The mist swirled upward, slowly veiling the ancient arch in the center of the lake, adding a sense of mystery to the sacred place. The waters, once still and shallow, now rippled as if a vast ocean's tide was pulling them away, revealing more of the ancient stone beneath. The sound of the water retreating was mesmerizing, a calming melody that seemed out of place for what was to come.
But for those watching—the patriarchs, the matriarchs, and the seasoned warriors among the crowd—this was the sign they had been waiting for. The first true cue that the second round was about to begin. Their hearts beat faster, eyes narrowing as the lake began to transform into a stage for the unseen.
The tension was palpable. At any moment, the challengers' shadows would manifest, their perfect replicas appearing to stand against them. The elders exchanged glances, each pondering the same question: whose shadow would emerge first?
