To add insult to injury, Torin's ultimate attack had ended up being his undoing, leaving him in a state of utter defeat. It was a deliciously ironic twist of fate, like a chef getting burnt by his own soufflé or a musician going deaf from their own music.
The poor guy had to face not only his own failure but also the humiliation of knowing that his own signature move had been used against him.
Talk about a major oops moment! It was a sight to see, watching the proud and confident Torin crumble before Rio's masterful counterattack. The whole ordeal was like watching a bad horror movie, except this time the monster ended up being the victim of its own tricks.
Soon, the referee announced, "Rio Havenglow wins the match and becomes the Champion of the International Tournament."
Right after that, the sky above the stadium came alive with a dazzling display of daylight firecrackers, crackling and popping in a symphony of colors and light.
Rio gazed up at the spectacle, a soft smile playing on his lips.
Back at their homes, people began popping open beer bottles and champagne to celebrate Rio's victory.
The internet was suddenly flooded with Rio's name, and praises were showered upon him.
"Never judge a book by its cover, and never underestimate Rio Havenglow," said one of the commentators on the live telecast, reflecting the sentiments of the viewers.
The very same boy whom they had talked trash about just a day before when he was set to face Lily, was now the hero who had brought victory to them.
Once the International Tournament concluded, Rio walked back to the audience seats, knowing that the trophy presentation would take place soon.
However, he didn't wait for it. Instead, he approached the black-suited man who had driven him to this place earlier and the boy asked for his assistance in leaving immediately.
"Wait for the award ceremony, Sir," the black-suited man suggested, concern evident in his voice.
"I have some important matters to attend," Rio replied calmly, not placing much importance on the award ceremony.
The black-suited man hesitated, weighing his options. He knew Rio was from the Havenglow family, and if he didn't arrange transportation, the young man would leave without him. He was afraid to make this boy unhappy, who had just made such a contribution to the human country, bringing pride to them all.
"I understand, Sir," he said, quickly acquiescing to Rio's demands.
With a sense of urgency, Rio slipped away from the stadium, his thoughts focused on meeting Layla as soon as possible.
The boy had assumed that Layla would be at the old stadium, but she was nowhere to be found.
Hoping to locate her, Rio decided to visit their old apartment.
As he typed the keys she had shown him into the electronic lock and opened the door, he called out, "Layla???" His voice echoed in the empty space, and he was disappointed to discover that she wasn't there either.
The boy wandered around the room, eventually spotting Layla's phone charging on a nearby table.
He approached the phone, considering his actions with calmness.
"I know it's not right to check someone else's phone, but I have a feeling she won't mind in this case," he thought, keeping in mind their pure bonding as he proceeded.
Upon opening the phone, he found no clues to her whereabouts or messages that may indicate she had left for something.
However, he decided to save his number in her contacts and gave himself a quick call to obtain her number.
Once he had her number, he dialed Rose's. The phone rang a few times before she picked up.
"Did you see that, sister Lily? Big brother Rio defeated that Dhovrix boy so easily!" Rose praised him, unaware that it was Rio on the other end of the line.
Hearing Rose's voice confirmed that Layla wasn't at the Havenglow's house. Without saying a word, Rio ended the call.
He mumbled to himself, "Did she go back to the Land of Asura?"
With this thought in mind, Rio turned and activated the [Astral Recall] spell, intending to return to the castle and come back later to search for Layla.
His figure vanished from his old room, and a soft white light enveloped the space as he materialized near the couch in Lia's bedroom.
Seeing his Wifey sleeping peacefully, Rio decided against waking her up.
Silently, he stepped out of the room and went to check on Helia. The blonde-haired beauty was also asleep, lost in her dreams.
With nothing else to do and thinking that Layla was not on Earth, Rio decided to go hunting.
There was some time before Lia would wake up, so he decided to ask in his thoughts to Eve as he walked toward the teleporter tower. "Eve, Do you know any good place where I can go hunting?"
"Angel's Night Valley! It's an epic hunting ground that's perfect for your level. And who knows, maybe you'll finally hatch that egg you've been carrying around!" Eve's voice echoed in his mind.
Rio nodded in agreement and proceeded to obtain the teleportation glyph for the Angel's Night Valley. His figure vanished into the rift, as the boy was ready to face the new challenges that awaited him at this new hunting ground.
Angel's Night Valley, nestled in a corner of the corrupted lands, was a place where night reigned eternally. Rumored to be home to fairies and fireflies, it possessed an otherworldly charm.
A tower stood outside the valley, functioning as a Black-stage headquarters for the Asuras. Rio had no interest in the tower, however, as his goal was outside its walls.
Stepping out of the tower, Rio found himself captivated by the enchanting scene that unfolded in the distance.
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[SnowNote]
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