Days turned into weeks and Rio's wives still treated her like a stranger, their coldness cutting her deeply. Helia felt like an outcast even in her own home, so she made the decision to retreat back to the Castle and her old room, hoping to avoid their coldness and disapproval.
However, she shifted because of a different reason. Every night became a torment for Helia. As the moon rose high in the sky, her slave mark burned with a fierce intensity that brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't sleep, and every midnight until dawn, she cried out in agony, her screams muffled by the pillows she buried her face in. The pain was unbearable, and she was trapped in a cycle of agony and sleeplessness with no escape.
***
Six months passed...
News of Rio Havenglow's death after the competition spread rapidly throughout the human world, leaving many in shock and disbelief.
Second Mother searched tirelessly for him, but her efforts proved futile as he remained missing for more than five months. The internet, government, and media all mourned the loss of one of their rising stars, but as time passed, they quickly moved on, almost forgetting his death as if it had never happened.
***
Excitement buzzed in the air as the day of the international tournament finally arrived. The White Bridge city was bustling with activity as people from all over the world gathered to witness the greatest warriors of the young generation go head-to-head. The anticipation was noticeable, as everyone waited for the tournament to officially commence.
After the intense Round-robin stage, the top eight contestants were finally chosen, and among them was Nyla. Her opponents had no chance against her immense strength, as she easily crushed them with just one hit, proving her exceptional powers to be a force to be reckoned with. Her incredible performance revealed her as the youngest person ever to reach the red stage.
Despite the joyous atmosphere surrounding the tournament, a shadow hung over it. The absence of Rio Havenglow, the rising star and the champion of the current national military school tournament, cast a pall over the event. People whispered about how the match Rio was supposed to compete in would not take place.
In addition, the Havenglow family had suffered another tragedy as their youngest daughter had been missing for a month. It was a loss not just for the Havenglow family, but for the entire world. Adding to the sorrow, Rose Havenglow, who had been declared missing a month prior, was also heavily remembered. Despite these heartbreaks, people still eagerly awaited the start of the international tournament.
The Grand Stadium in White-Bridge City was alive with the preparation for today's match, the staff worked tirelessly to set up the battle arena and ensure that everything was in order before the matches between the top eight matches. The audience was already in their seats, eagerly waiting for the matches to begin.
Although the higher-ranked officials were absent, only wanting to show up in the finals, many influential people had made an appearance. Some of the most prominent higher stages warriors come to witness the top eight go head-to-head.
In the Grand stadium, the contestants were going to be battling it out on a colossal ground that was circular with a hundred-meter radius, and the spectators were seated around it. Giant screens were set up, ensuring everyone could witness the fights happening in the middle of the arena. The organizers had also taken care of any mishaps, with a team of medical professionals stationed nearby.
The large screen displayed the top eight contestants' names and the order in which they would be battling it out.
The thrill was flowing to the brim as the first match was about to begin, with Nyla ready to take on James in a fierce showdown.
But what caught the attention of the spectators was Rio's name on the board, indicating that he was still in the running to compete despite being declared dead. He was listed on the board to face off against Lex Magnus, and many believed that he would be disqualified by default as he wouldn't be able to show up.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated match between Hazel Cloven and the genius of human country, Lily Havenglow, was set to take place in the matches of the top eight. Speculations were rife about the outcome of the battle, as Lily was widely considered the strongest one in the tournament, while Hazel had also proved herself to be a formidable champion, despite losing to Lily in the first national military school tournament.
Both participants were wearing masks to conceal their identities, with Nyla donning a delicate face veil and James wearing a sturdy mask. It was a precaution taken by the humans to ensure that the geniuses' faces were not revealed to the Dhovrix race, who were also watching the matches in their own country. The international tournament was being broadcasted worldwide, and the organizers wanted to make sure that the geniuses' faces remained secret.
The bald man in his early forties, the designated referee for the match, stepped forward and started the countdown, "3... 2... 1... Begin..."
The audience held their breath as the two opponents faced off, ready to battle it out in the center of the circular arena.
As the first match began, James, with a confident smile, wasted no time and rushed toward Nyla.
She, on the other hand, stood calmly, without moving an inch from her position. As the boy summoned his battle axe beast soul and swung it towards the Magenta-haired beauty, Nyla just reeled backward with a smile.
But the girl had no intention of prolonging the fight. She wanted to finish it quickly, and with a flick of her wrist, a yellow fire erupted all around her.
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow
