As the two walked deeper into the shadowy temple, the walls seemed to close in, and Akio's steps slowed, uncertainty gripping him tighter with each echo of their footsteps.
"Where are we going?" Akio finally asked, his voice low but sharp. "You're not leading me into a trap, are you?"
Valen glanced back, a faint smirk playing at the edge of his lips. "A trap? You wound me, Akio. I thought by now you'd trust me a little more."
Akio remained silent, his gaze narrowing.
"Very well," Valen said, his tone more serious as they entered a grand chamber. "I'll be direct with you. My organization, The Twilight Eclipse, is holding a tournament soon—one that draws some of the most powerful tear manipulators from all corners. You've already caught the eye of more than a few… important individuals."
Akio tensed. "And what does that have to do with me?"
"Everything." Valen stopped and turned to face him fully. "You're strong, but unrefined. I can help with that, as can others, but only if you're willing to take the risk. The tournament could sharpen your abilities—and perhaps, give you answers you desperately seek." His eyes flickered with a hint of something unreadable.
"Or," Valen added after a beat, "you can walk away now, forever wondering if you missed your chance to become stronger. But I wouldn't recommend it."
Akio hesitated, doubt warring with curiosity.
"So you're saying that if I reject, you'll not help me find Yuna?"
"You catch on quickly," Valen replied, it seemed he was about to say something but stopped himself in doing so. Akio decided to leave that alone.
"Fine.. I will join this stupid tournament if you help me find Yuna," said Akio.
Valen's smirk returned, though this time it was more satisfied than mocking. "I knew you would. But don't call it stupid just yet. You may find it's more than just a test of strength—it could be the key to unraveling the secrets you're chasing."
Akio's eyes narrowed, suspicion still heavy in his gaze. "I don't trust you, Valen. Not entirely. But if this tournament is my only way to find Yuna, then I'll go along with it—for now."
Valen chuckled softly, his voice echoing off the ancient walls of the temple. "Trust is a luxury in our world, Akio. But remember this—when you stand in that arena, no one is your ally. Not me, not anyone. It's a crucible, designed to break the weak and forge the strong. If you survive, you'll be one step closer to your goal."
Akio clenched his fists. The thought of Yuna becoming more and more corrupted gnawed at him relentlessly. He couldn't afford to hesitate any longer. "When does it start?"
Valen's expression darkened, his smirk fading as he turned to continue leading Akio through the shadowy corridors. "Soon. And you'll need more than brute strength to survive. You'll need to master your tear manipulation in ways you've never imagined. You might face some… unexpected opponents."
"Unexpected?" Akio repeated, following Valen deeper into the heart of the temple.
Valen's voice lowered, barely audible. "In this tournament..." Again, Valen seemingly is holding back his words.
Akio stopped in his tracks. "In this tournament.. What?"
Valen glanced over his shoulder, his eyes cold and unreadable. "Don't worry about it.. Question me further I will kill you where you stand.." He continued walking, leaving Akio standing there, grappling with the unease that spread through him.
Shaking his head, Akio pressed on, his mind already preparing for what was to come. He had no idea who—or what—he might face in this tournament, but one thing was certain: this would bring him closer to Yuna. And that was all that mattered.
As they approached a massive set of doors, Valen paused and turned to Akio one last time. "Once you step through here, there's no turning back. Are you ready?"
Akio's heart raced, the weight of everything he had sacrificed pushing him forward. "I'm ready."
With a low creak, the doors swung open, revealing a grand arena bathed in eerie light. Figures in dark cloaks watched from the shadows, and in the center of the arena, a shimmering tear in the fabric of reality pulsed ominously.
Valen stepped aside, motioning for Akio to enter. "Welcome to the Tournament of the Shattered Veil."