A few minutes before the attack on Skyforge Arena, high above the city in a haze of stormy clouds, Arytho was fully engaged in his battle against Selene Stormweaver. The arena was electric, filled with spectators from all across the realm, their excitement surging through the air like the crackle of lightning. The clash of dragonfire and lightning magic echoed off the ancient stone walls, intensifying the energy that seemed to pulse through every corner of the Skyforge.
Arytho’s every movement was sharp and precise, meeting Selene’s fierce attacks head-on. She countered with her signature mastery over the winds, each gust spiraling into powerful bolts aimed to strike him off balance. Around them, enchanted banners waved, and the crowd erupted with each blow traded, watching every move with bated breath.
In the heart of the arena, as storms swirled and magic flashed, no one in the crowd suspected that a darker power loomed just beyond, watching, waiting, ready to make its move. Selene's eyes gleamed with electric fury as she raised her staff, its core humming with the power of the storm.
Selene: "Vaak’Thraa’Lûm!" she declared, summoning an unending torrent of lightning that crackled and roared with raw energy.
With a commanding shout, she unleashed,
Selene: "Lûm’Vorr’Raik’Thraa!".
A tempest erupted around her, swirling with blinding electric arcs that reached outward in a maelstrom of dazzling strikes. The charged air burned with intensity as bolts hurtled at light speed, converging toward Arythos in a relentless storm that offered no escape, the very ground trembling under the sheer force of Selene's unleashed power. Arythos's form blurred as he moved, his reflexes and agility unmatched. Each bolt of lightning streaked past him, striking the ground and leaving charred marks in their wake. With a fluid leap, he soared upward, evading the storm’s relentless pursuit. Mid-air, his body glimmered with a surge of dark power, scales rippling with an ethereal sheen as he transformed.
In a heartbeat, Arythos's figure expanded, wings unfurling to their full span and casting a shadow over the battlefield. His draconic form shimmered with obsidian scales that crackled with veins of deep yello energy. He let out a resonant roar that seemed to shake the very skies, eyes locked on Selene below, ready to meet her storm with a power of his own.
Arytho's thoughts were clouded with caution as he remembered what made Selene Stormweaver so formidable. She wasn’t just skilled but she was a natural-born prodigy in every form of combat she had been taught, mastering her lightning powers from a young age. Her reputation was legendary, not just because of her strength but for feats that set her apart from even the most elite warriors in her family.
One story in particular stood out in Arytho's mind. Selene had once faced a High Sky Knight from her own family, a warrior whose name was spoken with reverence. This knight had fought against the Eldritch Abominations, creatures of nightmares whose true forms could unravel reality itself. Despite their unimaginable power, Selene had managed to defeat one of their greatest defenders who were able to slay one of the abominations. It was an achievement that cemented her place as one of the most powerful members in her family.
Thinking of that now, Arytho felt the weight of facing her again. He knew she was more than just an opponent; she was a force of nature, one that he would have to meet with everything he had.
Just as Arythos thought he had a moment to catch his breath, a massive shadow emerged from the swirling storm clouds conjured by Selene. The air crackled with tension as the shape took form, and a deep, booming voice resonated through the skies. A colossal dark blue dragon burst forth from the clouds, scales glistening with an otherworldly sheen, eyes blazing with intensity.
Selene: “What do you think you’re doing, Arythos?”. the dragon roared, his voice a mix of anger and challenge. “Why aren’t you taking this fight seriously?”.
The force of the shout reverberated through the air, shaking Arythos to his core. This was no ordinary interruption, this was a reminder that the battle was far from over, and expectations ran high.
As Selene spoke, a surge of memories flooded Arytho’s mind, carrying him back to their first battle three years ago. He could still feel the tension in the air, the crackling magic that had surged between them in that initial confrontation. The flash of lightning, the roar of his fire, and the ruthless determination in Selene’s eyes were all as vivid as the storm that now raged above Skyforge.
