"We've finished your training," Desirnight announced, its voice resonating like an echo in the vast expanse of the stadium. Two years had passed in that place, though in the real world, only two days had gone by. For Paltio, those two years had been a rollercoaster of challenges, sacrifices, and growth. Every blow received, every technique learned, had left its mark—both physical and mental.
Paltio stopped in front of a mirror that suddenly appeared in the stadium, his reflection revealing the toll of the grueling training he had endured. His hair, now long from the time it had gone uncut, fell messily over his shoulders, framing a face marked by fresh scars and scratches. His clothes, once immaculate, were torn and practically destroyed, hanging in tatters on his body as a testament to every blow received and every battle fought.
With a practical motion, he pulled a small object from his pocket—an old elastic band he had kept without thinking—and tied his hair into a high ponytail. The change was immediate: his disheveled appearance gave way to a more orderly, though no less imposing, image. He now looked like a warrior hardened by struggle, with a determined gaze that reflected both his growth and renewed strength.
"Wow, that new-look suits you well, boy. It makes you look more imposing," commented Desirnight, its white mask curving into a mocking smile as it rotated its body to get a better view. Though its tone was sarcastic, there was a hint of genuine admiration in its words, as if acknowledging the effort and transformation Paltio had undergone.
The young prince raised an eyebrow at the comment but couldn't help cracking a small smile. "Thanks, I guess," he replied, running a hand through his new ponytail. He knew the change wasn't just aesthetic; it symbolized everything he had been through during those two years in the stadium. Every blow, every wound, had left its mark, but they had also made him stronger.
Desirnight crossed its arms, alternating between its masks as it spoke. "Not bad for someone who could barely stand at the beginning. But remember, boy, the real challenge still lies ahead."
Paltio nodded firmly, his expression turning serious. "I know," he responded. "And I'm ready."
Paltio's body was covered in wounds and scars from the rigorous training. But these weren't just marks on his skin; they were symbols of his renewed strength. He took out Avocios' scepter, whose golden energy began slowly healing his wounds. "I owe it all to you, Desirnight," the young man said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude.
"Wow, you still have that thing with you, boy," the entity replied, rotating its body to examine the scepter with both masks. "That thing is very powerful... Do you know how to use it?" it asked with genuine curiosity, though its tone remained sarcastic.
"Unfortunately, not entirely," Paltio admitted as he held the scepter firmly. "But you could teach me."
"No, I don't know," Desirnight quickly retorted, gesturing dismissively with its claws. "Besides, that thing can only be touched by the royal family and Avocios himself. His guards too, but they probably need special equipment... Well, I won't give more details," it concluded, crossing its arms as if trying to avoid discussing the matter further.
At that moment, Toco-Toco entered the scene. His presence was different; he radiated a new aura of power that caught the attention of both Paltio and Desirnight. "Wow, you've gotten stronger, buddy," said Paltio, looking at the feline with admiration.
"You too, kid, meow," Toco-Toco replied, grooming his whiskers with a paw while trying to hide his pride.
"Well, Paltio, as you already know, it's time for you to return to the real world," Desirnight stated, its tone more serious than usual. "And you must fulfill your promise."
"Promise? What promise?" Toco-Toco asked, alarmed. Throughout their time in this place, he had never had the chance to ask. "That's right, what promise is that?"
Paltio sighed deeply before answering. "You see, in exchange for saving you and training me, I promised Desirnight that I would get him out of here."
"What?!" Toco-Toco exclaimed, his eyes wide as saucers. "Kid, you can't do that. There must be a good reason why Lord Golden kept him locked up here. You can't let him out!"
"Paltio, remember we have a contract," Desirnight interrupted, crossing its arms while its dark mask smiled maliciously. "I fulfilled my part. Now it's your turn."
"Calm down, Toco-Toco," Paltio said, placing a hand on the cat's shoulder. "I'm stronger now. If he causes any trouble, I'll recapture him myself." His voice was confident, though a different energy coursed through his body, as if something within him had changed during the training.
"Alright, kid, but it's on your responsibility," Toco-Toco responded, reluctantly accepting. Though his expression still showed concern, he knew he couldn't stop Paltio once he made a decision.
"Good," Paltio said, pulling out the golden key he had used to enter Desirnight's domain. Instantly, a door materialized before them, glowing with an ethereal light. "When did you take the key from me? I didn't even feel it," Toco-Toco murmured, looking at Paltio in astonishment.
Paltio let out a small laugh at the cat's expression. "I guess I was too busy fighting those bones," he replied, shrugging.
He inserted the key into the lock and turned it. The door opened, releasing swirling currents of energy that began to envelop them, attempting to pull them toward the outside world. "Those swirls again!" Paltio exclaimed, recalling the first time he had faced them. However, this time was different. With a precise and energy-charged strike, he dispersed the swirls, leaving behind a gentle breeze that caressed their faces.
"Yes, he's stronger, meow," Toco-Toco commented, watching as Paltio had effortlessly controlled the situation.
"Alright, Mr. Desirnight, you may come with us," Paltio indicated, stepping aside to allow him to pass.
Desirnight smiled behind its white mask. "With pleasure, boy. After all, this is only the beginning." The three of them crossed the door together, leaving behind the realm of shadows and desires.
Upon crossing the threshold, Paltio, Toco-Toco, and Desirnight emerged into Golden's training world, a vast and vibrant space where golden sunbeams seemed to dance across the ground. The atmosphere was calm yet charged with energy, as if they were standing on the threshold between the real and the magical.
"Well, boy, thank you very much for keeping your end of the deal," said Desirnight, slightly bowing its dual body. "You're a prince and a trustworthy person... I hope you achieve your wish," it continued, its white mask smiling, though its tone carried an ambiguous undertone. "Otherwise, I'll torment you with my nightmares." A chilling laugh echoed in the air, blending the opposing tones of its two voices.
