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

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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.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HKwsswyLA

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuONGJ5Z2T

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLLCvq6qEn

His fingers trembled ever so slightly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7j1VfoBgq

He knew...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgeH90Ftg1

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3PEMa8V5f

And seeing her unwavering faith...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7muCDq3Yz9

Only made the weight in his heart heavier.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri7XGeHxvZ

He smiled gently.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0I8zpyKfB

Placed his hand on her head.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI85lBW2eJE

"I'm sure she'll return."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2izjh7gnP

Mimi hugged the flower tightly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uGC6Af9wd

Then smiled again.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rMgPKlX3R

"When Khaled and Abdulrahman come back..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7yHccGYBc

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQRiAjdFNf

The Sage couldn't answer.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwEOd6o2QB

He simply looked away...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOF1qya1vr

Before she noticed the tears gathering in his eyes.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvM68ekilC

Just then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNztJmdvZ39

An elderly man entered the house.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GatbRJ7GW

He wore a long green robe.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3nbQ8J8db

His white beard reached his chest.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxVBSCnv4H

Wisdom could be seen in every wrinkle upon his face.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Ok4izbiW

Saif immediately stood.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5u12wW4O6

"Welcome..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbnFYdlZnS

"Sage of Grimm Village."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsDTiVZNsH

The old man smiled warmly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPwmW0tYpu

"I heard your grandchildren have begun their journey."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ301iXNZ9mF

Saif nodded.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsUlCmzZmG

"They have."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFupmNBI4R

"And I pray..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gf5QeIC1k

"They return stronger than ever."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngbSAhKTVM

The old Sage walked toward Mimi.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qmEuodBHn

Gently patted her head.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaExsZs5wkF

Then smiled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA6gQi3ui8

Mimi simply looked back down at her flower...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5JEVwCgUW

Trusting it...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMsNYZYW5n

More than she trusted the world itself.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJQieZLLSh

Back inside the arena...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTZBHu3H19

The announcer's voice echoed once more.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9ISY37fYe

"And now..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsLRJRa60K

"It is time for introductions."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu2U443sCW

"Each team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZOAjnsdFQ

"Will step onto the arena..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgi0XOh4TS

"And introduce themselves."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcf8JMh3vY

Cheers erupted across the stands.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKWqwx5CQr

Excitement spread like wildfire.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SFLg3sBBh

Abdulrahman continued watching the stage in silence.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGvGN44SZp

Then quietly spoke to Khaled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaSx4jRviP

"Now..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnr5fELJU2

"We'll see the masks."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz9EByauAV

Khaled raised an eyebrow.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIz6QGoi2d

"What do you mean?"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstm8edVDBP

Without taking his eyes off the arena...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLSqqpMmfP

Abdulrahman replied.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0hXnVQYFa

"Everyone..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppy8ANGeYi

"Will create the image..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnDzvYddVZ

"They want their enemies to remember."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhiCU2nvmu

"Don't watch..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEZojioQPS

"What they choose to show."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9onHbrKUI

"Watch..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdj7piy6sR

"What they're trying to hide."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uPeYiWKxC

Khaled looked at him with quiet admiration.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97kpl6c8PT

But...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8xvVAIWSJ

Said nothing.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaY4OlSLCz

The announcer raised his arm.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5q8yaE8N0

"Please welcome..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa1IlFQUkk

"The first team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfXn0UpyG6

"Mountain Fist!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5aTqqjONN

Thunderous applause shook the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNITyIJGfZ

Heavy drums echoed across the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJLyQXn5pt

The first stone gate slowly opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrtyl0jiOW

Two figures stepped forward with heavy, measured footsteps.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgD11zMXD2

Each step made the arena floor tremble.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Gx3FhHIn

The first...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F28C2wagk

Was a massive man with broad shoulders.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbdJewwuT2

Short brown hair.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2Yd4W4uEQ

A thick beard.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRLjAyVe44

And a gigantic iron hammer resting upon his shoulder.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWb1mOVRYn

Yet the most striking thing about him...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDpZF6dYJd

Was the peaceful smile that never left his face.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAaCXM5JW2

Beside him walked a tall young woman.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yxvqboM3V

Her dark blue hair was tied neatly behind her.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwgdEM2PBO

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE87r3Dnxm

The announcer raised his voice.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Tq6ZaVSam

"The first team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PgjfRByEy

"Mountain Fist!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf04O2CoR62

The giant stepped forward.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKNSR85RKQ

Then slammed his hammer into the ground.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R5S1NWY8r

BOOOOOOM!!