But before Arytho could fully process the memory, Selene unleashed a devastating blast of lightning from her mouth. The air turned electric, and the ground beneath them trembled. Arytho barely managed to dodge, his scales flaring with a pulse of energy as he narrowly avoided the strike. His gaze hardened, remembering the weight of their first battle, the way Selene had fought ferociously, without hesitation. She had tested him then, and now, she was doing so again. This time, however, things would be different.
With a deep breath, Arytho’s eyes narrowed, the resolve in his chest crystallizing. He could almost hear the echoes of the past, the battle cries of their first clash. But this time, he would meet her storm with a fire far greater than before.
Arytho: “I am taking this seriously,” Arytho growled, his voice carrying the weight of his declaration, "Khor'Vorr'Tylar!".
With those words, his wings flared wide. The air thickened, crackling with energy as flames erupted from the tips of his wings. The fire surged outward, a massive storm of destruction that enveloped the battlefield in an instant. Skyforge’s ancient stone walls trembled as the sky itself was consumed by the fiery inferno.
The ground buckled beneath the force of Arytho’s fiery storm, the very earth scorched as though the heavens themselves had been set aflame. The intense heat radiated outward, and Selene’s lightning crackled in response, but Arytho’s fury was unmatched. His wings beat once more, sending torrents of flames crashing toward Selene’s position, turning the arena into an inferno, a sea of fire and smoke.
Both Arytho and Selene shifted into their semi-dragon forms, scales glistening as their wings spread wide. The arena quaked under their combined power. Flames erupted from Arytho’s wings, surging toward Selene’s lightning that crackled up from the ground and met the fire head-on. The sky burned, a battlefield of fire and storm, as the two dragons stood their ground.
Arytho's vision blurred as flashes of past battles with Selene overwhelmed him. He saw scenes from their days at the academy: sparring matches where they tested each other, the fierce competition that always pushed him to his limits. The memories pulled at him, making it harder to keep his focus as the power struggle between them raged on.
Selene’s eyes widened as similar memories surfaced. She could see Arytho as he was back then determined and relentless. Moments of their shared history replayed in her mind, from intense fights to moments of silent respect between them. The memories hit her hard, just as they did Arytho, causing her lightning to stutter as the battle shifted.
Arytho's grip on his power slipped as more memories poured in, weakening his hold on the raging firestorm. Selene’s lightning wavered, sparks dancing unevenly as they both faltered, caught between the present battle and the past that haunted them.
For a moment, their powers collided with less force, the chaos of the arena quieting as their shared memories threatened to break their resolve. But the moment passed, and they pushed back the thoughts, determination flaring in their eyes as the struggle continued.
Selene stood at the edge of the battlefield, the chaos around them momentarily forgotten as she took a breath, eyes locking with Arytho’s. Her heart pounded, not with the adrenaline of battle, but with the weight of unspoken words that had built over years.
Selene: “At first, I didn’t see any reason why I should see you as anything special,” she began, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “You were just another royal kid, one who wanted to live in his big castle, shutting his eyes to the world outside while spoiling himself. And to make it worse, you couldn’t even use your flames at first.” A small, rueful smile tugged at her lips as the memory surfaced”.
Selene: “But then, everything changed when we finally faced each other for the first time.” Her gaze softened, and a hint of vulnerability crossed her face. “I started to see something in you, even though I lost to someone who couldn’t control his own power. I couldn’t help but feel jealous. It was infuriating, how you fought, how you stood there despite everything. But as time went on, I got to know you. I began to respect you, and that respect grew into something more when I helped you find your flames”.
She paused, memories flickering in her mind: the training sessions, the late nights filled with determination, and the moments that defined them.
Selene: “When your grandfather passed away and you fell into that dark place, even your brother couldn’t reach you. But I did. I came to help you again, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It was a strange feeling, knowing I needed to be there for you just as you had been there for me”.
Selene’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she took a step closer.
Selene: “None of that compares to the countless times you’ve saved me. Like when I was framed for killing the head of the Shaer’Yeth family, and everyone turned against me. You were the only one who stood by me, who believed me when no one else did. I’ve never forgotten that, Arytho. I’m grateful beyond words”.
A tremor ran through her as she spoke the next words, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
Selene:“Maybe that first encounter was when I fell for you, even if I didn’t realize it until much later. But now, here we are, and I can’t hold back any longer. I need you to know what you mean to me, and what you’ve always meant to me”.
