THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

The day ended as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the arena in soft shades of orange and pink. The crowd dispersed, leaving only the echoes of earlier battles hanging in the air.

Morning came swiftly, bringing with it a renewed sense of excitement. The arena stood bathed in golden sunlight, its stone floor glimmering as the rays pierced through the open sky above.

The cheers of spectators filled the air once more, louder and more energized than before.

The tournament was nearing its end, the tension palpable with each passing match. Combatants were growing more determined, their skills sharper than ever.

The air hummed with magical energy as spell after spell lit up the battlefield, while weapons clashed with resounding force.

Each fight drew them closer to the final rounds, where only the best would remain standing. June, Alisan, and the others watched carefully from the stands, anticipation building with every match.

The matches unfolded one after another, each fight more intense than the last. The arena seemed to pulse with energy as the crowd roared, their excitement reaching a fever pitch. The competitors left everything on the battlefield spells crackled, swords clashed, and the ground shook under the force of powerful magic.

A towering Drakkin warrior clashed with a beastkin combatant, their battle a whirlwind of flames and raw strength. The fight ended in a dramatic knockout, the Drakkin raising his axe high as the crowd erupted in applause.

Then came a swift and elegant duel between two elven mages, their magic weaving together like a dangerous dance. Arcane sigils blazed in the air, glowing brightly before one final spell sealed the victory in a burst of light.

June leaned forward in her seat, her eyes following every move, her fingers lightly tapping on her armrest.

Alisan crossed her arms beside her, calm but focused.

Even Cauis, usually laid-back, looked unusually attentive.

Izzy whistled as another match ended in an explosive flurry of lightning magic. "These guys are pretty good. Makes me wonder how the finals will go."

Axel shrugged, but a small grin tugged at his lips. "They're alright. But if it's June's and Alisan's turn again, I think we'll see something way more interesting."

The tournament was narrowing down. Only a handful of matches remained before the semifinals. The tension was electric, and everyone knew that from here on out, every move would matter.

June stepped into the arena, facing a hulking Beastkin mage with fur streaked in shades of silver and black.

His magic radiated with primal energy, the ground trembling slightly with each step he took."

You won't last long, little one," the Beastkin growled, his voice a deep rumble.

June smirked, her hands glowing with icy energy. "Let's see about that."

The match began with the Beastkin charging forward, his claws extending with crackling magic.

June dodged gracefully, the air around her cooling rapidly as she summoned shards of ice to intercept his strikes.

The arena filled with flashes of movement and bursts of frost as June's Voidfrost magic began to overwhelm her opponent.

Despite his strength, the Beastkin couldn't match her precision and speed.

With a final, calculated maneuver, June created an icy barricade, forcing him back before unleashing a wave of frost that froze his feet to the ground.

She capitalized on his momentary pause, delivering a precise shard of ice that shattered his remaining defenses.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee declared June the winner.

Meanwhile, Alisan stood across from her opponent a Magic Swordsman clad in shimmering plate armor, his sword pulsating with arcane energy.

His stance was confident, his every movement exuding precision and power."I hope you're ready," he said, raising his sword, the blade humming with energy.

Alisan twirled her staff, her expression calm but focused. "Always."

The swordsman struck first, his blade releasing arcs of energy with each swing. Alisan deflected the attacks with swift, calculated movements of her staff, summoning barriers of light to block the incoming strikes.

Her Rapture magic shone brilliantly, each spell weaving seamlessly into the next.The duel became a spectacle of skill and endurance.

The swordsman's relentless strikes pushed Alisan to her limits, but she countered with elegant precision, wearing him down bit by bit.

Finally, she unleashed a powerful wave of radiant energy that disarmed her opponent and sent him sprawling to the ground.

Breathing heavily, Alisan extended a hand to her fallen opponent. "Good fight," she said, earning applause from the crowd as she was declared the winner.

As the sun began to set, the final match was announced:

June versus Alisan.

The crowd roared with anticipation as the two friends stepped into the arena. They exchanged a glance, their expressions filled with mutual respect and determination.

"Looks like it's just us now," June said, a small smile playing on her lips.

Alisan twirled her staff, the glowing crystal at its tip catching the light. "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

The referee signaled the start, and the arena fell silent, the tension palpable.

June opened with a flurry of ice projectiles, forcing Alisan to dodge and summon a barrier of light.

Alisan retaliated with a radiant blast, but June countered by encasing the ground beneath her in ice, sliding out of harm's way.

