The roaring cheers of the Caelora Grand Colosseum slowly began to fade.
A thin veil of steam still lingered in the air—the remnants of the clash between ocean and flame. Beneath the shimmering glow of the magical dome, the mist reflected soft light, beautiful… yet heavy with something unresolved.
Healers moved swiftly across the arena, stabilizing the scattered mana left behind by the previous battle.
But for a moment—
no one fought.
It was as if the entire colosseum… was waiting.
⸻
At the edge of the arena, a floating crystal hovered in place.
Runes circled around it, glowing in steady patterns—forming a live broadcast array.
A man stood before it.
His coat slightly unbuttoned, his hair not entirely in place—yet his gaze was sharp.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips.
"If you think this is just another examination…"
His voice flowed through the broadcasting network, spreading far beyond the colosseum.
"…then you're watching the wrong event."
He was Riven Hale—reporter of Urtz Tribune.
The crystal projected shifting images of the arena from multiple angles.
"Today, we've witnessed something far beyond expectation."
Elara. Noah. Lurk.
Their images flickered within the light.
"Calm victories… overwhelming power… and something—"
he paused slightly, his smile thinning,
"—not entirely explainable."
⸻
Kozto — A Small Roadside Restaurant
A small broadcast crystal hung in the corner.
Customers had stopped eating.
All eyes were fixed on the glowing projection.
The owner crossed his arms.
"Heh… now the whole world sees it."
One of the customers nodded.
"These kids… they're not ordinary anymore."
⸻
Kingdom of Sisilia — Inner Palace Chamber
A large broadcast rune floated at the center of the room.
A young princess jumped excitedly.
"That's him! Big brother won!!"
She pointed with sparkling eyes.
Beside her, the queen smiled softly—proud, composed.
But in the distance—
the king stood in silence.
His gaze did not follow the celebration.
Instead—
it carried something deeper.
Concern.
⸻
Venthyr Academy
Students gathered inside a grand hall.
Some still couldn't believe what they had seen.
"Lyra… lost?"
An elderly instructor stood at the front, watching calmly.
"She didn't lose," he said quietly.
"She faced someone more prepared."
He shifted his gaze.
"Watch the next match closely."
"The real lesson… is just beginning."
⸻
Mercenary Guild — Coast of Urtz
Waves could be heard crashing just outside the wooden inn.
Inside, several figures sat around a table, watching the broadcast crystal.
A man took a drink, then set it down slowly.
"He went up against the ocean itself…"
Another let out a small laugh—not mocking.
"And still stood."
A woman in the corner leaned back, arms crossed.
"That kid… he's changed."
No one disagreed.
⸻
Back to the Colosseum
Riven raised his hand slightly.
"Four candidates have advanced."
Names shimmered briefly in the air.
"And now…"
His tone shifted—sharper, focused.
"The final match of this round."
The glowing letters changed.
Mirell vs Seryn.
The crowd's energy surged once more.
⸻
Somewhere — Someone Who Knows Mirell
A woman stood before a small crystal.
Her eyes were steady.
"…don't lose."
She whispered softly.
"You never stop… do you?"
⸻
Silent Room — Seryn's Mentor
An old man sat in stillness.
The broadcast crystal glowed faintly before him.
"Time is not something to chase…"
He slowly opened his eyes.
"…but something to control."
⸻
Council Balcony
The atmosphere was different.
Quieter.
Heavier.
Fenrath Moongrim stood at the edge, unmoving.
His gaze swept across the entire colosseum.
"…it hasn't left."
Beside him, Neravos remained silent.
But his thoughts were elsewhere.
"Dragon… and time…"
He murmured faintly.
"Two anomalies… in a single generation."
His eyes narrowed.
"…interesting."
⸻
🌫️ Among the Crowd
Fine particles drifted slowly.
Invisible.
Untouched.
Yet present.
Watching.
Waiting.
⸻
🏟️ Arena — The Beginning
Two figures stepped into the arena.
Mirell moved lightly.
Almost without sound.
Her gaze steady.
Calm.
Across from her, Seryn stood still.
Balanced.
As if time itself moved differently around him.
For a brief moment—
the noise faded.
As if the entire world…
was holding its breath.
⸻
GONG!
⸻
The final battle of this round… begins.