The winners of the first match have already left the stage. The host invites the participants of the next match to continue the competition.
From the honor platform, the Grand Master continues watching alongside Liam.
"I made the right choice placing the Arzechlous Orb as the grand prize—this year's competitors are truly fascinating."
For the moment, Liam sets aside the matter of Tseryo—who would one day become one of the warlords in Y'tzyar's vision. He refocuses on the present, spending his time conversing with his former teacher.
"I thought you would've given the Arzechlous Orb to Damian, as a gift for his new position as Carrion's Military Commander."
Lutzer let out a quiet chuckle.
"I did consider it at first. But then I changed my mind. The Arzechlous Orb is better entrusted to one of the youths of this generation. Who knows—perhaps the prophecy of Demanthes the Dark God's return will truly unfold in their era."
Those words left Liam momentarily stunned. Lutzer Swan's gaze extended far into the distance.
"The continent of Arkha, freed from Demanthes' tyranny two centuries ago, must never fall into darkness again."
Two centuries ago, Arkha Continent was ruled by Demanthes, the Dark God. Humanity lived each day in fear and nightmares, as bloodshed plagued the lands—carried out by bloodthirsty creatures known as vampires.
But the priests never ceased their prayers to the heavens. And then, a miracle occurred. Y'tzyar, the Savior God, descended and obliterated the forces of darkness. Cornered and defeated, Demanthes fled to another realm through a celestial portal.
To prevent Demanthes from ever returning to Arkha Continent, Y'tzyar sealed the celestial portal—an act that also severed his path back to where he came from. Trapped in the mortal realm, Y'tzyar vanished, his whereabouts unknown. With Demanthes's grip broken, humanity was finally free to begin a new era of life.
"The Great God Y'tzyar, who once freed this continent, may not return in the future. The celestial portal through which Demanthes escaped is believed to still exist, and its seal could one day be broken. We must prepare ourselves from now on for every worst-case scenario."
The resurrection of the Dark God.
Liam wished to say that it wasn't just a prophecy — it would become reality, as foreseen by Y'tzyar.
"Though two centuries have passed, I'm grateful that story hasn't faded into a mere legend of the past," Liam replied, his gaze turning cold.
"Thanks to Cranoa, who has continued to preserve the legacy of Demanthes' power."
Though the Dark God vanished two centuries ago, his dark power and kingdom have been preserved by the vampires and Cranoa mages who worship him. That is why the threat of Demanthes' return still looms over the people of the Arkha Continent.
.
One by one, the competition participants begin to fall. The match becomes increasingly thrilling to watch. However, there isn't much action the Grand Master wishes to comment on, so he turns to the young man beside him.
"Are you returning to Argoust to secure your position?"
"Yes, that's one of them."
"William, you're always thinking about so many things. But with your current abilities, no assassin will be able to harm you anymore. That puts me at ease."
Liam stares at his teacher in stunned silence. Lutzer continues speaking in a calm tone with a gentle smile.
"If Argoust can't be a comfortable home for you, come back. Carrion and Verlyn Academy will always welcome you, William."
Those words are deeply meaningful to Liam — like having a home to return to, where he will always be warmly welcomed by those waiting for him.
The teacher and his student fall silent again amid the lively event.
"Even now, I still miss the days when every competition champion would shout, 'I want to duel with William Alroy!' And then you, with your bored face, be forced to step onto the stage just to kick down their pride as champions."
The Grand Master speaks with vivid expression, making Liam stifle a laugh.
"That was several years ago."
"That moment will be recorded in the history of Verlyn Academy. There will never be another battlemage like you in this academy. Seven years turned out to be very short."
The old mage sounds as if he is beginning to feel lonely.
"Yes, seven years. Verlyn Academy has become like a second home to me. I will return whenever danger threatens this academy."
"The same goes for you, William. Whenever your situation in Argoust turns unfavorable, remember that one of the High Council of Carrion will always be on your side."