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwnMq7AJxL

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kpqPpaTZV

At that exact moment...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTeHV4scY

The young woman raised her spear.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkGL1X6xnR

Water surged into the stone.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kOA9S0PlL

Then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dFTojnql7

Within a heartbeat...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq2aKA87tV

The entire pillar froze solid.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm6J0E21x0

Transforming into a magnificent ice statue towering above the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitW7ms8oNG

Silence...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2PQ4hViKW

Then the audience erupted into thunderous applause.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmYCM9OqVF

The giant kept smiling.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT37a76xhiO

His calm expression never changed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9rUpSaici

"My name is..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUvhpTbkiO

"Gran."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bKBbFgDKI

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGqmYPW8w7

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71OJamQEDV

The young woman stepped forward.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrIR5nzYxV

Lowered her spear.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmSgax7NPE

"My name is..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0a4DFxYKV

"Lyria."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOYOXSUD6K

"I want to restore life..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GkhPB3ZnS

"To the rivers of my homeland."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73o3pOb4r6

Together...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2HC3xc7pm

They bowed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ930jwl0EwH

Then quietly left the stage beneath roaring applause.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3cfkDNRV1

Khaled continued watching them.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVSMfA3yUU

"They're strong..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1ZbjkkrEE

he whispered.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikWOHcmukn

Abdulrahman slowly shook his head.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbLkXSnJ3o

"No."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kMfyUp3N0

Khaled looked at him.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KI3ryS50A

Abdulrahman continued.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yCzitBM5M

"The man..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1ATjeEzhj

"Never used magical energy."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTqBdKVQrb

"Not even once."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaTXMHwc24

Khaled's eyes widened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNSAzbNSyP

"What?"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5hkIwFmMo

"The hammer alone is unbelievably heavy."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sq8d0wom6

"And his physical strength..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAGbLHqi6n

"Is abnormal."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSPQgqqQVA

"Either..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu3psY8sLl

"He's hiding his magic..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sFGCfUwGP

"Or..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM4LRaGiFq

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mfgkc9tul

His eyes shifted toward Lyria.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46pygF6odM

"As for her..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIr6YE9v13

"She only revealed water."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUBrFcDWNU

"But she froze it at the end."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIBVMi8zQr

"Which means..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkvRQFcsqT

"She controls two different states."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ayRCpVIJ

"And that..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIqTkWAt4j

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1wI0XmlUe

Khaled smiled slightly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84iIQFjnIA

"Your observation has become frightening."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwZaw5ZxuD

Without looking at him...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtZaFm8dgQ

Abdulrahman answered calmly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p4B3s6mBa

"I told you..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5kzBYIzpD

"I'm improving too."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrcxh8dWX6

The announcer raised his arm once again.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQZtlrT9Hq

"And now..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9RrlXUkAa

"The second team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAF83hiksU

"The Royal Sword!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA3jla9pNo

The arena immediately became quiet.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRitAGztKj

The second gate slowly opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsS4zEI8cB

A tall young man stepped out.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gr6WDG9PC

His blond hair was perfectly arranged.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarHFKdEarQ

He wore an elegant white cloak embroidered with golden patterns.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBqsEBAKTI

In his hand...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFYivTK9wG

He carried a long black staff.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4M1duMILH

It resembled Sage Saif's weapon...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOx5S0AfJZ

Yet silver engravings covered its surface.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnEP0y2MMB

Behind him walked a young woman with short silver hair.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt6IsduXLa

She held an elegant thin sword.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNYZTLt9Gf

Her expression remained cold.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ4PMuC88s

She didn't even glance toward the audience.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQce0ipa1l

The two stopped at the center of the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkjF8XrQgY

The young man gently lifted his staff.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbKKMMjNiK

Golden streams of light spiraled around them.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBzRiV8gWM

They climbed into the sky.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9HVtwe1GC

Forming an enormous royal crest above the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2g3cRp1aX

Moments later...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EtSaxAaDh

The crest vanished completely.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuHKQo0Dqp

