Sector 5 - Coliseum of the Discarded
Eldric wakes up early, before everyone else. He is determined to perfect his magical skills. The ruins of the Coliseum, ancient and majestic, surround him, with ancient runes carved into the walls that seem to glow faintly in the dim light of dawn.
Eldric: (I must master this ability… combining water with lightning… ugh! I need to better control the lightning element so that this magic becomes invincible.)
Suddenly, he senses a nearby presence. Turning around, he sees a slender figure watching him intently: it's Nyra, a young woman from Sector 6.
Nyra: "I've seen you training, and I have to say, you intrigue me. But that talk about you being the strongest… I doubt it. I want to see it for myself. I challenge you to a friendly duel."
Eldric, a bit nervous, responds with a smile.
Eldric: "Don't pay attention to the rumors. I'm not as powerful as they say, but I accept the duel. It will help me train, and it will help you improve too."
Nyra: "Then, get ready!"
Eldric (Sector 8) vs. Nyra (Sector 6)
They both prepare in the middle of the Coliseum's arena. The runes on the walls seem to glow more intensely, as if the ancient energies of the place are awakening in response to the impending battle.
Eldric: "Ready?"
Nyra: "Of course, let's start!"
Nyra attacks first, charging with impressive speed. She uses her ice magic to create a barrage of stakes that head toward Eldric. At the same time, she closes in with a concentrated water blast, like a powerful magical shotgun. Eldric quickly reacts, creating an earth wall to protect himself, but the water's impact is so strong that it pierces through, injuring him.
Despite being hurt, Eldric has managed to get Nyra wet during her attack.
Nyra: "I've got you beat. Getting me wet won't do any good if you can't harm me."
Eldric: "We'll see about that."
Despite the pain, Eldric advances toward Nyra. She, confident, throws an ice stake to stop him, but she discovers she's been attacking a water clone all along. Desperately searching for Eldric, before she can react, he falls from the sky with a spell in the form of a lightning spear. Thanks to Nyra being wet, the attack is devastating, and Eldric wins the duel.
Eldric: "Are you okay?" he says as he applies a healing spell to her.
Nyra: "Yes, thanks to your healing, I'm fine. That was impressive; I didn't expect that attack. I always thought I had the advantage."
A new friendship forms between them, forged in the intensity of the combat, while the Coliseum seems to vibrate with ancient energy, as if recognizing the worth of these young warriors.
Three Days Ago - Nearby Forest - Outside the Kingdom
Freya, frustrated at not being able to complete missions due to an alleged order from the king, went out into the forest to hunt monsters. From a distance, she spotted a group of adventurers and nobles famous for their strength, advancing toward an unknown area. Intrigued, she decided to follow them silently.
For two days, Freya hid and hunted in the forest, waiting for the adventurers to return. When they finally did, she hid among the trees and listened closely to their conversations. She heard the nobles and adventurers talking about a beast they had faced, more powerful than any they had ever seen. The words echoed in her mind as she watched the soldiers disappear in the direction of the castle. Suddenly, the sky opened up, and the island began to rise.
With a mix of awe and memories surfacing from deep within her, Freya ran back to the castle, but in her emotional confusion, she got lost in the forest for another two days.
Present - Nearby Forest - Outside the Castle
Freya finds herself in a quiet forest outside the Kingdom of Lauren. The light filtering through the treetops creates a serene atmosphere, but her mind is in turmoil. She is alone, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest, but her mind is agitated by painful memories.
Freya: "Aghhh! I always thought this world was just this small patch of land, but it turns out it was all a lie. There's still more to explore! Mom, Dad… I'll find you at any cost when this 'Sky Island' descends again!"
Torn by the revelation, Freya cries uncontrollably. She feels a presence around her, and when she turns, she sees a humanoid entity with a body composed of galaxies and constellations, shining with a cosmic glow.
Mysterious Entity: "Freya, I've been looking for you. Train fiercely for two years and await the arrival of two adventurers. They will be your salvation."
The entity begins to fade, leaving behind a trail of shooting stars that dissipate into the air.
Freya: "What was that? Could it have been an illusion?"
Freya remains in the forest, her eyes filled with renewed determination. The surroundings seem to change subtly around her, as if the forest is responding to her new resolve. The leaves fall slowly, and a gentle breeze caresses her face.
Freya (resolved): "No matter how difficult it is, if there's a chance to find my parents and discover the truth about the world, I'll take it. I'll train without rest and be ready when those adventurers arrive. I won't stop until I reach my goal!"
With this new determination, Freya prepares for the challenge ahead, resolved to face any obstacle in her path to the truth.
End of Chapter 3.