Elvina gasped as she awoke. She should be dead. How?

“You can sleep longer if you like. Your body sorely needs it.”

The tent was dark to facilitate Elvina’s rest but she could see Croix’s face beside her bed from the soft illumination of a magic lamp. It seemed morning had not yet arrived.

“You saved me? Why? After all I did to you.”

“I know about your mother. That she had been in captivity of the Magisterium for years and experimented on. That you have been trying to save her all this time. As a sick joke, her captors told you to become Latias Monarch and did their bidding for her release. Seeing no other way, you entered the Grand Prix.”

“...Did Raun tell you that?”

“In a way. We had to make him spill his guts,” Croix answered. “He’s ash now. Know that I bear you no grudge, sister.”

“I deserve it, for harming many of my own kin.”

Croix remembered Elvina mentioned encountering other half-siblings before they fought.

“Did you kill them?”

“I tried. Their observers take them away.”

“Because you’re forced to. You could have killed me but you didn't. That is your choice, the same choice you made when fighting them.”

“I also chose to participate in this Grand Prix knowing I won't stop until I win or die in the process, no matter who I have to fight.”

“I respect that. You did all you could. My wounds are the proof. But harsh as this is, you cannot win this. Not against our older siblings and their team. You’re alone and out of Victa.”

Elvina’s spirit seemed to have left her body as her eyes became hollow.

“They tortured her every day, you know. Painful experiments each more harsh than before. All in an effort to distill the secret of long lives from her flesh. It breaks my heart every time I see her.”

Croix clenched his fists.

“I would have taken her place if I could but since I’m only half-elf, I was deemed unfit after some tests. I can live outside the tower because my mother promised to cooperate with them… I tried to get help many times but the Magisterium had me watched so I always failed. I have never talked about this with others. Ironic, really. In this closed Biome I am the most free.”

“I’m sorry, sister. No one should have to live like that.”

“You killed Raun. I’m impressed. Scum as he was, he was a Level 4 scum subordinate of a Tower Master.”

“It was my team. I did nothing.”

“I see… The daughter of House Valentine seems as prodigious as the rumors claim,” Elvina assumed.

“You’ll be surprised about the other two… What do you plan to do now?”

Elvina answered after a long while.

“Chances are close to zero for me to slay a Rank 4 monster. Even if I did by some miracle, there are still other rounds. My venture to win the Prix is doomed from the start. I realized this but didn't want to admit it. Heh. How foolish.”

“Sister…”

“I plan on returning to the Magisterium branch where my mother is being held and killing everyone inside. This time, they won't stop me. Once my life has been snuffed out, at least Mother doesn't have to put up with their experiments anymore.”

Elvina turned to face Croix.

“Thank you for your kindness, dear brother, even though we are practically family in name only. The fact is we’ve never spoken with one another until now. I don't have much to repay your kindness but I can teach you my Leya Illis. It’s what the elves called it. How I surpassed your Unreality Field defense.”

“Enough. Don't talk like this is the end. I won't let it! Why, why even now, you don't ask for my help?!”

“How could I?” Elvina looked perplexed. “And what good will it do? When the news of my failure reached their ears, my mother would have been moved to another place. By the time the Grand Prix is over, it would be too late!”

“So that’s why he said that,” Croix then put his hand on Elvina’s. “I’ll help you rescue your mother, sister.”

“Why? You have nothing to gain from this.”

“Because I know your pain. My mother too is held captive at the palace. Our circumstances are similar. Have hope. We’ll get through this.”

Even though Elvina had so many questions in her head, she couldn't find words to convey them. It was just, something warm lit up in her chest.

Hope.

***

Viers, the eavesdropper extraordinaire, opened his eyes in the next tent.

If I fail here, my stock will plummet. Alrighty then. Maximum effort.

***

“Good hunting?”

Theus Mercea greeted his long-time friend. Stratos Gaelos.

“They are just so-so.”

Stratos replied. Three dead Rank 4 cockroaches on his feet. Theus didn't see a scratch on his body. Powerful as ever.

Not far away, Theus saw Solany flinging huge rocks and all sorts of armaments against her enemies. Further back, safe and protected, Princess Celestine with the black dragon, Serena.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Theus gave her a greeting nod which she reciprocated.

“Your hunting is going well too, I hope?” Stratos asked.

“My main prey eludes me. I suppose you haven't seen the fly that stains Ciel with his presence?”

“Ah,” Stratos knew who Theus implied. “No, I haven't seen Prince Croix and his team. A question, if I may, Theus.”

“Ask.”

“Suppose you defeat this Avel so thoroughly or even rip him apart completely in front of Miss Valentine, what then? How will this help you win her heart?”

Theus didn't answer.

Theus couldn't answer.

“...You didn't think about it?” Stratos’ voice was tinged with disbelief.

“I will think about it after I remove his existence.”

***

“It feels like a slave mark but it’s still shallow,” Paina said while examining the mark on Irene’s neck. “You said Cassian did this after he defeated you?”

“Hmn,” Irene nodded. “I’m purging it bit by bit with my Unreality Field. The progress is… slow.”

“It seems his technique is based on domination,” Clarissa said. “The snake and vulture is a dead giveaway. My guess is the more people he dominates, those with his mark, the stronger he gets.”

“I agree, at any rate, thanks for saving us.”

The Rising Fortune group, Bruce, Norman, Sandra, and Irene gave their thanks.

“Don't mention it. Since it hasn't been that long, you all should be able to erase the prince’s leash on you eventually. Just keep doing it. We have to leave now. Good luck to both our teams,” Farley said.

After a short session of meet and greet, the two teams separated with cordiality.

