The winner is... DARIUS!!"
The referee's voice echoed through the coliseum.
Cheers erupted from the crowd like thunder, shaking the stands.
Darius stood in the center of the stage, barely able to keep himself upright. Damon and Kaelius rushed in, slinging his arms over their shoulders and carrying him back to the stands.
"Hang in there, champ," Damon muttered.
Callista dropped to her knees beside him and placed her glowing hands over his wounds. "You really pushed yourself, huh?" she said softly, focused.
"Wow…" Damon exhaled, still catching his breath. "That was one hell of a fight. I didn't expect her to be that strong."
Darius smiled faintly, his voice raspy. "Don't underestimate anyone in this tournament."
Arthur nodded. "He's right. Everyone's got something they're hiding… That's why we have to fight at full strength."
Nathaniel walked over with a proud grin. "You did great out there, Darius. You've come a long way since the Sage Trials. You've gotten stronger—and more coordinated too."
Darius chuckled weakly. "Heh… I think so."
But the light mood didn't last long.
Selene crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed. "There's still a problem. Lyra hasn't returned."
Everyone went quiet. The buzzing of whispers spread across the stands like static.
"You think… she was kidnapped?" Selene said, clenching her fists. "Maybe the Velundria Kingdom did it. They're desperate to win. How low can they stoop?"
She turned sharply. "I'm going to speak to their Head Captain right now—"
"Wait." Arthur grabbed her wrist. She turned back to face him, startled.
"You don't have proof," he said calmly. "If you barge in like that, it could be seen as an accusation. We're trying to keep things peaceful. You'll just make it worse."
Selene stopped in her tracks, then let out a frustrated breath. "That's… true."
Arthur offered a small smile. "Lyra's not a kid. She'll be back. We just have to trust her."
Selene sighed. "If she doesn't come back soon, I'm going to look for her myself."
"I'll come with you if it comes to that," Arthur said. "We're her friends, right?"
He raised a thumbs up. Selene cracked a small smile and backed away.
Then—
"You demon!!"
Garold stormed toward Darius, fury in his eyes. "She told you she was an angel, and you still didn't go easy on her?! She showed you her beauty and you crushed it!"
He drew his blade. "I'll carry out her will! Go back to hell!"
"Wait, what—?!" Darius rolled aside as the blade struck where his head had just been. "Are you trying to kill me?!"
"Silence, demon!!"
Garold chased Darius in circles around the stands, swinging wildly.
"ENOUGH!!" the referee's voice boomed.
"Next match: Lyra Everhart vs. Kairon Solmere!"
Garold and Darius froze.
Selene turned to Arthur with an intense glare. "You said she'd be back. Where is she?"
Arthur opened his mouth, but Seraphina stepped forward.
"Don't blame Arthur. He was trying to calm you down. Let's just ask the referee for more time."
She turned and shouted, "There's been a delay! We request a short extension!"
The referee addressed the crowd. "Due to unforeseen issues, the match will be delayed slightly."
"Now we've got time," Seraphina said.
"I'm going to look for her myself," Selene said firmly, turning away.
"Selene, wait—" Arthur and Seraphina reached out, but she slapped their hands away.
"Don't try to stop me. I'm done listening to you, Arthur. And you too, Seraphina."
She stormed off.
Arthur and Seraphina lowered their heads. Nathaniel stepped beside them and placed a hand on both.
"Don't be sad. She's just worried about her friend."
Laughter broke out nearby.
"Did she run away?"
"Guess she got scared! Hahaha!"
"Pathetic. Is that how the Eldoria Kingdom fights?"
Damon stepped forward, but Nathaniel held out an arm. "Don't. They want you to react. Don't fall for it."
On the other side, up on the captains' platform—
"I wonder what's going on…" Garrick muttered.
"You think Velundria's involved?" another captain asked.
Garrick shook his head. "If they were, Nathaniel would've reported it. I doubt she ran away. I've seen those kids fight. They've got spirit."
"So you believe in them?"
"I do," Garrick said, smiling faintly. "She'll be here."
Then—
"Time's up!" the referee called. "We waited, but the participant still hasn't arrived. We cannot hold the tournament hostage for one person."
"That's cheating!" Damon snapped. "He's been bribed!"
"No," Nathaniel replied calmly. "He's just following the rules."
"But that's not fair…" Seraphina whispered.
Selene came rushing back, panting. "She's not anywhere… I couldn't find her."
Damon frowned. "The referee's moving on…"
"That can't be… she will come," Selene whispered, desperate.
Arthur clenched his fist, thinking to himself, Lyra… even if you haven't mastered it, just come. Just fight with everything you've got.
"Due to the absence of Lyra Everhart, I hereby declare—"
"WAIT!!"
A voice echoed across the arena.
The crowd turned.
Standing at the entrance to the battlefield was Lyra, panting and covered in sweat, but very much there.
The crowd exploded into cheers.
"She's here!!"
Lyra walked slowly toward the center of the arena, raising a hand and waving toward the stands. Selene raised her hand to wave back—then paused. Lyra was waving at Arthur.
Arthur signaled back. Lyra nodded.
Selene lowered her hand.
Wait… Since when were they so close? That signal… and her response… Did she go somewhere only Arthur knew about? Is that why he stopped me? And Seraphina too? Callista came back with him that day too…
She looked back at Lyra, smiling on the battlefield.
So you've got new friends now. Ones you keep secrets with. Just not me…
The referee raised his hand.
"Let the match… BEGIN!!"
Lyra and Kairon stepped back, lowering their stances. Their eyes locked—each measuring the other.
And the battle began.