Izumi leaned in slightly. "But Yuvi, I don't get it. What was that last spell you used? Did you learn to control minds or something?"
Yuuv scratched his cheek. "I… don't really know what to call it."
"Cool and mysterious," Riggi grinned. "Very you."
The Celestars sat quietly for a while near the colosseum's side platform, letting the buzz of the crowd settle. Soon, the results board updated with a loud magical chime.
[RESULTS – D-RANK PROMOTION]
Celestars:Lui — PassedIshi — PassedIzumi — PassedIuro — PassedRiggi — PassedYuuv — Passed
As the names flashed, murmurs rose across the field. Some older guild members, surprised, clapped with genuine admiration. A few of the same voices that once mocked now approached—apologetic and respectful.
"Hey, Celestars! That was insane!" one mage from Ironhorn called out. "I was wrong about you guys—especially you, cyan eyed guy!"
Yuuv smiled drowsily. "Thank you."
"Respect for all of you," a Bronzestep member added. "You guys really held your ground."
More guilds gathered near—Silverspire, Redrock, Thornreach. Small circles of friendly chatter started forming. Guilds that were once icy or competitive now spoke like adventurers who'd been through the same storm.
Riggi swapped jokes with a Silverspire trap mage. Ishi stood beside a quiet group from Bronzestep, casually answering questions about shadow techniques. Izumi talked shop with a Redrock tactician who admired his use of spatial footwork.
Even Yuuv, while no longer swarmed, had a gentle circle of curious guildmates around him. He answered calmly, occasionally chuckling at their confused reactions to his vague replies.
"Was it illusion magic?" someone asked.
Yuuv blinked slowly. "Probably."
Riggi nudged him from the side. "Stop sounding like a prophecy. Just say 'no comment.'"
Yuuv smiled.
A few feet away, boots approached in rhythm. The Celestars turned to see the unmistakable group of Lilac Thorns, their lavender-accented cloaks flowing lightly.
They hadn't fought in the D-Novice duels—they were already C-Novices—but their presence still drew attention.
Captain Vielca stepped forward, nodding toward the Celestars. "Well done."
Her eyes flicked briefly to Yuuv, then to the others. "I saw all six of you. You didn't just pass. You impressed."
Lui stepped forward. "Thanks."
Vielca tilted her head. "Walk with me a bit?"
Lui gave a brief glance at his team and then followed her a few paces away. Nothing dramatic—just two captains talking with quiet respect.
The rest of the Lilac Thorns remained, exchanging grins as they watched their captain chat with Lui. "something is fishy haha"
Riggi nudged Izumi. "Ten gold she's recruiting him."
Izumi snorted. "Or capturing him."
Iuro tilted his head. "our captain came out as a secret player"
Rick replied with a smirk, "seems like it"
Around the colosseum, friendly energy spread naturally. Guilds that had barely spoken before were now laughing, exchanging contact runes, or making plans to cross paths again.
One mage from Thornreach was showing Iuro a strange seed that could bloom during battles.
Riggi stood in the middle of a group now swapping training tips about elemental surfing.
Yuuv, meanwhile, sat quietly by the edge of a group, still sipping from his paper cup. Occasionally, someone would wander over to ask something. He answered, but always briefly, his smile soft but unreadable. Calm, content, and somehow just out of reach.
"I think he's shy," a girl whispered.
"No, he's just sigma," someone else added.
"I think he's sleepy," Riggi corrected as he passed. "He always looks like that."
By late afternoon, the city gates of Redvine creaked open. The streetlights flickered on magically, glowing soft gold, while the distant hills shimmered under the sunset.
The Celestars stood near the exit road, bags packed, wands and weapons holstered.
"Are we really done with the tournament now?" Iuro asked, wide-eyed.
Izumi nodded. "For this phase, yes. We're officially D-Novices now."
Riggi stretched his arms. "Man, it's been wild."
Lui returned from his talk with Vielca, brushing his cloak and joining them with a casual look.
"She said we'll probably meet again soon. Wished us luck."
"Just that?" Riggi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lui didn't respond. Iuro smirked.
The six of them stood quietly, watching the road beyond.
No politics. No rivalry.
Just guilds walking forward with fresh ranks and new beginnings.
Yuuv glanced back once—just once—at the town. Then he turned away with a soft breath.
"Let's go," he said.
And side by side, the Celestars stepped onto the path that lay ahead.