Arytho stood still, stunned by Selene’s confession. The noise of the battle seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of her voice echoing in his mind. He had always felt that there was something deeper between them, something that went beyond their rivalry and battles, but he had never been sure.
Hearing her say it now made everything clear. He remembered the moment she had stood by him when his grandfather died, when he had felt lost and alone. She had shown him a side of herself that he hadn’t known existed, a side that reached him when no one else could.
Arytho: “You finally said it,” Arytho said, his voice soft, a mix of surprise and relief. He met her eyes, seeing the same emotions mirrored back at him. “I thought I knew, but hearing it from you changes everything.”
He took a step closer, the distance between them disappearing as memories of their past washed over him, the battles, the moments of silent understanding, and the times she’d supported him when he needed it most.
Arytho: “When you helped me through that time, I saw who you really were,” Arytho continued. “It touched me more than I could say, and I started to feel something I didn’t understand back then”.
His eyes softened as he added,
Arytho: “That’s why I didn’t want to fight in the first place. You’ve always meant more to me than I realized”.
The chaos of the battlefield melted away as the fire and lightning dissipated, leaving a pure, white void that surrounded them. The roar of combat, the shouts of spectators, and the crackle of magic all of it faded into silence. Arytho and Selene, still in their semi-dragon forms, stood facing each other, their eyes locked in an unspoken understanding.
In that stillness, visions began to flicker before them. They saw themselves not as fierce rivals but as partners, standing side by side as time passed. Images of them growing old together appeared, laughter and warmth shared between them, moments of peace and love filling their days. Flashes of children with eyes that held the same fire and lightning danced through their vision echoes of what could be, of a life they hadn’t dared to imagine until now.
The vision swirled with emotions neither could deny any longer. Arytho’s heart clenched at the sight, a deep longing rising within him that surpassed anything he’d felt on any battlefield. Selene’s expression softened, the storm in her eyes giving way to something tender, vulnerable.
Simultaneously, they breathed the words that had been building for so long, breaking the silence with voices that trembled with certainty and emotion.
Arytho and Selene: “I love you,” they said together.
In that moment, the white void seemed to pulse with warmth, as if the world itself acknowledged their confession. The memories of battles and rivalry became the backdrop to something stronger, a bond forged through years of struggle, respect, and unspoken feelings now finally spoken.
Suddenly, the white void began to fade, dissolving like mist as reality came crashing back in. The roar of the battlefield thundered into focus, and the vision of their future was replaced by the scorching present. Flames raged and crackled, and arcs of lightning split the air with deafening cracks. The arena was once again filled with the chaos of their power, fierce and unyielding.
Arytho’s eyes flickered as he returned to himself, the intensity of the battle still surging through his veins. The fire he wielded flared as he pushed against Selene’s storm, their clash lighting up the sky in a storm of elemental fury. Selene’s gaze met his, no longer just a fierce rival’s stare but now layered with the understanding and emotion that had just passed between them.
The arena trembled as their powers collided, heat and electricity swirling around them in an uncontrollable dance. But beneath the roar of the storm and the searing heat, there was a new kind of tension, one that made their battle feel different, more personal, yet somehow more connected.
Despite the fire and lightning, despite the deafening chaos, they both knew the truth of what they had just shared. It fueled them, not as opponents but as two beings who understood each other deeper than ever before.
The battle continued, flames meeting lightning with unrelenting force, but the moment they had shared lingered, silently shifting everything between them.
Selene surged upward, wings beating powerfully as she charged into the sky. Her right arm lifted, and with it, the storm clouds above seemed to obey her command, swirling and darkening in a display of raw power. Lightning crackled around her fingers, gathering in intensity, ready to be unleashed in a devastating strike.
Arytho, seeing her intent, wasted no time. He launched himself downward, flames roaring to life and trailing behind him like a fiery comet. His eyes narrowed with determination as he channeled his power, the heat surging through him and merging with the blaze that followed in his wake.
