Title: Shadow of the Eternal Flame - Chapter 17 : The Knights Of Aros

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The morning sun slowly rose above the small city.

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Its golden rays slipped between the rooftops, reflecting from the glass windows until the entire town seemed to awaken gently after a long night.

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The streets quickly filled with life.

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Merchants opened their shops.

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Children ran through the narrow alleys.

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The smell of freshly baked bread blended with the aroma of coffee and burning wood.

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But near the central plaza...

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Everything was different.

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The roads leading to the arena were packed with wagons and travelers.

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People had come from every direction.

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Men...

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Women...

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Knights...

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Adventurers...

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Some had even climbed onto rooftops just to secure a better view.

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Today...

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Was no ordinary day.

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It was the day of The Last Traveler Inn Tournament.

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Inside one of the wooden rooms...

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Khaled stood before the window.

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Silently watching the crowds below.

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Their voices reached him like waves crashing against the shore.

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He slowly closed his eyes.

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Then pulled the black pendant from beneath his clothes.

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He stared at it for a long moment.

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It was no longer just a necklace.

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It reminded him of everything that had happened.

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Of...

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Shadow.

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And of the power he still feared to unleash.

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After taking a deep breath...

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He tucked it back beneath his clothes.

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Then quietly left the room.

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In the hallway...

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Abdulrahman was already waiting.

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His arms were folded.

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His expression was calm...

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Yet beneath that calm lay a fatigue no one else could see.

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Khaled walked past him without saying a word.

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Abdulrahman followed.

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No conversation.

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No exchanged glances.

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Not even an attempt to break the silence.

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And yet...

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Despite everything...

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Each of them knew...

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If the other ever needed someone watching his back...

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He would be there.

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A few minutes later...

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They arrived at the grand arena.

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It was enormous.

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A perfect circle built entirely from white stone.

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Towering stands surrounded it from every side, already overflowing with spectators.

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At the center stood a tall man wearing a crimson robe decorated with a golden emblem.

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In his hand rested a short staff crowned with a blue crystal.

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He raised it high.

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A brilliant beam of light shot into the sky.

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Then his powerful voice echoed throughout the arena.

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"Ladies and gentlemen..."

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"Welcome..."

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"To the Last Traveler Inn Tournament!"

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Thunderous applause erupted.

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The entire arena trembled beneath the cheers.

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The announcer smiled.

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Then continued.

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"Before the tournament begins..."

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"Allow me to explain the rules."

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The audience immediately fell silent.

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He continued.

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"Each team consists of two fighters."

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"The tournament follows a single-elimination format."

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"Once a team loses..."

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"They are eliminated."

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He raised one finger.

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"Killing is strictly forbidden."

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"A team will be declared defeated if..."

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"They surrender."

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"One teammate loses the ability to continue fighting."

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"Or..."

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"They remain outside the arena for ten consecutive seconds."

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He pointed toward the prize platform.

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"As for the champions..."

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His voice grew louder.

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"They will receive..."

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"Free lodging inside the city."

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"Two fully prepared horses for their journey."

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"And..."

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"Fifty gold coins."

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The spectators burst into cheers once again.

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Even the children joined in, shouting excitedly.

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Khaled and Abdulrahman took their seats in the contestants' section.

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Around them sat dozens of unfamiliar faces.

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Every team remained together.

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Watching the others.

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Measuring them.

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But no one approached anyone else.

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Khaled slowly looked around.

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"They all look strong..."

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he murmured.

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Abdulrahman kept his eyes fixed on the arena.

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Then answered calmly...

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Without looking at Khaled.

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"Don't be fooled."

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Khaled turned toward him.

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But Abdulrahman continued.

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"Everyone here..."

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"Will hide their true strength."

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"They'll only show..."

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"What they want others to see."

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Silence followed.

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Then he added.

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"Real power..."

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"Is never revealed..."

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"Until the moment it's truly needed."

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A faint smile appeared on Khaled's face.

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"You've changed."

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Abdulrahman didn't even look at him.

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Instead he quietly replied.

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"I've grown too..."

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"But..."

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"In my own way."

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Far to the north...

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Beyond the warmth of the morning sun...

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The frozen windows of the Ice Palace reflected a pale blue light.

