Chapter 31 — Entire Arena Reacts

The arena fell into stunned silence. For a heartbeat, no one moved, no one spoke. The whispers grew louder, spreading like wildfire. The Mirrorblade… Kaelen Drayce… he’s alive… here… in our kingdom.

Prince Aric’s hands clenched the hilt of his sword, eyes wide. His mentor, the man who had guided him through grueling training and countless lessons, was not just a master—he was the legendary champion who had once dominated the colosseum, unbeaten. And he had been hiding this identity for years.

Princess Lysandra’s gaze remained locked on Kaelen. Her heart pounded, a strange mix of admiration, awe, and an unfamiliar flutter she could not name. The golden eyes beneath the hood radiated calm authority, yet something more intimate, more personal, seemed to touch her very soul.

The King rose from his throne, his eyes narrowing as he observed the masked master. “So… the stories were true,” he murmured. “The Mirrorblade lives… and he walks among us.”

The knights shifted uneasily, recognizing the aura of a fighter whose skill transcended rank. Rogan Thorne, standing opposite Kaelen, clenched his jaw, a mixture of frustration and determination flashing in his eyes. “I’ve trained to surpass the greatest, only to find he has been here all along,” Rogan muttered.

The crowd erupted, a mixture of awe, excitement, and disbelief echoing through the marble halls. Shouts rang out: He’s unbeatable! The legend walks! The Mirrorblade is real!

Aric’s gaze lifted toward Kaelen, golden eyes watching every move. “Master… why didn’t you tell anyone before?” he asked quietly, awe laced with a hint of frustration.

Kaelen’s calm voice reached only Aric’s ears. “Revealing my identity changes the stakes. It distracts, it intimidates, it shapes perception. Every fighter here will now be aware of the challenge. Learn from it, but do not be swayed by it.”

Princess Lysandra stepped forward, curiosity overcoming protocol. “Kaelen… you are truly incredible. I… I never imagined someone could move, fight, and command attention like you.”

Kaelen inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her words with quiet humility. He had no need for admiration, yet he understood its impact. This reveal had altered the dynamics of the tournament, inspiring some, intimidating others, and setting the stage for battles yet to come.

Meanwhile, Rogan’s eyes burned with renewed determination. “I will surpass you, Mirrorblade. I don’t care about the legend—only the truth of my strength. And I will prove it in battle.”

Kaelen’s golden gaze met his, calm yet unwavering. “Then show me, Rogan. Let the fight speak for itself.”

Across the arena, every fighter adjusted their stance, reevaluating strategies. The tournament was no longer merely a contest—it was now a stage for legends, a proving ground for the strongest, and a battlefield where skill, strategy, and destiny intertwined.

The whispers of awe and anticipation filled the air. The Mirrorblade had returned, not just as a legend of the past, but as a force that would test, challenge, and shape the future of every warrior in the kingdom.