The sky was a split canvas of lightning and fire, each dragon poised for an attack that could shake the heavens. As they rushed toward each other, the energy between them grew palpable, making the very air tremble. Spectators below watched in awe and fear as the two powerful figures, both flame and storm, prepared to clash in an explosion of power unlike any they had ever seen.
In that moment, neither Arytho nor Selene could ignore the memories that had just passed between them, nor the words they had shared. But now, in the heat of battle, there was no room for hesitation. The world seemed to hold its breath as they neared, each ready to unleash their might.
Selene's eyes burned with determination as she shouted,
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Selene: “You have to put more power into that attack if you want those visions to become reality and make me your wife!”
Arytho’s gaze met hers, unwavering.
Arytho: “That goes both ways,” he replied, his voice carrying a fierce resolve.
The two dragons surged forward, wings propelling them with relentless force as they readied their final, most powerful attacks. The air between them crackled and burned, filled with the raw energy of their magic to greater heights.
Selene: “Zorr’Raik’Thal’Vyrn!” Selene roared, her body alight with arcs of lightning. The storm clouds above condensed, focusing their fury into countless strikes that wrapped around her like living serpents. Each bolt concentrated its immense power into her, ready to be unleashed with devastating precision.
Arytho: “Vael’Korr’Thrak’Duum!” Arytho bellowed, his fists igniting with a blinding, golden fire. He drew upon every ounce of his strength, channeling the fire into a concentrated force that seemed to merge with his very being. The flames roared around him, casting searing heat that made the air shimmer and crack.
The battlefield erupted as they clashed, fire meeting lightning in an explosion of power so immense that it shook the ground and split the skies. Selene’s lightning storm struck in rapid succession, the energy coursing from her body in an unrelenting surge. Arytho’s fire engulfed his fists, punching through the storm with blazing intensity, each strike pushing the limits of his strength.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment as the forces collided, the arena lit up with a brilliance that swallowed everything. When the light began to fade, the world stood in scorched silence, the echoes of their final clash resonating like a heartbeat.
The moment their powers met, a colossal explosion erupted from the impact, sending shockwaves that reverberated across the arena. The force of their clash dispersed lightning and fire in every direction, a storm of chaotic energy that crackled and flared with a life of its own. The sky blazed with a mixture of searing flames and jagged bolts, creating a storm that roared with their combined might.
The audience, who had been watching with breathless anticipation, was caught in the shockwave. Some were thrown back from their seats, shielding their faces as the fierce winds and heat surged past them. Dust and ash clouded the air, obscuring the view of the battleground and leaving only the echoes of the dragons’ roars reverberating through the arena.
As the smoke and ash began to clear, the scene that emerged was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. High above the ground, the two dragons remained locked in battle, their tails interlocked and straining against each other. Lightning still danced along Selene’s scales, flickering with electric intensity, while Arytho’s obsidian form glimmered with residual fire, his scales pulsing with veins of molten light.
They hovered in the air, eyes locked, refusing to yield. The sky was their battleground, painted with the remnants of their powers as they stood their ground, neither willing to back down. The tension between them was palpable, a testament to both their strength and the unspoken bond that had fueled this epic clash.
For a moment, it seemed as though Arytho and Selene were evenly matched, their powers so closely matched that neither could gain an advantage. Suspended in the sky, locked in a fierce stalemate, their muscles strained as they refused to relent. But then, something changed. A light began to glow at the tip of Arytho’s tail, faint at first, but quickly intensifying into a brilliant yellow.
The new energy surged through Arytho’s body, his eyes burning with renewed determination. This unknown power, raw and untamed, coursed through him like molten fire. It was more than just strength; it was the embodiment of his will to win, a force that surpassed even his own understanding.
With a roar that resounded through the sky, Arytho channeled this newfound energy, pushing with all his might. Selene’s eyes widened as she felt the shift, the sudden surge of power that pressed against her like an unstoppable wave. Despite her efforts to brace against it, Arytho’s force was too great. The sheer impact drove her backward, and in a heartbeat, she was hurtling toward the ground below.