"Ah, no…" Lutzer corrects himself. "I believe there are now two High Council of Carrion on your side."
Liam smiles broadly, grateful for the many kindnesses he has received.
Two small orbs of shimmering light appear in the sky, swiftly gliding down toward Liam. His gaze catches their presence, and he quickly realizes,
"Light from Y'tzyar!"
In an instant, both orbs of light sink into Liam's head, making the young man's eyes jolt wide open.
Inside Liam's mind, two visions of future events appear. The first shows three of Liam's juniors on patrol in a forest area, lying unconscious after being attacked by a foreign wanderer with light brown hair, wielding the power of fire.
The second shows the same foreign wanderer standing before the statue of the god Y'tzyar, his flames seemingly having burned the entire academy to the ground.
The calm on Liam's face vanishes—especially when he glances toward the spectator seats and finds that the three juniors from his vision are no longer there. It seems they have already left for their forest patrol.
"Grand Master, my apologies, but it seems I have to return to Argoust earlier than planned."
"All of a sudden?"
"There's something urgent."
Lutzer Swan understands. Liam rises from his seat, then bows toward his teacher.
"Grand Master, thank you for your guidance over these seven years. Even while I'm in Argoust, I will remain one of Verlyn Academy's protectors."
A broad smile spreads across Lutzer's face. The time for parting has come, and he must let go of his beloved student.
"William, I would be glad to receive a letter from you."
.
A man in the academy staff uniform secretly watches Liam's movements from a distance. He sees Liam bow in farewell to the Grand Master, then leave in a hurry. The staff member, with a mysterious air about him, also rises from his spot.
In a secluded place, he writes a short message on a small slip of paper:
William Alroy Vissarion has left the academy.
The letter is sent via a "raven," a mystical creature in the form of a raven with black-blue feathers.
.
The third-floor balcony at the back of the tournament arena building. Vichel stands alone, stretching the muscles in her arms, slightly sore after several bouts.
"Phew, my last opponent was pretty strong—good thing I managed to win."
The wind blows briskly, refreshing for Vichel, who wants to enjoy a brief moment of peace. Her hand touches the braid at the back of her head.
"The ribbon's starting to loose."
Vichel unties the blue ribbon from her hair, intending to wrap it again more securely. But by accident, the smooth blue ribbon slips from her grasp and immediately carried away by the strong wind. Startled, Vichel's hand fails to catch it in time.
But someone's hand manages to catch the blue ribbon as it drifts through the air. Liam, who happens to be making a swift leap through the air to leave the tournament building, takes a moment to snatch Vichel's blue ribbon and, with agility, shifts his leap's direction to land on the third-floor balcony where Vichel is standing.
Meeting Vichel for the third time still makes Liam's heart race as he gazes, captivated, at the girl's face. This time, their eyes meet directly.
Vichel also finds herself entranced the moment she locks eyes with Liam. She doesn't understand why her heart suddenly pounds as she looks at the stranger in front of her.
Liam steps closer, the blue ribbon held in his right hand. His gaze remains fixed on Vichel's face, drawn to her violet eyes that seem shine beautifully. Likewise, Vichel's eyes stay locked on Liam's golden ones as he comes nearer.
"Yours?" With a faint smile that reflects his joyful mood, Liam offers the blue ribbon in his hand.
Only then does Vichel's gaze shift, her voice tinged with nervousness.
"Ah, y-yes… thank you."
She tries to smile despite the fluttering awkwardness in her chest, but this time she can't bring herself to look at the man in front of her for too long.
Liam is now filled with an uncontainable happiness, simply because he can speak directly with the girl who had captivated him at first sight.
He wants so much to spend more time in that moment, to talk more with Vichel, but the matter of his junior patrol members' safety forces him to hold back.
"Good luck reaching the final round." It's the only parting line Liam can manage.
He quickly turns away, vanishing in a swift leap through the air.
Vichel is left standing in astonishment, her heartbeat still pounding hard.
"Who is he?"