As the dust settled within the dome, the tense atmosphere slowly shifted to one of unexpected camaraderie. The scene outside the dome was clear now: Haruto and Sylvie stood exhausted but upright, opposite Motar, who appeared somewhat amused rather than genuinely disappointed. Between them, a teenage boy with silver-like hair exuded an almost ethereal presence, his clothing shimmering with silver scales, giving him an angelic aura.
Motar placed his massive hammer back on his shoulder with a hearty chuckle. "Just couldn't help yourself, could ya, Goddrick?"Goddrick returned the chuckle with a light-hearted smile. "Motar, you're always diving into unpredictable escapades. I must say, you did get a bit carried away this time. King Drago wouldn't have been pleased had you injured these non-Warlord participants."
Motar's laughter grew bashful, "I only wanted to show off my new hammer. Can't blame a guy for wanting to have a bit of fun. Besides, I made sure they had a proper warm-up before the Initiation."
Haruto turned his attention to Sylvie, noticing her continuous tremble. "Hey Sylvie, are you alright? You're shaking."
Sylvie managed only a few words, overwhelmed by the presence of the newcomer. "Kage… this… this is…" She couldn't finish her sentence as Haruto walked over to touch the dome, which slowly began to dissolve. A gust of wind flipped the collar of the boy's shirt, revealing a bold number '1' tattooed on his neck.
Stunned, Haruto realized the young man was the top-ranked Vanguard member. The shock nearly made him choke. Sylvie's severe reaction now made complete sense. Motar sauntered over as Goddrick bounced around Haruto, examining him with a playful curiosity. "Goddrick, you sly dog, don't think I didn't notice you dispelling my attack," Motar laughed heartily.
Goddrick, poking Sylvie's hat playfully, responded with a nervous chuckle, "Oh, you noticed that, huh?"
Haruto interjected, amazed, "Wait, that monster attack you dispelled? How? I didn't even see any movements!"
Motar, now in a jovial mood, replied, "Yeah, this little twerp can manipulate energy. You felt it earlier, right?" Haruto recalled the static in the air, realizing it was Goddrick's doing.
"Wait, did you just call me a twerp? Are you bullying me again?" Goddrick teased, his grin devilish. "Should I tell mom then, hmm?" The mention of 'mom' seemed to strike a nerve with Motar, whose face paled instantly.
Goddrick leaned in to whisper to Haruto, "He likes her." Both burst into mischievous laughter, only to be interrupted by Serena's stern hand.
Simultaneously, both Haruto and Goddrick felt a sharp smack on the back of their heads from Serena, who had approached quietly. "What are you two, children?" she scolded.
"Serves you right!" Motar chuckled. "Shall we get going? These two," he gestured towards Haruto and Sylvie, "need to make it to the plaza for the start of the Initiation."
The mysterious lady from earlier, accompanied by the two little girls, approached with a warm smile. "Splendid battle, you two! Come along, everyone—if we hurry, I may treat you all to some dessert!"
The prospect of cake excited Goddrick and the girls, who cheered, "Yayyy cake! cake! cake!"
As they began to depart, Goddrick gave a gentle tap on Haruto's and Sylvie's heads. "That should do it," he said cryptically, leaving them puzzled as he followed the others.
Gor, the 7th ranked Vanguard, passed by Haruto and Sylvie, his voice monotone yet revealing, "She is Mom," then continued on without another word.
Haruto and Sylvie were left to absorb the whirlwind of personalities and revelations they had just experienced. As they walked away, Motar hoisted the two girls onto his shoulders, sheathing his hammer. The little one exclaimed, "Uncle Momo, that was exciting! You were like woosh and they were like swoosh… Oh? Uncle Momo, you're bleeding."
Touching his ear, Motar discovered a tiny cut, from which a single drop of blood had fallen. "Well, we really do have some interesting ones this time around, don't we?"
Goddrick, smiling broadly, agreed, "Indeed we do."