As though it had never existed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauX1TDjqAN

The young man proudly lifted his chin.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI9cDxfCQh

"I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26yORmtM08

"Rain."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozvM8hyp5p

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHNNLGEnX0

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvJw7aWRtB

The silver-haired girl calmly raised her sword.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZb0uCwRxl

"And I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3YIXdznBI

"Selene."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyjwkh8azA

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWxNTlwojM

"Is perfection."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNysMcQO9S

Silence.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHja5l6U6mM

Then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFs2LVdp7M

Powerful applause spread throughout the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ781ILI0MQ1

Yet...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA7Y722YJe

Rain's arrogant smile...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR6Fqowl5C

Made it painfully obvious...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99utYC2KzV

That he considered himself above everyone else.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqtTRlP1jM

Khaled leaned slightly toward Abdulrahman.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bgspDssUZ

"So..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM7F5wv8QG

"That's the arrogant one."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstg0wFswva

Abdulrahman kept watching Rain's weapon.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hRrW0Rpeo

"Pay attention to his staff."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnGFDHSByR

Khaled narrowed his eyes.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HzUVwsfly

"What's special about it?"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G7ebKpJuf

Abdulrahman answered without hesitation.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLQI0CbU7f

"It isn't a sword."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eUZbWA3Hp

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4X0mrbPgw

"It's a hybrid weapon."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNo0Z0OqIt

"I don't think..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JOBwLUxPK

"He's actually used it yet."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIZCDCpF0p

He paused for a brief moment.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kZwDQ41cY

"Which makes them..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTXWDfslSs

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROe3nUwD2k

Rain slowly turned his gaze toward Khaled and Abdulrahman.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi9xK1HVOd

A mocking smile appeared on his face.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C8bPgIbIh

He quietly whispered to Selene,

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cfUaTQfoX

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iPlFqcLNf

Selene's lips curled into a faint smile.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bKceyWGvR

But...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3a4RNumdp

She said nothing.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbGQvntC0o

The announcer raised his hand once again.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi2SDctWTs

"And now..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i7aEqsJIl

"The third team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTxmgHNzcW

"Twilight Shadows!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78FrMKj0AW

The third gate slowly opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEgA08pJyD

A young man stepped out.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyU4i2veCY

He wore a dark gray cloak.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkURuW5TlPy

His black hair reached his shoulders.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNPwzx0Ltl

At his waist rested two short curved daggers.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYD7fph6E7

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLYhwGVFoe

She carried no visible weapon.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoMGE03gmD

Only a pair of black gloves covered her hands.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgkgRJaC65

The arena fell strangely quiet.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53KNP9ZlfS

The young man slowly extended one hand.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr0XWTHUTr

Instantly...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwltnTCjTZk

The sunlight around him dimmed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1XufJCN88

His own shadow stretched unnaturally across the arena floor.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQOMWcYgno

Then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgwJtrAk5T

It split into dozens of smaller shadows.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDQy1kYQMn

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6WbDam7yW

At the same moment...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlOtCwLqDx

The young woman gently snapped her fingers.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDGm4hfF90

The shadow warriors dissolved...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsl2WUbqx8

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCkvQadsnE

A wave of astonishment spread across the audience.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQyuCF5sD6

The young man spoke calmly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsk8IoNIMa

"I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiGmoyzOvf

"Kyle."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMMaOhbSI8

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37SAfOVffo

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYURXpv8EYj

The young woman stepped forward.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI74l0qnict

"And I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkzDBvMK4w

"Nora."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACdauLCaBt

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4ok3FxcLE

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSf0xwQxlE

The crowd applauded loudly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlX2K6cwxb

Yet...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV9QbRa56b

Abdulrahman's eyes never left Kyle.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETIET4NmVL

Khaled quietly asked,

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjivJ4tWh1

"What is it?"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kG0y4bWEN

Abdulrahman answered almost immediately.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBxl4jQSNp

"His shadow..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnRuL1jvdX

"It wasn't ordinary."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTnFRwaBZg

"It obeyed him..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBss5O1uBGn

"But..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuRsJ7uAvd

"It didn't feel like your power."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojAKEjTiFs

Khaled frowned.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPWT01inCT

"You could tell?"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtxHs0IZy6

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vyrxCkxwA

Abdulrahman continued.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G2aExfi3y

