At the twelfth hour of the day, all battle lineups were completed.
The referee walked from the director's seat toward the battlefield after receiving some final information.
Meanwhile, behind the arena, Kiato began to regain consciousness. He realized he was lying in freezing water, his head resting on a high rock that kept his face above the stream.
His eyes fluttered open—vision first blurry, then gradually clearing with each blink.
The first thing he saw was a figure... female.
He looked closer.
Seraphina.
She bent low, using water magic to heal Kiato's wounds.
"What technique is that?" Kiato asked—his first words since waking.
Seraphina smiled quietly, happiness blooming inside her at the sound of his voice.
"I call it Blue Serenity," she replied.
"Who knew a war leader could convey such a gentle technique?" Kiato said, still lying in the pool.
Just then, something struck his mind—
The tournaments.
He suddenly jumped to his feet, placing a hand on Seraphina's shoulder.
"I owe you one. For now—thanks a lot."
Then he dashed back toward the initiates' stand.
Seraphina's face flushed pale red. She stood, her hand resting on the shoulder he had touched, walking slowly back toward the initiates' section. She murmured softly to herself, eyes downcast—
"I'm looking forward to the payback."
At the battlefield, the referee's voice echoed out, amplified by aura or magic:
"Warriors, aspirants, and rising flames of Gallus Blade Academy—your trials have ended.
Each of you has proven the spirit, strength, and resolve worthy of a place within these sacred walls. Whether you stood victorious or tasted defeat, you have earned admission.
Let that be known—Gallus accepts the brave, not just the undefeated.
However, for those who emerged triumphant in their duels… a reward awaits.
You have been granted the Azure Crest—a token of honor and privilege.
This crest grants you priority access to the Ember Hall Banquets—fine meals, full rations, and elite nourishment for one full week.
Wear it proudly, and let it remind you of the effort that brought you here.
To the rest—do not despair.
Your journey begins now, not at the finish line of a tryout.
What you forge from here on determines your worth—not just a single match.
Gallus welcomes you all. May your blades stay sharp, and your spirits sharper.
Go home and rest for today—but no late coming will be condoned tomorrow.
Dismissed!"
The arena fell silent for a moment.
Then—
A wave of mixed reactions surged through the crowd of initiates.
Cheers erupted from several duel winners. Some raised fists or weapons high, grinning from ear to ear. A silver-haired boy in cracked armor laughed.
"Azure Crest, huh? Sounds fancy. Guess we're eating like nobles for once!"
Beside him, a girl with bruised knuckles clutched her newly-given crest to her chest, eyes gleaming with pride.
But not all were jubilant.
Some of the defeated stood quietly—shoulders stiff, jaws clenched—not from bitterness, but from pride swallowing frustration.
Kia, knocked out in the first round, muttered:
"At least we made it in... That's what matters, right?"
Another leaned on his staff and smirked.
"Yeah, but good food for a week would've been really nice."
Laughter spread through the group, easing the tension.
Luna—one of the winners—walked past a defeated initiate and patted his shoulder.
"Don't sulk. One week of meat won't change the year ahead."
He chuckled.
"Tell that to my stomach."
A few initiates simply looked up at the towering spires of Gallus Blade Academy, hearts pounding—not from battle, but from the weight of what came next.
They had entered the forge. Now, they would be shaped.
Kiato smiled deeply in thought as Seraphina walked beside him.
"Seems like we earned what we fought for."
Kiato's gaze met his father's. A silent exchange passed between their eyes before he replied:
"Don't draw conclusions yet. A long way still lies ahead Us."
Seraphina's gaze locked on him. A single word echoed in her mind—
"Us."
Then he walked away to meet his father by the royal chariot. The air was thick with tension as he approached.
"Why didn't you finish him earlier?" Gundrick asked.
"I wanted everyone to see why I won. Not just that I could."
Gundrick patted his head.
"Well done, my son."
For the first time, Kiato felt truly approved.
A small, one-sided smile formed on his face—too obvious to hide.
They entered the chariot and headed for the Kenji residence.
THE KENJI RESIDENCE
Kiato entered the large building. Everyone seemed fast asleep.
He walked straight to his room and collapsed into bed, intending to rest for the next day.
But sleep wouldn't come. One hour... two... four...
His mind kept wandering:
What's next?
What will Gallus be like?
When will I meet the Imperial Dragon Knight?
Azura...
Kiato sat up heavily, mind storming with thoughts. He stepped out of the mansion and headed for his flame training ground—the same spot where he had met Azura.
Unbeknownst to him, Gundrick noticed his departure and followed silently, masking his aura.
Through the forest path, Kiato emerged into the open clearing.
The night air was crisp, touched by the heat of Kiato's aura.
