The mist over Sky City slowly turned into the deep embrace of night. The sky, adorned with countless stars, cast a celestial glow over the heavenly city. Inside Alina's house, everything was calm. The flickering candlelight danced on the walls, and a cool breeze from the window added to the mysterious atmosphere.
Victor Hugo's eyes held a peculiar spark. He subtly nodded at Jon Carter, who immediately understood the signal. Taking a deep breath, Jon turned toward Promica, Monika, and Zenisha and said in a serious tone, "I need to talk to the three of you about something important. Can you come with me?"
The unexpected request left the three of them momentarily stunned. They exchanged glances before looking at Alina, seeking guidance. Alina, with a gentle smile, gave a slight nod, as if to say they should go.
Without a word, Promica, Monika, and Zenisha followed Jon to a separate room, leaving only Victor and Alina in the dimly lit hall.
Noticing Victor's mysterious smile, Alina tilted her head in curiosity and asked, "Why are you smiling like that, Victor?"
Victor didn't answer. Instead, he slowly began moving his hands in a circular motion, tracing a magical pattern in the air. A faint blue energy shimmered at his fingertips, growing brighter with every passing second.
Alina watched in fascination as a small flame suddenly ignited in Victor's palms. The fire floated gently in the air before gradually changing its shape. Within moments, the flickering flame transformed into a radiant, golden rose—a mesmerizing bloom that pulsed with a soft, warm light.
Victor extended the enchanted rose toward Alina. His voice was filled with sincerity as he spoke, "Alina, from the moment I first saw you, my heart has been unable to remain still. I know we are different, our worlds are different, but my soul tells me that you are my destiny. Will you be a part of my life?"
Alina, who had been silently watching until now, felt a rush of emotions overwhelm her. She slowly took the glowing rose into her hands, her eyes reflecting the storm of feelings within her heart. She took a deep breath and softly replied, "Victor, I don't know what the future holds... but in this moment, I feel the same as you do."
Victor gently took Alina's hand, and in the next moment, they embraced each other. The flickering candlelight seemed to dance in response, as if celebrating the moment with them.
The warmth of the moment slowly settled as Victor and Alina pulled away from each other and sat on the soft bed. A gentle breeze entered through the open window, making the candle flames flicker. The dim golden light cast long shadows across the room, giving it a surreal beauty.
Victor and Alina held each other's hands tightly, as if afraid to let go. Alina suddenly noticed something—the enchanted rose Victor had given her was no longer in her hands. Her fingers instinctively searched for it, but it had vanished.
With a puzzled expression, she looked at Victor and asked, "Where did the rose go?"
Victor let out a shy smile before replying, "It was an illusion. The rose you held was just a trick of magic."
Alina raised an amused eyebrow. "So, does that mean your love for me is also an illusion?" she asked teasingly.
Victor chuckled softly, shaking his head. "If my love were an illusion, I wouldn't have faced the giant Rhinos for you."
Before he could say more, Alina gently placed her finger on his lips, silencing him. Her eyes, deep and thoughtful, held a story of their own.
"When I saw you fighting those massive Rhinos," she began softly, "I felt something strange... something I had never felt before. And when I slipped on the ice and saw myself falling toward the deep abyss, I thought that was the end. But then, in that terrifying moment, I felt someone's hand gripping mine... holding me back from falling. When I looked up, I saw you. You held me in your arms, shielding me, taking the impact of the fall yourself. That's when I realized... there's someone who wants to protect me. Someone who cares for me more than himself. And Victor... I have been searching for someone like that all my life."
She took a deep breath, her voice now a whisper. "Promise me, Victor. No matter what happens, never leave me alone."
Victor gazed into her eyes, his heart swelling with emotions. Without a word, he pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if making a silent vow.
The two remained in each other's arms for a long moment before finally parting. A peaceful silence filled the room as they lay on their beds, the night sky watching over them.
The darkness of the night slowly faded as the mist of Sky City transformed into a soft morning glow, spreading across the buildings and trees. The cool morning breeze carried a strange sense of calmness throughout the city.
Victor's eyes slowly opened. He turned his head and saw that Alina was already awake. Realizing that the day had begun, he got up and walked towards the hall with light steps.
The hall was already filled with lively chatter. Jon, Promica, Monica, and Zenisha were engaged in cheerful conversation, their laughter echoing through the space. The atmosphere felt light and pleasant.
Seeing Victor, Jon smirked and said, "Mornings here don't have the sound of birds chirping, do they?"
Before Victor could respond, a loud conch sound suddenly echoed through the entire palace, its powerful resonance spreading across the city like an announcement for a grand event.
Alina immediately said, "We must go to the main arena. Today, your skills will be tested."
Victor and Jon exchanged glances and smiled. "Then what are we waiting for?"
Both followed Alina, with Promica, Monica, and Zenisha walking alongside them.
In just a few moments, they arrived at the grand entrance of the arena—one of Sky City's largest and most magnificent structures. Thousands of angels sat in the audience, eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated trial. The entire arena was brimming with energy and excitement.
Without hesitation, Victor gripped his sword firmly and confidently stepped into the center of the arena.
Jon was about to say something, but before he could, Victor's voice echoed throughout the arena, "King Vignesh! Today, I will demonstrate the battle techniques taught by humans."
King Vignesh rose from his elevated throne and, in a deep voice, declared, "But our spectators wish to witness a real battle. Are you ready for combat?"
Every gaze in the arena locked onto Victor.
With a slight smirk, Victor nodded. "Yes, I am ready."
He quickly scanned his surroundings, thinking—"I need to gauge the strength of these angels."
Just then, a powerful gust of wind swept through the arena, and a figure descended from the sky.
A mighty warrior with large, radiant white wings landed gracefully in the arena. In his hand was a glowing sword, crafted from what seemed to be an otherworldly metal. His eyes gleamed with an intense light, and a mysterious yet confident smile played on his lips.
His gaze was locked onto Victor.
Jon and Alina immediately recognized him, and their faces tensed with worry.