Blaze wiped his face clean, the ember--water restoring just enough clarity. He stood tall again. Opposite him, the third chamber stirred: black mist wrapped in spiraling flame. King Ryder, now cloaked in formal training attire, spoke Gravely.
Ryder:
(Commanding)
"This is the Apocalypse Shroud. You must merge with your flames entirely--not wield them. This Arena darkens as it begins. If your core doesn't accept the flames, it will unravel you from the inside."
Blaze Vortex:
(Understanding)
"I got it. This isn't about resistance..
It's about surrendering to what I truly am."
The room dimmed to pitch black. The it roared with swirling flame, closing in on him. Meanwhile, stars winked gently as Void ling and Seraphina Nyx arrived at a Theater. Lanterns flickered. A crowd murmured softly. Void ling snapped his fingers--instantly conjuring a small glowing coin in his palm. He handed it to the keeper.
Keeper:
(Bowing)
"Enjoy the show, Mr Ling...and Miss Nyx."
Inside, they sat together in a velvet corner seat, far from the spotlight. The film began. A quiet romance--the kind that mirrored their awkward beauty.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Watching the screen)
"It's gentle. I didn't expect that from you."
Void ling:
(Smiling)
"Hey, even voids have soft spots."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. Void ling blushed...and said nothing. And then Seraphina Nyx spoke.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Softly)
"This is the kind of quiet that feels loud inside."
Back home, Ryuu, finishing scrollbar, glanced at the clock. And then he spoke with annoying.
Ryuu:
(Half--annoyed)
"Why aren't Void ling and Seraphina back yet? It almost dark."
Kaia:
(Laughing)
"Exactly. Peace only happens once in a while. Let it breathe."
Celestina:
(Mocking with a smile)
"Leave those lovebirds alone. Let them have their moment."
Meanwhile at the Empress Palace, Empress Asuna stood with her core Queen--Mae, Nia, and Revy--gazing into the map of stars and then she spoke.
Asuna:
(Calm, echoing across realities)
"The Grand Multiverseal Tournament will take place in the Krynn Realm--the world of infinite emptiness. There, no time flows. No space grounds you. Only power defines place.
Revy:
(Firmly)
"Perfect. Let legends be forged where nothing exists but intent."
At Blaze training. The Chamber darkened fully. Swirls of flame wrapped in obsidian mist surged inward, licking at Blaze Vortex's skin as the Apocalypse Shroud commenced. Flames didn't just attack--they tangled with his thoughts. Every movement felt disconnected. His own fire rebelled, scattering through the arena in fragments. He staggered. Blood still tricked down his cheek. His fists tightened--but his flame flickered weakly.
Blaze Vortex:
(Gritted teeth)
"It's like I'm being torn...by what's supposed to empower me."
From the egde, king Ryder watched--no panic, only presence. And then he spoke.
Ryder:
(Calm but firm)
"Merge with it, Blaze. Don't resist. Flame isn't your weapon it's your reflection."
Still battling the storm, Blaze glanced up through the smoke--drenched light toward Ryder. And then he spoke.
Blaze Vortex:
(Softly, panting)
"It's nearly night...Mr Ryder, what do you thinks happening up there?"
Ryder:
(Grinning lightly)
"I'm not sure. But from what I can sense...Void ling Seraphina are out. Beyond that? I know as much as the stars allow. For now...focus."
He dropped to one knee. His flame surged violently--but he didn't push it away this time. Instead, he wrapped it around his heart, spine, veins. He wasn't using fire. He was becoming it. The Shroud pushed harder. But Blaze didn't flinch. His body glowed faintly red--gold. The pain stopped resisting--because Blaze stopped resisting. With one final eruption, tbe storm scattered.
Ryder:
(Stepping forward)
"Congratulations. You passed the Shroud. Next awaits..."
Meanwhile, in the hustle of velvet shadows, Void ling and Seraphina Nyx leaned gently against one another. The movie played--but the silence between them was louder. Seraphina's head rested softly on Void ling.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Smiling quietly)
"I wish nights this lasted forever."
Void ling:
(Soft voice, steady)
"We'll make them last. Even if the universe disagrees."
The movie soft glow flickered across the faces of Void ling and Seraphina Nyx. The story mirrored their quiet longing--two souls pulling closer across cosmic lines. As laughter faded on screen. Their words colored the silence.
Void ling:
(Softly, eyes on hers)
"If we weren't pulled into all these battles...I'd stay in moments like this forever."
Seraphina Nyx:
(Smiling, a blush creeping in)
"Maybe we were always meant to find stillness in the storms."
As the credit rolled, they walked hand in hand into the night. Moonlight traced their shadows gently across the theater steps.
At the Empress Dynasty, the stars began to gather the energy of galaxies threaded into sigils that pusled against the marble floor.
Asuna:
(Commanding, and gaze on Nia)
"Go to the courtyard. Tell all Kings and Queens across kingdoms. To gather here at the Courtyard."
Queen Nia bowed and vanished instantly instantly in a flare of Astral light. Moment later, everyone was at the center of the courtyard the air pulsed with purpose. And Queen Nia, scroll in hand, began the roll call.
Nia:
(Addressing King Lucio)
"King Lucio, who have you selected to represent Hexagram Apex?"
Lucio:
(Confidently)
"Liam and Lars."
Nia:
(Nodding)
"Very well. Genesis Squad--King Kaito?"
Kaito:
(Smiling)
"Akira and Rin."
Nia:
(Calm)
"King Alvanor from Phantom Alliance?"
Alvanor:
(Calmly)
"Zotoyo and Hinata."
Nia:
(Writing fast)
"Accepted. King Julius?"
