The Egyptian general approached the Pharaoh to deliver his report on the recruits. He bowed respectfully before unrolling a parchment.
"Sire, I present the awaited report on the children. The recruits have shown significant progress and growth."
"All but one," the Pharaoh interjected. "Magnolia is lacking in his use of divine energy. His concentration seems insufficient."
The general looked thoughtful. "Regarding Magnolia, what if we swap Ren and Poison and have Magnolia fight Ren?"
The Pharaoh's gaze hardened. "Do you dare question my decision?" He fixed a scornful look on the general, who quickly adjusted his expression to avoid further provoking the Pharaoh.
"No, sire. I shall arrange it immediately."
Meanwhile, Emma wandered outside, pondering how to face Sofia. She heard a faint noise and turned toward it, curiosity piqued. As she approached, the sound grew clearer, coming from behind a wall.
Emma peeked around the edge and saw Magnolia grunting and panting, working on something. She watched as Magnolia threw a series of punches, each with increasing effort.
"Why isn't this working..." Magnolia muttered to himself, looking at his palm and recalling his previous battle.
"I was angry, completely consumed by rage. Do I need to experience such intense anger again to access that power?" He clenched his fist and resumed punching, trying to summon his rage.
Emma observed, impressed by Magnolia's determination and endurance. Exhausted, Magnolia finally collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily.
Emma considered approaching him but hesitated. Magnolia reflected on Ra's words about them being one and possessing the power of the Sun. He gazed up at the bright sun and extended his hand towards it. "The power of the Sun...?"
Suddenly, Magnolia's arm began to glow a brilliant orange. He felt a powerful energy coursing through it and smiled slightly. He brought his arm down, looked around, and then straightened his arm, flicking a finger forward. A massive fireball erupted, burning intensely and leaving a scorched trail on the ground. Emma shielded her eyes from the blinding light and gasped at the aftermath when she looked back.
"Hmm? Who's there?" Magnolia asked, turning his head but seeing no one. He shrugged off the distraction and focused on his hand, assuming the sound had been his imagination.
Emma walked away, her hands clasped together. She smiled, feeling unexpectedly pleased by Magnolia's progress.
...
A week later, it was time for the matches to assess the children's proficiency. The Pharaoh entered with an imposing presence—tall, with brown skin, a well-defined jawline, and gold linings on his eyelids that matched his eyes. His long, dark brown hair flowed beneath the Egyptian crown, and his robe, adorned with goldish-red linings, complemented the light armor on his shoulders.
Beside him stood General Saijew, with light red hair that waved majestically. He had a pronounced jawline, brown eyes, and a tan complexion. His black military uniform was decorated with small gold ropes on each shoulder. He was slightly shorter than the Pharaoh.
"General Saijew, are the children ready?" the Pharaoh asked.
Saijew replied, "Ready as they'll ever be. After this, they'll make real progress."
"Good. Shall we greet them?"
"Indeed."
The Pharaoh and Saijew entered the training room where the children awaited. "Ah, it seems you're all ready," the Pharaoh announced.
Ren and Kibo stood up—Kibo with a nonchalant demeanor and Ren with a scowl. Saijew stepped forward and spoke.
"Oh, you two won't be fighting. We've made some arrangements."
The children looked on with curiosity.
"Kibo and Poison will fight in the first round, while Ren and Magnolia will face off in the second."
Poison erupted in anger. "I was supposed to fight Magnolia! What's this change?"
The Pharaoh remained unruffled. "I changed my mind. Deal with it and line up."
Poison, rolling his eyes, begrudgingly complied. "Fine."
Kibo and Poison moved to the center of the room, taking their places on opposite sides.
"The match will end only if one of you admits defeat or is knocked unconscious. Am I clear?"