The golden mark still burned faintly on Akihiko's hand as he trudged back toward the village with Elira. She walked a step behind him, her silence heavier than words.
At the edge of the village, lanterns flickered to life, painting the streets with warm light. The people had heard the sea's roar; they knew what it meant. Whispers followed Akihiko as he passed.
Chosen.
Another lamb to the slaughter.
Just like Kael.
Akihiko ignored them, but the weight of their stares pressed down on him. He pushed open the door to his small home, Elira following reluctantly.
Inside, the air smelled of dust and old wood. On the wall hung Kael's cloak, faded with age, a relic Akihiko could never bring himself to wear. He sat at the table, laying his dagger down with a dull clink.
Elira leaned against the doorway. "They'll try to stop you."
"Let them try," Akihiko muttered.
"You don't understand." Her voice sharpened. "The village council forbids anyone from leaving once they're chosen. They'll keep you locked up until the Tournament takes you."
Akihiko finally looked at her. "Then I'll break the lock."
She exhaled sharply, frustration clear. "You think you're the only one who's ever tried? Do you know how many fools fought to escape? All gone. Every single one. This thing isn't just a tournament, Akihiko—it's a curse."
"Then I'll be the one to break it," he shot back.
Elira's eyes softened for a moment, and she stepped closer. "Kael said the same thing."
The name hit him like a blade. He clenched his fists, staring at the cloak on the wall.
"What do you remember about that day?" Elira asked quietly.
Akihiko's jaw tightened. "I remember watching him leave. Everyone cheered when the invitation marked him. They thought our family would be remembered forever. Mother cried, but Father… he was proud. Said Kael would come back as a legend."
His voice broke. "But he didn't come back. Not even his name did. It's like he never existed."
Elira lowered her gaze. "And you're afraid the same will happen to you."
"I'm not afraid," Akihiko said, though his voice trembled. "I'm furious. If Kael died fighting, I'd accept it. But to erase him? To erase his name? That's worse than death."
They stood in silence until the door creaked open. An older man shuffled in, leaning on a cane—Elder Ryn, head of the council. His sharp eyes flicked between Akihiko and Elira before settling on the golden mark glowing on Akihiko's hand.
"So it is true," Ryn muttered. "The Tournament has chosen another of your bloodline."
Akihiko's glare hardened. "You knew what happened to Kael."
Ryn sighed, lowering himself into a chair. "What happened to Kael is what happens to all victors. He was claimed by the arena. That is the truth."
"That's a lie," Akihiko snapped. "If he won, why is his name gone from the records?"
The old man didn't answer right away. Instead, he rubbed his temples, as if the weight of years pressed on him. Finally, he said, "Because the Tournament does not crown champions. It consumes them."
Elira flinched. "Consumes…?"
Ryn nodded. " you'll probably won't understand maximum of champions become corrupted after they won "
Akihiko's stomach twisted. " but I am different... I'll come back with kael "
Ryu nodded . " I hope so , i also have some work with kael "
Akihiko stood " Time to Go and find kael "
"Kael I am..... coming ! "