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Catalina slowly opened her eyes.

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She felt no chains.

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No ropes.

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Instead...

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She found herself lying on an elegant bed.

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White curtains surrounded her.

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A strange crystal fireplace filled the room with gentle warmth despite being made entirely of ice.

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She slowly sat up.

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Looking around in confusion.

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"Where am I...?"

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At that moment...

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The door opened.

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Salman entered with his usual calm expression.

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Catalina looked directly at him.

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Then immediately asked...

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"Why didn't you kill me?"

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Salman remained silent for a few seconds.

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Then calmly answered.

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"If I had wanted you dead..."

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"I would have done it..."

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"In the forest."

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Silence filled the room.

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Her confusion only deepened.

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"Then..."

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"Why am I here?"

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Salman walked toward the frozen window.

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Watching the endless snowfall outside.

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Then quietly replied.

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"Because..."

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"You are not my enemy."

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He turned toward her.

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"And I refuse..."

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"To let you become another victim..."

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"Of a war you know nothing about."

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Catalina frowned.

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"What war?"

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A faint smile crossed Salman's face.

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Then he spoke.

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"There is one name..."

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"That can change everything you believe about this world."

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"Shadow."

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Catalina's eyes widened.

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She whispered...

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"Shadow...?"

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Salman looked at her with surprise.

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"So..."

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"The Sage never told you the whole story."

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He walked toward a nearby table.

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Placed a glass of water before her.

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Then continued.

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"The energy inside Khaled..."

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"Feels..."

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"Very similar..."

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"To Shadow's."

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"The man..."

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"Who was sealed inside a black pendant."

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Catalina stopped breathing for a moment.

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A...

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Black pendant?

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Immediately...

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Khaled's necklace appeared in her mind.

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The one he never took off.

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Her heart pounded violently.

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The scattered pieces...

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Were beginning to connect.

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Yet...

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She remained silent.

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Meanwhile...

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Back in Aros Village...

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The days were no longer the same.

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The training grounds, once filled with the sounds of sparring and laughter...

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Had fallen silent.

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The houses that had once echoed with joy...

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Now carried only quiet concern.

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Even the wind...

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Seemed to drift through the streets carrying an unseen weight.

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Inside the Sage's home...

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Mimi sat by the window.

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Gently holding a small white flower in her hands.

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Its petals were still fresh.

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Bright.

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Untouched by withering.

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A warm smile appeared on her face.

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She carefully stood up.

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Then walked toward Sage Saif.

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He sat behind his old wooden desk.

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Ancient maps lay spread before him.

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Yet...

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His eyes weren't truly looking at them.

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"Grandpa..."

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Mimi called softly.

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He raised his head.

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Forcing a gentle smile.

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"What is it, Mimi?"

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She stepped closer.

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Holding the flower up proudly.

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"I want to see my sister."

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Silence.

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Saif felt his heart tighten.

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But he hid it well.

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"They'll be back soon."

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Mimi shook her head.

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Then smiled innocently.

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"I'm not worried."

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The Sage looked at her in surprise.

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She lifted the flower a little higher.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXngfd42hy

"As long as my flower is still healthy..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx2RTqgQUx

"I'm sure my sister is fine too."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W9D1nLwME

His fingers trembled ever so slightly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ahC9YwuT3

He knew...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9HB2uWfZb

She truly believed that the two flowers reflected the bond between sisters.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIVnbKXFvG

And seeing her unwavering faith...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyNeeq2w0n

Only made the weight in his heart heavier.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35gEPTUSWX

He smiled gently.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBzVvg6zky

Placed his hand on her head.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD98QKFlgK5

"I'm sure she'll return."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5KHiilNmB

Mimi hugged the flower tightly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghlZWvg7Xp

Then smiled again.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3eOgOjMwL

"When Khaled and Abdulrahman come back..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd0qcb9FEo

"We'll all go bring Catalina home together."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjwlPtYdZN

The Sage couldn't answer.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEoIVrpc05

He simply looked away...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv4jnCBLRz

Before she noticed the tears gathering in his eyes.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4iK31mQa2

Just then...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMtXvDgZcM

An elderly man entered the house.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsciWfEmeYc

He wore a long green robe.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKvawbc9EQ

