Moonlight Flame

Five years had passed since Ryn had arrived in Lunaford Village, and his life had been transformed by rigorous training under Calyon. The once-uncertain boy had grown into a confident and skilled fighter, his abilities honed to a razor's edge.

The memory of Calyon's words at the end of their training still echoed in Ryn's mind. One fateful evening, as they stood under the vast expanse of the starry sky, Calyon had spoken with a serious tone.

"This tournament," Calyon began, his eyes fixed on the horizon, "is held every three years in Harena Sand. It's a grand event where the seven great guilds send their 'Elite Rankers' to compete. It's not just about strength; it's about strategy, discipline, and the ability to adapt. Only the strongest can survive in this tournament."

He paused and added, "Each guild selects its three best Elite Rankers to represent them. You've trained hard, Ryn, but this tournament will push you beyond your limits. Show them what you've become, and remember—your strength lies not just in your fire but in how you wield it."

Ryn clenched his fists, the flames of his aura flickering like a flowing current around his body. He nodded with determination. "I'll make you proud, Master."

Now, as Ryn stood at the edge of Lunaford, he turned back to face Lyra and her mother. Lyra's face was streaked with tears as she struggled to hold back her sobs.

"When will we meet again, Ryn?" she asked, her voice trembling. "Will you come back?"

Ryn smiled warmly, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, I'll definitely come back, Lyra. Because you're my first friend."

With those words, he turned and walked away, the path ahead filled with uncertainty and promise. Lyra watched him go, her heart heavy but filled with hope.

The journey to Harena Sand was long and arduous, but Ryn's excitement kept him moving forward. He remembered Calyon's final words before he left:

"The tournament is more than a competition. It's a stage to prove your growth, to show the world what you've become. But remember, Ryn, it's also a test—a way for the guilds to measure the threats and potential alliances within the realm."

As Ryn approached Harena Sand, he couldn't help but smile. The thought of standing among the strongest, testing his limits against the best, filled him with anticipation. " Be Ready, Rankers? I'm coming."

Harena Sand was unlike anything Ryn had ever seen. The sprawling desert arena was teeming with life, its golden sands glittering under the midday sun. The air buzzed with excitement as spectators from across Vyranthia gathered to witness the spectacle. Magic screens floated above the arena, broadcasting the tournament to every corner of the world.

The seven great guilds had arrived, each with their Elite Rankers—a trio of combatants representing the pinnacle of their respective guilds. The Flameheart Dominion's warriors radiated fiery energy, their crimson armor glowing like embers. Frostveil Haven's team exuded a chilling presence, their icy weapons glinting menacingly. Zephyros Sanctum's rankers moved with an almost supernatural grace, their movements fluid like the wind itself.

The Duskshade Hollow representatives were shrouded in shadow, their dark auras a stark contrast to the bright desert. Terraforge Realm's team stood tall and unyielding, their earthy tones blending seamlessly with the arena's backdrop. Starlight Enclave's rankers shimmered with ethereal light, their elegance captivating the crowd. And finally, the Eclipsar Crown— with an Unknown Member with Strange Aura.

The registration booths were crowded as elite warriors signed their names, their presence igniting whispers and cheers from the audience. The crowd roared, their voices merging into a symphony of excitement that echoed across the arena.

When Ryn arrived at the edge of the bustling arena, he paused for a moment, taking it all in. The cheers, the anticipation, the sheer magnitude of the event—it was overwhelming and exhilarating. He adjusted his cloak and stepped forward, his flames flickering faintly as his aura resonated with his determination.

The chapter ended with the booming voice of the announcer echoing across Harena Sand. "Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come! Let the Harena Sand Tournament begin!"