Their battle became a dance of magic and strategy, each move more intense than the last.

June's ice magic formed intricate traps and shields, while Alisan's radiant energy sliced through the air with precision.

The arena became a battlefield of frost and light, their spells clashing in dazzling displays of power.

Both fighters began to tire, their breaths coming in sharp gasps, but neither was willing to back down.

June created a massive ice spear, hurling it toward Alisan with all her strength.

Alisan countered by channeling her Rapture magic into a brilliant explosion of light, the two attacks colliding in a breathtaking display that lit up the entire arena

Both fighters locked eyes, their determination burning brighter than ever.

June wiped the sweat from her brow, a grin tugging at her lips.

"Alright, Alisan. Let's stop playing around. No holding back this time."

Alisan twirled her staff, its tip glowing with an intense golden light. "Agreed. Let's give them something to remember."

The crowd leaned in, holding their breath as the real fight began.

June's eyes darkened as an eerie chill filled the arena. Voidfrost surged around her, shadows entwined with icy tendrils, giving her magic an unsettling edge. The ground crackled beneath her feet as jagged void-touched ice spires erupted, pulsing with dark energy and cutting off Alisan's escape.

Alisan narrowed her eyes. "If that's how we're playing it… then I won't hold back either."

Her staff glowed with radiant light, Rapture magic surging through it. With a single swing, a powerful shockwave burst forth, shattering the nearest spires and sending ripples of force through the ground.

Each step Alisan took created another shockwave, her magic reverberating with raw power.

June smirked, raising her hand as the shadows around her twisted into a massive voidfrost spear, crackling with frost and darkness. "Let's see how you handle this!"

She hurled the spear with deadly precision.

Alisan spun her staff, absorbing the impact in a blinding flash of energy before retaliating with a blast of shockwaves that split the air like thunderclaps.

The arena trembled as the two forces collided Voidfrost meeting pure Rapture magic in a breathtaking display of light and dark.

The audience gasped as the shockwave sent a rush of wind through the stands."What kind of magic is that?!" one spectator shouted, shielding their eyes from the dazzling clash.

"That ice... it's like it's alive! Look at how it twists with shadows!" another muttered, wide-eyed.

An older mage leaned forward, his voice tense. "Voidfrost... I've only heard about it in ancient texts. That girl she's wielding it like second nature!"

A beastkin warrior crossed his arms, his tail flicking in excitement. "And that other one, with the light magic her control over it is insane! She's blasting shockwaves like they're nothing!"

In the far corner of the stands, a group of Arcahna whispered among themselves, their sharp eyes fixed on every movement. "This isn't an ordinary match anymore. These two are fighting like champions in the final round.

"Axel whistled from the sidelines. "Damn, they're pulling out the big guns. Looks like they're dead serious."

Izzy grinned, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah, but this is what makes it fun. Who do you think's gonna win?"

Dylan leaned back, crossing his arms with a cocky smirk. "June, of course. No contest."

Cauis shot him a look, instantly defensive. "My girlfriend, no question asked. Alisan's got this in the bag."

"You serious?" Dylan said, his eyebrow arching. "June's got precision, power, and ice magic that'll freeze Alisan in her tracks."

Cauis folded his arms. "Yeah? Alisan's Rapture magic will blast right through that ice and leave June scrambling to keep up."

The two glared at each other, sparks practically flying between them. The spectators around them started chuckling, a few placing their own bets."Care to make this interesting?"

Dylan grinned mischievously. "Loser buys drinks for everyone tonight."

"You're on." Cauis smirked.

Izzy sighed, rolling her eyes. "Boys... always turning everything into a competition.

"The air buzzed with energy as more spectators rose from their seats, unable to look away from the spectacle unfolding before them. Each clash of magic sent ripples of awe through the crowd, voices rising in amazement and disbelief.

The temperature dropped sharply, ice spreading across the arena floor, while shockwaves rippled outward, creating deep cracks in the stone.

Both fighters stood their ground, their powers clashing in a dazzling storm of frost and light.

"You've gotten stronger," Alisan said, panting but exhilarated.

"You haven't seen anything yet," June replied, her eyes gleaming with Voidfrost energy.

They charged at each other one final time Alisan's shockwaves roaring like a tidal wave, June's Voidfrost swirling like a storm of shadows and ice. T

he impact shook the arena, sending dust and energy spiraling into the sky.

The arena shook as June's Voidfrost and Alisan's Rapture magic clashed in a final, brilliant explosion.

