After the Tournament
The crowd slowly dispersed as the tournament came to an end, but Ardy remained seated, watching anime on his phone as if the world around him didn't exist.
Ruka approached him, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Ardy, let me handle it."
Before he could refuse, she activated her Ice Magic, gently rubbing ice against his face where Zero's punch had left a bruise.
Ardy frowned but didn't push her away.Across the arena, Edward scoffed. "So much for a battleground. This place has turned into a lovers' spot."
Akumo sighed and left.
Meanwhile, Sumi watched Zero in silence, eyes filled with curiosity.
Eno, standing nearby, muttered under her breath, "I wish I was there."
Leo grinned. "Hey, Eno! I'm injured too. Maybe you could treat me?"
Eno shot him a cold glare. "Get lost, or I'll kill you."
Zero took a seat beside Ardy, studying him carefully.
"Why did you hold back at the end?"
Ardy didn't respond, eyes still locked on his screen.Ruka, stop," he muttered, swatting her hand away.
Zero smirked. "Looks like you two have a toxic relationship. When do you plan on dating?"
Ruka's face turned red.
"N-No...!" she stammered, her thoughts racing. ("Oh no! What should I do?!")
Her heart pounded. She whispered to herself, "I love him... but he keeps avoiding me. He says he has no interest in me, but... I won't give up!"
Ardy, still immersed in his anime, didn't hear a word.
Kael's Arrival
Raven and Master Lee approached the group
Raven looked directly at Zero.
"How was the match?"
Zero stretched, satisfied. "It was fun."
Raven turned to Ardy. "And you?"
Ardy simply stood up and walked away, ignoring him completely.
Just then, the air grew heavy as a figure stepped onto the battlefield-General Kael Draven.
Blood stained his clothes, his presence intimidating enough to silence the crowd.
Lee smiled, unfazed. "Long time no see, Kael. You've changed. Tell me, where are your wives?"
Kael sighed. "No time for that. I need to get to the meeting room now."
Without another word, Kael, Lee, and Raven left.
Zero glanced at Sumi.
"Let's go."
She nodded, following him without hesitation.
Ardy, meanwhile, started walking away.
Ruka grabbed his hand, fingers interlocking like a couple.
Ardy yanked his hand away. "Don't touch me."
Ruka narrowed her eyes. "Did you forget who I am? I am the princess-the most beautiful girl in this country! Every boy dreams of me! And you're ignoring me?"
Ardy exhaled, annoyed. "I don't give a blank. Just get lost."
Leo & Eno at the Riverside
Later, Eno sat alone on a riverside bench, staring at the water.
She sensed Leo nearby, lurking in the shadows.
"I can see you. Stop hiding."
Leo hesitated but stepped out.
"You can't hide what you want."
They sat in silence, gazing at the river as the night grew deeper.
Beach Party Plan
The next five days were declared a holiday.
Leo, grinning as always, proposed a trip to the beach.
Eno agreed, and soon, the entire group was invited-Zero, Sumi, Akumo, Ruka.
Edward, however, declined.
When it was time to invite Ardy, Ruka, Leo, and Eno knocked on his door.
He refused immediately.
"No."
They pleaded.
"Come on, Ardy!"
"It'll be fun!"
But he remained firm.
Then-a memory resurfaced.
His father, furious, hitting his mother-just because she asked to take young Ardy to the beach.
Ardy clenched his fists.
"Fine. I'll go."
The Beach Trip
The sun blazed over the golden sands as the group arrived at the beach.
Ardy sat alone on a beach chair, arms folded, watching the waves.
Leo ran up to him, grinning mischievously.
"I can't wait to see all the girls in swimsuits!"
Ardy sighed. "Who is your true love, Leo?"
Leo smirked. "Every beautiful girl."
Ardy rolled his eyes. "Just a fantasy."
Leo hesitated.
"Be serious."
After a moment, Leo muttered, "Eno."
Ardy turned toward him, eyes serious.
"Stay loyal to her. Take care of her. Don't lose her."
Leo nodded, his usual arrogance fading slightly.
Meanwhile, Leo had another plan-one he thought was clever.
Sneaking into the ladies' restroom.
Unfortunately, this time, Eno caught him.
"LEO!!!"
Her fist slammed into his head, sending him crashing into the sand.
The group laughed hysterically while Leo groaned in pain.
Training Under Kael Draven
The next morning, Master Lee gathered everyone.
"From today onward, General Kael Draven will lead your training."
Ardy leaned toward Leo. "Who is Kael?"
Leo grinned. "A strong man. And a lucky one."
Why lucky?"
"When he joined the Academy, he was the only boy in his batch-surrounded by ten girls. After graduation, he married all ten. Now, he's insanely strong."
The group moved toward the training grounds.
Kael scanned the recruits.
"First day, no combat. Just patrol the city."
Suspicious Encounter
Ruka's team headed east. Akumo's team went west.
Ardy ignored them all, walking toward a street vendor, buying ice cream.
Akumo sighed. "Ignore him. He won't listen."
Then-he spotted Ryū.
Something felt off.
Akumo, Leo, and Eno decided to follow him.
The Fight Against Ryū
Unknown to them, Ryū's mission was a test -sent by Jack to evaluate strong opponents.
Suddenly, the battle erupted.
Ryū's speed was overwhelming. His attacks were brutal.
Leo and Akumo countered fiercely, their magic clashing against his relentless regeneration.
At one point, Ryū's organs were sliced apart, his head severed-but he regenerated instantly.
"Immortality," Ryū smirked.
Seconds later, he glanced at his watch.
"Times up."Seconds later, he glanced at his watch.
"Times up."
And with that-he vanished.
War Approaching
Back at their hideout, Jack addressed the Covenant of Eternia.
"Our plan is ready."
He stood, his expression grim.
"In one week, war will begin."