Kounéli returns to the waiting room, his victory fresh but his body bruised. Velvet, Leonardo, and Rajin celebrate his win, their camaraderie evident in their cheers. Other participants, however, eye him skeptically. Among them, an Etrean with striking white hair and piercing red eyes approaches. He introduces himself as Ubel and congratulates Kounéli with a grin that suggests both respect and curiosity.
As a 30-minute break is announced, the perspective shifts to Kenny, striding purposefully through the grand corridors of the royal palace. Entering a dimly lit meeting room, he takes his seat alongside the other royal commanders.
The Maestros and Lord Regent file in, their presence commanding respect. The Lord Regent, despite his youthful appearance, exudes a regal and intimidating air. His long blond hair flows gracefully, contrasting with the black blindfold covering his eyes. Though sightless, his presence radiates an aura of omniscience and authority. He takes his seat at the head of the table, his calm yet overwhelming demeanor silencing the room.
The four Maestros—Luminous Arclight, Arcanos Duskweaver, Lethia Stormborne, and the legendary Evengarde Rest—each take their places, exuding an aura of unparalleled mastery.
Zeke Ureshi, another royal commander, stands to address the group. He begins detailing the artifact recovered from the bandit leader, describing its twisted effects on the human body. The Maestros exchange theories, debating the artifact's origins. Maestro Evengarde Rest interrupts the discussion, his voice calm but cutting:
"Let me guess, old geezer," he says, smirking at the Lord Regent, "you were thinking of the Forge of Sin, too?"
The room falls silent as the implications sink in. The Maestros and royal commanders agree that the artifact's creation likely involves the Forge of Sin, a forbidden relic from The Depths tied to the Duke of Erisia. Evengarde suggests that locating the Duke must become their priority, though his whereabouts have been unknown for years. The meeting concludes abruptly, tension heavy in the air as the figures disperse.
Back in the waiting room, the participants grow restless. Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts as a figure steps into the room—a tall, imposing presence in a flowing white coat. His black hair frames piercing purple eyes, each ringed like an infinite abyss. The gale surrounding his katana hums ominously.
Maestro Evengarde Rest.
He strides in, his gaze fixed on Kounéli. "Come," he says simply.
The two walk through a shimmering portal that leads into a void of pure nothingness. Despite the emptiness, Kounéli feels no threat, only the weight of the Maestro's presence.
Evengarde begins his questions, his tone sharp yet curious:
"Why are you in Etris?"
Kounéli explains his past—his family's rejection and the constant pursuit by hunters. Sensing no deceit, Evengarde moves on:
"Do you work with the Authority or the Ministry?"
Kounéli denies involvement with either. Satisfied, Evengarde warns him:
"Don't use your Bloodrend so freely. You'll be mistaken for a Ministry operative. Not all Maestros can see the truth as I can. Many won't trust you."
With that, Evengarde opens another portal, returning Kounéli to the waiting room.
The break ends, and the second match is announced: Velvet Isabella versus Xhen Ishel.
Velvet enters the colossal arena to thunderous applause. Across the field stands Xhen, an Etrean with long black hair, a staff in hand, and piercing blue eyes. The fight begins with electrifying speed. Velvet dashes forward, delivering a lightning-infused kick that sends Xhen flying.
Impressed, Xhen grins and freezes the ground beneath him, gliding effortlessly toward Velvet. Velvet strikes again, but Xhen blocks with his staff, redirecting the lightning back. "You may command lightning," he says, "but you're not immune to it."
Raising his hands, Xhen conjures a massive ice Buddha statue. "Like you, I'm a prodigy," he declares. "My Frostdraw can freeze not just the ground but the very air around us. And with every strike, I drain your ether."
Velvet, unfazed, rises and channels their lightning through their guitar. The melody summons lightning javelins, which streak toward Xhen at blinding speeds. He deflects some but is forced to glide to avoid the rest. Closing the gap, he conjures an ice mace and swings. Velvet narrowly dodges and punches Xhen, but is caught off-guard when Xhen's frozen aura engulfs their arm upon contact.
"Every touch costs you," Xhen taunts. "The more ether you use, the more ice consumes you."
Xhen grabs Velvet's arm and crushes it, ice shattering across the arena. Velvet, clutching their injury, grits their teeth. "One minute," they declare. "That's all I need to end this."
"Try me," Xhen replies, his grin unwavering.