After the battle concluded, Novarion and Zayn felt a lingering exhaustion deep in their bones, as if every muscle had endured a long war. The sun began to set, casting golden rays across the city skyline, bleeding into a crimson-orange hue that turned the world into a masterpiece of light and shadow. Both felt a desperate need for rest—a quiet space to breathe away from the chaos of the Guild.
The next day, they walked slowly back to the Guild, their footsteps synchronized with the sound of hooves on the pavement. After a brief rest, they were summoned to the Guild Master's office. The atmosphere there was different—tense, with a flicker of anxiety visible on the Master's face.
Sitting behind his desk, his dark eyes heavy with responsibility, the Master spoke: "You lived up to expectations in your last mission, but something far greater awaits. You have been chosen to participate in the Grand Combat Tournament, where the strongest fighters gather. This is not just about fighting; it is a test of your existence. Success will grant you higher ranks and massive rewards."
Novarion and Zayn exchanged a long look of excitement and nerves. Novarion took a deep breath, his heart racing, yet his voice remained calm: "We are ready. We won't let the Guild down."
The following day, they traveled by a grand carriage toward the tournament city. The journey took hours across breathtaking plains and mountains, under a sky shifting between deep blue and saturated orange. Upon arrival, they were greeted by luxurious hotel rooms overlooking a city illuminated by magical lights.
While Novarion sat in his room, a familiar system voice rang in his mind:
[System: Would you like to use the Private Training Chamber? You may enter to hone your skills.]
Novarion pressed "Accept," and a shimmering transparent door appeared. As he stepped through, he found himself in a room charged with high magical energy. The voice echoed again:
[System: Every day in this room equals only one minute in the outside world.]
Understanding this golden opportunity, Novarion began his training immediately. Monsters spawned randomly—from small Goblins to flying Dragons. Every victory increased his mastery. He moved with incredible speed, his sword wreathed in fire and lightning, learning to perfectly fuse physical strength with internal energy.
Novarion trained for a month and a half inside the chamber, while only three hours passed in the outside world. By the end, he had surged from Level 10 to Level 17—a colossal power leap that no one could have anticipated.
Exiting the room, every cell in his body radiated renewed power. He met Zayn at the city square, where crowds cheered and the air was thick with the heat of the rising sun. While watching the matches, they noticed a massive warrior wielding a giant axe, his strikes causing the very earth to tremble.
A girl sitting nearby, her eyes sparkling with a light smile, approached them: "Are you focused on my brother? He's a powerful warrior. I'm Lina, and that is Ray, one of the strongest fighters here." She added: "I am a Healer; I mend his wounds after every fight. Are you participants too?"
Novarion replied confidently: "Yes, we compete tomorrow."
The next day, the tournament began. The roar of the crowd filled the air as banners danced in the wind. As the first round started, Novarion faced his opponent, Riley. The announcer's voice boomed: "In the arena, we have Novarion from the Hunters Guild, facing his opponent, Riley!"
Novarion felt a strange energy surging within. As Riley began to tremble with nerves, Novarion released his Dark Aura. The ground shook, stones levitated, and Riley twisted in sheer terror, sweat pouring down his face. Overwhelmed by the crushing pressure, the opponent scrambled toward the edge of the arena and withdrew instantly. The crowd fell into a stunned silence...