THIRD PERSON POV.
.
.
.
.
The arena buzzed—but not with excitement.
This wasn't the energy of a match.
It was the aftermath.
Sirens wailed in the distance. Police, military, reporters, ambulances—everyone flooded the scene, scrambling to do their jobs.
The intruders were still restrained.
What remained of Number Five was being carried away by government agents.
The fighters who had stayed behind were separated and questioned.
They started with the mentors.
Albert sat beside Ivy, who had gone unusually quiet. Her fingers fidgeted restlessly, her leg tapping against the ground in an uneven rhythm.
"Stop that. It's distracting," Zoe muttered, trying to listen in on the discussion nearby.
Ivy stilled… then slowly turned to Albert.
"Something's off."
"I know," Albert replied flatly. "I told you."
"Something's going to happen."
"Yeah," he sighed. "Still told you."
She shot him a glare but said nothing more.
Not far off, Sarah and Richard watched her carefully, curiosity clear—but neither dared approach.
Unspoken agreement.
No one wanted to bring up what had happened earlier.
At last, the mentors returned.
Every head turned.
"We'll be escorted to their headquarters for further investigation," Lilian announced calmly.
Groans erupted instantly.
"We help and suddenly we're suspects?" Zoe snapped.
"This isn't Country H," Ivy said evenly. "Heroism doesn't make you innocent here."
Zoe's glare sharpened.
"Well, I think it's bullshit. You're the only suspicious one here. Just because no one's talking doesn't mean we didn't notice."
"Zoe, calm down—" Fiona reached for her.
"Don't touch me."
She pulled away sharply and walked off, putting distance between herself and the group. Fiona held her hand to her chest, a trace of hurt that quickly vanished.
Richard's eyes followed her… but he stayed where he was.
"Ivy Da Vinci, please come with us."
An officer approached.
Albert's grip on her hand tightened instantly.
"We're all going together," Donald said, arms crossed.
"Yes," the officer replied carefully, "but we were instructed to begin with her. Please don't misunderstand—we're just doing our job."
"Officer," Renzo cut in with a sigh, "we'll come together. I'll personally bring her in."
After a moment's hesitation, the officer nodded and stepped away.
Vehicles began pulling out one after another.
The military remained behind with the intruders.
As Ivy walked past, she glanced back.
The first intruder was already looking at her.
Unblinking.
Waiting.
A chill crept down her spine before she looked away and caught up with the others.
Later — Night
They were released close to midnight.
No one spoke on the way back.
Renzo's offer to drive them was greatly refused.
Silence followed them into the hotel suite.
One by one, they retreated into their rooms.
The city's distant hum softened.
Faded.
11:59 PM
Albert jolted awake.
Sweat clung to his skin. His breath came in sharp bursts, like he'd been running.
He slipped out of bed and made his way to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water.
He drank quickly. Too quickly.
Like he needed it to stay grounded.
When he finally steadied, he poured another.
Turned—
And froze.
The glass slipped from his hand.
Crash.
Too loud.
Too sharp in the silence.
Nathan and Donald rushed out immediately.
"What was that?" Donald scanned the room—then paused. "Dude… what's wrong with you?"
Albert didn't answer.
He couldn't.
Donald followed his gaze and froze.
Blood.
Smeared across the windows.
Fire.
Raging outside.
Nathan moved first, yanking the window open.
The sound hit them instantly.
Screams.
Crying.
Chaos.
George stepped out next, sword already in hand.
"What—"
His voice died as he reached the window.
One by one, the others emerged.
Drawn by the noise.
Pulled by the tension.
Country A's capital…
Was under attack.