A stunned silence swept through the arena like a crashing tide.
Everyone gaped, speechless, unable to believe what they just heard.
Finn—yes, that Finn—had just forfeited the match.
Even the Elders, including Noah, widened their eyes in disbelief. While it was true that Ashe had a higher cultivation rank than him, no one expected Finn to surrender without even drawing his weapon. After all the breathtaking feats he had shown, many of those who now idolized him were eagerly waiting to witness more of his brilliance.
"Are you certain of your decision, Finn Doria?" Marcus asked, a deep frown creasing his brow. "If you surrender now, you'll only have one last chance to secure a place among the Soaring Seven."
Everyone had been anticipating this match, believing that Finn would finally fight seriously. But he was now turning away from it without a single move.
Finn offered a slight smile, about to respond, when—
"Finn Doria! What are you trying to pull?!" a voice thundered from the first arena. "Fight me, you coward!"
Ashe's furious shout echoed through the grounds.
Finn turned toward her and forced a faint smile.
"No thanks," he replied with a calm shake of his head.
"Hmph! Are you even a man?! Get up here or I'll drag you up myself!"
"I'll pass," Finn said again.
"Fight me!"
"No."
"Coward!"
"Nope."
The crowd turned their heads back and forth like spectators at a tennis match.
"Miss Ashe," Finn suddenly said, placing a hand dramatically over his chest. "I know I'm handsome, but you don't need to fall for me so deeply. Wanting to fight me so badly—could this be love at first sight? Don't worry, you'll get your chance someday. But for now, I must decline. It would be too embarrassing for me to lose to you in front of so many people."
A collective groan erupted across the arena.
Some spectators looked ready to vomit. Others palmed their faces, sighing in defeat.
"I take it back! I used to idolize him! Now I just want to punch him!"
"His face is thicker than the Sacred Dragon Kingdom's history book!"
"Ugh, what an infuriating man!"
Even the Elders were holding their foreheads in exasperation.
"Finn Doria!" Ashe roared, her fists trembling. "You're making my hands itch to slap you!"
Finn simply coughed, ignoring her fury and the angry stares burning holes through him. He offered Marcus a wide grin.
"Elder Marcus, the rules clearly state that a participant may surrender. I'm choosing to forfeit this match and wait for my final chance."
Marcus gave him a long look, then sighed. "Very well. If you insist, we have no choice." He stood up and announced, "Since Finn Doria has voluntarily surrendered, Ashe Vermillion is the winner. With two victories, she becomes the first to secure a place in the Seven Great Faction Games!"
"As for Finn Doria, he still has one last chance in the final round."
The crowd turned their gaze toward Ashe. Jealousy and awe filled their eyes. To earn a place in the great competition—what a tremendous opportunity.
They all knew the rules. Once a core member reached the age of twenty-three, they would have to choose: either rise to become an Outer Elder or return to their family clan to continue their lives. But should the faction ever need their strength, they were bound by oath to return.
Just as the crowd's thoughts began to drift, another voice rang out:
"Since Carine Pier can no longer continue, Lore Lilytel wins! With two victories, he too earns a place in the Seven Great Faction Games!"
The audience turned their admiration to Lore. No surprise there. As a core member of the most powerful Noble Clan in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom, his strength inspired awe.
The matches continued one after another.
As Finn watched quietly, Ashe approached him with her usual provocation.
"Finn Doria," she said, her voice calm but her eyes still sharp, "didn't you say you wanted to protect your clan? Then why refuse to fight?"
"I do need that protection," Finn replied without turning his eyes away from the arena. "Which is exactly why I'll make sure to win my next match."
"Hmph. So confident. I hope you live up to it."
She turned to leave, then paused, as if remembering something.
"Oh, and one last thing. If you say the word 'handsome' in front of me again, I swear I'll rearrange your face."
Finn merely smiled as she walked off.
He noticed the angry glares from the other core members but chose not to respond. His focus remained on the battles.
More victories were declared:
—Lan Vermillion defeated Kiel Lilytel, earning a place among the Seven.
—Zeno Sieve surrendered, giving Ezekias Sieve a second chance.
—Roy Lilytel defeated Claus Thunor, who was now disqualified.
—Juvia Wasser defeated Yasue Silver.
—Leo Reeve bested Vios Vermillion.
When Finn heard Leo's name announced as a victor, he smiled at last.
"Congratulations, Leo," he said warmly, meeting his injured friend.