***

The third and last day of Round 1 of the Latias Grand Prix began with an ungodly screech that spread to every corner of the Biome. It came from the center.

Soon, massive legions of cockroaches were out in force, with numerous Rank 4s mixed in the army’s lineup.

They were aggressive before but now even more so. Worse, they were clearly empowered.

Only a Rank 5 monster could do this to so many.

Every group still in the Biome was under assault. Croix’s group was no exception.

The group cut through the black insects like scythes through a field of wheat. They did so while protecting Elvina, who was currently heavily injured and had barely any Victa.

As they fought, they saw a shining diamond rise to the sky like a beacon, a diamond-walled fort was being raised under it. Then a voice to rally reached their ears.

“That’s Prince Lutz. That diamond affinity is unmistakable,” Croix said.

“What’s the call, Prince Croix?” Boram asked.

“...Let’s accept their offer. We’ll go to the fort and fight the roaches together. Many hands make light work and there are more than enough points for everyone.”

“Certainly,” Ciel agreed, seeing the monster with such a number that it carpeted the faraway ground with the color black.

“...It’s similar,” Boram said with a soft voice. He was remembering the Book World’s final stage, of Tanael’s Tyra Xerg army. “This time, I’ll do better.”

“JOHJ INCOMING!!”

Viers said the warning just in time so the group could react as a Rank 4 roach dived from above.

The Rank 4 did not have the ripped humanoid body type, a bit to Viers’ disappointment. It was more like a centaur, but instead of a horse's lower body, it was a cockroach, and instead of a human torso, it was some kind of mutated praying mantis.

Viers called them Johj nonetheless.

“Who’s George?” Ciel asked as she engaged the most formidable enemy.

“Johj!” Viers fried a Rank 3 with Futon’s yellow lightning. The plasma chained to other surrounding roaches. AOEs were so satisfying to use here.

“John?” Croix asked.

“You know what, never mind,” Viers gave up. “That’s our ticket to Round 2! Exterminate!”

“Yes, Master!” Boram charged at the Rank 4 without fear.

***

After the group defeated their first Rank 4 roach, it went downhill from there.

The group was continuously beset by monsters. Every meter they took was a fight. The roaches were unending. The combatants’ AOEs and Falmerion’s strafing fire from above helped but not enough. Even the observer had to defend himself against attacks.

Then other Rank 4s appear. Two at one this time. If they got bogged down before they reached the diamond fort, they would be overwhelmed.

Ciel took one, Viers and Boram tag-teamed the other.

In the midst of battle another Rank 4 specialized in ambushing targeted Croix and Elvina at the backline.

“Boram, go!” Viers ordered.

“Yes, Master. Be careful.”

“Ou!”

Boram reached the royal siblings just in time. They were no match for the Rank 4. Under assault, Croix didn't have time to use his trump card, evolving Falmerion to Rank 4.

After a fierce struggle, the three managed to wound the Rank 4 until it retreated. Elvina squeezed the last dregs of her strength to give Croix and Boram opening with her Sword Intent. Their triumph was short-lived, however, when great explosions were heard from Viers’ location.

“Master!”

“Let’s go!”

Boram was worried but he still guarded the siblings with him. Boram couldn't believe what he saw, his master had fallen, surrounded by five Rank 4s roaches.

Boram knew his Master had become a Level 4 but perhaps five at once was too much. On his master’s defense, the five monsters suffered great injuries and missing limbs.

“Avel! You filth! Begone!”

Ciel’s powerful light Arte made them retreat before dealing a mortal blow to Viers, killing two out of five.

Priest Breiz was about to whisk Viers away but the man stopped him.

“Not so fast,” Viers wheezed. “I stopped the blood using the Unreality Field. Don't count me out yet.”

“...If it’s too dangerous, I’ll pull you out,” Breiz relented.

***

Despite his heavy injuries and an especially nasty head wound, Avel pulled his weight during the trip to the fort. Just half an hour but it seemed far longer and farther thanks to the constant cockroach throwing their bodies at them without regard for their own survival. The others became increasingly worried about Avel’s wounds.

But they arrived, against all odds.

The fort was besieged but many other contestants flocked here and with their combined effort fighting from a fortified position, it gave the ones inside some breathing room.

Avel passed out after arriving, his strength was spent. Ciel looked horrified at the all-too-real wound.

“Found you, Avel! Fight-” Theus arrived and was about to issue a challenge. “...What’s this? Are you already done for? Ha! Pathetic. See, Lady Valentine, this useless trash is of no value to yo-”

“Move!” Ciel hurried to the infirmary with Avel, pushing Theus out of the way. She was panicking as the blood flowed out from him and drenched her hand.

Naturally, the rest of Croix’s group followed. Leaving Theus behind on his ass on the ground.

Avel received healing in time from a combined effort of medicines, healers and Ciel’s light magic. The worst had yet come to pass.

Avel regained consciousness, much to their delight.

“Avel!”

“Master!”

“What were you thinking? Taking on five Rank 4 at the same time? You’re lucky to be alive!”

“Save the speech and tears for later,” Avel coughed. “The fort is still under siege, I take it? Then what are you doing here? Get out there and fight. Your strength is needed.”

“But-” Croix hesitated.

“I’ll look after him,” Elvina answered. “I can do that much.”

The others said their parting words before heading out. Finally, some peace for Viers.

Now I’ve got a nice excuse to skip Round 2. All according to plan. Man, I should get an Oscar. Who else gets a real near-death experience for an act?

To Viers who had destroyed himself over and over again for three years to maximize his No Pain No Gain Arte, this was just another Monday.

A few hours later Round 1 was concluded. Viers witnessed this on a sick bed while feeling pleased as his plan came together.