The atmosphere around the Luminara League Championship had completely changed.Only fourteen trainers remained.Every battle from this point onward would be broadcast across the entire Luminara Region.
There were no weak opponents left.Only contenders.
At sunrise,Eliorwas already training.
Infernarx sparred against Lucario Nearby, Mystveil practiced controlling multiple Psychic attacks simultaneously.
Every member of Elior's team was pushing beyond their limits.
Elsewhere, Mira was also preparing for her next battle. The pressure was enormous. One defeat now meant elimination.
Later that day, the League Committee revealed the next tournament bracket.
The remaining fourteen trainers gathered in the main arena.The giant screen lit up.
Names appeared one by one.Excitement spread through the crowd.
As Elior watched the screen—He suddenly felt as though someone was watching him.Not the audience.Not the reporters.Someone else.Someone familiar.
Meanwhile...
Far away— Zeff stood aboard his ship. The Three Keys floated before him.Their light grew brighter with each passing day.
Kael looked toward the horizon.
"The Keys are becoming unstable."
Zeff nodded.
"Because Aetherion is waking up."
Back at the League Stadium...Night had fallen.The crowd slowly left the arena.
The hallways became quiet.
Empty.
Silent.
High above the stadium—On the rooftop of a nearby tower—A lone figure stood beneath the moonlight.The same mysterious figure who had watched Elior's battles since Round One.The hood that concealed his face fluttered in the wind.
Slowly...
He reached up and pulled it back.For the first time, his face was revealed.A face thought to be dead.A face from the ancient history of Fate and Faith.
Umbreal
His crimson eyes gazed toward the League Stadium.Toward Elior.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
And he whispered:
"You've come farther than I expected..."
The wind howled.The moonlight reflected in his eyes.The man who should have died long ago...Had returned.
TO BE CONTINUED...