted her teeth and nodded...

"…You win."

Just like that, the few people who had gambled to bet on Hayden erupted in cheers. However, there are still many others cursing their lost bets.

It wasn't surprising since many of them thought that Hayden's frail-looking body wouldn't last long at all.

Claire, meanwhile, pushed herself up, wiping blood from her lip.

"You were studying me the whole time, right? So, did you learn my sword and movement technique?" Claire replied as she was also monitoring Hayden's gaze all throughout the battle.

"Oh… So you noticed. I just learned a few things from those moves…" Hayden replied as he knew that Claire had practiced her craft for many years. He was considerate enough not to hurt her with the truth.

The two then left the stage as they approached their masters.

Claire was obviously not in the mood, but she still had to keep up her appearance.

At this time, Fern's expression was unreadable as he tossed the Amulet to Mensa. "A deal's a deal. You can take it… However, Solaris will win this competition." He said.

Mensa didn't mind his words at all as he pocketed the 'gift' with a satisfied nod. "Pleasure doing business."