Two months had passed since that fateful encounter with Lily, and within the passage of time, Machi and Jenny transformed themselves, honing their abilities and preparing for the upcoming Dragon's Trials. As the days slipped away, their dedication burned bright, each pursuing their individual paths towards growth and discovery.
Machi, with unwavering resolve, dedicated himself to physical training. Every sinew of his body felt like steel, muscles rippling with newfound strength. His lungs burned with each breath, his determination propelling him further, faster, and higher. Sweat poured down his brow, mingling with his unyielding spirit as he pushed himself to the limits.
But it wasn't only his body that Machi sought to strengthen. He delved into the depths of his smoke powers, exploring their untapped potential. With every smoky wisp that trailed from his fingertips, he sought to shape and control the ethereal substance, striving for mastery. Each day brought him closer to a symbiotic harmony with his powers, an evolution that seemed just within reach.
Meanwhile, Jenny embarked on her own quest for knowledge, relentless in her pursuit of information about the Dragon's Trials. Hours were spent poring over ancient texts and whispered conversations in the hidden corners of the prison. Through her tireless efforts, she unearthed a crucial piece of information— the first round of the trials would be a team-based capture the flag. Beyond that, the details remained elusive, shrouded in mystery.
Her thirst for understanding led her to Oya, seeking his wisdom and guidance. In his enigmatic presence, she poured out her desires, her dreams of harnessing her powers to their fullest potential. Oya, ever the silent mentor, bestowed upon her an electric ring, a conduit to channel the raw power of electricity. With each crackling surge of energy, Jenny felt a newfound connection to her elemental abilities, a spark of confidence igniting within her.
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As they delved deeper into their preparations, Machi and Jenny made the decision to move to B2, eager to immerse themselves in the energy of the approaching trials. With each passing day, the final week loomed on the horizon, the calendar marking the significance of January 13th, their hearts filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
Sitting side by side, their anticipation palpable, Machi and Jenny exchanged whispers, their voices laced with equal measures of eagerness and trepidation. They spoke of their readiness, the fire within them burning brightly, propelling them forward towards their desired goal.
With trembling hands, Machi picked up the application form, ready to etch his name upon it, when Jenny's gasp pierced the air. His brows furrowed in concern as he turned to her, seeking an explanation. And then, in a breathless revelation, she uttered the words that struck him to his core—Gordon, her brother, one of the Three Quartz Pillars, had entered the Dragon's Trials.
The room fell into a heavy silence as Machi's mind whirred with conflicting emotions. A mix of surprise, worry, and an undercurrent of determination swirled within him. How would this unexpected twist shape their path? What awaited them in the trials, now that the bond between siblings had been thrust into the arena of destiny?
Machi's pen hovered above the paper, his gaze locked with Jenny's. They knew that their journey had taken an unexpected turn, demanding more than they had anticipated. But they also knew that they couldn't turn away, that their desired future lay on the other side of these trials. With a resolute nod, Machi steadied his hand and continued to write his name, ready to face whatever awaited them.
The countdown continued, each tick of the clock resonating with the weight of their dreams, propelling them forward towards the fateful day—January 20th—the day the Dragon's Trials would begin. They stood side by side, united in purpose, ready to embrace the unknown and seize their destiny with unwavering determination.