As the spectators gazed upon the aftermath of the intense battle, they could sense the lingering echoes of the temporal energies that had been unleashed within the nexus. The ground beneath them seemed to thrum with residual power, and a sense of awe and wonder filled the air as they tried to comprehend the magnitude of what had transpired.
Some among the onlookers murmured in hushed tones, speculating on the nature of the battle and the incredible abilities of the combatants involved. Others stood in silent reverence, their minds racing with questions and theories about the mysteries of chronomancy and the secrets of time manipulation.
Among the crowd, whispers of admiration and respect for Von circulated, mingling with expressions of curiosity and intrigue. Many marveled at his skill and determination, recognizing him as a prodigy in the field of chronomancy despite his youth. Others wondered about the enigmatic twins, Arin and Arron, and the bond which allowed them to fight as one in the completed battle.
As the excitement and speculation reached a fever pitch, the combatants slowly rose from the ground, their bodies weary but their spirits unbroken. With a sense of camaraderie forged in the crucible of battle, they exchanged nods of acknowledgment and gratitude, silently acknowledging the bond that had formed between them during their harrowing ordeal.
Arin and Arron closed in to the seemingly taller Von giving him a hug. "You were amazing, so much more than we expected," the two said in unison. "We propose the three of us remain friends forever, if you are willing. Our parents are they mayors of Falls Grove just west of the Great Mist Forest. We hope to be going home soon once we achieve the rank of master."
Von returned their embrace, a warm smile gracing his lips as he felt the genuine camaraderie emanating from the twins. "Thank you, Arin and Arron," he replied warmly. "I would be honored to remain friends with both of you. Your strength and determination in battle were truly remarkable."
He nodded in agreement to their proposal, feeling a sense of kinship with the twins that went beyond their shared experience in the temporal nexus. "I look forward to visiting Falls Grove someday and meeting your parents," Von added. "I have no doubt that you both will achieve the rank of master in no time with your talent and dedication."
Exhausted, the three leaned on each other as they made their way back to the challenge circle. Despite knowing he had triumphed, he wasn't certain. He was suddenly so hungry his stomach ached, and he felt lightheaded from the lack of food.
As he stood there wobbling waiting for the elder to announce his defeat of the two challengers, Von asked Master Eldon if it would be possible to take a break. Under any other circumstances, he would have placed himself out of time and rested for a long nap, but he felt food was a necessity at this point.
Master Eldon nodded understandingly, observing the exhaustion evident on Von's face. "Of course, Von," he said kindly. "You have demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience today. You've more than earned a break."
Turning to the gathered spectators, Master Eldon announced a brief intermission, allowing Von and the other challengers to rest and recuperate before the final results were announced. As the crowd dispersed, Von gratefully accepted a nearby apprentice's offer to fetch him some food and water, feeling a wave of relief wash over him at the prospect of nourishment and rest.
As Von waited for his food, he found a quiet spot away from the bustling crowd, sitting down to catch his breath. His mind was still reeling from the intensity of the challenges he had faced, and he couldn't help but replay the events in his head, analyzing his strategies and reflecting on the lessons learned.
Soon, a plate of hearty food was brought to him, and he eagerly dug in, savoring each bite as it replenished his energy. The warmth of the food and the coolness of the water provided a welcome respite from the physical and mental exertion he had endured.
As he ate, Von couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what he had accomplished. Despite the challenges and obstacles he had faced, he had emerged victorious, proving his mettle and showcasing his mastery of various magical disciplines.
After finishing his meal, Von leaned back, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. He knew there were still challenges ahead, but for now, he allowed himself to bask in the satisfaction of winning an extremely tough battle. With renewed energy and determination, he looked forward to whatever the next challenge would be. As difficult as the last one was, and as low as his current magic power was, he wasn't certain he could defeat any more opponents today, still, he knew he had to try.
Monica, who had watched all of the challenges from the sidelines felt genuinely worried about Von. After nearly every one of them, something about him changed. He already seemed to have aged and grown, and now, he looked almost frail.
Monica's concern for Von deepened as she observed his weary demeanor and the subtle changes in his appearance. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss, especially considering the rapid transformations he had undergone throughout the challenges.
Approaching Von with a gentle and caring demeanor, Monica offered him a comforting smile. "Von, are you feeling alright?" she asked softly, her voice laced with genuine concern. "You've been through quite a lot these last few days, and I can't help but notice, you seem a bit tired. Is there anything I can do to help?"
She waited patiently for his response, her eyes filled with warmth and empathy, ready to offer support in whatever way he needed.
"What I really need now, is a lot of rest. I feel absolutely drained," he replied. "If not rest, at least no more challenges for today, tomorrow either, but I don't even know how many challengers are left. Fifteen? Twenty? It's still a lot."
Monica nodded understandingly at Von's words, her expression reflecting her empathy for his exhaustion. "I completely understand, Von. You've shown incredible strength and resilience today, but even the strongest people often need to have time to rest and recharge, and we're just kids, while you are competing with people ten to twenty years older than us. They've had a lot more time to master their skills and learn how to handle their abilities, and you've even taken on many at once."
She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering him a supportive smile. "Don't worry about the remaining challengers for now. Focus on taking care of yourself and relaxing for as long as they'll let you. Who knows, maybe the rest will back out after the display you've shown today." With this, several small tendrils of bright tychomantic essence drifted behind her out of sight of Von and remained low to the ground as it wended its way in the direction of the remaining challengers.
Being Von's best friend, Monica's priority was Von's well-being, and she was determined to ensure he had the opportunity to recuperate fully before facing any further challenges and sometimes, all he needed was a little luck, which just happened to be her specialty.
Turning to look at her, Von offered Monica a grateful smile, appreciating her unwavering support and understanding. "Thank you, Monica. I really appreciate it," he said, feeling a wave of relief wash over him at her words.
As he watched her, he could see small tendrils of luck essence drifting away heading to where she had been standing as she collected the numbers. A sense of reassurance settled within him. He knew he could always count on Monica to have his back, not just as a friend, but as someone who truly cared for his well-being.
With Monica's words echoing in his mind and having seen her threads of luck moving toward the challengers, Von allowed himself to relax, knowing that he had a true friend by his side and a glimmer of luck on his side. For now, he would focus on resting and recuperating, trusting that everything would work out in the end.
Meanwhile, the Archmages Poralis and Alden were conferring telepathically about Von's condition as the entire group of elders strode to stand near the two. The stood waiting patiently as both the archmages were literally eons older than the oldest of them in spite of their being called "elders."
They had the greatest respect for the two archmages as even the oldest among there group was barely nine hundred, and even they were students of the two and knew Poralis' wife had been torn apart by demons over a thousand years before they were in his class, and they had been married for centuries before then. No one knew either of the twos actual ages, but without magic, it was said the tortoise race could live to be two to three thousand years. Chronomancers could live until they got bored with life and allowed time to catch up with them. Thus, they waited patiently.
Once Alden removed his hand from Poralis, Serena coughed slightly to draw their attention. The two looked at the group and they joined the true elders standing near the line before bowing. The one standing nearest looked back at the tree where Von was relaxing before speaking.
"Archmages, as a collective, we were wondering if it is truly fair to continue to let these challenges go on. The young boy has already proven himself to be a master in arithmancy, myalomancy, and since he defeated the gemini adepts who fight as well as four adepts, it would be safe to suggest, he may be a master chronomancer. This would mean, despite his age, he too would be an archmage. Is it fair to allow these challengers to attempt to defeat an archmage?" She waved her hand indicating the remaining seventeen challengers as the other elders nodded to the two beings.