"Your shadows..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf9dWB4KHT

"Feel alive."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTXRiq1ujB

"His..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDSfmiNz5P

"Feel trained."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPmtGsZpcU

"They resemble techniques."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uAIEcoO0D

"Not instinct."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJB63QnOAc

He looked at Kyle one last time.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqlFOLa6x6

"But..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdSje7CnGm

"He's hiding something."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wm3GMrnT4

"A great deal."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw67YJsbZz

At the same time...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0YuKu5EUA

Kyle looked directly toward Khaled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaPdwsdnVU

For a brief instant...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GM0tLwBfn

He felt something.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxKazKb3e7

A strange sensation.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj7LXjJncj

Something buried deep inside Khaled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItNB12G1yT

Something...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBGGEo7UUF

Uncomfortably familiar.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7whvXHBRF

His expression remained calm.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7DOzOehDz

Yet inwardly...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G0SnhYBSJ

His curiosity only grew stronger.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuL8dE298r

Without realizing it...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2AlNzpGLy

His attention had become fixed...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8syU6Pq7LO

On Khaled alone.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFoTNiR1pm

Music filled the arena once again.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMwuPs2Fcw

The fourth stone gate slowly opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vuvBm8igS

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZYqgYHiFZ

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2JtdL5rcY

The announcer called out,

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnlxSjDlBD

"The fourth team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT1n3wcaAp

"Crimson Tempest!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwiat8ft04

The young man opened his book.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOOMf5aOln

Dozens of glowing pages rose into the air.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM7vKbKeY9

At the same moment...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MTcL571yg

The young woman snapped open her fan.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPeOJ2QD6J

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.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy6H3xsGfc

Moments later...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGONKt41IC

The whirlwind vanished.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1glOqLODPI

The scattered pages landed perfectly upon the ground...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjBEtbbVz1

Forming the team's emblem.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvAIoff2cC

The young man smiled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwyQxLcOcN

"I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnV8trD4Sq

"Elias."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjGEuBYyNX

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQwOlMq9ih

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4s5PxTRZi

The young woman bowed gracefully.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoW0ltssVI

"And I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVidghP7Yd

"Scarlet."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPRcCwxqSL

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDhq7Jg2iL

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdsg5VNEoP

The audience applauded enthusiastically.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA2fM26aCn

The fifth gate opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHuFp4xDP6

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzMlm1aBvO

Beside him walked a girl dressed in light green clothing.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraH8Ix8pzQ

Her footsteps were so light...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0eYTou335

They were almost impossible to hear.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps82BBQ6IR

"The fifth team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJrc900lgp

"Dawn Hunters!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf6GqdIUTl

The young man leaped high into the air.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmR8CMZZa8

Driving one spear into the arena floor.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLJEZWVky9

The instant he landed...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8y4NnZw6E

The girl disappeared.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEYIJhBqc6

The crowd gasped.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBtrijf2CZ

She suddenly appeared behind him...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Svv1luVV

Then atop the spear...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzCBci1bfi

Then on the arena wall...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzeAvzCtu2

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyYKbpho96

No one had seen her move.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcP8E3a1nE

The young man laughed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyioOLUzvRT

"I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlHuTF6ivM

"Raid."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9rOHNK7P1

"I live for adventure."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gvu6zzihP

The girl smiled softly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjARcTeDwbQ

"And I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcznGXw5e5y

"Fia."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb8y9azxYK

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWMi1kMqxf

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9SZlBild2

Cheers erupted throughout the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBMT2jepqa

The sixth gate slowly opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SVcAJZvwb

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTjDTO4JFg

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkiRzu3kqq

"The sixth team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubOiyg0FaH

"Azure Tide!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ431SGQ4BFs

The young man raised his greatsword.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLhj5YBASl

Then slammed it into the arena floor.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83InHXP62P

A massive wave exploded forward.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH50dgh8zHG

Before it could reach the audience...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOEKx7sSzo

The young woman raised one hand.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsesUdgeOB

The wave instantly transformed into thousands of glittering ice crystals.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwGKP2v8SM

Under the morning sunlight...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHSxnKJLJj

They looked like countless falling stars.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGF8xN17Nc

The spectators stared in amazement.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCngzeZrr4