"Thanks, Finn," Leo replied with a tired grin. "There are four slots left. Let's both make it."
Finn simply nodded. In his heart, he wished Leo would make it too. He himself had no doubt—he would claim a spot.
Marcus stepped forward again.
"The second round has ended, and we have three who've secured their places: Ashe Vermillion, Lan Vermillion, and Lore Lilytel. There are four spots left. Now, please draw your numbers. But this time, do not reveal them. Only come forward when your number is called."
Eight participants approached and drew their lots, hiding them in their palms.
"First arena, Number One!"
"Second arena, Number Two!"
Roy was about to step forward when he saw Ezekias moving toward the same arena.
He froze.
After a deep breath, he closed his eyes and announced, "Elder Marcus, I forfeit."
He knew he stood no chance.
"Since Roy Lilytel has surrendered, Ezekias Sieve secures his spot in the Seven Great Faction Games!"
Cheers erupted for Ezekias.
Now only three matches remained. Finn and Leo hoped fervently not to draw each other's number.
"First arena, Number Three!"
Leo looked at Finn, who shook his head. Relief flooded Leo's face as he ascended the stage. His opponent: Kiel Lilytel.
The fight was fierce but short. With superior willpower and a Top-tier Rare Armament, Leo overpowered Kiel.
Meanwhile, Juvia Wasser won in the second arena.
"Juvia Wasser and Leo Reeve won their respective battles! They now claim two of the last three seats in the Seven Great Faction Games!"
Only one match remained.
"The final match! Finn Doria versus Zeno Sieve!"
Both men stepped onto the first arena, locking eyes.
"Finn Doria," Zeno said with a grin, "I know you've been holding back. But I've got a tough body—you won't beat me with speed alone. I'll be the one to take the last spot!"
He charged forward, wielding a massive battle axe.
Finn, however, drew no weapon. The crowd buzzed in confusion.
Was he really going to fight barehanded?
Zeno, insulted, struck fiercely—but Finn calmly dodged each blow. Finally, in a swift motion, Finn countered with a single punch to Zeno's abdomen.
Zeno froze.
His axe dropped from his hand.
He fell to his knees, then collapsed—screaming in agony before going unconscious, foam at his lips and tears at the corners of his eyes.
"Elders, Sect Master Noah," Finn said calmly, "Zeno Sieve has lost consciousness. May I assume I've secured the final spot?"
"Y-yes… of course…" Marcus stammered. He cleared his throat and formally declared, "Since Zeno Sieve can no longer fight, Finn Doria is victorious and secures the final seat in the Seven Great Faction Games!"
The crowd erupted.
They looked at Finn as if seeing him for the first time—a mysterious young man who felled a 3rd Level Scarlet Gold Rank with a single blow.
Who exactly was this Finn Doria?
The excitement faded to sorrow for many. The selection was over. Their chance had passed.
Tears welled in some eyes.
"For those who failed," Noah's voice rang out, "never lose hope. Life is long. More trials and opportunities await you. Let this defeat fuel your future."
His words rekindled a fire in their hearts.
And then—
"Elders, Sect Master Noah," Finn said, bowing low, "if I may humbly request… protection for my family."
Noah smiled. "Because you are now among the Soaring Seven, your clan will be granted protection. I hereby declare that the Cloud Soaring Sect will shield the Azure Wood Family from all threats. Let's see who dares defy us now."
Finn clenched his fists, overwhelmed with gratitude.
"Thank you, Elders… thank you, Sect Master!"
The competition had ended.
Of the chosen seven:
—Ashe Vermillion, from the Vermillion Bird Family
—Lore Lilytel, from the mighty Lightning Wind Family
—Lan Vermillion, also from the Vermillion Bird Family
—Ezekias Sieve, of the Earth Sieve Family
—Leo Reeve, of the Golden Lion Family
—Juvia Wasser, of the Calm Water Family
—And lastly, Finn Doria, the mysterious prodigy from the Azure Wood Family
Most were unsurprised by the winners—except one.
Finn, with his 9th Level Gold Rank, had bested all his opponents effortlessly.
As he stood there, quietly bowed, a dark glint sparked in his eyes.
'Nine Ice Family… Black Tiger Family… and every clan that tormented my people—when my strength is enough, I will return the pain tenfold.'
No longer did he need to fear for his clan's safety.
Now he could focus entirely on his growth… and his revenge.