**Evening — Near the Camp**
Bobby stands silently near a tall tree, the golden sunset casting long shadows across the camp. His mind replays the murmurs of the villagers.
Bobby (thinking):"I'll find them, no matter what. But first… I want to understand how this insane power works."
He closes his eyes, breathing steadily, trying to sense the resonance within him. He clenches his fists and concentrates harder. No matter how hard he tries, nothing happens.
Frustrated, he focuses completely on his hand and punches the tree with full force.
Bobby:"Ouch! That hurts..."
He holds his wrist, confused.
Bobby (thinking):"Why can't I use it now? Was it triggered by anger? So, do I need to be angry to activate my resonance?"*
He looks toward the training grounds, watching others using their powers effortlessly.
Bobby (thinking):"No, everyone else is using their powers normally. Is it because they've trained with it for years? Or is there another reason?"*
He exhales deeply, eyes sharpening with resolve.
Bobby (thinking):"Either way, I need to ask someone who really understands this."
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️ **Village Leader's Office — That Same Evening**
All the clan leaders gather around a circular table in a large, candlelit chamber. The atmosphere is thick with tension and consideration.
Glow Clan Leader: "Vex, can you explain why you asked the guards to delay the next round by one week?"
Vex (Dusk Clan Leader (Shade's father)): "Because if we continue with only the winners from the last round, we have just three candidates. And we also had two matches forfeited. I think it's unfair to exclude those who forfeited."
Cade (Tide Clan Leader): "Yes, those two showed real potential despite forfeiting."
Terror (vine Clan Leader): "So, what exactly are you suggesting?"
Vex(Village Leader) : "Let's allow the forfeited candidates to join the second round as well. What do you all think?"
Jolt(Spark Clan Leader) : "I'm fine with that."
Rion (Glow clan Leader) and Cade(Tide Clan Leader) : "Hmm..."
Zane: "Alright then, it's decided."
Vex (slightly smiling):"There's one more thing I've been considering."
Rion(Glow Clan Leader) : "What is it?"
Vex(Shadow Clan Leader): "Let's organize the upcoming matches so that each fight happens between members of the same elemental type or clan."
Garron(Flame Clan Leader) (thinking):"What is he up to now?"
Rion (Glow Clan Leader): "Why? What's the reason for having battles only within the same clan or type?"
Vex (shadow clan Leader): "Because when two fighters with the same elemental power face each other, they'll learn their power's strengths and weaknesses better. It will also show who is using their resonance more effectively."
Terror (vein Clan Leader):"I agree with that."
Rion(Glow Clan Leader) : "That perspective makes sense. Flame, you haven't given your opinion."
Garron (Flame Clan Leader):"If everyone else agrees, I'm fine with it too."
Zane(Village leader): "Then it's settled. The second round will begin after one week. Let the true resonance begin."
After that everyone leaves the hall. As soon as they do...
Zane (Village Leader): "Garron, I think Vex is up to something, don't you think?"
Garron: "Yes, but we have to be careful from now on."
The Next Morning
Everyone in the village, including Bobby, his classmates, and the clan leaders, gathers at the arena, eagerly awaiting the announcement. Finally, this time, the Village Leader himself stands up.
Zane (Village Leader): "The participants chosen for the next round are..."
He pauses for a moment as the crowd leans in.
Zane (Village Leader): "Marin... Shade... Lara... Joran..."
Crowd murmurs, surprised and excited.
Zane (Village Leader) : "Elyse... Lian..."
More murmuring as whispers spread across the field.
Zane (Village Leader) : "...and finally — Bobby."
Bobby's eyes widen in shock.
Bobby: "What?! But why...?"
The crowd erupts with excited chatter, impressed by the unexpected list.
Vex ( Shadow Clan Leader (announcing)): "Not only that — the upcoming matches will be battles between members of the same clan."
The crowd goes completely wild.
Villagers: "What?! That's insane!" / "This is going to be amazing!"
Bobby, Lian, Lara, Joran, Shade, and Marin each start to reflect, their expressions growing serious as they realize the gravity of what's ahead.
End of Episode 10
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