Tariki was slowly warming up to Selion, but he didn't want to seem like an easy prey, so he kept acting cold.He brushed things off with short answers, never letting Selion get too close.
But Selion didn't give up.
At last, unable to hold back anymore, he asked:"So… who are you, Tariki?"
Tariki fell silent. He didn't answer.That brief silence stirred unease inside Selion. He thought he had said something wrong and decided not to ask again.
The next day at school, he tried to talk to him again, but Tariki gave no reply.Selion felt disappointed by this cold attitude. Until, on their way back from school, Tariki suddenly spoke.
"I am the former heir of the Shadow Lord," said Tariki, his voice cold but filled with sorrow."We were very close once, best of friends. But that day… the day those damned traitors betrayed us, I sacrificed myself for him. And I don't regret it, not one bit. If I had the chance to go back, I'd do it all over again. He sealed my soul into this sword, and because of that, I can still remain by his side—at least in part."
Selion hadn't expected such a revelation. His eyes welled up as he listened.Tariki sharing his secrets melted the ice between them. Selion truly believed they were friends now.
He wanted to tell his own story too, but he feared that white being would not allow it. So he stayed silent, only chatting with Tariki until he got home.
Not long after, the awaited day finally came: the Spring Tournament!
The teacher pinned the match schedule on the big board in the schoolyard and stepped aside.Students gathered around eagerly. Selion and Alice searched for his name. Alice hadn't joined the tournament, so she only cared about Selion's matchup.
Spring Tournament Participants:
Yuen (1/A)
Gohean (1/A)
Selion (1/A)
Mia (1/A)
Hex (1/A)
Isac (1/A)
Luna (1/B)
Mordrax (1/B)
Alvionna (1/B)
Lyvanna (1/B)
Lytrius (1/B)
Nivor (1/B)
Match Schedule:
Luna (1/B) vs Hex (1/A)
Yuen (1/A) vs Alvionna (1/B)
Selion (1/A) vs Lyvanna (1/B)
Gohean (1/A) vs Lytrius (1/B)
Mordrax (1/B) vs Mia (1/A)
Nivor (1/B) vs Isac (1/A)
Selion was matched against someone named Lyvanna from class 1/B. He had no idea who she was.But that didn't matter.His goal was to win no matter what.
Of course, the road wouldn't be easy. Especially defeating his rival, Gohean—that would be Selion's real trial.Gohean had grown stronger too… but Selion knew the others hadn't been idle either.
Two days remained until the matches began. Time passed quickly.And at last, the day of the tournament arrived.
The wide training grounds near the school were packed with spectators. The stands were filled with students, teachers, and curious onlookers, all buzzing with excitement.The children's hearts pounded with anticipation. Especially a few of them…