The arena erupted with noise.
The commentator stood in the middle, barely shouting over the crowd, which had been holding its breath just a moment ago.
— SO THAT'S THE END OF THIS FIGHT! — he roared. — THE WINNER OF THE SEMIFINAL IS... DRAGON'S PURSUIT!
The stands roared. Some shouted with delight, others with disbelief, but the name of the Dragon's Chase echoed throughout the arena like thunder.
Valdor stood motionless.
He was breathing heavily.
Blood slowly dripped down the blade of his weapon.
Next to him, the rest of the team gathered in one place. Kael leaned on his sword, Mayuri had torn sleeves, Noah was still surrounded by fading sparks, and Arwen was sheathing her daggers.
Then the entire arena fell silent.
The emperor rose from his seat.
His purple cloak fell heavily on the steps as he looked down at the victors.
— I haven't seen a fight like that in a long time — he said calmly, his voice carrying far. — Discipline, determination, and strength. Dragon's Pursuithas proven that it deserves a place in the final.
The crowd erupted in applause again.
Valdor did not respond.
He did not bow his head.
He didn't smile.
He just narrowed his eyes.
The anger was quiet but heavy. Like something just waiting to explode.
The Forest Shield approached them a moment later.
Mira stopped in front of Valdor and nodded.
— Good fight. You broke through something that no one else had been able to do before.
— You were strong. — Valdor replied briefly.
Yla smiled at Mayuri.
— Your magic... is different. Alive.
— Nature likes dialogue. — replied Mayuri.
Kael and Hisagi exchanged brief glances. No words were necessary. That was enough.
When the Forest Shield departed, Valdor felt something familiar.
A twinge in the neck.
He looked up.
On one of the pillars, high above the arena, stood the same hooded figure again.
The coat moved slightly, even though there was no wind.
The hood slipped down for a split second.
Valdor saw long, silver hair.
He froze.
The world ceased to exist for a moment.
— Valdor? — Noah looked at him with concern. — Are you okay?
Valdor looked away.
— Yes. — he replied quickly. — Just tired.
When he looked again, the pillar was empty.
They were already leaving the arena when the Wolf Blade warriors passed them without a word.
Arok was at the front.
He didn't look at Valdor.
He didn't look at anyone.
The commentator didn't let the silence linger for long.
— AND NOW! — he shouted. — THE FINAL MATCH OF THE DAY! WOLF'S EDGE VS. BURNING SAND!
Both teams entered the arena.
Arok stopped in front of Kiyoshi.
They stared at each other for a moment.
Then Arok held out his hand.
Kiyoshi shook it without hesitation.
— I will defeat you in the end, Arok. — said Kiyoshi.
— We'll see. — replied Arok.
The dragon hunt was heading toward the treatment room, but at that moment Valdor slowed down and turned in the other direction.
— Where are you going? — Arwen asked. — The treatment room is that way.
Valdor paused for a moment.
— I have to... check something.
— Valdor — Kael said sharply. — Come back quickly. You need to be at full strength before the final.
Valdor did not turn around.
He only raised his hand, signaling that he had heard.
He walked away, showing nothing.
No anger.
No anxiety.
A gong sounded in the arena.
The metallic sound cut through the air.
The fight had begun.