Faint flames still lingered in the cracks of the stone floor—ghosts of past training.
Kiato stood still.
His thoughts raged—Gallus, the Dragon Knight, Azura...
Then—a shift in the wind.
A subtle ripple in the heat.
He turned.
And she was there.
Azura.
Clad in light training garb, her silhouette glowed in the moonlight. Her flame aura flickered gently as she sat on one of the training stones—as if waiting.
Azura (softly):
"Couldn't sleep either?"
Kiato (guarded, surprised):
"You're here... again."
Azura (smirking):
"This place calms the fire in me. Or maybe it feeds it—I haven't decided."
A pause. The fire crackled between them.
Kiato:
"I thought after the tryouts, everyone would be too tired to move."
Azura:
"Tired bodies. Restless minds."
(She stood slowly)
"Especially yours. I felt your aura spike the moment you entered."
Kiato's gaze narrowed.
"Were you waiting for me?"
She walked toward him, stopping just close enough for the air to heat between them.
Azura:
"Maybe. Or maybe fate has good timing."
Kiato (softly):
"You think fate cares?"
Azura (smirking again):
"No. But I think we should."
She turned, looking toward the sky. Embers danced at her fingertips.
Azura:
"I heard whispers today. About Gallus. About the Imperial Dragon Knight. Things are moving, Kiato. Faster than either of us imagined."
Kiato (stepping forward):
"I need to grow stronger. Fast. And I think... you can help me."
She looked back, firelight reflected in her eyes.
Azura:
"Then let's burn through the night."
They raised their hands. The flames responded.
Unseen in the shadows, Gundrick watched silently, eyes gleaming with interest.
The clearing exploded in bursts of flame as Kiato and Azura circled each other. Sweat glistened under the moonlight. Their aura flared, their strikes fierce.
Azura spiraled forward.
Kiato ducked and released a burst of heat that turned the ground beneath him to glass.
They weren't holding back.
But it wasn't rage driving them.
It was tension.
Their flames collided—but instead of canceling out, they danced around each other.
Azura (panting, smirking):
"You're holding back."
Kiato (gritting):
"So are you."
Their auras tangled—flickering, synchronizing.
Something shifted.
Azura (soft):
"Why do you hesitate, Kiato?"
He lowered his stance.
"I... I don't know."
But he did.
His heart had been racing—not from training, but from her.
Azura stepped closer, her aura flickering like a nervous heartbeat.
Azura:
"I can't focus around you. And it's not because you're strong."
Kiato:
"It's because I—"
He stopped, swallowed.
Their auras burned softly, flickering in unison.
Azura (voice trembling):
"I didn't want to feel this. But here we are..."
Kiato (finally):
"I think I've been burning for you since the first time we trained."
Azura laughed—short, breathless. Almost like a sob.
She took one more step.
Azura:
"Then stop hesitating. Burn with me."
He did.
Their flames entwined—not to scorch, but to embrace.
From the shadows, Gundrick muttered:
"Not bad, boy. Not bad at all."
They froze. Faces inches apart. Breathing hard.
Their flames pulsed in sync.
Azura (whispering):
"You're not fighting me anymore."
Kiato:
"No. I never did."
Azura:
"Then why do you avoid what's real between us?"
Kiato:
"Because it's not supposed to happen."
Azura (quiet, fierce):
"Because I'm Emberclad. And you're from Frostvale."
The words hung heavy.
Kiato:
"We were taught not to trust. Not to love and that your kind burns too wild..."
Azura:
"And yours are cold-hearted. Destined to betray."
Silence.
Then—
Azura placed her hand on his chest.
Azura:
"But when I look at you, Kiato... I see you."
Kiato (softly):
"And I see more than Emberclad. I see the one who pulled strength from me when I had none left."
Their fire bloomed—gentle and whole.
Kiato:
"If this is wrong... I don't care."
Azura:
"I'm tired of choosing duty over what my heart screams for."
They leaned in.
Their lips met.
Not with fury—but with a quiet, aching promise.
Their auras merged.
And from the shadows, Gundrick whispered—
"Flame-damned tribes and their walls. Maybe these two will be the fire that melts them... You're lucky I like her, boy."
They didn't speak at first.
Azura's fingers brushed Kiato's. He gently laced his hand with hers.
The first rays of sunrise broke through the sky.
Kiato:
"When you need me, I'll be at Gallus Blade Academy."
Azura (smirking):
"And I'll be at Ember Guard Academy. For now... don't go near my father's house. You might get cooked."
They both chunked "Alright, until I'm one with the sun then".
They slowly loosened their hands as they walked in opposite directions.
Azura (softly):
"Bye, soulmate."
Kiato (grinning):
"See you soon... my flame."