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Autumndusk, ChronoColiseum: The Arena, Time: 11:10 AM
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Vermillion and Erik engaged in a fierce battle within the arena, prompting the evacuation of the audience due to the potential danger posed by the clash of two high-ranking individuals.
"I'm surprised you're holding your own, you scar-faced brat!" Erik's amber axe clashed against Vermillion's red cross, and despite the intense confrontation, he seemed to enjoy himself, knowing the Woodheart wouldn't end up in the hospital.
"And I'm surprised they allow a bitch like you to cause harm to others!" Vermillion stopped the clash, swiftly hitting Erik in the chin with his cross. The impact could have shattered Erik's jaw if he were ordinary.
They both backed away, regaining their postures, and stared each other down.
Erik tilted his neck, producing a satisfying bone crack. "Honestly, a smart move from the staff to get everyone out of here." He smirked, ready to unleash everything he had.
Vermillion cracked his knuckles and neck, wiping the blood from his mouth. "You are just like Freya, but even she cares about property damage." Vermillion frowned, expressing disappointment.
"And honestly, I would be pissed as well if you two don't kill each other right now." A mysterious voice interrupted, making Erik and Vermillion look in confusion.
From the audience stand, Sugar, with his familiar blue hair, was casually enjoying the fight.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Erik asked, aware that Sugar shouldn't be present.
"Sugar? What are you doing here?" Vermillion, confused and then angry at the sight of his old mentor, questioned.
Sugar evaded the question, "Honestly, this is like the 3rd time you guys fought? The hate boner does bring both of you together, huh? Because the fangirls would love you two rubbing chests together." Sugar confidently stated, finishing his drink and tossing it aside.
"Why are you even drinking? It's like noon." Vermillion dodged the statement Sugar had just made.
"Hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere." Sugar smirked, hiccupping but not seeming too intoxicated just yet.
Vermillion became even more confused, and Erik quickly threw a right hook into his face, flinging him away. "Ow, dick!"
Erik, however, was angered by what Sugar had said, "I don't have a damn hate boner!" He yelled out, a faint blush appearing on his face.
"Dude, it's a hateful boner," Sugar argued back. Erik couldn't respond as he was drop-kicked by Vermillion, sending him flying as well.
Sugar observed them, exchanging blows relentlessly. "Damn, kids these days," he muttered to himself, eyes darting back and forth between the two.
As the two continued their intense fight, Erik swiped his axe to the left, but Vermillion deftly ducked down before Erik could bring it down.
Deciding to ditch his weapon, Vermillion acrobatically spun himself and delivered a swift kick to Erik's face, leaving him stunned with his eyes shadowed by his hair.
"Oh, look at the little dino, lost and stunned at this hour." Vermillion taunted as he stood up, preparing for a headbutt before Erik began shaking.
"Mock...my pride?!" Erik opened his mouth wide, and a purple energy appeared in front of his mouth.
Unbeknownst to Vermillion, Erik's hand was on the device he was using, flicking the tail three times.
"Full charge! Primal Breath Eraser!" The belt announced, and Erik fully charged his mouth beam, ready to unleash it.
"Drastic Finish!" Erik unleashed the beam, but Vermillion swiftly ducked down, narrowly avoiding the massive energy blast that flew past his entire body. It was a close call.
The beam created a massive hole in the arena wall, hurtling in the direction of the opening.
"Jeez, so much for firepower." Sugar looked at the scorched and massive hole, wondering where the beam would end up.
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Autumndusk, COU Castle: The Library, Time: 11:40 AM
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In the library of The COU Castle, the ambient light was dim, casting a darker, purplish hue. The soothing scents of black tea and coffee permeated the air, creating an atmosphere of absolute relaxation.
People quietly immersed themselves in learning, the calm noises and soundproof walls muting any external disruptions.
Among the readers was Nils, a commanding figure among the ArchSentinels, known as "The Dark Sea."
Cloaked in flowing black garments adorned with intricate oceanic patterns, he exuded an air of power and mystery.
His attire, featuring a deep forest green tunic with subtle scale-like stitches on fitted black pants, bespoke a connection to the sea.
The library's tranquility mirrored Nils' calm nature as he delved into a book titled "How to Spot the Clues from a Girl," seemingly absorbed in deciphering something.
Suddenly, a purplish beam flashed through the library, erasing the book in Nils' hands.
His stoic face remained calm, though he muttered to himself, "Rule one of my library: You will pay the price for the destruction of The Library." As a pool of black liquid appeared beneath his feet, Nils descended into it.
The library, once bathed in dim light, was now illuminated by sunlight, accompanied by a quiet breeze.
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Autumndusk, ChronoColiseum: The Arena, Time: 12:00 PM
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Vermillion and Erik were locked in a heated exchange, screaming at each other as the ground cracked around them.
