The audience stared at Glynn Belkarn in disbelief, their shock even greater than when they witnessed Shun's betrayal. Conceding a semi-final match in the Interacademy Combat Ethereal Tournament before it even began, never had been a case in history, never will be a case in the future.
However, considering the decision-maker was Glynn Belkarn, renowned for his wits, some of the more astute audience members sensed a deeper tactical reasoning behind this resignation.
King Eldran also stared at Glynn, despite their previous conversation, he never expected Glynn to make such a bold choice.
Was it out of fear? Respect? Attention? Nobody knew except for the grand head himself.
Underneath the audience's gaze, Glunn Belkarn silently seethed in fury. Despite his refusal to accept this outcome, his father's words were absolute. He spat, exiting the arena with heavy steps, followed by the rest of the Belkarn Clan team members.
The SIGMA academy students exchanged confused glances. Not even Leon could fathom Glynn's true intentions. Nonetheless, they were pleased about receiving a free ticket to the final match without breaking a sweat.
"Very well, Glynn," King Eldran sighed. "The winner of the second round of the semi-finals is SIGMA Academy."
Whispers started emerging from the audience, with words like "bribery," "blunder," and "dirty tricks" being caught within the noise. Recalling Shun's shameless betrayal, they couldn't help but wonder about SIGMA Academy's involvement in Glynn's decision.
"Fools, fools! Haha!" Dominic laughed at the audience. "Glynn Belkarn making the wrong choice? Hahahahaha!" His excitement emitted a strong aura, even causing the environment around him to distort.
Glynn joined Dominic's laughter, seeing the audience as nothing but foolish clowns with no understanding of the situation.
"Look who's going to be laughing a few months from now, hahahahahaha!" Tears of joy streamed down his face.
The discord and noise of the tournament arena were interrupted by the King's valiant yell.
"Silence!"
Instantly, the only sound in the arena was Glynn and Dominic's laughter.
"Sorry..." Glynn signaled an apology to the king, still unable to control his expression.
King Eldran tightened his eyebrows but didn't blame him. "No matter the reason for this resignation, the first match of the semi-finals must still commence."
"Members of Haven Royal Academy and Lordrixis East Academy, please step onto the arena."
The two teams quickly got into formation. The Haven Royal Academy students' faces were filled with confidence and glory, while the students on the other side frowned in despair.
"Just don't lose too embarrassingly," the King of Lordrixis East Academy team whispered to himself.
"King of Haven Royal Academy, Ray Scarlet."
"King of Lordrixis East Academy, Dusty Trevonson."
"Commence!"
Ray Scarlet lazily unleashed his ethereal arm. "Shaden, let's finish them off fast. I have something important to discuss with the team after."
The chubby-looking boy next to him smiled at Ray. "Are we using that skill?"
"Yeah."
"Alright..." Shaden shook his head in resignation. "Uhhh...I really hate this feeling."
His hands turned blue, and the temperature around them decreased at a horrifying speed.
One of the Haven Royal Academy students threw a cloak into the air, engulfing the rest of the team to avoid the impact.
Slowly, Shaden placed his frosty hand on Ray's trident.
"Absolute Zero." They announced in harmony.
For a moment, time on the arena seemed to stop.
Their opponents froze into icy statues, all defenses a useless struggle against this incredible combination of skills.
The cloak reappeared, revealing the team members hidden within. They were the only ones unsurprised by this view.
The combo between the King and Queen of Haven Royal Academy, Absolute Zero, combined the abilities of two complete ethereal arms:
Heart of the Ocean, the 59th complete ethereal arm, capable of creating and fully manipulating all water sources.
Hand of Ember and Frost, the 83rd complete ethereal arm, able to control the temperature over a small environment.
By applying its ability to all water particles in the air, the range and might of this ability were increased to an unbelievable level.
Usually, the audience would roar in excitement at such an obliteration. However, the previous events had already drained their interest and energy.
"Winner of the semi-finals, Haven Royal Academy," the host announced.
A rather expected and quick outcome, a rare occurrence this year.
"Acknowledging the results of the semi-finals, the final match of the Annual Interacademy Ethereal Combat Tournament will be between Haven Royal Academy and SIGMA Academy, which will happen tomorrow," King Eldran stated.
"Future stars of the kingdom, be prepared for the upcoming fight."
"Prove to the world who is the strongest within this generation."
Ray Scarlet shrugged, already knowing the answer to that question.
Silver smiled, clearly having a different approach to Ray's opinion.
Sure, Ray and Shaden possessed an incredible secret weapon, but that didn't mean they didn't have their own.
"Tomorrow is the day where I solve this kingdom's mystery," Silver whispered in excitement.
...
As Shun walked out of the tournament ground, a familiar voice stopped him.
"Shun Xshasi, right?"
"Mind sharing a few words with me?" Glynn Belkarn bowed, a surprising action indeed. An action that Glynn did not even perform toward King Eldran.
Surprised by his invitation and respect, Shun replied, "Of course, it's a pleasure."
Emilia stared at Glynn in suspicion, knowing in her bones that this man was always up to no good.
Rayden rushed up, still excited about their free win. He grabbed Glynn's hand, "Thank you," he said seriously, tears almost rushing out of his eyes.
"That would be needless to say," Glynn laughed. "Then shall we, Mr. Xshasi?"
Shun followed Glynn Belkarn through the crowds, taking a close look at the man for the first time.
Glynn was not particularly handsome, but his smile always emitted a playful aura that attracted everyone to approach him.
Not long after, they reached their destination, a quiet alley with no one around.
"Chatter aside, Mr. Xshasi, I'll get straight to my point."
"Whoever you are, wherever you go, whatever you do, however you do it, always keep one thing in mind."
"Glynn Belkarn, along with the entire Belkarn Clan, will always be supporting your back and follow your command."
"This was decided a long time ago, and it's not up to me to break this rule."
"So, please, please, please..." Glynn's smile turned serious.
"Do not release your wrath on the Belkarn Clan."