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.

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNk88PWh2E

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZFBZ4SvBj

His fingers trembled ever so slightly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhd9Dmkf8l

He knew...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMiv1N4WcE

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYk41M6oNb

And seeing her unwavering faith...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatkYmQf3DF

Only made the weight in his heart heavier.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdokepGkeC

He smiled gently.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVmkgIEw8Q

Placed his hand on her head.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM65PIPXgJp

"I'm sure she'll return."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6CCOpzTgx

Mimi hugged the flower tightly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0pRDFH956

Then smiled again.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSGM8saZv6

"When Khaled and Abdulrahman come back..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZN6fdakyj

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVnjPXsX0g

The Sage couldn't answer.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv4gn8pTPn

He simply looked away...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLWIQicbFN

Before she noticed the tears gathering in his eyes.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGvjaq2mYs

Just then...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mionYKZb4

An elderly man entered the house.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefIhjBeFR4

He wore a long green robe.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMruhAn4kKB

His white beard reached his chest.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBexrEYyto

Wisdom could be seen in every wrinkle upon his face.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3xToBBWUo

Saif immediately stood.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksekaP1kRj

"Welcome..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aM5Y8RsYh

"Sage of Grimm Village."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefzA5CU5nH

The old man smiled warmly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhu4OBHAcF

"I heard your grandchildren have begun their journey."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFssR6GXdG

Saif nodded.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA3wHXLxzc

"They have."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKfm2fQjth

"And I pray..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4Pqjscuzp

"They return stronger than ever."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbw9L3VURr

The old Sage walked toward Mimi.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4tdAW7NEX

Gently patted her head.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeecljwtR1

Then smiled.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuq02BI2Fr

Mimi simply looked back down at her flower...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8axVfRaXb

Trusting it...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw5DeGlxPn

More than she trusted the world itself.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG855sE4jh

Back inside the arena...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdkiIq7tRR

The announcer's voice echoed once more.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDmUZeWBIw

"And now..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgDBjqaUdn

"It is time for introductions."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5ynCKjcyT

"Each team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd0zSDRltj

"Will step onto the arena..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZO03rdXLj

"And introduce themselves."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcJPHTgtLQ

Cheers erupted across the stands.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECyHAgZOPi

Excitement spread like wildfire.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtfKR7FVox

Abdulrahman continued watching the stage in silence.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX0Q5DP6N0

Then quietly spoke to Khaled.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvBelRXYbZ

"Now..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1q13HdE2d

"We'll see the masks."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsQeALARzv

Khaled raised an eyebrow.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM6LuJm4I4

"What do you mean?"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOrK1eK5nl

Without taking his eyes off the arena...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSl45SgL9Z

Abdulrahman replied.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6jGqQsq9L

"Everyone..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxTlBWVYVM

"Will create the image..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVB7ov34Qm

"They want their enemies to remember."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEE2C0VDlA

"Don't watch..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BybNUQ85O

"What they choose to show."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFp6z1PUm9

"Watch..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x9HZWfQP8

"What they're trying to hide."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2MsAKHWNW

Khaled looked at him with quiet admiration.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDswxHxkYb

But...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuuRKB8nHQ

Said nothing.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYKrzdg2pO

The announcer raised his arm.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EIh1RXGnp

"Please welcome..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNYY6Y72vQ

"The first team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9DMFRTKWe

"Mountain Fist!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLFpqj4qPx

Thunderous applause shook the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gYSQoii65

Heavy drums echoed across the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJcLJoVd6d

The first stone gate slowly opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEf5D965s5

Two figures stepped forward with heavy, measured footsteps.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKSeHiZPO5

Each step made the arena floor tremble.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmsuigUw8Z

The first...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy7zmdTjnI

Was a massive man with broad shoulders.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIWSc3sCoD

Short brown hair.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGombd2wfv

A thick beard.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvG9CZG7TJ

And a gigantic iron hammer resting upon his shoulder.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLRtGQOmmh

Yet the most striking thing about him...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZJgHOmzzv

Was the peaceful smile that never left his face.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDAtR5dIh5

Beside him walked a tall young woman.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhTRYllFsV

Her dark blue hair was tied neatly behind her.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d5IHpTAw9

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OF9vuHTYy

The announcer raised his voice.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglLV0GSSAW

"The first team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOAATnd8vP

"Mountain Fist!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR71GnaD6g

The giant stepped forward.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdPArtvNFE

Then slammed his hammer into the ground.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvUornZgd0

BOOOOOOM!!