"From here, I can go on my own," the entity announced, turning its body toward the horizon. "Now that I'm free, fresh air! I've missed that." Before leaving, Desirnight extended its claws toward Paltio and Toco-Toco, transforming their clothes into entirely new outfits.
Paltio's new suit was impressive. A set of emerald green with golden embroidery that shimmered under the light. He wore an impeccable white vest, a crisply ironed white shirt, and a yellow tie that gave him an elegant touch. Completing the ensemble were dark green pants and a cape that fell from his waist to his ankles, gently swaying in the wind. His boots, inspired by Golden's but enhanced, were a light brown with golden embellishments that seemed to emit a faint glow.
Toco-Toco, on the other hand, sported a dark blue outfit that balanced style and functionality. He wore small combat gloves, a belt with multiple compartments, and his usual weapons, now imbued with a magical touch that made them faintly glow when he touched them. His appearance was that of a warrior ready to face any challenge.
"Well, it's time for me to go," said Desirnight, slowly stepping back as its figure began to fade. "I hope you win, boy." And with those words, the entity disappeared, leaving behind a strange sensation, as if its presence still lingered in the air.
"Daddy, daddy!" cried an excited voice. Rykaru came running from a distance, tears in his eyes and a huge smile on his face. He leaped toward Paltio and hugged him with all his strength. "It really is you, daddy!"
"Yes, it's me," Paltio responded, returning the hug with a warm smile. However, little Rykaru was so overjoyed that he nearly suffocated him. "Easy, Rykaru, you're squeezing me too tight."
"No, no, never," Rykaru replied, clinging even tighter. "I was so alone without daddy and the kitty... But now you're here, and I'm never letting you go, never!"
"Yes, but if you keep this up, you'll lose your daddy," Paltio joked, trying to breathe while ruffling the little one's hair. After a few moments, he managed to calm him down and glanced at his watch. "It's time to go, Toco-Toco. We only have 12 hours left before the pact is fulfilled."
The three returned to the real world, emerging in a place where their friends were already waiting for them. Everyone had changed significantly during their time training. Mok was the first to speak, approaching with a teasing smile.
"Wow, young master, you look different... You're even copying my style; you've got a tail like me," Mok joked, pointing at Paltio's high ponytail.
"Yeah..." Paltio replied, touching his ponytail with a small laugh. "That's what it looks like."
Everyone looked different, with renewed auras and outfits reflecting their growth during training. Alita wore a mage's suit made of magical feathers, a brilliant blue that seemed to float lightly around her. A vest with a cape complemented her look, along with a staff that radiated an aura of wisdom and power. She looked every bit like a master of the magical arts.
Ron, on the other hand, wore black pants and a camel-colored shirt paired with a brown vest that gave him a rugged yet sophisticated air. His dark brown boots were covered in dust, evidence of his intense training, and he had a few band-aids on his face, proof of the blows he had endured during his preparation.
Lukeandria stood out with her new armament. She carried a crescent-shaped shield that glowed with a silvery radiance under the light, along with a green sword that seemed to vibrate with its own energy. Her warrior attire was a striking orange that contrasted beautifully with her dark hair, giving her a fierce yet elegant demeanor. It was clear she was prepared to face any challenge.
Mok, on the other hand, still wore his classic butler suit. At first glance, it seemed unchanged, but Geki intervened before anyone could comment. "Don't be fooled," he said with a sly smile. "This suit is made from the finest materials, resistant to both magical attacks and physical impacts. Plus," he continued, pointing to the new black bag Mok carried slung over his shoulder, "This bag isn't just any ordinary thing. It's like Paltio's interdimensional pouch, but only for weapons. Everything stored inside is ready to be used in an instant."
"Wow, you all look renewed," Lucca commented, tears in his eyes as he gazed at his companions. There was something deeply moving about seeing how much each of them had grown during their training.
"Ah, don't get all emotional, old man!" Rykaru said, lightly hugging him. "They didn't give me a new suit either." He tried to joke to lighten the mood, though it was clear he felt a twinge of jealousy.
"Are you okay?" Alita asked, approaching to give Lucca a playful tug on the cheek, trying to cheer him up. "If you want, we'll make you a suit," Nakia added with laughter, though she quickly backtracked. "Well, maybe not me... I'm not very good at making suits for men," she joked, prompting bursts of laughter from the group.
"Don't worry, leave it to me," Geki said, raising a hand toward Rykaru and Lucca. A flash of energy passed over them, and their usual outfits subtly transformed. From the outside, they looked like the same old suits, but now they radiated a newfound magical quality.
"But we have the same outfit!" Rykaru exclaimed, looking at himself in surprise.
"Of course," Geki replied confidently with a smile. "But, like Mok's suit, these are now resistant to magical attacks and impacts. Don't underestimate their simple appearance; they're built to last."
Paltio looked toward the horizon, where the place he had left behind nearly a month ago came into view. Though little time had passed, for him, it had felt like an eternity. He took a deep breath and turned to the group. "We've finally arrived," he announced in a firm voice. "Avocadolia... We're back here, where it all began and must end. It's time to go in."
Everyone climbed into the carriage, which slowly advanced toward the grand gates of the kingdom. The entrance to Avocadolia loomed imposingly before them, flanked by towering walls adorned with golden motifs symbolizing the greatness of the place. It was a home many of them had missed, even those who didn't know it as well.
"Home sweet home," Ron murmured with a nostalgic smile, though there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he leaned back in his seat.
"Okay, then... Avocadolia welcomes us," Alita said, looking around with a mix of excitement and determination. "I guess," she added, though her tone made it clear she knew this wouldn't be a peaceful return.