The cheers still echoed through the shattered arena.
Iren stood at the center, the trophy resting in his hands.
The Headmaster stepped forward.
Headmaster Aldaric.
His long robe swayed gently as he walked beside Iren.
He placed a firm hand on Iren's shoulder for a brief moment… then stepped ahead.
He raised his hand.
Immediately—
Silence fell across the entire stadium.
Not a whisper.
Not a breath.
Even the wind seemed to halt.
Aldaric's deep voice resonated through the arena.
"After witnessing such extraordinary battles…"
He scanned the shattered battlefield.
"…I stand before you as a proud Headmaster."
His gaze softened slightly.
"You are not just students."
"You are my children."
A ripple moved through the crowd.
Emotion.
Respect.
Belonging.
"And today," he continued, "I shall announce the team that will represent our academy in the Inter-Academic Matches."
The tension shifted instantly.
Excitement returned.
Students leaned forward.
Teachers folded their arms with interest.
Even Iren lifted his head slightly.
Aldaric began.
"First."
He paused deliberately.
"The champion of this tournament."
"Iren."
The stadium exploded.
"IREN! IREN! IREN!"
Iren remained calm, but his grip on the trophy tightened.
"Second."
"The unyielding guardian of space."
"Kael Drayden."
Thunderous applause followed.
Kael, standing among the medical attendants, gave a small nod.
"Third."
"The pillar of endurance."
"Sylven Marrow."
Cheers erupted again.
"Fourth."
"The swift phantom."
"Riven Ashford."
The audience roared in approval.
Four names.
Four pillars.
The future core.
Aldaric raised his hand again.
Silence returned.
"The fifth member…"
A pause.
"…shall be decided after one week."
Whispers spread instantly.
"The runner-ups of the Quarter Finals will battle once more."
"The rules will remain the same."
"Whoever emerges victorious…"
"…shall claim the final position in the Inter-Academic team."
The atmosphere buzzed with tension and excitement.
A second chance.
A final opportunity.
"The match begins after one week."
Aldaric lowered his hand.
"This tournament has proven one thing."
He looked at the shattered arena one last time.
"The next generation has arrived."
He turned and left the arena.
The teachers followed behind him.
---
The crowd slowly began to disperse.
Students discussed excitedly.
"Who'll take the fifth spot?"
"Will it be Lyra?"
"Or Ardyn?"
"The matches are going to be insane!"
Excited voices filled the pathways as they exited the stadium.
---
Iren stepped down from the arena floor.
The trophy now resting against his side.
He looked ahead—
Kael.
Riven.
Sylven.
His new teammates.
A faint smile touched his lips.
He began walking toward them.
But then—
He noticed someone else.
Standing still.
Near the edge of the stadium.
Lyra Valen.
She wasn't cheering.
She wasn't speaking.
She simply stared at the arena.
Her silver hair swayed gently.
Her eyes distant.
Nervous.
Excited.
Determined.
She clenched her fists lightly.
A second chance…
She had longed for this opportunity.
Lost in the Quarter Finals.
But fate had opened a door again.
After one week—
She would fight.
Not just to win.
But to prove herself.
Iren stopped for a moment.
Watching her quietly.
The stadium lights dimmed slowly as the sun dipped beyond the horizon.
The echoes of the legendary final still lingered in the air.
But a new tension was already forming.
The Next tournament would decide the fifth member .
---