The battlefield echoes with the last remnants of combat. Dust and debris settle as Kenshin, still disoriented from his earlier trance, tries to steady himself. He sways on his feet, exhaustion evident in his eyes. The booming voice of the announcer declares the victory:
"Frozenfang Team are the winners of this round!"
The pronouncement cuts through the air, leaving both camps in silence. Kenshin's legs give out, and he collapses, unconscious. His teammates rush to his side, lifting him gently and checking his injuries.
Across the field, the members of Frozenfang's team let out a collective sigh of relief, despite their own bruises and wounds. The fierce battle had taken a toll on both sides, but the outcome means they have leveled the playing field. The losses stand equally now—thirteen versus thirteen.
Frozenfang, with a prideful gleam in his eyes, gathers his team around him. "You've all done well," he commends, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Today's victory shows the strength of our bond and the power of our strategies."
Meanwhile, Moonshade watches from a distance, his arms crossed. A faint smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Good for your win, Frozenfang," he says, more out of obligation than genuine praise. His eyes, however, are already calculating the next move.
Later, in the privacy of his tent, Moonshade calls Kai, Lysander, and the rest of his team together. His expression is cold, his voice sharp. "You better win the next one," he snaps, his gaze fixed on Lysander. "No more mistakes."
Lysander clenches his fists, feeling the sting of Moonshade's words. "It was Kai's fault for not following the plan," he retorts defensively.
Kai, who had been silently enduring the reprimand, opens his mouth to respond, but before he can, Moonshade lunges forward. His hand clamps around Kai's neck, and a strange, greenish glow seeps from Moonshade's fingers into Kai's skin. Instantly, Kai's veins turn green, bulging as if filled with poison. His eyes widen in pain and fear.
"You listen to me," Moonshade hisses, his voice low and dangerous. "You better behave in the next round, Kai, because I'm being nice right now. If you don't want to see my bad side, you will do exactly as I say." He releases his grip, and Kai crumples to the ground, gasping for air. The green color fades from his veins, returning them to normal.
Moonshade's gaze sweeps over the rest of his team, ensuring his message has been understood. "This goes for all of you," he adds, his voice cold as ice. "The Mantis monster guarding the gem has a weakness. Its underbelly is soft and vulnerable. Use that knowledge wisely, and don't disappoint me again."
The team members nod, a mixture of fear and determination on their faces. Lysander helps Kai to his feet, casting a wary glance at Moonshade, who watches them with a predatory gaze.
As the contestants slowly make their way back to their respective camps, a sense of uneasy peace settles over the area. The temporary ceasefire allows everyone to tend to their wounds, but there is no mistaking the tension in the air. The next trial looms over them like a shadow, and each participant knows that only the strong and the cunning will prevail.
Khalid glances at Kenshin, who is being carried off the field. The recent battle still plays in his mind—the power and mystery behind Kenshin's transformation, the sudden surge of energy that had turned the tide in their favor. It is something he plans to discuss with him once Kenshin regains consciousness. For now, there are more pressing matters.
Moonshade's voice echoes through the clearing, a mix of authority and concern, "The next challenge will be postponed. Many of you are injured, and all of you are exhausted. Take this time to rest and recover. The next trial will test not only your strength but also your resolve."
There's a murmur among the participants, some nodding in agreement, others too tired to react. He continues, his tone grave, "The next challenge will be the Dungeon Crawl. You will enter a cave infested with insect monsters, all vying to protect a single gem. This gem is guarded by a formidable Mantis creature. Retrieving it will not be an easy task."
The announcement sends a ripple of excitement and anxiety through the crowd. They know the Dungeon Crawl is one of the most dangerous trials in the tournament, designed to weed out the weak and test the courage of even the bravest participants. Whispers spread as the contestants discuss what they know about the cave and the monsters that dwell within.
Darius, leaning against a tree to catch his breath, exchanges a knowing look with Evelyn. "A Mantis creature? Sounds like it'll be a real challenge," he mutters, wiping sweat from his brow. His wounds still bleed, but his expression is determined.
Evelyn nods, her mind already working through potential strategies. "We need to regroup and rest. Use this time wisely. We'll need everyone at their best."
As the night deepens, the battlefield is left in silence, the echoes of combat replaced by the quiet of anticipation. The contestants rest, but their dreams are filled with images of the dark cave, the buzzing of insect wings, and the gleaming eyes of the Mantis monster that awaits them.
Tomorrow, the real trial begins.