The banners of the Four Great Sects flapped wildly under the mountain winds, each symbol embroidered in gold thread and soaked in centuries of legacy. The arena at the summit of Vermillion Peak was carved from obsidian stone, wide enough to fit a thousand warriors—and packed to the brim with spectators, sect elders, nobles, and hidden deities wearing mortal faces.
The Grand Tournament had begun.
Lohan Ardyn, dressed in humble gray robes, stood among the representatives of the Crimson Sky Sect's outer division. His presence went unnoticed by most… but not all.
> "That's him," whispered one of the Northern Sect elders, narrowing his eyes.
"The prodigy from nowhere."
Winter stood beside him, donning the colors of the core disciples. Her beauty drew countless eyes, but it was her aura—cold and commanding—that kept them from looking too long.
> "You know," she whispered, "we could skip this whole thing and just crush everyone."
> "Tempting," Lohan replied, smirking. "But I need them to see. Need her to see."
From a golden balcony above, Justine looked down.
Clad in divine white, radiating celestial authority, she watched the field like a goddess judging mortals. For a brief moment, her gaze locked with Lohan's—and something in her eyes flickered.
Recognition? Doubt? Regret?
> "No," she said under her breath. "He's dead. That's not him."
But she clenched the armrest of her throne tightly, cracking the marble beneath her hand.
---
Match 1: Raze vs. Beast Kin Challenger
The first battle lit the stage with fire. Raze, grinning like a madman, dodged a razor-sharp claw and retaliated with a flaming roundhouse that sent his opponent flying.
The crowd erupted. But those who had seen Lohan fight knew the difference.
Raze was fire.
Lohan… was something else.
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Later – Waiting Grounds
Winter leaned over the balcony of the rest tent.
> "Your turn is soon. Nervous?"
> "No," Lohan said calmly, stretching his limbs. "I'm thinking about how many I can take down without using a single spell."
Winter grinned. "You're the only person I've met whose confidence makes me feel safe instead of annoyed."
> "Good," he replied. "Because the whole tower will be watching by the end of today."
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