Julius:
(Smirked)
"Raine and Satori."
Nia:
(With precision)
"Queen Celeste?"
Celeste:
(Gratefully)
"Yuuto and Levi."
With all names recorded, Nia paused and was confused.
Nia:
(Glancing around)
"Where is King Ryder?"
Before anyone could respond. Two soft flashes warped into view: Void ling and Seraphina Nyx, Stepping into the courtyard like starlight had summoned them. Void ling calmly walked forward, cloaked in cosmic quiet.
Nia:
(Raising an eyebrow)
"Void ling and Seraphina? What are you guys doing outside in this evening?"
Void ling:
(Calm)
"To take a stroll with Seraphina."
Nia;
(Soft)
"You have any idea where King Ryder is, I am assuming he is the kingdom right?"
Void ling:
(Casually)
"He's attending a diplomatic ritual in the lower core of Crimson. He asked me to deliver the names: Myself and Blaze."
Nia:
(Confused and believed)
"Why did he send you, instead of his General. General Ryuu. Anyway it doesn't matter. Very well. That completes the roster."
Seraphina glaced at Void ling, half suppressing a blush. He smirked faintly--this wasn't mischief. It was strategy. Deep within the training caverns of Crimson, Blaze Vortex stood before an eerie gate pulsing with thought energy. Runes flickered in patterns that bent inward--not physically, but perceptuallly.
Ryder:
(Low and voice)
"This is Mind Abyss. A tral where control is stripped away--not just of body, but of direction. You'll be hit with omnidirectional forces. They won't hurt your skin...but they will try to rewrite who you are."
Blaze Vortex:
(Calmly)
"Let's see if my thoughts can outrun theirs.
Moving back to the Center of the Courtyard. The sigils beneath the courtyard began to dim as the champion list was nearing completion. But a lingering unease flickered in Queen Nia's eyes as she eyed the last arrival.
Nia:
(Carefully)
"If King Ryder sent you and Blaze as representative... Then why have you arrived with Seraphina...and not Blaze?"
Void ling:
(Smoothly)
"Ryder entrusted me to deliver the names and maintain Crimson's presence here. Blaze has completed his training as is currently being debriefed by Mr Ryder--out of public sight, as a part of final protocol. Seraphina simply joined me after the announcement for support. She's not replacing Blaze--just standing beside me, like always."
His explanation held enough truth to settle the tension. No obvious lie. No weakness shown. Only coordination. She paused. Her eyes narrowed slightly and nodded.
Nia:
(Low and thoughtful)
"Very well. Just ensure all threads are aligned before the tournament begins. Krynn Realm won't tolerate any nonsense."
Meanwhile at the blaze training, Blaze has finally finished his training and has finally mastered Dark Eternity he and King Ryder returned quietly to Crimson upper halls. King Ryder walking beside Blaze with quiet pride, as they passed through the gate.
Ryder:
(Softly)
"It's done. You've forged what most couldn't even survive. You're no longer a vessel of fire--you're its sovereign."
Back at the Center of the Courtyard, Queen Nia turned once more to Void ling before dispersing the final sigil light.
Nia:
(Cool)
"One last thing, Void--confirm the two champions for Crimson Kingdom."
Void ling:
(With Smoothly)
"Myself and Blaze."
Queen Nia nodded once, silently satisfied. Then, with a flare of Astral runes, she teleported from the center. The rest followed--Kings and Queens disappearing one by one, leaving the courtyard empty and quiet, power echoing in the stillness. Back within the sealed sanctum of Crimson, Blaze Vortex stood beside King Ryder, his aura flickering. And then he spoke.
Blaze Vortex:
(Quiet and curious)
"How did i master it so quickly...? Dark Eternity felt endless Yet...here i am."
Ryder:
(Hands behind his back)
"I fast--forwarded time, Blaze. It for your survival. Congratulations on mastering Dark Eternity."
Blaze Vortex:
(Smiled)
"Thank you I appreciate it."
The returned to Crimson Kingdom as Void ling and Blaze Vortex walked in side by side. Their aura carried quiet triumph--scarred, steady, forged new. Standing ahead, Ryuu stepped forward and bowed slightly.
Ryuu;
(Respectful)
"Welcome back, My lord."
Takashi:
(With a proud smirk)
"Blaze! You're look like you wrestled three realms and won. How you holding up?"
Blaze Vortex:
(Half--teasing)
"You smell like battle and starlight."
Ryuu:
(Turned to King Ryder)
"My Lordship, news reached us and this kingdom. The Grand Multiverseal Tournament begins in ten days."
Ryder;
(Calmly)
"I see... Yes, I know that. They've chosen the Kyrnn Realm as the battleground."
A ripple of surprise shot through the room--eyes widened, breath caught.
Celestina:
(Puzzled)
"Wait...what is the Krynn Realm? My lord."
Ryder:
(Serious)
"It's a void where neither time nor space exist. You don't move through it--you assert presence by power alone. It devours concepts...memories...alignment. if you're weak in conviction--you'll vanish before you even bleed."
Silence followed. Even veterans like Glacior and Ryuu stood still. Same as Kai and Takashi. Meanwhile, high among floating gardens and gently towers, Void ling and Seraphina Nyx walked quietly beneath moonlight. The stars above the Empress Dynasty sparkled with distant truth. Seraphina glanced sideways.
Seraphina Nyx:
(Gently)
"Everything feels too calm before what's coming..."
Void ling:
(Quietly)
"Let it. We'll carry calm with us...even if reality silence it."
They stood together beneath the glowing leaves---one forged from void, the other from heart.
NEXT EPISODE UPCOMING