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqFc02QHD3

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lbROR5h7x

At that exact moment...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAITKP09hZ

The young woman raised her spear.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPGzoT23pB

Water surged into the stone.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAseICmZYvW

Then...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61KZ0Dyv9x

Within a heartbeat...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTwJFnkMWN

The entire pillar froze solid.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaoqfYIfNx

Transforming into a magnificent ice statue towering above the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvVleyuJ6f

Silence...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Fnv1Kw8VD

Then the audience erupted into thunderous applause.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYySp8rBdi

The giant kept smiling.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP2jaWW7OI

His calm expression never changed.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN1Ktbjdyx

"My name is..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI2gcVOF5x

"Gran."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FEHJeUwc9

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8YX4Z227t

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdENFZH8HB

The young woman stepped forward.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblpo3PiAfU

Lowered her spear.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeUYeqWXUY

"My name is..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPaqUT5McH

"Lyria."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDoJjZY6iE

"I want to restore life..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jo5uzEeOf

"To the rivers of my homeland."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PM8bURWNm

Together...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1TZgL9I29

They bowed.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw4xxrMlFi

Then quietly left the stage beneath roaring applause.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgwgwq228s

Khaled continued watching them.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3SdMkOBol

"They're strong..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuoex2CMvq

he whispered.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T0SzB4hXC

Abdulrahman slowly shook his head.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtGc8AJd4z

"No."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ626PZEVMHU

Khaled looked at him.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1DteBk3jt

Abdulrahman continued.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg47iwC6BUH

"The man..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg024MyM467

"Never used magical energy."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWjQpeNRZJ

"Not even once."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVgFbi1DT9

Khaled's eyes widened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jTravLXsq

"What?"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ7SAULzfp

"The hammer alone is unbelievably heavy."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNrAoCvCIe

"And his physical strength..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDLaa6k3Q8

"Is abnormal."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidmcckmR74

"Either..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG5iOJYLvU

"He's hiding his magic..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDO9QpzRI0

"Or..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SHd6gJPfM

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH49I6nFBH

His eyes shifted toward Lyria.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOebDbsoYXB

"As for her..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MwFfAXKVG

"She only revealed water."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dqbfnTp9j

"But she froze it at the end."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IcKE9Fqve

"Which means..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl1RBwHSw2

"She controls two different states."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G2dwW70dK

"And that..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ1IZVJHBL

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOv2Is6RYt

Khaled smiled slightly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2QBRGYiQU

"Your observation has become frightening."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbDat6GVxF

Without looking at him...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYehz3YKWGR

Abdulrahman answered calmly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYTEb5aYHZ

"I told you..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiyrvdg0mm

"I'm improving too."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1C1qmLPMT

The announcer raised his arm once again.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkeWROjyOk

"And now..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyenZUjBKeh

"The second team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rn47MpUBU

"The Royal Sword!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8lZ3lK2R4

The arena immediately became quiet.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NCheswqYE

The second gate slowly opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4gp5yCkdU

A tall young man stepped out.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwLkD9v8LY

His blond hair was perfectly arranged.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFwQoCqDqa

He wore an elegant white cloak embroidered with golden patterns.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHtLhQLukN

In his hand...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVxUL9QFR3

He carried a long black staff.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSLo2b7OQi

It resembled Sage Saif's weapon...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5qzwXYhbQ

Yet silver engravings covered its surface.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSZPznrtJw

Behind him walked a young woman with short silver hair.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCXTktIo5b

She held an elegant thin sword.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdQWdOzEx6

Her expression remained cold.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDIUgRi4vq

She didn't even glance toward the audience.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYovb2rTYr

The two stopped at the center of the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslmYADVjWu

The young man gently lifted his staff.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZayl9ng0j

Golden streams of light spiraled around them.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfanpwj3vY

They climbed into the sky.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UyR3d7YOJ

Forming an enormous royal crest above the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfKDY78laD

Moments later...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RjaPhlviN

The crest vanished completely.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFk6a681Hs

As though it had never existed.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeKy11B4kF

The young man proudly lifted his chin.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVpOlEQVma

"I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL8ugsaqvr

"Rain."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx9sq9husa

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYSlZZgUcY

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYK4raJR2x

The silver-haired girl calmly raised her sword.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaYJNF4UkS