His white beard reached his chest.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8TO34j22Z

Wisdom could be seen in every wrinkle upon his face.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oWpsDXTzw

Saif immediately stood.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHlRrJhJbt

"Welcome..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATftFbG1CK

"Sage of Grimm Village."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5IGTqCdxs

The old man smiled warmly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoTuyipmk6

"I heard your grandchildren have begun their journey."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rHmNy9yoY

Saif nodded.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhfGdEaftX

"They have."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2Z2vyoGXO

"And I pray..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym8Vxo2M87

"They return stronger than ever."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XEzOARo4D

The old Sage walked toward Mimi.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H3fiioKCF

Gently patted her head.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwvJTtGCpc

Then smiled.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTpHXMS4oH

Mimi simply looked back down at her flower...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBIbDCCXEQ

Trusting it...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykvOmr9unN

More than she trusted the world itself.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof5xdG1YSL

Back inside the arena...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UE8Yd9vOB

The announcer's voice echoed once more.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QgmTnh1Id

"And now..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE7wjibjQy

"It is time for introductions."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuoKwpqy2X

"Each team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC8kFHJ4n9

"Will step onto the arena..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HBghljgQV

"And introduce themselves."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR6Unwd7qZ

Cheers erupted across the stands.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffOmyQfODo

Excitement spread like wildfire.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk61zKlo79L

Abdulrahman continued watching the stage in silence.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2psBGEJxWe

Then quietly spoke to Khaled.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3bWNHRVZj

"Now..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6kng1q8dt

"We'll see the masks."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEm9IX7res

Khaled raised an eyebrow.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZmEsToc7C

"What do you mean?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdphjGuG1A

Without taking his eyes off the arena...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N8L39Em7m

Abdulrahman replied.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH9GJE7I2W

"Everyone..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgaueLq1cW

"Will create the image..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvdUJdZzGW

"They want their enemies to remember."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPD7PBHcCb

"Don't watch..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllGcqiDL6h

"What they choose to show."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfHmp8zppm

"Watch..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs8Md76Yvi

"What they're trying to hide."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHxQOVRAYE

Khaled looked at him with quiet admiration.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrCkvfCQi6

But...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycR2wae2rW

Said nothing.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI1Pg3thWU

The announcer raised his arm.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb7e8wehvS

"Please welcome..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q855Fw6BN

"The first team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJMo0UbW7z

"Mountain Fist!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kDkdM9oGe

Thunderous applause shook the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWl42Kq9Nv

Heavy drums echoed across the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfltTnft8i0

The first stone gate slowly opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed4MPSo8Z9

Two figures stepped forward with heavy, measured footsteps.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yBYL5A205

Each step made the arena floor tremble.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjqOcg0zgs

The first...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykULWQiumY

Was a massive man with broad shoulders.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqKhfgAmyY

Short brown hair.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtyGXchJTg

A thick beard.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiERNzq23D0

And a gigantic iron hammer resting upon his shoulder.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qow43uvF6

Yet the most striking thing about him...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl88lyz4RHE

Was the peaceful smile that never left his face.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOrsmA5EGD

Beside him walked a tall young woman.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qRt2biBzd

Her dark blue hair was tied neatly behind her.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJOiC2ms3E

She carried a crystal spear through which streams of flowing water endlessly circulated.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDQ7v2XMqy

The announcer raised his voice.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqZKXlI5aK

"The first team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikMNSLVeo2

"Mountain Fist!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Plso7CiW1

The giant stepped forward.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY60bdJ2nW

Then slammed his hammer into the ground.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY65RvDXkF

BOOOOOOM!!