The young man spoke proudly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kOnjwEDeW

"I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIweGLgwvGP

"Noah."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEUYJzVf1G

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod1N8xvsXF

"Is to protect the people I love."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZBtX3vgej

The young woman smiled gently.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtBFeIWHJa

"And I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLrYPuTIQv

"Iris."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG9zqoV4e4

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jr0FKTqOR

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ096tILqPhp

For a brief moment...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWem06fyThh

Silence filled the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWAPKTGmlf

Then the applause became even louder than before.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbotWsIscC

The seventh gate opened.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaBkoPREt3

An unusual silence spread across the stadium.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGyyQXPm8C

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF1N3ObtY3

A silver mask concealed half of his face.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKMhWco2yV

Beside him walked a blonde girl carrying a small harp.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ5Q6nZKHS

"The seventh team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11FcWnOaQ3

"Soul Melody!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzSH6rGVC6

The young man lowered himself onto one knee.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ygedqh9e2

Closing his eyes.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASmWH10vNY

The girl gently plucked a single note.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePHYxk2nSM

Tiny spheres of glowing light appeared all around the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqwqnlJwkq

They drifted peacefully through the air.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRek6pBe7zY

Many spectators believed they were nothing more than decoration.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ1apML11M

Then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JNs5KAqx6

All at once...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicEbwSknzB

Every sphere burst apart.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o2on2jvCm

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjVkTElFW8

A collective gasp escaped the audience.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcja6hfoEQ5

The masked young man finally stood.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbzBeMjGGW

"I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xJorPSjs9

"Orin."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtL635vRyt

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44jCou5a5x

"Is to find my missing brother."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb49JfoE6a

The blonde girl bowed politely.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77M6WtLj6W

"And I am..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0qljyPKlE

"Leah."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3nzBhRQhD

"My goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGVmqwpFYU

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hcFmAmXKO

"Instead of making people cry."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPjxg2F7q5

The audience answered with a long standing ovation.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5CnHl7xIs

Khaled quietly observed all seven teams.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqd2SpO1MI

The arena shimmered with countless colors of magic.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7m0xsbd0E

Beside him...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZIEpYH4Kp

Abdulrahman never stopped watching.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYVcKMPvXf

Every movement.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U0geYqH2X

Every expression.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlLY4irKBo

Every detail.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuZ9TQHuNj

He memorized them all.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTHmELEfE1

Because he knew...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXwKhzqKIn

Sooner or later...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EQ6rkVaNx

Any one of them...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1M4pImv0k

Could become their opponent.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg6KVVf6kc

Silence gradually settled over the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYvLmsgm6S

Seven teams...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFgNhpmD6u

Seven different performances.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zlaNMmbe1

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAbdwEGRWT

While carefully hiding the rest.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucm9QaYtlW

Then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyj0lVaspg

The announcer raised the final registration sheet.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljWQR4qMSL

He frowned.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUSWRpbhAn

Turned it over.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdJqFtEj3F

Then checked it once more.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1p4oDaVDm

Finally...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiRAOw8z17

He laughed awkwardly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgscIgfoHPE

"And now..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VcHEHg2Em

"Our final team..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWnKq62q4x

"...has no name."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcrGBf80Ms

Laughter spread through the audience.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pw2hkGXpk

Whispers immediately followed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI34dTVCtlj

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYt291eZd6

"Who are they?"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod5FxdlSKi

"They must be amateurs."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNbWKg3gbe

Rain smiled mockingly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFmePpqr0p

"Just villagers..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDYTFNlCGw

Kyle remained silent.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfalsxQS0f

Watching.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCSyfj9ufR

Gran continued smiling peacefully.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl76DmiYVZf

Khaled stood.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbfkTMCV10

At the exact same moment...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDffCipytrY

Abdulrahman stood as well.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuMCQxLvKl

Without turning toward him...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPepEdY3eZ

Abdulrahman quietly said,

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOVIkCwdb6

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjcdIdezrF

"You'd better stay where you are."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7zta0IpzH

Khaled answered with nothing.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOi45l1v6A

He simply began walking.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYZWfERHGt

The two side gates opened simultaneously.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH6PCCPGhO

Khaled entered from the right.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddGNp7KDVN