"And I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDEJC1Lu1v

"Selene."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkPfVmn2Wu

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkRUclst74

"Is perfection."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBJQLdzZVg

Silence.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlms454771

Then...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ005jWM0s9l

Powerful applause spread throughout the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiSAagBXG0

Yet...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v7X65wLxZ

Rain's arrogant smile...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE5Ffbkw2k

Made it painfully obvious...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb1jfBL5db

That he considered himself above everyone else.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUpGjLEKMA

Khaled leaned slightly toward Abdulrahman.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLfLfQss4X

"So..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TwDpKz0Ni

"That's the arrogant one."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUIyvtFYoq

Abdulrahman kept watching Rain's weapon.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY1Ijr6jUA

"Pay attention to his staff."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Oe0Bz4Be

Khaled narrowed his eyes.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPoT6bhUAA

"What's special about it?"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrPXaFzX7t

Abdulrahman answered without hesitation.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLVGXv8FM4

"It isn't a sword."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5fyvYL4Q2

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9FV4A5YGJ

"It's a hybrid weapon."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde1ZqXRcKr

"I don't think..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ039LzAUVYf

"He's actually used it yet."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLkSRLxdOv

He paused for a brief moment.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWlZTRpnQB

"Which makes them..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy30njMdf1

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOavI5vhj3

Rain slowly turned his gaze toward Khaled and Abdulrahman.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KlIuq1Ggj

A mocking smile appeared on his face.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMoVe5GuzX

He quietly whispered to Selene,

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxhJwTuZ7A

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ3icBIXZq

Selene's lips curled into a faint smile.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Bhq5ApWS

But...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlx9nNhdAt

She said nothing.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVoEnGzNOR

The announcer raised his hand once again.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3MXliGgTW

"And now..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aA1IMTdaN

"The third team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQK8QRhIDr

"Dusk Shadows!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5omYqdhaGF

The third gate slowly opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM3OaatmJb

A young man stepped out.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpDQXGPdp4

He wore a dark gray cloak.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3mLsCuj83

His black hair reached his shoulders.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDbis73th9

At his waist rested two short curved daggers.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohfFbPYX2j

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUxqEqP3zj

She carried no visible weapon.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHRQzEemqA

Only a pair of black gloves covered her hands.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUrd7wlKM5

The arena fell strangely quiet.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaepsplzpb

The young man slowly extended one hand.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQX4GrbzmN

Instantly...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk98vAkvZhb

The sunlight around him dimmed.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsjslVWV6N

His own shadow stretched unnaturally across the arena floor.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s5e3wsyhY

Then...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhRLHqahpJ

It split into dozens of smaller shadows.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN4dvWAQKa

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMtks1usfF

At the same moment...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcNJpS7Pbz

The young woman gently snapped her fingers.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRkBF3mMFA

The shadow warriors dissolved...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TBy9x32d4

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGauHGw4qu9

A wave of astonishment spread across the audience.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfSsF7Qwjr

The young man spoke calmly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZfBStD811

"I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfssmInTylh

"Kyle."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgVDcu1R3M

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUV4G6yCEL

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjxv7syhsX

The young woman stepped forward.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgTlq4lkTH

"And I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMakGopF4N

"Mira."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTIeKj1B44

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmkx3M24e6

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWnswb0XYn

The crowd applauded loudly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjqt5ltEpx

Yet...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmshYVDHN9k

Abdulrahman's eyes never left Kyle.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkykYMneBCQ

Khaled quietly asked,

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCipjyLL3f

"What is it?"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyhDXQjr1D

Abdulrahman answered almost immediately.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzOqNLoUsP

"His shadow..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOyculQdfJ

"It wasn't ordinary."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iTTDXDTtX

"It obeyed him..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjHdXAjdny

"But..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgOGcKB472

"It didn't feel like your power."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZviNqIzC8

Khaled frowned.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTauzFC90s

"You could tell?"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CS6xBH7ht

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqrjiVinIV

Abdulrahman continued.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6okeoDl3V

"Your shadows..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0REr3mB6t0

"Feel alive."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnKOnqnVHc

"His..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYMjnSNi2g

"Feel trained."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL48LfSOSqj

"They resemble techniques."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IwBS120DH

"Not instinct."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cqgmyMIQp

He looked at Kyle one last time.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf17jdNmkKU

"But..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovlIdgCKjN

"He's hiding something."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCkzVAtBv8

"A great deal."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9TJbTmclq

At the same time...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgDKXqejqr

Kyle looked directly toward Khaled.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37qr3ji3yE

