Chapter 35: The Final Four
The battlefield trembled under the weight of the Blade Tiger's charge.
Edward's gang tried to hold, but the monster's claws swept wide, breaking their defenses. Shields cracked, spells faltered, and one by one, they were taken down.
Only Edward and Mina remained.
"Fall back!" Edward shouted, his voice steady even as sweat rolled down his brow.
Mina nocked another arrow, her flames burning brighter. "I'm not leaving you!"
Lux appeared behind them in a flash of light, his sword glowing. "Too slow—"
"Now, Yuta!"
Yuta commanded the Blade Tiger, who pounced at Mina with terrifying speed.
Time seemed to freeze.
Edward's eyes widened. His instincts screamed.
He didn't hesitate.
He slammed his hands into the ground, and an earthen wall erupted between Mina and the tiger's claw—just in time to block a deadly blow.
The crowd gasped.
"Did Edward… just protect someone?" a nobleman murmured.
"That's the son of Lord Balvarin, isn't it? The corrupt noble?" a villager whispered.
Captain Elara's eyes narrowed with interest.
Captain Roy crossed his arms and smirked.
"Didn't expect that cowboy to have a heart," he said, half amused.
Captain Alistair nodded. "Maybe the new generation's breaking free from the old chains."
---
Back on the battlefield—
Lux's sword struck Edward's side, and Yuta swept in with a stunning strike of his staff.
Edward collapsed, panting, but smiling.
"Damn… guess that's it."
Mina fell to her knees beside him. "Why did you…?"
"You're my teammate," he said quietly. "Not everything needs a reason."
---
A moment of silence passed.
Then—applause.
Not just from the students, but from the audience, nobles, villagers, even instructors.
Edward's uncle smiled faintly, pride glimmering in his eyes. He didn't say a word, but a single tear slid down his wrinkled cheek.
The four standing now:
Synoh, cloak soaked with sweat and blood, eyes fierce.
Yuta, confident and calm, his Blade Tiger growling beside him.
Lux, his light magic flaring like a second sun.
Mina, fire in her eyes, determination unshaken.
The final four.