"Oh, for Lucia's sake! Can you two kiss already?!" Sugar growing irritated by the prolonged conflict, observed their ongoing verbal clash.
Erik threw a left hook, and Vermillion countered with a right hook, sending both of them flying back before they locked eyes once again.
"I'm ending this now." Erik gripped his amber axe, determined to conclude the lengthy battle.
"Yeah, your stupid face has been annoying me for too long. It's time to fix that." Vermillion readied his red cross, preparing to bring the fight to a close.
As they charged at each other, an unexpected force slammed them to the ground before they could make contact, leaving them bewildered.
"What the hell is happening?" Vermillion questioned, puzzled by the sudden turn of events.
"Oh god, did it land on his...?" Erik's shock hinted at a realization of who might be responsible.
A pool of black liquid emerged between them as Nils materialized from the ground, casting a glare at Erik.
"You broke rule one; I will break your spine," Nils declared, locking eyes with Erik, who stared back in fear.
Meanwhile, Sugar found entertainment in the situation. "Holy shit, this is gonna be fun!" He casually conjured a golden basket of popcorn and settled in to watch the unfolding spectacle.
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Autumndusk, West section of Stoneglen, Time: 12:00 PM
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Ace gently touched down on the ground, cradling James in one arm and clutching the trophy in the other.
A heavy sigh escaped Ace's lips as he gazed at his friend's unconscious form, a mix of relief and concern etched across his features.
The image of James potentially falling into a coma for months haunted his thoughts, but he knew that Vermilion's timely intervention had prevented that grim outcome.
Checking his pocket watch, Ace noted that it was already noon, the time of their designated meeting.
'Well, time to move.' With a determined nod to himself, Ace made his way toward the heart of Stoneglen Square. The journey was accompanied by a heavy silence, the weight of the recent events hanging in the air.
James's voice broke the quiet, laced with a tinge of regret. "I'm sorry that I accepted that challenge."
The remorse in his tone was palpable, the regret stemming from the choices that had led them to this point.
Ace turned his gaze toward James, his expression softened with understanding. "It wasn't your fault," he reassured, his voice gentle.
He wanted James to understand that he shouldn't bear the burden of responsibility for what had transpired. He's still new in adulthood.
The situation had been fraught with unforeseen circumstances, and even if James had declined the challenge, the likelihood of facing Erik's aggression was high regardless.
James's longing gaze shifted toward the trophy, an emblem of his hard-fought victory. "Can I hold it..." his voice held a hint of vulnerability as he stretched his arms out.
"Here you go, buddy..." Responding to the request, Ace carefully handed over the trophy, watching as James's fingers gripped it with a mixture of exhaustion and fondness.
With a tender touch, James pressed his face against the trophy, as if seeking solace in the tangible proof of his achievement.
Ace resumed his course, carrying James and the trophy toward Stoneglen Square. The rhythmic cadence of his footsteps mirrored his steady resolve.
They were headed to the square to reunite with their friends, to share the tale of their experiences, and to find solace in camaraderie amidst the trials that they had faced.
"We should be arriving at Stoneglen Square soon," Ace's voice broke through the quiet, and James clung to the trophy he cradled in his arm.
Ace's gaze shifted downward, resting on James's tired form. The weight of the recent events was evident in the somber expression that clouded James's features.
Ace's concern spilled forth in his words, a sincere effort to lift the weight that James seemed to carry. "If you keep blaming yourself like this, you'll end up burdening all of us." His words held a touch of sternness, driven by a genuine desire to help James see the bigger picture.
With eyes that had witnessed countless challenges, Ace implored James to release the guilt that was threatening to consume him.
James's gaze lifted to meet Ace's, his eyes reflecting both fatigue and the turmoil of his emotions. Ace's next words struck a chord, a reminder that James needed to hear.
"Please, just let it go. It wasn't your fault, so don't let sadness consume you. Think about Mianne and what she would want for you right now." The mention of their dear friend Mianne, who had stood by their side through thick and thin, pierced through the haze of James's self-doubt.
The realization hit him like a sudden thunder, shaking him out of his spiraling thoughts. Mianne, their pillar of strength, their source of unwavering support – how would she react to seeing him like this?
The notion that his pain would hurt her as well snapped something back into place within James's heart.
"I will," James's voice was soft yet resolute, a testament to his newfound determination to move forward.
Ace's presence, coupled with the weight of Mianne's expectations, helped him see the light amid the darkness that had surrounded him.
Ace's gaze held James's, a silent question in his eyes. "You promise?" The words hung in the air, and Ace extended his pinky, a simple yet powerful gesture that signified their unbreakable bond.
"I promise," James replied, his pinky intertwining with Ace's in a vow that transcended words. With that pinky promise, they shared a commitment to heal and grow, supporting each other on their journey ahead.
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