For a brief instant...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUhVtJ39U5

He felt something.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGtbaTQAka

A strange sensation.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOmSdk4LDQ

Something buried deep inside Khaled.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpNNydcJwt

Something...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeQSIsIeYR

Uncomfortably familiar.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMJwLh6heR

His expression remained calm.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DqqBJ7SJ5

Yet inwardly...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOE0iif7E6

His curiosity only grew stronger.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL83Ul4WHe

Without realizing it...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2jZ67YWR8

His attention had become fixed...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrRXlIasr4

On Khaled alone.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWffmzoMOI

Music filled the arena once again.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6BQCoO007

The fourth stone gate slowly opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdC9cfkIby

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyaioaOANN

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrgVNAGTCN

The announcer called out,

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FgWTj9sO6

"The fourth team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p18lkWDfK

"Crimson Tempest!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBTlrfvysW

The young man opened his book.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0LTTCjoYA

Dozens of glowing pages rose into the air.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGooCoXZUoU

At the same moment...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQghEk0muc

The young woman snapped open her fan.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfY5p7kGIA

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.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfvj8oTskl

Moments later...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nYRoKX9Kl

The whirlwind vanished.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPjHGyuUkI

The scattered pages landed perfectly upon the ground...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCgSrJBLOR

Forming the team's emblem.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKePVgyuQe

The young man smiled.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxIBlxixdN

"I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkdrKjYop7

"Elias."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWriyfNBgMf

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrH6VYaEvz

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSnaqIMSjE

The young woman bowed gracefully.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovXSGRWDIN

"And I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlCpp440RR

"Scarlet."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vjvIxMeHK

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2wO2BMx81

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UwZQMjz6x

The audience applauded enthusiastically.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWamm2fvI8h

The fifth gate opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyPM3Jr8vU

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6LN0ml8Xs

Beside him walked a girl dressed in light green clothing.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPspWwPyNP

Her footsteps were so light...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg8fnkls9X

They were almost impossible to hear.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsH0DC4L7w

"The fifth team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvIq9wbCHW

"Dawn Hunters!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8jui11yI2

The young man leaped high into the air.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b3Vpi1gO8

Driving one spear into the arena floor.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjys0sC2E6s

The instant he landed...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xF3uGUPwY

The girl disappeared.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAItdcwKUHJ

The crowd gasped.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30DVGLyH6I

She suddenly appeared behind him...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSJcj4XWHq

Then atop the spear...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKOFc2i03e

Then on the arena wall...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCoOmKUaTc

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL38R1jZsM

No one had seen her move.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8WgrJkwaF

The young man laughed.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rW7714JCo

"I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIABqhIi4J8

"Raid."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HnCl5Gw5W

"I live for adventure."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWJk6veC64

The girl smiled softly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKiIoaRV23

"And I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmua0cPGh4

"Fia."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJDeY2rcZM

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNiztDUSyO

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29dynsOE8F

Cheers erupted throughout the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6gIEHazO4

The sixth gate slowly opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx3XfH7IQ4

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xbhqrfrei

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ku9TNxHih

"The sixth team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ01kO28td

"Azure Tide!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAEeeWSipu

The young man raised his greatsword.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKg6XVtlpP

Then slammed it into the arena floor.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcVta0YdlI

A massive wave exploded forward.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM9WeSEblq

Before it could reach the audience...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhmLB7xvgJ

The young woman raised one hand.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKtIlj8Zq6

The wave instantly transformed into thousands of glittering ice crystals.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnrMKGRzk9

Under the morning sunlight...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8zm0M43kq

They looked like countless falling stars.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNffkCJY1FC

The spectators stared in amazement.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIVsCZgX9A

The young man spoke proudly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnaGtrz5km

"I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHZwWkwLCW

"Noah."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7olwCI4eV

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuxR5kwcdm

"Is to protect the people I love."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XjJSpYiJY

The young woman smiled gently.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAaU0lOpVZ

"And I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTVkse4djX

"Iris."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6xmxPo4XS

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5MrGkzRdl

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfGpPtTX2L

For a brief moment...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJQTYVN7Rw

Silence filled the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9KCjLBivn

Then the applause became even louder than before.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQlBaTf2uH

The seventh gate opened.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcOgFlQY1x

An unusual silence spread across the stadium.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsujEV8Mjt

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jCgDeZbJa

A silver mask concealed half of his face.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztdCtTE0Ap

