In a deathly quiet room, a teenage boy with stark white hair and piercing black eyes dressed in loose robes took deep breaths, trying to calm his nerves. Social situations were tough for him, but what lay ahead was even more daunting.

Around him were many animals, each offering support in their own way. One lay sleeping on his shoulders, another sat on top of his head. A third one rested at his feet. Others joined and sat around him. They surrounded him, a living shield of comfort and encouragement.

“Thanks, everyone,” he said, smiling weakly at his companions. He gently reached up to pat the sleeping creature on his shoulder. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted him.

A man in uniform entered, his excitement barely contained. “Are you ready?"

The teenager nodded and stood; the animals vanishing as he prepared himself. Their footsteps echoed through the corridor, silence stretching between them.

With each step, his nervousness receded, replaced by a growing determination. He thought about the countless hours he had spent training, and the obstacles he had overcome to reach this point.

The man noticed the change and smiled. “Good luck out there.” The teenager returned the smile, then opened the door and stepped through.

Cheers erupted around him. He stood in a massive colosseum, tens of thousands of people cheering loudly. The air buzzed with energy, the crowd’s excitement palpable.

“Here he is, ladies and gentlemen! The biggest dark horse of this tournament has finally made it to the finals!” the announcer’s voice boomed.

“We’ve all witnessed his incredible journey through this tournament. Against all odds, he has defied expectations and achieved remarkable success!” The crowd’s excitement surged with each word.

“However! One last challenge stands in his way!” The announcer gestured towards the opposite side of the arena. The crowd fell silent, anticipation thick in the air. Footsteps echoed, followed by the clinking of metal armour.

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A woman emerged, her fiery red hair catching the light, her black eyes matching the teenager’s. The crowd erupted once more, their fervour matching the boy. “And there she is! The legend who has spawned countless tales!” The announcer shouted.

“From nobody to the biggest guild leader! She’s risen through fire and flames, and now she stands here, ready to face our dark horse!” The announcer heightened the tension.

The teenager knew all of that directly from the woman herself, not through stories. He smiled warmly and nodded at her.

She returned the look, her eyes softening. “You’re finally here. How does it feel?” she asked, her tone kind and natural. Their calm interaction baffled the crowd and announcer.

The teenager took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. “It’s overwhelming, but also incredibly exciting,” he replied, his voice trembling with barely contained emotion.

The woman nodded, her expression complex. “It’s hard to believe,” she said, memories flashing of a different life—a failed life where the teenager had a different fate.

He briefly looked down before meeting her eyes again. “It’s been my dream to stand on your stage and fight alongside you. To surpass you. I’ve always believed it would happen one day. Sis.”

The word hung in the air, leaving the crowd stunned. “W-W-W-What’s this?! Are our final two competitors actually related? Actual brother and sister?!” the announcer stammered, looking to the woman for confirmation. She nodded, not denying it.

The crowd went wild, the stakes suddenly higher. This was now a personal, family matter, drawing the world’s attention even closer. “I can’t wait any longer! Prepare for the most thrilling battle in Souls Online’s history! Competitors, are you ready?!”

The animals reappeared around the teenager, each one focused on the woman. She didn’t summon any companions; instead, she drew her rapier, its blade glinting menacingly in the arena lights, her face becoming serious.

“Formally announcing the beginning of the finals of the Souls Online Invitational Tournament brings me great pleasure and honour! Players, begin the duel!” The announcer’s voice rang out, and the crowd roared.

The teenager took one last look at his companions, remembering how they had met and become family. He glanced at the woman who had motivated his journey, now his ultimate rival.

The air between them crackled with unspoken words and shared history, each ready to give their all in the battle that would determine their fates.

He recounted how he came to this world, that one fateful day when his entire life changed for better or for worse.