The wind whistled past as Selene fell, the arena below rushing up to meet her. Arytho didn’t hesitate; wings flaring, he chased after her, fire trailing him like a comet as he closed the distance. The air around them burned with the remnants of their battle, and the crowd, stunned into silence, watched as the two dragons descended toward the ground, the outcome uncertain and the tension at its peak.
Arythos descended rapidly, his wings folding in as he approached the ground where Selene lay. His eyes widened with worry as he noticed her right arm, twisted and scorched, evidence of their brutal clash. She seemed unconscious, her draconic form fading as she reverted to her human shape. Without a second thought, Arythos followed suit, landing beside her and shifting back to his human form. His heartbeat pounded in his chest as he knelt down, gently examining her to assess the extent of her injuries.
Just as his fingers brushed over her arm, a sudden, sharp spark flickered through the air. He barely had time to process it before a faint whisper reached his ears.
Selene: “Raik’Vel!!!”.
Before he could react, Selene's eyes snapped open, fierce and determined. Lightning crackled from her left leg as she launched herself upward with a speed and force that caught Arythos off guard. It was the signature technique of her family, taught from an early age: lightning channeled through limbs to enhance speed and striking power.
Arythos instinctively drew on the unknown energy still coursing through him, flowing it into his right arm. With a swift motion, he intercepted Selene’s lightning-imbued kick, the impact sending a jolt through his body but holding firm against the strike.
For a moment, the two stared at each other, suspended in the tension of the moment, eyes locked as their breath came in short, sharp bursts. Arythos's grip loosened as he took in Selene's fierce expression, a mix of pain and relentless will.
Suddenly, a glint of metal caught his eye. Selene’s staff, enchanted and faithful to her command, came spinning toward him. In a split second, Arythos released her leg and twisted his body, narrowly dodging the incoming weapon as it whirred past, slicing the air with lethal precision.
As Arythos narrowly dodged Selene's incoming staff, his instincts sharp as always, Arythos was caught by the lightning chains that erupted from the charged ground, he tried to free himself, but the electricity coursing through him paralyzed his movements for a moment. His heart raced as the chains constricted around his left leg, draining his energy. Before he could react, Selene saw her opening..
With a fluid motion, Selene caught her staff mid-air, her hands steady, and her gaze locked on him. Her fingers glided down the length of the staff, and in an instant, it shifted, the magical energy within it swirling as it morphed into a sleek, razor-sharp katana.
With the weapon now in her grasp, Selene's focus sharpened. She leapt forward, the lightning around her body flaring up as her speed and strength surged. The air crackled, charged with anticipation. She raised the blade high, her body poised to unleash the full force of her family's technique.
Selene: "Thal’Raen’Vel’Ultim!". she cried, her voice a command that resonated with the power of the storm itself.
The sword, now fully charged with lightning, gleamed with deadly intensity. In one fluid motion, she brought it down upon Arythos. The blade cut through the air with the sound of thunder, and the strike landed with devastating force, a surge of pure lightning erupting at the point of impact. The impact was immense. Arythos felt his body lurch backward, unable to brace for the overwhelming force. His chest burned, his scales feeling the full blast of the electrical onslaught. He was sent flying through the air, crashing into the stone wall, the impact reverberating through the arena. Dust and debris filled the air as he struggled to regain his breath, feeling the sting of Selene’s attack deep within him.
The arena was quiet for a brief moment. Arythos was on his knees, panting heavily, his chest still sparking with residual lightning energy. He could feel the sting of Selene’s final technique, and his mind raced; this was no ordinary strike. It was the culmination of her years of training, the legacy of her family, and the very storm she controlled.
He slowly lifted his head, meeting her gaze with determination. He had been pushed to the edge, but this wasn’t over yet.
As the dust settled, Selene’s heart pounded with dread. The sight of Arythos slumped against the wall, his chest badly scorched and barely moving, made her stomach twist with guilt. She had pushed him too far. He was in serious pain, and the reality of the damage she caused hit her like a tidal wave.
Selene: "No...". she gasped, her voice trembling. "I didn’t mean to….".
