The general approached the Pharaoh with a report in hand and bowed before speaking.
"Sire, I bring the results on the children. They have shown significant progress."
The Pharaoh's gaze remained fixed ahead. "All but one. Magnolia is still lacking in his use of divine energy. His focus is poor."
The general considered that for a moment. "Then perhaps we should swap Ren and Poison. Magnolia might perform better against Ren."
The Pharaoh's eyes hardened. "Do you dare question my decision?"
The general stiffened immediately. "No, sire. I will arrange it at once."
Later, Emma wandered outside, worrying over how she was supposed to face Sofia. As she turned a corner, she heard a faint noise from behind a wall.
Curious, she peeked around it.
Magnolia was there, breathing hard as he trained alone. He stood with his fists raised, striking at the air again and again with growing frustration.
"Why isn't this working…" he muttered.
He lowered one hand and stared at his palm, remembering what had happened before.
I was angry. Completely consumed by rage. Do I need to feel that again to use it?
He clenched his fist and kept punching, trying to force that same heat back into his body.
Emma watched in silence, impressed by his determination. Magnolia finally collapsed onto the ground, exhausted and breathing heavily.
He thought again of Ra's words—that they were one, that the power of the Sun would awaken in him when the time came.
Magnolia looked up toward the sky. The sun burned bright overhead.
"The power of the Sun…"
His arm suddenly ignited with a brilliant orange glow.
Magnolia stared in awe as energy rushed through it. Then he drew his arm back and flicked a finger forward.
A massive fireball burst from his hand, scorching the ground as it raced across the sand.
Emma gasped and shielded her eyes from the light.
When the blaze faded, Magnolia looked around in confusion. "Hmm? Who's there?"
He saw no one and dismissed the sound as imagination.
Emma backed away quietly, her hands clasped to her chest. A small smile touched her face.
A week later, the day of the matches arrived.
The Pharaoh entered the training room with a commanding presence, his long dark hair flowing beneath his crown. Gold markings gleamed at his eyes, and his robe and armor marked him as ruler and warrior alike. Beside him stood General Saijew, his light red hair and military uniform giving him a sharp, disciplined look.
"General Saijew," the Pharaoh said, "are the children ready?"
"Ready as they'll ever be," Saijew replied. "After this, they'll make real progress."
"Good. Let us greet them."
They stepped into the room where the recruits waited.
"Ah," the Pharaoh said, "I see you're all prepared."
Ren and Kibo rose first—Ren with a scowl, Kibo with lazy calm. Saijew stepped forward.
"Actually, those two won't be fighting."
The room stirred.
"We made some adjustments," the general said. "Kibo and Poison will fight in the first round, while Ren and Magnolia will face each other in the second."
Poison immediately bristled. "I was supposed to fight Magnolia!"
The Pharaoh gave him a flat look. "I changed my mind. Deal with it and line up."
Poison crossed his arms and marched into place. "Fine."
Kibo and Poison took their positions at the center of the room.
"The match ends when one of you admits defeat or is knocked unconscious. Understood?"