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJkXVd3jDC

A gigantic pillar of stone burst upward from the arena floor.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZs6Op3USc

At that exact moment...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTAKlVoH4B

The young woman raised her spear.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMH6QmY1Zy

Water surged into the stone.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsngEhzWwU

Then...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwnKLesUjp

Within a heartbeat...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklhfcRP74w

The entire pillar froze solid.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bwanuIlFQ

Transforming into a magnificent ice statue towering above the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc7wBRg0Jx

Silence...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWC97Ik2NN

Then the audience erupted into thunderous applause.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKwTkaMidP

The giant kept smiling.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZtkJhwYMd

His calm expression never changed.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2N8zuOxgN

"My name is..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZFbVkyMU8

"Gran."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuelhxgfKk

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhvtQxNdFg

"Is to earn enough money so my village can live a good life."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg5QVmzduW

The young woman stepped forward.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VKy8Fegfn

Lowered her spear.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3W2j65lbQ

"My name is..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRdaukUZ7e

"Lyria."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iTbbcj1oP

"I want to restore life..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwWc63SvhB

"To the rivers of my homeland."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HLq7CChW3

Together...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ7S5Vflgx

They bowed.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ovKLkBD6A

Then quietly left the stage beneath roaring applause.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7g9EHmEjC

Khaled continued watching them.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUuUOBxgwB

"They're strong..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNggLjt5moi

he whispered.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDul1NUa9K3

Abdulrahman slowly shook his head.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMJxOhPLiK

"No."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeFDo5LcAt

Khaled looked at him.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCfjVzYXuQ

Abdulrahman continued.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbebiW3X3s

"The man..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDBVezGxDx

"Never used magical energy."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy5ohoc4qL

"Not even once."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILYXvEbxzd

Khaled's eyes widened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVYEFHoYXY

"What?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vW2Jk7VsZ

"The hammer alone is unbelievably heavy."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWHaTExBtG

"And his physical strength..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSvX4tpRE4

"Is abnormal."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlCW9wRcxj

"Either..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfffNwFGdPv

"He's hiding his magic..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXRLE6IdCE

"Or..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSA4D8GRuT

"He doesn't possess magical energy at all."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gn2JHgflp

His eyes shifted toward Lyria.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q8UVOzZSd

"As for her..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP9i5n1qt7

"She only revealed water."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCqOQMgKdX

"But she froze it at the end."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLxeVOJd77

"Which means..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvOxaT6KsU

"She controls two different states."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQsl7NyVyB

"And that..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXquXaLvoZ

"Means she revealed far less than she actually possesses."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx1V0pWhKd

Khaled smiled slightly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbx5WI1yyA

"Your observation has become frightening."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo41l3OQl7

Without looking at him...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRzlmWmkTl

Abdulrahman answered calmly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMGgyg1R5G

"I told you..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNUpvDFpb2

"I'm improving too."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzyVM2B2Vd

The announcer raised his arm once again.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkLDN3e0In

"And now..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAIaJufw07

"The second team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHxMSsrIcA

"The Royal Sword!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCiecBLVbn

The arena immediately became quiet.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlLnZueNPf

The second gate slowly opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe0W5x84th

A tall young man stepped out.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Hzk6aaJOj

His blond hair was perfectly arranged.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCbNdXrQSe

He wore an elegant white cloak embroidered with golden patterns.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zXeWp3K8R

In his hand...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34KNsDOg86

He carried a long black staff.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8wBSfWlx8

It resembled Sage Saif's weapon...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIXAFv6M0e

Yet silver engravings covered its surface.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23fNvkh8m7

Behind him walked a young woman with short silver hair.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeLMHViYz5

She held an elegant thin sword.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2PJZah0yt

Her expression remained cold.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSzYseDg1g

She didn't even glance toward the audience.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Hh8dDxE5H

The two stopped at the center of the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeR6oKfJNO

The young man gently lifted his staff.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTEGsFxhXl

Golden streams of light spiraled around them.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v6w4aY1Kd

They climbed into the sky.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJeYbaPrKU

Forming an enormous royal crest above the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tAGgNsO8Z

Moments later...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAuIJdEMjA

The crest vanished completely.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPufXF0r76y

As though it had never existed.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt23ER08gBr

The young man proudly lifted his chin.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonOJbDuLIh

"I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHy6dUz7TS

"Rain."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5IQ4vrlnS

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLo81gWvQp

"Is to become the Captain of the Royal Guard."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJnzQzRhBW

The silver-haired girl calmly raised her sword.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zlLDddWHs

"And I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrmS8DBW5k

"Selene."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX1wZmgw6a

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4F5HHnm14

"Is perfection."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhzXuogcup

Silence.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlduawOCFJ

Then...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8UNO48oxy

Powerful applause spread throughout the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnG0r9CvKl

