The giant screen continued flashing. Thousands of trainers and spectators stared upward.
The name beneath
Elior
slowly appeared.
The stadium became silent.
Then—
The final letters formed.
ROUND TWO
ELIOR
VS
AERO
For several seconds—Nobody spoke. Then the entire stadium erupted.
Aero looked at the screen. Then laughed. A loud laugh.The kind that only came from genuine excitement.
"Looks like fate made the choice for us."
Elior smiled back.
"I was hoping we'd battle eventually.Just not this soon."
Mira crossed her arms. A small smile appeared on her face.
"One of you is going home tomorrow.
Immediately—Both boys stared at her.Then all three burst into laughter.
That Night The city remained awake long after sunset.Trainers prepared for tomorrow's battles.Strategies were adjusted.Teams were reviewed. Dreams were placed on the line.
Late that night—Elior stood alone atop a building overlooking the League Stadium.
The lights of the city sparkled below.
Footsteps approached. He didn't need to turn around. He already knew who it was.
Aero stepped beside him. For several moments— Neither spoke.
Then Aero laughed softly.
"Remember our first battle?"
Elior smiled.
"You won."
Then we see some flashbacks of their first met in flying championship and battle between them too.
Later that night.Aero looked toward the League Stadium.
"No matter who wins tomorrow...Don't hold back."
Elior extended his fist.
"I wouldn't dare."
Aero bumped it.One final promise.As rivals.As friends.
Meanwhile...
Far away on Aether Isle...The Third Key floated within the ancient chamber. Golden energy illuminated the ruins.
Before it stood Zeff and the guardian,
Aetherdrake.
The guardian's voice echoed once more.
"If the truth destroys this world...Will you still seek it?"
Not even a second passed.
"Yes without hesitation and doubt."
For the first time in thousands of years—
Aetherdrake smiled.A sad smile. The smile of someone who already knew the answer. Then the guardian stepped aside. The path to the Third Key was open.
Back at the League Stadium—The sun slowly rose over the city. Morning had arrived. The crowd began filling the arena. The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen!Today's featured battle!A rivalry years in the making!"
The stadium gates opened.
On one side stood
Elior.
On the other stood
Aero.
Both smiling.
Both determined.
Both ready.
The battle that would define their rivalry was about to begin.
TO BE CONTINUED...