A massive shadow loomed over the wolf's lone figure. Behind the towering form, a faint green glow illuminated its silhouette. Its shimmering scales pulsed with an orange light, casting an ethereal glow across the rocky terrain. The creature stood on long, powerful limbs, its sharp claws glinting ominously in the light.
"What the hell..."
Ren could hardly believe his eyes—this was Zardlite, but it looked completely different. The once small beast now stood as tall as a bear, its imposing size and powerful presence making it nearly unrecognizable.
"Hey, Ren. Is that your Zardlite?"
Karina asked as she walked towards Ren. Onyxia was walking beside her, it seems like it was still okay despite going toe-to-toe with the wolf.
"It is... I thought it was just revitalizing, I... I didn't knew it was... evolving."
....
"Ladies and gentlemen… what we are witnessing is... unprecedented! A beast we believed to be extinct, has appeared before our very eyes!"
A collective gasp ripples through the stands, followed by murmurs of disbelief and scattered cheers.
Some people rise from their seats, pointing toward Zardlite's glowing form.
A man stood up in the crowd when he heard what the announcer said. He has a chiseled body and quite old but his face still shows that he was a warrior in his time.
"A Leizage..."
He wasn't too surprised by what he saw, but his eyes showed amusement.
"Quite cool... I want to fight it."
Another man spoke. He was sitting on the side of the old man but he looked like he was just venting and he didn't care what was going to happen in the tournament.
The people looked at him and were surprised to remember who this man was. Last year's tournament champion, Keir. The master of night magic, quite popular for his handsome look and cool demeanor.
He leaned back, his arms draped over the seat as if he were bored by the spectacle.
"Such a terrible behavior from a champion."
The sharp words cut through the din, drawing eyes to another figure seated near Keir.
She sat upright, her posture rigid, a stark contrast to Keir's casual sprawl. Her piercing gaze fixed on the arena, analyzing every detail with cool precision.
"Hey... That's another champion!"
Demetrica. The champion of the tournament two years ago. Known for her overwhelming strength and ruthless efficiency, her name alone sent chills through the spines of even seasoned adventurers. Rumors swirled around her—how she'd wiped out an entire dark guild single-handedly. Yet no one could say for certain why she'd even entered the tournament in the first place.
While Keir lounged with lazy amusement, Demetrica's expression remained focused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she spoke again.
"Bringing an extinct beast in the tournament will surely draw some powerful eyes."
....
Above the announcer's seats, the VIP section loomed high above the Colosseum. Draped in royal banners, it stood as a symbol of authority and power.
At its center, the King sat on an ornate chair, his posture regal yet tense. His expression was unreadable, but his sharp eyes missed nothing.
Near the edge of the room, Prince Carlos stood by the glass window, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze was locked on the glowing beast below, unable to look away from the spectacle unfolding in the arena.
"Quite a remarkable tournament... wouldn't you agree, Father?"
Carlos's voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge of excitement in it.
The King didn't answer immediately. His fingers tapped against the armrest of his throne, a faint, rhythmic sound that echoed in the quiet chamber. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured and deep.
"Remarkable, yes. But such a beast appearing here... it raises questions."
Carlos turned slightly, his brow furrowed.
"You think the tamer planned this?"
The King's lips pressed into a thin line.
"Whether he planned it or not is irrelevant. What matters is what comes next. A Leizage... an extinct beast, reappearing now, of all times. There will be consequences."
Carlos turned back to the arena, his reflection faintly visible in the glass. His eyes burned with curiosity and ambition.
"Consequences, perhaps. But opportunities as well."
The King glanced at his son, his expression unreadable.
"Only if he wins. And only if others don't take notice first."
"Father."
A woman stepped forward from the shadows of the chamber. Her sapphire-blue dress shimmered under the soft light, intricate golden accessories adorning her wrists and neck. She moved with quiet elegance, yet there was no mistaking the strength in her presence.
"I want the tamer of that beast brought to the palace, whether he wins it or not."
Carlos arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement curling at his lips.
"Sister, aren't you jumping ahead?"
Elara's gaze didn't waver.
"Uh huh. we must act quickly. If we don't, someone else will."
Carlos tilted his head thoughtfully, then stepped closer, his grin widening.
"You're interested in him, aren't you?"
Her cool demeanor cracked for a fraction of a second, her cheeks flushing faintly. She quickly composed herself, crossing her arms.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Uh huh." Carlos leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Elara's got a crush on a beast tamer. Who would've thought?"
Her composure snapped. She spun to face him, her face now unmistakably red.
"I do not have a crush!"
Carlos raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin now fully triumphant.
"Sure, sure. I'm just saying, if he walks into the palace and you're stammering, we'll know."
Elara inhaled sharply, struggling to regain her composure. Then, with a dangerous glint in her eye, she jabbed a finger at his chest.
"Fine. I'm interested. In his skills. Unlike you, I'm not distracted by every pretty face that walks by."
Carlos gasped in exaggerated offense, clutching his chest.
"Wounded, truly. But your deflection doesn't fool me."
"Shut up!"
Elara snapped suddenly, her voice louder than intended.
The King's deep voice rumbled from his throne, cutting through the banter like a blade.
"If you two are finished..."
Both siblings froze, turning to face their father. His gaze was sharp, but there was a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth, betraying the tiniest hint of amusement.
"There are greater matters at hand than your petty squabbles."