Yet...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB6gqggkIS

Rain's arrogant smile...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJACqvtQvt

Made it painfully obvious...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvLxtRx25O

That he considered himself above everyone else.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFGUh4gutd

Khaled leaned slightly toward Abdulrahman.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs5xbnYhqL

"So..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR0Jt202yW

"That's the arrogant one."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxjqCX7dqL

Abdulrahman kept watching Rain's weapon.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKZMkp26uV

"Pay attention to his staff."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCnTgybk89

Khaled narrowed his eyes.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa08PjgR0o

"What's special about it?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvEkv3Fgc4

Abdulrahman answered without hesitation.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcWyVOfXL4

"It isn't a sword."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgh4NddEe4

"And it isn't a mage's staff either."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKVVY7leh0

"It's a hybrid weapon."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXLHswXfFq

"I don't think..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHi585zh6S

"He's actually used it yet."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa2LTKDZTm

He paused for a brief moment.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G5ef2eFbf

"Which makes them..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOtppZcAph

"The most dangerous team we've seen so far."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU5xbXwu99

Rain slowly turned his gaze toward Khaled and Abdulrahman.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFNQQURyEX

A mocking smile appeared on his face.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zpKoyc9kC

He quietly whispered to Selene,

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOPbIc6FcD

"It seems this tournament even allows villagers to participate."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCi1IfmUlA

Selene's lips curled into a faint smile.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACrJ9B2sPn

But...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocUNWq228b

She said nothing.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES7DwJ0e9j

The announcer raised his hand once again.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSnJwd8dPD

"And now..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WikLaDwp2

"The third team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunWGkpe021

"Twilight Shadows!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl0g6rWFWY

The third gate slowly opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5uQCqtff4

A young man stepped out.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntWbEwueNb

He wore a dark gray cloak.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uDxXubk6P

His black hair reached his shoulders.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdGbYSkfZl

At his waist rested two short curved daggers.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BGYySx4LW

Walking beside him was a young woman with long violet hair.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqxXgEPT7z

She carried no visible weapon.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF5RSMhSpu

Only a pair of black gloves covered her hands.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkuodFoXx5

The arena fell strangely quiet.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGfn6ymlUm

The young man slowly extended one hand.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG2Jr8CM6s

Instantly...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QhEKQ2Lgp

The sunlight around him dimmed.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyA4s8tkJB

His own shadow stretched unnaturally across the arena floor.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSLaqUb3Ei

Then...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGEWlIsYpX

It split into dozens of smaller shadows.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBm8YUFD0m

Each one taking the shape of a silent warrior surrounding the pair.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPVmv9qRbt

At the same moment...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi5QeE8qxa

The young woman gently snapped her fingers.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSO6V52rJu

The shadow warriors dissolved...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgdo0LH9Dg

Transforming into hundreds of tiny black feathers that floated peacefully through the air before disappearing completely.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuz7Nq702y

A wave of astonishment spread across the audience.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu3rJQnM21

The young man spoke calmly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP6r2CWgGK

"I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcmno6dfUa

"Kyle."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCzPmR4q3v

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV8pBF1zQ1

"Is to find the last surviving member of Shadow's clan."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmL6wgcm0h

The young woman stepped forward.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjosu4JN51L

"And I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v9Gkw1nQ0

"Nora."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XpbqBafg1

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHmNB2NVL2

"Is to make sure he survives long enough to find the truth."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz7Fzasc8a

The crowd applauded loudly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SXUgYJU1W

Yet...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpLTPftcY1

Abdulrahman's eyes never left Kyle.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTCtocdDe7

Khaled quietly asked,

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPZ3Qk90QS

"What is it?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWIf279HYI

Abdulrahman answered almost immediately.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC0mNesQgf

"His shadow..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVeMvPlnnI

"It wasn't ordinary."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLltrXUDZuy

"It obeyed him..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoCdpT6De2

"But..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6qka6XbIY

"It didn't feel like your power."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9EeU8wrvI

Khaled frowned.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu9BfBEcyy

"You could tell?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQqMusVSul

"I don't know how to explain it."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkpslbi0mh

Abdulrahman continued.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpswfx5szMT

