The atmosphere inside the coliseum gradually returned to its formality after the series of mentally draining events. The tournament committee swiftly prepared the closing ceremony, which had to be expedited considering there were no more participants willing to fight in the individual phase.
In the middle of the arena field, which was now completely clear of ice remnants, the Dean of the central Larkvood academy stepped forward. The authoritative middle-aged man carried a highly beautiful gold-plated crystal trophy, the symbol of supremacy and glory for the winner of the inter-kingdom magic tournament.
The Dean's steps appeared slow but steady. He stopped right in front of the four teenagers from the Garveon Kingdom, who were still standing calmly in their positions.
"Congratulations to the four of you!" the Dean said with a tone full of respect and a sincere smile. He then handed the gleaming trophy to Kazien, who represented his team.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Dean." Kazien replied politely as he received the trophy with both hands.
As soon as the trophy changed hands, thunderous applause immediately echoed throughout every corner of the academy coliseum. The spectators, nobles, and honorary guests in the stands offered their respects, welcoming the new champions in the prestigious annual tournament. Even though the tournament ended in an unusual manner, no one doubted their worthiness to hold the trophy.
However, before the applause fully subsided and the Garveon team turned around to return, a loud voice broke the clamor.
"Hey, Kazien Altavis!"
A male voice was heard calling his full name from the direction of the participants who had surrendered. Kazien spontaneously turned toward the source of the voice.
The person who had just called his name was Arkaen Efredion Zal Ignias, a representative participant from the Ignias Kingdom, as well as a Prince of that kingdom. The dark grey-haired youth stared at Kazien with a complex gaze, a mix of immense curiosity and high vigilance.
"With insane and nonsensical power like what you have just shown..." Arkaen said, ensuring his voice was heard clearly. "What will the four of you actually do in the future?"
The question from the Ignias Prince instantly represented the thoughts of all the rulers and kingdom officials in the stands. They all sharpened their hearing, desperately wanting to know what ambitions were held by a group of S-Rank adventurers possessing power equivalent to a natural disaster.
Hearing the pragmatic question, Kazien did not show an offended expression. Instead, he met Arkaen's gaze with a very relaxed expression.
"We will definitely continue our adventure to travel around this world!" Kazien answered without a second thought, his voice flowing lightly as if he were just discussing weekend vacation plans. "There are still many other lands and continents out there. We want to visit many new places that we have never seen and enjoyed before!"
The innocent answer, which completely implied no political ambition or desire to conquer territories, made many rulers in the stands breathe a sigh of relief. However, that relief only lasted for a moment.
Kazien's previously relaxed expression slowly turned serious and very cold. He swept his gaze, staring sharply at the participants and the entire VIP stands.
"I truly hope that not a single foolish person tries to hinder our journey in the future!" Kazien continued, his voice now filled with absolute firmness. "If that ever happens, never blame me if I act brutally just because there are idiots trying to bother the High Elf currently on this continent, especially if anyone dares to harbor evil intentions and exploit him!"
The cool breeze in the arena suddenly felt piercing to the skin. Kazien gripped his trophy with one hand, while his other arm protectively wrapped around Alvin's shoulder.
"Whether it is a commoner, a high-class noble, or even a King..." Kazien said slowly, ensuring every syllable was etched into the minds of everyone listening. "I will not hesitate at all to kill them directly if they dare to threaten the comfort and safety of one of my fiancés!"
The open declaration, containing a stern warning to the entire world, instantly silenced the atmosphere in the stands. The threat was too real, and they all knew that the youth in the middle of the arena had more than the capacity to make it happen.
However, amidst that mentally oppressive silence, the atmosphere suddenly became tense again due to an interruption.
"What did you say?" shouted Zania from the Lasc'ar Kingdom line.
The second Princess, who had felt her pride continuously trampled upon, apparently still could not accept reality. She refused to accept the threat Kazien had spoken openly in front of the continent's rulers.
"Don't be too arrogant!" Zania continued with heavy breaths, staring at Kazien boldly. "Do you think you and your family can destroy all the kingdoms on this continent if we all decide to unite and consider you a threat that must be exterminated?"
Hearing the naive challenge from the Princess, Kazien was not provoked emotionally at all. He simply looked at Zania with a flat, highly intimidating gaze.
"Go ahead if you truly wish to prove it yourself." Kazien answered in a very calm tone, yet his voice carried an aura pressure that made the air around Zania feel thin. "I will only act if it is to protect my family! And remember this! Even if in the end I must become an enemy to this entire world, I will stand by my principles and will not hesitate to destroy anyone who dares to disturb my family's safety!"
The firm resolve and killing intent radiating faintly from Kazien's gaze finally succeeded in silencing Zania completely. The Lasc'ar Princess stood frozen. Not a single word or rebuttal dared to escape her mouth again.
Kazien waited a few seconds, letting his threat sink in.
"Is there nothing else you want to say or ask?" Kazien asked to confirm, sweeping his gaze toward the other participants. No one responded. "If there is nothing else, then our business here is finished. Please excuse us."
Kazien raised the hand holding the trophy.
Zip!
The gold-plated crystal trophy in his grasp instantly vanished, entering his dimensional storage space.
Then, with perfectly flawless noble etiquette, Kazien bowed his body to pay respects to all the honorary guests in the VIP stands as well as the judges. That movement was immediately followed by Alvin, Allen, and Arken, who also bowed elegantly beside him.
After finishing their final respects in the arena, the four teenagers turned their bodies. The four of them walked with calm strides side by side, leaving the center of the arena toward the coliseum's exit corridor.
Seeing that the event had truly concluded and the representatives of his kingdom had delivered a performance that would never be forgotten in history, King Nalvon slowly rose from his seat of honor. He smiled in satisfaction. Followed by Duke Elgard and all members of the Altavis family, the Garveon Kingdom delegation also left the stands after politely saying their goodbyes to the Kings and all honorary guests in the VIP stands.
Meanwhile, right before Kazien and his three fiancés entered the exit corridor, the silvery-white-haired youth looked back one last time.
"Please spread my warning earlier across your respective kingdom territories!" Kazien said in a loud voice that echoed throughout the coliseum. "I truly do not want to become a killer just because of the actions of fools who know no bounds! I am counting on all of you. Thank you!"
After delivering those closing words, Kazien and his three fiancés fully entered the corridor, leaving the thousands of people in the stands and the participants in the arena sinking in their silence.