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Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: The Mark of Mastery, and a World Prepares

[EXT. ABYSSAL CRATER – DUSK]

Black ash drifted in the air.

Zyren stood in the center of a crater — scorched, panting, eyes glowing with searing darkness.

Across from him, kneeling, was the Silent Death — the most feared blade in the Dark Realm.

Not dead.

But defeated.

> Silent Death (quietly):

"So… it is done."

> Zyren (hoarse):

"I didn't win by being stronger.

I won because you trained me to think like you."

Silent Death's head tilted slightly — pride hidden beneath his void-etched hood.

> Silent Death:

"You've mastered the art…

and surpassed the assassin."

He stood — slow, deliberate — and bowed deeply.

> Silent Death:

"From this moment, I am no longer your master.

I am your blade."

---

[EXT. ZYREN'S FORTRESS – MOMENTS LATER]

The other three generals — Veydrin, Nyxara, and Cinderbane — stood watching.

> Veydrin:

"So he really did it…"

> Nyxara (smiling faintly):

"The heir of shadows… is born."

> Cinderbane (grinning):

"Then let the world burn quicker."

Zyren stood at the center of them now.

Not a soldier.

A sovereign.

> Zyren (low):

"Prepare the legions.

But let them wait."

> "The light will reveal its strength first."

---

[INT. SCHOOL OF LIGHT – CONFERENCE HALL – SAME DAY]

Six radiant hologlyphs glowed across a wide council table — each belonging to one of the Divine School Headmasters.

At the head of the hall, Elarion stood with arms folded.

---

> Elarion:

"The Divine School Competition begins next month.

We are no longer training individuals.

We are raising champions."

> "Each school will send their top 10.

All must be prepared — body, mind, and soul."

---

Cut to:

Chronos (Time):

> "Veloria leads our team. We'll prepare her — and her allies — to bend seconds into steel."

Vael (Elements):

> "Let them see what it means to fight with nature's wrath… refined."

Serai (Space):

> "They will move between the strikes of their enemies."

Lian (Living Creation):

> "Let our warriors remind them why life is sacred — and not easily taken."

Drael (Nonliving Creation):

> "I will send weapons that walk and wills that do not break."

---

[INT. DIVINE CHAMBER – VENUE SELECTION]

A glowing sphere floated above the central pillar.

Within it — six swirling divine territories collided in harmony.

> Elarion:

"The venue shall be the Sanctified Arena of Eirion."

> "Neutral ground.

Shielded by absolute law.

Forged before the era of the Gods."

The other headmasters nodded.

This was sacred ground.

---

[INT. MESSENGER HALL – INVITATION SELECTION]

Scrolls unfurled as divine names shimmered in the air.

Each God and Goddess would send two envoys — warriors, mentors, observers, or retired champions.

Some names glowed warmly.

Others pulsed with unsettling intent.

Among the chosen:

The former Knight Commander of Light

The Fairy Matron

A retired Time Swordmaster

The Ex-General of Space, now a recluse

And one seat still unconfirmed — rumored to be a living judge of judgment itself

> Chronos (softly):

"This is no longer a competition.

This is prophecy."

---

[INT. LIGHT SCHOOL – NIGHTFALL – CLASS 7 HALLWAY]

The ten students stood outside their dorms — Lyrion and Veloria quietly side-by-side, Ray and Rika flanking them, the other three pairs chatting softly.

> Lyrion:

"Next month… it begins."

> Veloria (smiling faintly):

"And we show the world what light can become."

---

[EXT. DARK WORLD – FORTRESS BALCONY – SAME NIGHT]

Zyren stood on his tower, the wind pulling at his coat.

Behind him, the four generals stood silent.

The shadows bowed to him.

He looked toward the stars — toward where the sanctified arena awaited.

> Zyren (to himself):

"Let them gather.

Let them shine."

> "Because when light burns too brightly—"

> "It casts the longest shadow."

---

TO BE CONTINUED...

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