"Your shadows..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFOc4ik6Dq

"Feel alive."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUApZJF4ppS

"His..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UBPqA20t5

"Feel trained."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUQ3z2KaP6

"They resemble techniques."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wv6xXaBRX

"Not instinct."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbB1zCHF7U

He looked at Kyle one last time.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TvKuTQCrP

"But..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmlVMF3jd4

"He's hiding something."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fhrj3twFc

"A great deal."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xy2xVWxUs

At the same time...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV0EsE471k

Kyle looked directly toward Khaled.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV0trboQQj

For a brief instant...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG9Ozt66OO

He felt something.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQftejBkgyF

A strange sensation.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbzsVU7zQa

Something buried deep inside Khaled.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNdhthHvcK

Something...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV9eTE7bMS

Uncomfortably familiar.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8M981E3Tu

His expression remained calm.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGL07C7N7y

Yet inwardly...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9for0683t

His curiosity only grew stronger.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIUgVTcA2p

Without realizing it...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5Ycn9A3eF

His attention had become fixed...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmgt9fh6P6

On Khaled alone.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl7KXuIlpO

Music filled the arena once again.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWglFeSAMeh

The fourth stone gate slowly opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3XYejqoyQ

A young man stepped out carrying a black spellbook whose golden pages floated around him.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bkQ83dfRA

Beside him walked a young woman with long crimson hair, holding an elegant metal fan.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgjYyheW1b

The announcer called out,

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcYoLE5lht

"The fourth team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKi5zOH0Va

"Crimson Tempest!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcCKRhPo1T

The young man opened his book.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLWdYl1ZCj

Dozens of glowing pages rose into the air.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EwKXBUwDD

At the same moment...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLenuDJl2JL

The young woman snapped open her fan.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4rfrPPk2h

A crimson whirlwind burst forth, carrying the enchanted pages with it until they merged into the shape of a magnificent dragon circling above the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WoGdslIkG

Moments later...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0ymmJFRfF

The whirlwind vanished.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqk42qg6DK

The scattered pages landed perfectly upon the ground...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHck2faIs5

Forming the team's emblem.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofXS4K14yr

The young man smiled.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPcByoa9UA

"I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcOP00v79F

"Elias."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoPXmBILcs

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Q0XiJHI4

"Is to recover the forgotten knowledge of this world."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfomcbrb1b

The young woman bowed gracefully.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIFJMuNWZc

"And I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd96cjClF0

"Scarlet."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoGazsFuFQ

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXBdbDw8Sn

"Is to become the greatest support mage on the continent."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX9ivTO66Y

The audience applauded enthusiastically.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLTSmz3KZv

The fifth gate opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsHzuSqy9b

A dark-skinned young man stepped forward with two short spears strapped across his back.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmKalHphuY

Beside him walked a girl dressed in light green clothing.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbwZDf8A6V

Her footsteps were so light...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgtS54rT3h

They were almost impossible to hear.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41uN0odGRy

"The fifth team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZlJ62EcR6

"Dawn Hunters!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0YgA3yvPi

The young man leaped high into the air.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIDoqqIQ7S

Driving one spear into the arena floor.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H4uVQyEfx

The instant he landed...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc367mVXtrT

The girl disappeared.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFenZEBr0B

The crowd gasped.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3vBRoSDLR

She suddenly appeared behind him...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2faPCEuuy

Then atop the spear...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D0Csz5Pwn

Then on the arena wall...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b2B1KTRIl

Before returning to her original position within only a few heartbeats.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXPWTe01yI

No one had seen her move.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWioHe7Qu72

The young man laughed.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSClbDWi1w

"I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCfENVmBaZ

"Raid."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL6iLHmIOL

"I live for adventure."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU7WQlAQdt

The girl smiled softly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTgp6qiIEo

"And I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYtVBFhW93

"Fia."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xi2BYvfHN

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25HiDQ6ckv

"Is to become the fastest person in the world."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74cJsCl7fH

Cheers erupted throughout the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFppd9Xxrb6

The sixth gate slowly opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct7H4mxqO8

A heavily armored young man emerged, carrying an enormous blue greatsword.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTZ7NOVxII