Beside him walked a blonde girl carrying a small harp.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzXccjtW9C

"The seventh team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxZGppPFCg

"Soul Melody!"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJNlk9PYHX

The young man lowered himself onto one knee.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gicUIeNLv

Closing his eyes.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2koLtJNWD

The girl gently plucked a single note.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowVWDPNrbw

Tiny spheres of glowing light appeared all around the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVLo024pPm

They drifted peacefully through the air.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLB9Ep4xio

Many spectators believed they were nothing more than decoration.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFoYiwOqjA

Then...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw16gRGW3S

All at once...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3ng99pOoJ

Every sphere burst apart.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH3BvH93Re

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xSkXO5XYA

A collective gasp escaped the audience.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTc71Z6GI9

The masked young man finally stood.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsdx5O1f3w

"I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc9ElUzXDq

"Orin."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHNLtEy8CB

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirflKk17Ko

"Is to find my missing brother."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE0jVZRrrc

The blonde girl bowed politely.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprf95B8z2Z

"And I am..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg6pb62wlU

"Leah."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzpaTxstP4

"My goal..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44zAjjE1dL

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0qULeQAwz

"Instead of making people cry."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0dasJqQdO

The audience answered with a long standing ovation.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCOXuzRKkr

Khaled quietly observed all seven teams.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEAOVEZYov

The arena shimmered with countless colors of magic.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBuQ0789ib

Beside him...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTQKfZopVu

Abdulrahman never stopped watching.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMND4bqKvCX

Every movement.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpY9ZSiAHu

Every expression.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80VnDBvo5v

Every detail.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5AsUrA7a2

He memorized them all.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rpJlOm8x7

Because he knew...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV1VpOCNby

Sooner or later...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIJ1mq8bsD

Any one of them...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktnQBjsxuB

Could become their opponent.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIl4kDhmtW

Silence gradually settled over the arena.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80jjVPGh2A

Seven teams...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO3pXX9SgC

Seven different performances.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPyqrQNbHI

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOue9JmiV9y

While carefully hiding the rest.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe2AOfibWd

Then...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcklwfOXbaL

The announcer raised the final registration sheet.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAqgPDoI4I

He frowned.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAagr1IJNU

Turned it over.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNhP2bR0Lj

Then checked it once more.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmK59nhbCP

Finally...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbwqb7b42U

He laughed awkwardly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8lSX6gqgL

"And now..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDiGyKWWTE

"Our final team..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiT10NFSxB

"...has no name."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHVB4Zi8nd

Laughter spread through the audience.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg1jTP0EGQ

Whispers immediately followed.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnB2DUxIpG

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GviKSBU8t

"Who are they?"

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFiiwpKHxR

"They must be amateurs."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ohN78dSsi

Rain smiled mockingly.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCY8nioqcQ

"Just villagers..."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK5FuooOOP

Kyle remained silent.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RfXxVvvtz

Watching.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUacZjM5Fw

Gran continued smiling peacefully.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rai58Onle

Khaled stood.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8LvebA2QI

At the exact same moment...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjk6G55MDD

Abdulrahman stood as well.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnjot0bjOZ

Without turning toward him...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQPvU12nm0

Abdulrahman quietly said,

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HBl7cyGHb

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

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdaBUffaq2

"You'd better stay where you are."

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAApJHpEfwc

Khaled answered with nothing.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXnKCpl6Vk

He simply began walking.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzTc4P081I

The two side gates opened simultaneously.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp7lLfPlss

Khaled entered from the right.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHAEowXxhP

Abdulrahman entered from the left.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlmK63A8Xj

Neither looked at the other.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o7E2CVqse

Yet...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gMkJB4c5b

Their footsteps...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihjPgZESij

Were perfectly synchronized.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPR8HejNrQ

They reached the center of the arena...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8BzPNbdmm

At the exact same instant.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAbTD8OThJ

The laughter stopped.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczJy7rnvv9

Khaled slowly raised his hand.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3wwwCZlJP

Thin streams of darkness rose beneath his feet.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMApOhQxzwT

Not violent.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMheVkdKOd

Not overwhelming.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllaOQxETYd

They moved like silent black smoke...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5ThQ5rYkC

Gracefully circling his body.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCTIiQjqaB

On the opposite side...

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A2QqDZGE9

Abdulrahman raised his own hand.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6urlYhdmK

Tiny crimson flames ignited around him.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesgGY8Ahmk

They floated like stars.

76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuIBTXTdt6

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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