- Announcer: "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed warriors, and honored guests! The first phase of the Dianmari Tournament has reached its climax, and now, we stand on the brink of the quarterfinals. However, the intensity of the battles demands that both body and mind be at their peak. Therefore, it has been decided that we shall take a week-long pause before the quarterfinals commence. Use this time to rest, recover, and prepare for the challenges ahead!"
Midoki, still reflecting on the recent battles, made his way to the throne hall, where his father, King Canvos, awaited him. The hall was imposing, adorned with tapestries depicting the kingdom's history, and the royal family crest hung above the golden throne. As Midoki entered, the king offered a faint smile, though the seriousness in his eyes hinted at an important conversation.
- King Canvos: "Midoki, my son. I know the tournament battles have been grueling, but there is something I must warn you about. Many of the warriors you faced in the first phase are more than they appear. They are the Knights of the Divine Auras. (Among them: Alden, Aric, Oswald, Elara, Isolde, and Valen.) Each of them wields ancient and formidable power, bound to the Divine Auras, forces that transcend mortal understanding."
- Midoki: "I sensed something different about them, Father, but I never imagined they were wielders of such power. Now, knowing this, what should I expect?" — He bowed his head slightly as a sign of respect.
- King Canvos: "Midoki, ever since your mother, Dianna Marya, left this world, the Dianmari Tournament has been held in her honor. It is not merely a competition of strength and skill; it is a celebration of her memory, of the courage and indomitable spirit she embodied."
The king paused, his eyes reflecting both the pain of loss and the resolve to continue her legacy.
- King Canvos: "But this year, the tournament holds an even deeper purpose. We aimed to test the new knights in training, observe their abilities, their character, and see who among them might be ready to defend the kingdom in times of need. Additionally, we sought new allies among the outsiders who came to compete. The Kingdom of Lior has long been a land of peace and prosperity, but now we must prepare ourselves."
He locked eyes with Midoki, conveying the gravity of his words.
- King Canvos: "This tournament, my son, is not just an homage to the past but a preparation for the future. The victor will gain the highest distinction and have a wish granted. And you, as the prince of this realm, have a crucial role to play."
As Midoki pondered his father's words, the grand doors of the royal hall slowly opened. The six knights mentioned by Canvos entered, their presence radiating an almost palpable aura of power. Alden, Aric, Oswald, Elara, Isolde, and Valen approached, their armor reflecting the torchlight, creating an imposing sight.
After the Knights of the Divine Auras entered, Sir Alden Voss fixed his gaze on Canvos, as if trying to read the king's thoughts. A brief silence hung in the air before a flashback surfaced in Alden's mind, bringing memories from weeks earlier.
Flashback: A Few Weeks Earlier
Midoki and his companions arrived at the capital of the Kingdom of Lior, exhausted from their journey. Shortly after their arrival, Midoki met with his father, King Canvos, to inform him of an emerging threat.
- Midoki: "Father, after the Cyclops' awakening, the news spread quickly across the world. But there is something even more concerning. The barrier that once blocked the main passage from Gaia to the Underworld has been broken."
King Canvos, his expression grave, responded without hesitation.
- King Canvos: "I was already aware of this, my son. Knowing the danger approaching, I sent Sir Alden to observe and report what may have occurred. But this is merely the tip of the iceberg."
Midoki's expression hardened as he listened intently to his father's words.
- Years Earlier: The Underworld
The scene shifted to an earlier time, years before Midoki resealed the Underworld after his confrontation with Lucifer. Midoki had faced the horrors of the Underworld, but amid the chaos, one demon managed to escape through the dungeon's opening. This being, cunning and powerful, wielded a fragment of Chaos and used it to awaken the Cyclops, shattering the barrier to the Underworld.
End of Flashbacks
- King Canvos: "I know who is responsible, Midoki. His name is Mammon, but he is more commonly known as Ēna... The Shadow." — He spoke with the foresight granted by his Future Vision, albeit imprecise.
Midoki's heart stopped momentarily, his eyes widening in shock. Ēna... that name echoed in his mind. However, the prince quickly composed himself, determined to face this new threat head-on, knowing the fate of many was at stake.
As the silence lingered in the hall after Canvos's revelation, the main doors opened once more, revealing Elyra, Throk, and Durin. They walked with confidence, though a faint tension hung in the air, aware of the gravity of the situation. They approached Midoki, their faces reflecting determination and loyalty.
Turning to his father, Midoki spoke with a firm yet respectful tone:
- Midoki: "Father, these are my companions. They have been by my side through every battle. Elyra, Throk, and Durin... they will join the new order of knights we are about to establish."
Canvos studied the three with a scrutinizing gaze, though a glint of approval shone in his eyes. Rising from his throne, his presence filled the room.
- King Canvos: "From this moment, I name this order the 'Templar Knights.' Each of you—Elyra, Throk, Durin, and you, Midoki—are now Sacred Knights, destined to protect not just the kingdom but every race of this world with courage, wisdom, and strength."
The newly named Templar Knights bowed respectfully, feeling the weight and honor of their new responsibilities.
Canvos then turned to the Knights of the Divine Auras, who stood aligned along the side of the hall.
- King Canvos: "The Knights of the Divine Auras will stand alongside you as mentors and guides. They will serve as your support as we face the challenges ahead. Together, we will protect the Kingdom of Lior and the world and restore peace to our lands."
With these words, the chapter drew to a close as the Templar Knights prepared to face the destiny that awaited them.