Panicked, she swiftly shifted into her lightning form, her body crackling with raw energy. Without a second thought, she rushed to his side, the air around her sizzling as she moved faster than the eye could follow. Reaching him, she knelt down, her hands glowing with blue and white electric currents as she hovered them over his chest, willing the power to heal the destruction she had caused.
Selene: "Please don’t die on me, darling.". Her voice cracked, fear lacing her words as the energy surged from her hands and into his wounds, trying to mend his injuries. The lightning flowed through him, working its way across his body, knitting his skin back together.
For a brief moment, the only sound was the crackling of the storm in the air, and the energy between them, until a weak voice broke the silence.
"Did you just call me darling?". Arythos asked, his voice hoarse but amused.
Selene froze. Her face turned bright red in an instant, her heart skipping a beat. She stammered, trying to pull away from him, but her hands still hovered over his chest, unable to stop the healing process.
Selene: "I….I didn’t mean…". she began, flustered. "I wasn’t….".
Before she could finish her denial, Arythos chuckled weakly, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. The sight of his laughter made her both relieved and embarrassed all at once.
Arythos: "Oh, come on, I know you’re not that shy," he teased, his eyes gleaming despite the pain.
Fuming, Selene blushed harder and then smacked him lightly on the chest, annoyed.
Selene: "Shut up!". she huffed, puffing out her cheeks in frustration.
Arythos laughed harder, but it was cut off by a wince of pain. As he tried to sit up, he paused and said, "Sorry for faking it." His voice was strained, the pain still evident in his eyes.
Selene's eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms, scowling at him.
Selene:"You're not fooling anyone. You’re still hurt!". she snapped, clearly irritated. "Now, stay still. I’m not done.".
She gently but firmly placed her hands back over his chest, urging him to kneel.
Selene:"Stop moving, I’m trying to heal your wounds.". She chewed him out, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Arythos sighed, his shoulders slumping as he complied.
Arythos: "But you’re hurt too, and we’re still in the middle of a fight.". His voice was low, the concern evident in his eyes.
Selene’s expression softened for a moment before she looked at him with a mix of tenderness and determination.
Selene:"I don’t care. I caused you pain, and now I’m fixing it. And besides...". She hesitated, a rare softness in her voice. "I can’t have my husband getting seriously injured.".
The words hit Arythos like a lightning bolt, and his cheeks flushed red. He blinked, his usual bravado faltering slightly as he processed what she said.
Arythos: "Husband?" he echoed, voice laced with surprise and a hint of warmth.
Selene’s face went bright red again, her hands stilling as she tried to hide her embarrassment.
"Well, you know what I mean!". she grumbled, her face puffy and slightly pouting, her earlier annoyance now mingled with a shy smile.
Arythos, still feeling the sting of his wounds but too embarrassed to argue, simply gave her a sheepish smile and nodded.
"Alright, alright, I’ll stay still. But you’re not off the hook either. You’re just as stubborn as I am.".
Selene, still hovering over him, rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile.
"Just let me heal you, or I’ll knock you out again, alright?". she said, her voice warm but serious.
With a final sigh, Arythos compiled, sinking down to his knees, feeling the last of his strength drain away as Selene’s lightning flowed through him, healing the damage. Despite the pain, he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief to have her by his side.
"Thank you, Selene.". His voice was softer than usual, touched with gratitude.
Selene didn’t answer immediately, her hands focused on mending him, but her heart was full.
"You better rest, because I’m not letting you fight me again until you’re fully healed. Got it?".
Arythos smirked, a hint of playfulness still lingering despite his injuries.
"Got it. But just so you know, this isn’t over yet.".
Both Announcer Zharin Falaris and Doctor Liraen Frostborn swiftly flew from the sidelines, making their way toward the two dragons who were now trying to recover from their intense battle. Zharin’s voice rang out clearly across the arena, his tone laced with concern.
Zharin: "Are you two all right?"
Selene and Arythos nodded, though both were clearly exhausted, their bodies battered and scorched from the relentless fight. Arythos's breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling as he glanced over at Selene. There was a brief moment of silence before he spoke, his voice hoarse but sincere.
Arythos: "I give up, Zharin," he admitted, the weight of the battle finally settling in. His words were a reluctant concession, but one that came with respect for his opponent.
