The tournament had ended, and the golden haze of magic still shimmered faintly across the Zenith Arena. Champions were tending to wounds, crowds slowly thinning out, and sky-lanterns now began to rise above Krayon Sol, dancing into the twilight.
Up in one of the noble stands, Vael strolled toward the box where Adam, Joshua, Alice, and Kaiden were seated. He had ditched the ceremonial robes, back in his usual grease-stained apron, a meat skewer half-eaten in his hand.
"That was some epic showdown," Vael said, voice rough with admiration. "That move you pulled at the end? Just chefs kiss perfection."
He turned to Kaiden, eyes narrowed slightly. "So… who taught you that spin-kick into soul-burst sequence?"
Kaiden scratched the back of his neck and pointed at Adam. "He's my father."
Vael blinked. Then laughed.
