Years flew by like the changing seasons. Avoi had grown into a striking young man, standing tall with broad shoulders and a powerful physique. His muscles were well-defined from years of martial arts training, giving him the look of someone who had mastered both strength and agility. His dark hair, slightly messy, framed his chiseled face, and his bright, determined eyes reflected a confident spirit.
Lila had also grown into a beautiful young woman, her elegance and poise catching the attention of many. Her hime-cut hairstyle—the soft, straight bangs falling just above her eyes and the long sides framing her delicate face—added a unique charm to her beauty. Her large, expressive eyes sparkled with kindness, and her graceful demeanor could calm anyone around her. Lila and Avoi were still close, bound by years of friendship and shared ambitions.
Saria, though much older now, was still as breathtaking as ever. She often used subtle magic to maintain her youthful appearance, but more than her looks, it was the warmth she radiated that made her beautiful. Her love for Avoi never wavered, and she continued to treat him as her son, treasuring every moment they spent together.
Grandpa, however, had grown quite old. He now needed support to walk, but his eyes still held the wisdom and kindness that Avoi had known since childhood. He often watched proudly as Avoi trained and improved, knowing the boy was becoming something truly special.
Avoi had reached the peak of his martial arts skills, now the captain of the school team. He wasn't just a star athlete but also a mentor to younger students, helping newcomers find their footing in martial arts. Lila trained alongside him, just as skilled and committed. Together, they prepared the team for the biggest challenge yet—the championship tournament.
The pressure was immense. Their school hadn't won the first place in 20 years, and Avoi, as the captain, carried the responsibility of leading the team to victory. Their master reminded them of the importance of unity and determination. Every member of the team gave their all, sweating through rigorous training sessions.
One evening, after practice, Avoi sat under a large oak tree, wiping the sweat from his brow. Lila soon joined him, sitting close by.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" she asked with a small smile, glancing at Avoi.
Avoi nodded, leaning back against the tree trunk. "I think so. But it feels different, knowing everyone's counting on us to win this time."
Lila rested her hand on his shoulder. "We've worked hard. You've been an amazing captain, and the team is stronger because of you."
He smiled, grateful for her words. "You've been a great partner, Lila. I wouldn't want to go into this tournament without you."
"Same here," she replied softly. "Let's win this together."
The sun dipped below the horizon, and they sat in comfortable silence, watching the sky turn from orange to purple.
---
The days flew by, and soon, the night before the tournament arrived. Avoi lay on his bed, lost in thought. He could feel the weight of expectations pressing down on him, but beneath it all, there was a spark of excitement. Just as he was drifting off into his thoughts, the door creaked open.
Saria entered and sat on the edge of his bed. "Can't sleep, huh?" she asked gently.
Avoi shook his head. "Just thinking about tomorrow."
She smiled and ruffled his hair like she used to when he was a child. "Listen, Avoi. No matter what happens out there, I want you to remember something. It's not about winning or losing. It's about giving everything you have, fighting with honor, and staying true to yourself. That's what makes you a real champion."
Avoi smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "Thanks, Mom. I needed that."
She leaned down and kissed his forehead. "I believe in you. Now, get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."
With renewed confidence, Avoi closed his eyes, ready for the challenge that awaited him.
---
The sun rose on the day of the tournament, painting the sky in shades of gold. Avoi jumped out of bed, feeling energized. He packed his bag carefully, making sure he had everything he needed.
Before leaving, he hugged Saria tightly.
"I'll do my best," he promised.
Saria returned the hug with warmth, brushing his hair gently. "I know you will. Remember, no matter what, I'm proud of you."
Just then, a knock came at the door. Lila and Ren had arrived to pick him up. Saria opened the door and welcomed them in with a warm smile.
"I wish I could come with you," Saria said regretfully. "But I need to stay and look after Grandpa. Best of luck to all of you."
Avoi nodded. "We'll make you proud."
He went to Grandpa's side, holding his hand gently.
"Good luck, kid," Grandpa said with a smile. "Show them what you've got."
With final goodbyes, Avoi, Lila, and Ren set off toward the railway station. The walk was peaceful, with the morning sun casting long shadows along the cobbled streets. They passed fields of wildflowers and crossed a small bridge over a stream. Birds chirped above as they made their way to the station.
When they arrived, a train was already waiting. They boarded and found seats by the window. As the train rumbled forward, they watched the landscape change—from rolling hills to bustling towns.
After an hour, the train pulled into their destination. The stadium, where the tournament would take place, was just a short walk away. They followed the crowd of players and spectators, excitement building with every step.
The stadium was enormous, filled with teams from different schools. Banners fluttered in the wind, and the energy in the air was electric. Avoi and his friends found their team and joined them on the field.
Their master, a tall, muscular man with a grizzled beard, gathered them all in a circle. His voice was deep and commanding as he addressed the team.
"Listen up!" he said. "This tournament isn't just about strength. It's about discipline, focus, and heart. You've trained hard for this moment, and I believe in every one of you. No matter what happens today, hold your heads high and fight with everything you've got. Remember—true strength comes from within."
The team nodded, absorbing their master's words. Avoi felt his heart swell with pride. He knew they were ready.
As the players prepared, excitement buzzed in the air. The tournament was about to begin, and Avoi could feel the fire in his heart burning brighter than ever.