The cheers of the crowd still echoed through the stadium.Elior had won his first League match.But there was little time to celebrate.The next rounds would begin soon.And every remaining trainer was strong.
Later that evening, League officials gathered the qualified trainers for the Round Two draw.Dozens of competitors remained.
Among them were:
Aero
Mira
Rex Valtor (eliminated but watching)
And several unknown powerhouses.
Aero burst into the room.
"I won!"
The room immediately became louder.
Elior laughed.
"I never doubted you."
A few moments later—Mira arrived as well.She looked exhausted.But smiling.Then she gesture a victory pose.
"Round Two."
Three friends.Three League challengers.
Still standing.
Elsewhere...
Far beyond the seas.The atmosphere was very different.Storm clouds covered Aether Isle.Ancient ruins stretched across the island.And at the center stood a colossal gate.The Gate of Aetherion.
The roar echoed again.
Louder.
Closer.
Even members of The Eclipse Rebellion
looked nervous.
Zeff continued walking.Unafraid.
Unwavering. Behind him followed Kael.
The earth suddenly shook.
CRAAAAACK!
The ancient ruins split apart. A gigantic creature rose from beneath the island.
Its body was covered in crystal armor.
Its wings eclipsed the sky.
Its eyes glowed with ancient power.
Aetherdrake The final guardian. The protector of the Third Key.
The pressure released by Aetherdrake was overwhelming. Some Eclipse Rebellion members collapsed instantly. Others couldn't even stand.
For several moments, Zeff simply stared at the guardian. Then he smiled.
"I've come too far to turn back."
For the first time—Aetherdrake spoke.
Its voice echoed directly inside everyone's mind.
"Bearer of the First Key."
"Bearer of the Second Key."
"Why do you seek the Third?"
The entire island fell silent. Even the storm seemed to stop.
For once—Zeff did not smile.For once— He answered honestly.
"Because this world is built upon a lie...And I intend to uncover the truth."
The guardian's glowing eyes narrowed.
For several moments— Nothing happened. Then—Aetherdrake slowly lowered its head.As if acknowledging Zeff's answer.Behind the guardian— An ancient chamber began opening. Golden light poured into the sky. And deep within that chamber... A third object began to shine.
The Third Key.
At the same moment, back at the League Stadium, the Round Two bracket appeared on the giant screen.
The first name shown was:
ELIOR
The second name slowly appeared beneath it.
And Elior's eyes widened.
"No way..."
TO BE CONTINUED...