As the dust slowly settled within the dome, the violent tension that had filled the space only moments ago began to fade, replaced by something far more unexpected—an almost casual calm. The air, once thick with pressure and crackling energy, now felt lighter, though the ground beneath them still bore the scars of the clash. Fractured stone, scorched patches, and lingering wisps of energy marked just how intense the exchange had been.
Haru stood there, chest rising and falling heavily, his body aching from the strain. Beside him, Sylvie looked no better, slightly hunched, her hands trembling faintly as she tried to steady her breathing. Despite it all, they were still standing.
Across from them, Motar stood completely at ease.
Not winded. Not even slightly strained.
If anything, he looked entertained.
"…Yeah," Haru muttered under his breath, wiping sweat from his brow. "We're not even in the same league."
Motar placed his massive hammer back on his shoulder with a hearty chuckle.
Standing between them now was a teenage boy Haru hadn't even noticed enter the dome. His appearance alone was enough to draw attention, silver-like hair that caught the light in a way that almost shimmered, paired with clothing that looked as though it were woven from scales of polished metal. There was something unnatural about him, not in a threatening way, but in a way that made him feel… distant. Untouchable. Like he didn't quite belong in the same space as everyone else.
Haru blinked. "…When did he get here?"
Motar casually rested his massive hammer over his shoulder. "Just couldn't help yourself, could ya, Goddrick?"
Goddrick smiled lightly, his expression relaxed, almost playful. "Motar, you have a habit of diving into unpredictable situations," he said, his voice calm but carrying effortlessly. "I must say, though… You got a bit carried away this time."
Motar let out a bashful laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Ah, come on. I only wanted to show off my new hammer. Can't blame a guy for wanting to have a bit of fun. Besides, I made sure they had a proper warm-up before the Initiation."
Goddrick raised a brow. "King Drago wouldn't have found it amusing if you injured non Warlord participants before the Initiation even began."
"…Okay, when you say it like that, it sounds bad," Motar admitted, though the grin never left his face. "But hey, I made sure they got a proper warm up. Builds character!" Hey gave a thumbs up as Goddrick simply shook his head.
Haru glanced at Sylvie, noticing she hadn't said a word. Her usual energy was gone completely.
"Sylvie?" he asked quietly. "Hey… are you alright? You haven't stopped shaking."
Sylvie managed only a few words, overwhelmed by the presence of the newcomer.
"Haru…" she whispered, barely able to form the words. "That's… that is…"
Her voice trailed off as Goddrick stepped forward, placing a hand lightly against the barrier. The dome responded instantly. The shimmering surface began to dissolve, breaking apart into faint particles of light that drifted away like dust in the wind. As it vanished, a soft breeze swept through the area, flipping the collar of Goddrick's shirt.
And that's when Haru saw it. There was a bold, unmistakable 1 etched into the side of his neck.
Haru choked. "…You've got to be kidding me."
Sylvie didn't need to say anything. The realization hit him all at once. Rank One.
The strongest Vanguard. The top of the entire kingdom under the King.
Motar sauntered over as Goddrick bounced around Haru, examining him with a playful curiosity. "Goddrick, you sly bastard," he said with a laugh. "Don't think I didn't notice you stepping in and softening that hit."
Goddrick, poking Sylvie's hat playfully, responded with a nervous chuckle as he scratched his cheek, feigning innocence. "Oh? You noticed that?"
"Yeah, I noticed," Motar replied. "You think I wouldn't feel my own attack getting messed with?"
Haru stepped forward slightly, his curiosity overriding his exhaustion. "Wait… hold on," he said, still catching his breath. "You're saying that attack—THAT attack? The one it took both of us combined to stop, you interfered with it?"
Goddrick looked at him, tilting his head slightly. "Interfered is a strong word," he said casually. "I just… slightly adjusted it."
"…Adjusted it?" Haru repeated, incredulous. "I didn't even see you move!"
Motar, now in a festive mood, replied, "Yeah, this little twerp can manipulate energy. You felt it earlier, right?"
"…Wait."
His mind flashed back.
The strange sensation earlier. The static in the air. The connections snapped instantly.
"Boop."
Sylvie flinched like she'd been struck by lightning.
Goddrick chuckled nervously. "Still scared of me, huh?"
"…Don't touch me," Sylvie said immediately, her voice stiff.
Haru blinked. "…I've never seen you like this."
Goddrick leaned in slightly toward Haru, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "She's a fan," he whispered.
"I AM NOT—" Sylvie snapped, immediately stopping herself and turning away. "Your magic just sends mine on the fritz."
Motar burst out laughing.
Goddrick immediately turned towards Motar. "Wait, did you just call me a twerp? Are you bullying me again?" Goddrick teased, his grin devilish. "Should I tell mom then, hmm?" The mention of 'mom' seemed to strike a nerve with Motar, whose face paled instantly.
Goddrick leaned in to whisper to Haru, "He likes her."
"SHUT UP," Motar snapped, his face turning slightly red.
Both burst into mischievous laughter, the moment didnt last long.
SMACK.
Both Haru and Goddrick were instantly silenced as a firm hand smacked the back of their heads simultaneously.
They froze.
Slowly, they turned.
Serena stood behind them, arms crossed, her expression unimpressed.
"…What are you two?" she said flatly. "Children?" She scolded.
Haru rubbed the back of his head. "…Yes."
Goddrick nodded. "Sometimes."
"Serves you right," Motar added, clearly enjoying the moment.
"Serves you right!" Motar chuckled. Serena ignored him, her gaze shifting briefly between the two before stepping away.
Motar stretched his shoulders. "Alright, enough messing around," he said. "We should get moving. These two need to make it to the plaza before the Initiation starts."
The mysterious lady from earlier, accompanied by the two little girls, approached with a warm smile. "Splendid battle, you two!" she said warmly. "You did wonderfully. "
Haru blinked. "…We almost died."
"Minor detail," she said with a smile. "Now come along, everyone, if we hurry, I might treat everyone to dessert before the initiation."
"Cake?!" Goddrick perked up instantly.
"Did she just call dying a minor detail, are we just gonna brush over that?" Haru stated.
Unfortunately, the prospect of cake excited Goddrick and the girls too much. They all sand and cheered in unison, "Yayyy cake! cake! cake!" Serena shook her head and walked off.
As they began to depart, Goddrick gave a gentle tap on Haru's and Sylvie's heads. "That should help," he said casually.
"…Help with what?" Haru asked.
Goddrick paused. Then smiled and walked away.
Gor, the 7th ranked Vanguard, passed by Haru and Sylvie, his voice monotone yet revealing, "She is Mom," then continued without another word.
Haru and Sylvie stood there in silence.
"…What?" Haru said.
"I… don't even know," Sylvie admitted. "Hey, I feel really refreshed!"
Haru and Sylvie were left to absorb the whirlwind of personalities and revelations they had just experienced. As the Vanguard members walked away, Motar hoisted the two girls onto his shoulders, afetr sheathing his hammer. The little one exclaimed, "Uncle Momo, that was exciting! You were like woosh, and they were like swoosh… Oh? Uncle Momo, you're bleeding."
Touching his ear, Motar discovered a tiny cut, from which a single drop of blood had fallen. "Well, we really do have some interesting ones this time around, don't we?"
Goddrick, smiling, thought back to the head tap. Energy reversal. He could implant his own mana into others. But somehow, Haru's body was able to reject it. Even the King could not do that. 'Ok Haru, Keep your secrets for now.' He then looked at Motar.
"Indeed, we do."