Abdulrahman entered from the left.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAe9xZnh85

Neither looked at the other.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxHvrGZqjB

Yet...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVboEAstuMX

Their footsteps...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcwm0sNI5m

Were perfectly synchronized.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZiLw0Mz6T

They reached the center of the arena...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIsZnJPoET

At the exact same instant.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZrwVx3FI1

The laughter stopped.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0zVTZ0UL9

Khaled slowly raised his hand.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIBXzS8Uuv

Thin streams of darkness rose beneath his feet.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAflTpG9Urt

Not violent.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4pEYQVez0

Not overwhelming.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcirw26Qkd

They moved like silent black smoke...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxOgkDRyMa

Gracefully circling his body.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7R4b07wsO

On the opposite side...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRLGJQYQix

Abdulrahman raised his own hand.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnn0GBB91Y

Tiny crimson flames ignited around him.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7fql8UwQl

They floated like stars.

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The shadows approached the flames.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef2JMQGnA2

The flames approached the shadows.

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Everyone expected them to collide.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcakNAmCsc7

Instead...

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They began dancing together.

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The fire formed a perfect circle.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSkK45qwmZ

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...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo8Bpa58ia

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WEj0qPNXN

Their light reflected across every face in the stadium.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMaT3ATHP3

The music stopped.

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The announcer forgot how to speak.

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Only the wind...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4AEUuCRVj

Could be heard.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpHcVa42a2

The two young men stepped forward together.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnHdgdbQ3I

Khaled spoke.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqL7tMYRPk

"I am Khaled."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIrt2OnFMG

Abdulrahman followed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hRsVU1Zai

"And I am Abdulrahman."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUahY0okEEr

Then...

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Without looking at one another...

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They spoke in perfect unison.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmOU1Fa1lr

"Our goal..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxw8d5oIlg

"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.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEMa7qDUjO

Then...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqUqrmjXgF

The entire arena exploded into applause.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFtQXyStne

The audience rose to its feet.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dC1HpnGzM

Cheers echoed from every direction.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvny3AEurI

Even the announcer found himself applauding.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rCAjtD5vM

The other teams exchanged glances.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGxyv3jVJx

Gran smiled warmly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsRiH29avC

"I like them."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlVeHsfDjR

Lyria simply smiled and nodded.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZypyr3Q6of

Elias lowered his head respectfully.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVNyfHleml

Scarlet smiled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93n1DcZs9N

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

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcNddmiXKQ

Raid laughed excitedly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e2tkptPMg

"Finally..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESYNIFVkaO

"Worthy opponents."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lI5mD3ctD

Fia watched them carefully.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WL4w6SG6K

"They aren't in harmony..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2gAAEZOzb

"And yet..."

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"They move like one person."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy4eiaZBeZ

Orin closed his eyes.

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"Their hearts are distant..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPVmlXd95q

"But their souls fight together."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8u8Cna85M

Leah smiled softly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1ajnPl2a6

"That's why..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdPkobcjsq

"Their performance felt alive."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pSoQPD7QR

Rain smirked.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdwdRRuq5N

Yet...

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He no longer laughed.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJHGaubhGb

"They're still just villagers..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IAIoR4eSm

He paused briefly.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbxFlZbaW0

"But underestimating them..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hX42lwRcY

"Would be a mistake."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpxTaEcIr7

Selene remained completely silent.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DEQeOg7A8

Her eyes never left them.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgrrr3pzsz

On the opposite side...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKfIo6pe1u

Kyle's gaze stayed fixed upon Khaled.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bLjTIYkDu

That strange feeling returned once again.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZhf6RIuC3

That familiar presence...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WvjOgkrVg

He couldn't explain it.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f3x1AOZYW

Yet...

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3GAGyjf6I

It refused to leave him.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ6cFbMUOW

The announcer finally raised his hand.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqnChs4cRP

"The tournament..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg6fOkhsNn

"Officially begins!"

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetecQyx3DG

The crowd erupted with excitement.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZUPxPVj8M

Then the referee stepped onto the arena.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOTHTJKyz1

He raised his flag high.

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvelhdfNjUm

"The first match..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qAjkJXwSA

"...will be between..."

16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlRPxsTCb1

To Be Continued...

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16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa9ZHrkI1l
16Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzyfbs8wGE

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