Walking beside him was a girl with long blue hair whose strands were constantly surrounded by tiny droplets of floating water.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9iIgz2LQd

"The sixth team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMXcayQEqk

"Azure Tide!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SMQNHK4db

The young man raised his greatsword.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgomRIHlXb

Then slammed it into the arena floor.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlNEuvHc2j

A massive wave exploded forward.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJFvZczMzz

Before it could reach the audience...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohDQD2hGRR

The young woman raised one hand.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6fJVG5rWI

The wave instantly transformed into thousands of glittering ice crystals.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGcKrCoocb

Under the morning sunlight...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg0b0KzTEW

They looked like countless falling stars.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rSj6SODFS

The spectators stared in amazement.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndNOH5A4A8

The young man spoke proudly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62arEli4IU

"I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xt522ypfu

"Noah."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj2xBuIniz

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HvfwKMddI

"Is to protect the people I love."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTksVqclHm

The young woman smiled gently.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdEdhCZtTT

"And I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChygfMItGx

"Iris."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr62SyajkCB

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JXn3Nml4O

"Is to find a cure for my mother's illness."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJt95zWJbC

For a brief moment...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMHEl9UM7N

Silence filled the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7d3tWraxW

Then the applause became even louder than before.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgX3iKGfJz

The seventh gate opened.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6c8BOoHWS

An unusual silence spread across the stadium.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjJ259gSXd

A tall young man wearing a dark violet cloak stepped onto the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqDmlui7PJ

A silver mask concealed half of his face.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI5D28gSu3

Beside him walked a blonde girl carrying a small harp.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa3HPdZnFj

"The seventh team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfMkNPqI1V

"Soul Melody!"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRMxDadUbD

The young man lowered himself onto one knee.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH161m0NiYg

Closing his eyes.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa5HshEoI2

The girl gently plucked a single note.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fSlVM9gqU

Tiny spheres of glowing light appeared all around the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFV1AkOq8b

They drifted peacefully through the air.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoPxW7vBMU

Many spectators believed they were nothing more than decoration.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVNlclMbRL

Then...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdtB3qSw3h

All at once...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwSWHuifTS

Every sphere burst apart.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQo0Tt6fSH

Transforming into thousands of glowing flower petals that slowly covered the entire battlefield.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolwqwh4RRY

A collective gasp escaped the audience.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FNjn3gpgS

The masked young man finally stood.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vqe9SFPrO

"I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkHiYwhNc7

"Orin."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2poql7n9u

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iRFjpBoMR

"Is to find my missing brother."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u3Fme1OzK

The blonde girl bowed politely.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6gZvMZ9gO

"And I am..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxYFTJLFKj

"Leah."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDOuzBMFKO

"My goal..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexv9HiXk3q

"Is to make my music save lives..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiPZVAoYi4

"Instead of making people cry."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaui2CcbQ1

The audience answered with a long standing ovation.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAY5FXYNy8

Khaled quietly observed all seven teams.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpmPnEcV7w

The arena shimmered with countless colors of magic.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW1IqsKSMc

Beside him...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw2fd4W3Em

Abdulrahman never stopped watching.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMS0jI1fOM

Every movement.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeGul4IFV1

Every expression.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrT6pF8MTv

Every detail.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ElrEJD8s

He memorized them all.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj9UIBXn8J

Because he knew...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKxAWVocdi

Sooner or later...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk4yTj4fDZ

Any one of them...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9z0yuo6R7

Could become their opponent.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvR5qRjXaE

Silence gradually settled over the arena.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uIIFkF5Tm

Seven teams...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmmarEvPOF

Seven different performances.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUHCiPyYLk

Each had revealed only a fraction of their true abilities...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUAmCL471x

While carefully hiding the rest.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohb6k1YBt1

Then...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuy9pTDbfg

The announcer raised the final registration sheet.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6DFFmuCyf

He frowned.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMdwEGrjOn

Turned it over.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvKSbeLlim

Then checked it once more.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJQhhS9Yrg

Finally...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwsqxJcguk

He laughed awkwardly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg4JpfSXvD

"And now..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdw75uYtiX

"Our final team..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqmelktZFY

"...has no name."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDBtFBUIph

Laughter spread through the audience.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz7ctjOA3R

Whispers immediately followed.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG6wFBYPvk

"They didn't even choose a team name?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3EgWPeS5t

"Who are they?"