The crowd around them erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm filling the air as Arythos surrendered the fight, declaring Selene as the winner. It was a hard-fought victory, one that had left both dragons bruised and battered, but there was no denying that Selene had earned it.
Doctor Liraen, with her soothing presence, immediately began tending to their injuries, her frosty magic flowing around the two dragons. The chill of her healing touch contrasted sharply with the intense heat still radiating from their scorched bodies, bringing a calm that was desperately needed. Arythos winced as the doctor applied her magic, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he turned his head toward Selene, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth despite the pain.
Arythos: “You finally one up me, Selene," he said with a soft chuckle, his voice carrying a mixture of admiration and fatigue.
Selene smiled back, but there was a certain softness in her expression now that the battle had ended. She stepped closer, her eyes locking onto Arythos as she placed a hand on his chest, her fingers brushing lightly over the still-healing wound. Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips.
Selene: "This is for not holding back on me," she whispered against his mouth, her voice filled with both affection and a hint of playfulness.
For a brief moment, Arythos stood still, his surprise evident as he blinked at her. His chest was still heaving with the effort of the fight, but his smile returned, softer this time. He chuckled softly, his tone warm despite the exhaustion that clung to him.
Arythos: "I’ll try not to next time," he replied, his grin widening as he met her gaze, his heart pounding not from the battle, but from the connection between them.
As Doctor Liraen continued to heal his wounds, Arythos lay back, feeling the calming warmth of the magic flowing through him. He couldn’t help but think about the fight. He had hoped to unlock his wish-based powers or his mana burst during the battle, but neither had come to him. He didn’t mind too much, though. Selene had confessed her love to him, and that had changed everything. For the first time in a long while, Arythos felt like he could relax.
He had always been focused on proving himself on becoming a Sky Knight and reaching his full potential. But with Selene’s words still ringing in his ears. Her love made him feel like he didn’t have to carry the weight of expectations on his own anymore.
Still, as the healing magic continued to work, Arythos couldn't shake a small worry. He had been eliminated in the first round of the tournament. That meant his chance to become a Sky Knight was in jeopardy, and he couldn’t help but wonder what that meant for his future. Would he still have the opportunity to join the Sky Knights after such a loss? Or had he blown his chance?
As his thoughts lingered on that uncertainty, Arythos took a deep breath. He wasn’t sure what would happen next, but he knew he couldn’t let this defeat define him. With Selene by his side, he felt a bit more confident that whatever came next, he would face it with determination. The worry was there, but it didn’t feel as heavy as it had before.
Zharin's voice boomed across the arena, declaring Selene's victory.
Zharin: “Selene Stormweaver is the winner and will advance to the next round!”. The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable as they celebrated the intense battle they had just witnessed.
But before the commotion could settle, Selene stepped forward and whispered something into Zharin’s ear. His eyes widened in surprise, and after a moment of hesitation, he nodded and spoke once more, his tone now charged with even more anticipation.
Zharin: “Miss Selene Stormweaver wishes to make an announcement: she has officially pledged her hand in marriage to Prince Arythos”.
The arena fell into stunned silence for a heartbeat before the crowd exploded into a frenzy of cheers and gasps. Arythos, still recovering from the battle and processing the whirlwind of events, looked up, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. The joy around him felt surreal, almost dreamlike. He took a deep breath, managing a small smile as he whispered to himself,
Arythos: "What a day".
Just as he began to feel a flicker of happiness, a voice echoed inside his mind dark, chilling, and unfamiliar.
Unknown Voice: “Ruin Spheres”.
Before Arythos could fully process the words, the sky above darkened, and small, dark blue orbs of unknown energy began to rain down. The first of them struck the ground with devastating force, erupting into bursts of powerful explosions that shook the arena to its core. Chaos broke out as confusion and fear spread like wildfire, spectators scrambling for cover as the air filled with shouts and panic.
Arythos’s eyes widened, his sense of triumph now replaced by dread. The chapter closed with the arena engulfed in chaos, the once-celebratory scene now overshadowed by an ominous, new threat.