Ice shards flew through the air, shimmering like crystals in the sunlight, while shockwaves rippled outward, causing the ground to tremble.

The spectators were on the edge of their seats, some shielding their eyes from the blinding light.

Then, silence.As the dust cleared, both June and Alisan lay on the ground, breathing hard but unable to get back up. The crowd gasped in unison.

The referee hesitated before stepping forward, raising both hands. "A draw!"

For a moment, the arena was quiet then it erupted into cheers.

Cauis leaned forward, wide-eyed. "No way… a tie?"

Dylan chuckled, slapping him on the back. "Guess neither of us has to buy drinks."

"Yeah, but that was insane," Cauis admitted, shaking his head in awe. "They really gave it everything."

The arena was still buzzing with excitement as Cauis and Dylan quickly left their seats and sprinted down toward the arena floor.

They pushed past a few stunned spectators, their focus locked on Alisan and June, who were still lying on the ground, exhausted but grinning at each other.

Dylan crouched beside June, offering her a hand. "Hey, you good?" His voice was soft but laced with concern.

June chuckled weakly, taking his hand. "I've been better... but I'm fine."

Cauis reached Alisan, gently helping her sit up. "Tough fight, huh?" he said with a smirk, though his eyes scanned her for injuries. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah," Alisan said with a tired but proud smile. "Nothing a little healing magic can't fix."

Axel and Izzy watched from the sidelines, arms crossed, grinning."These overprotective boyfriends,"

Axel said, shaking his head. "Seriously,"

Izzy added with a teasing tone. "They didn't even give the healers a chance."

Dylan shot them a playful glare. "It's called being supportive."

"Yeah," Cauis chimed in. "We're just doing what any good boyfriend would do."

June and Alisan exchanged amused looks before leaning on their respective partners."Alright, overprotective or not,"

June said, "just get us to the healers."

The group made their way toward the healer's station, the excitement of the final match still buzzing around them.

Spectators whispered and pointed at the four as they passed, clearly impressed by the display of magic.

As Dylan and Cauis were helping June and Alisan toward the healer's station, the announcer's voice boomed across the arena, silencing the crowd.

"Before we end this incredible match, there is something important to reveal—something that most of you might not know."

The spectators leaned in, curious. The announcer's voice grew more dramatic."The warriors you just witnessed battling with such extraordinary power... are none other than. The heroes of Drakmire, summoned from another world!"

The crowd gasped, stunned murmurs rippling through the stands.

"The heroes who have already obtained two of the ancient relics! These are the ones who stand as our world's protectors!"

Dylan and Cauis froze mid-step, their expressions shifting from shock to immediate irritation.

"What?!"

Dylan muttered under his breath. "Did they really have to announce that?"

Cauis groaned. "Great. Now we're celebrities."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, several people rushing closer to catch a glimpse of the heroes.

As the announcer paused, his tone shifted into something even more dramatic."

Heroes, you may not like this, but the king of Drakmire himself has a request!"

The arena fell into a tense silence."The king has asked me to summon you here—not just to honor your achievements, but to witness firsthand the extent of your power. He wants to see how far you've progressed."

Dylan narrowed his eyes. "What does he mean by that?"The announcer smiled, eyes sweeping the crowd. "

He's asked me to request a fight from you—right here and now."

Cauis groaned louder this time. "Seriously? The crowd roared in excitement, chants already starting to build: "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

Dylan glanced at June and Alisan, who were still recovering, then turned back to Cauis.

"This feels like a setup," he muttered.

Cauis crossed his arms. "Doesn't matter. We can't exactly refuse a request from the king."

The announcer raised his hand to quiet the crowd. "Heroes, what do you say? Will you accept this challenge?"

The arena grew even louder as all eyes turned toward Dylan and Cauis.

Dylan smirked, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "A fight, huh? It's been a while since we actually fought. I'm game."

Cauis rolled his shoulders, his playful grin quickly turning into something more serious. "I've been waiting for this. Let's see how much stronger you've gotten after all these months.

"Without hesitation, both of them stepped onto the stage, the weight of the arena's gaze following their every move.

The sunlight glinted off the polished stone of the open arena as they took their stances, their auras beginning to build Dylan's crackling with raw, unseen energy, and Cauis' glowing faintly with Aetherglow's unmistakable brilliance.

The announcer's voice boomed, filled with anticipation. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have a bonus match an unexpected clash of two of Drakmire's summoned heroes! Dylan versus Cauis! Let the fight begin!"