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsIkSgpg6L

"They must be amateurs."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL93ufoGsk0

Rain smiled mockingly.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFlrIHAhl0

"Just villagers..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0frcvOnRfe

Kyle remained silent.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMA9FZdwqd

Watching.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm58sitFDh7

Gran continued smiling peacefully.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiXSWNcN8k

Khaled stood.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfEQhbSOjF

At the exact same moment...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdazXxkFpa

Abdulrahman stood as well.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhroB08pIaL

Without turning toward him...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu89Ac2Dx6

Abdulrahman quietly said,

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0qjVvQ4Jt

"If you're still afraid of using your power..."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTIhGyDfDh

"You'd better stay where you are."

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZVOzIxagy

Khaled answered with nothing.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ031kItIt5a

He simply began walking.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hMFucbtZX

The two side gates opened simultaneously.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7udehBZa0

Khaled entered from the right.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk21tOhPTfD

Abdulrahman entered from the left.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq1xRyqecy

Neither looked at the other.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4VXLSuJH7

Yet...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4tR23jlNU

Their footsteps...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jObFe7wEk

Were perfectly synchronized.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGAWQacZMj

They reached the center of the arena...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulrV4Ag4dL

At the exact same instant.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYgLZwUQCW

The laughter stopped.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtiHHG2qGO

Khaled slowly raised his hand.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU6kJUdnF4

Thin streams of darkness rose beneath his feet.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY1tAIeRFi

Not violent.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJK5aeMqsK

Not overwhelming.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBb9xptZJu

They moved like silent black smoke...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6EKQTlZ11

Gracefully circling his body.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBoP1bg3ts

On the opposite side...

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ4NGrvpaV

Abdulrahman raised his own hand.

27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKg9NhoP4i

Tiny crimson flames ignited around him.

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They floated like stars.

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The shadows approached the flames.

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The flames approached the shadows.

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Everyone expected them to collide.

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Instead...

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They began dancing together.

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The fire formed a perfect circle.

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Within it...

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The shadows unfolded into two enormous wings.

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Both powers rose together into the sky.

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Then exploded overhead...

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Painting the heavens above the arena with black fire and crimson flames.

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Their light reflected across every face in the stadium.

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The music stopped.

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The announcer forgot how to speak.

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Only the wind...

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Could be heard.

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The two young men stepped forward together.

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Khaled spoke.

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"I am Khaled."

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Abdulrahman followed.

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"And I am Abdulrahman."

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Then...

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Without looking at one another...

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They spoke in perfect unison.

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"Our goal..."

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"Is to save our friend."

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"And we are..."

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"The Knights of Aros."

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Silence.

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Complete silence.

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Then...

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The entire arena exploded into applause.

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The audience rose to its feet.

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Cheers echoed from every direction.

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Even the announcer found himself applauding.

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The other teams exchanged glances.

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Gran smiled warmly.

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"I like them."

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Lyria simply smiled and nodded.

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Elias lowered his head respectfully.

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Scarlet smiled.

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"That was the finest introduction I've ever seen."

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Raid laughed excitedly.

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"Finally..."

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"Worthy opponents."

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Fia watched them carefully.

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"They aren't in harmony..."

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"And yet..."

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"They move like one person."

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Orin closed his eyes.

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"Their hearts are distant..."

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"But their souls fight together."

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Leah smiled softly.

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"That's why..."

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"Their performance felt alive."

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Rain smirked.

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Yet...

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He no longer laughed.

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"They're still just villagers..."

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He paused briefly.

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"But underestimating them..."

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"Would be a mistake."

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Selene remained completely silent.

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Her eyes never left them.

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On the opposite side...

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Kyle's gaze stayed fixed upon Khaled.

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That strange feeling returned once again.

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That familiar presence...

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He couldn't explain it.

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Yet...

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It refused to leave him.

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The announcer finally raised his hand.

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"The tournament..."

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"Officially begins!"

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The crowd erupted with excitement.

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Then the referee stepped onto the arena.

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He raised his flag high.

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"The first match..."

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"...will be between..."

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To Be Continued...

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