The next morning, the sun rose over Aetherlight, casting a warm glow over the kingdom as the second phase of the Aether Knight Trials was about to begin. Alyssia, Elyssia, and Mika walked together toward the colosseum; their excitement palpable. Alyssia couldn't help but gush about Mixarnt's performance the previous day. "Mixarnt was so cool. He fulfilled his promise," she said, giggling as she remembered how he had fought carefully and taken care of himself this time, unlike his reckless in the 4th trial.
Elyssia nodded, her tone playful but firm. "Yes, he did. Because if he hadn't, I'd have turned him into a popsicle," she said, giggling as well. Mika, walking beside them, could only shake her head in mild disbelief at the sisters' comments. Their relationship with Mixarnt was... unique, to say the least. "Let's buy some snacks before going to our seats," Mika suggested, changing the subject with a grin.
In the grand hall, the nobles, generals, and former generals began to fill the room, their conversations buzzing with anticipation. One of the nobles, whose daughter had passed the first phase, turned to the others with a smile. "So, what is the second trial this time?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
The nobles whose protégés had failed the exam were notably absent, having not been invited to the second day of viewing. Geleto, in particular, was missing, as his son Kleto had not only been disqualified but also disowned by his family. Kleto's derogatory comments toward Princess Alyssia and his reckless actions during the trial had brought shame to his house. To make matters worse, the six merchants—who were also nobles—had filed a case against the participants who had attacked them. Although participants were typically exempt from accountability during the trials, the fact that the escort mission involved third parties gave the merchants the right to seek justice.
Meanwhile, in some parts of the grand hall where the current generals were, the atmosphere was lively. Gawain noticed Kalavan looking particularly haggard and couldn't resist teasing him. "Hey, what happened to you? You look like you didn't sleep all night," he said, his tone playful.
Percival, overhearing the conversation, burst into laughter. "Hahaha! It's because his little princess slept beside Mixarnt in the carriage! Althea informed us last night." he said, clearly enjoying Kalavan's discomfort.
Kalavan's face turned bright red as he glared at Percival. "Shut up, Percival! I'll freaking kill you, grrrrr!!!" he shouted, though his threats only made Percival laugh harder.
Percival, still chuckling, tried to calm him down. "Hahaha, it's fine, Kala. My son is with them, along with Mitchel and the others. It seems they all slept together in the carriage instead of resting at an inn because the city was fully booked with guests who wanted to see the second phase personally." he explained, his tone good-natured.
Kay, who was still in her female form, nodded in agreement. "Oh, right. I totally forgot that. The ones who pass are given time to rest, but they're also required to fend for themselves and find a place to stay around Ateria," she said, her voice calm.
Kalavan, still grumpy, turned to Kay with a raised eyebrow. "Why the hell are you even in your female form, Kay?" he asked, his tone exasperated.
Kay blushed slightly, glancing at Gawain. "Gawain said he wanted to see me as a female, so..." he muttered, his voice trailing off.
Gerald, sitting nearby, couldn't help but facepalm. "What are you, an idiot?" he said, his tone filled with awkwardness.
Gawain, however, was thoroughly amused. "For the record, it's rare to see Kay in her female form. Hahahaha!" he said, laughing heartily.
Sunshine, watching the exchange, sighed deeply. "Sigh... those two are idiots," she said, shaking her head at their childishness.
Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Mixarnt woke up with a yawn, stretching as he took in his surroundings. Beside him, Razen was peacefully embracing him, her boldness a result of Mixarnt's confession the previous day. On his left, Rise was sprawled out like an idiot, his legs resting on Mixarnt's stomach as he snored loudly. "Ugh... morning..." Mixarnt muttered, his voice groggy as he tried to sit up.
Mitchel, Liva, Ewan, and Mara were also starting to wake up, rubbing their eyes and stretching. Razen, Rise, and Lina, however, remained fast asleep, their peaceful expressions a stark contrast to the chaos of the previous day.
"Looks like we've got a busy day ahead," Mitchel said, her tone calm but determined as she glanced at the others. "Let's get ready for the second phase."
Mixarnt grinned, his usual energy returning. "Yeah, let's show them what we're made of," he said, his voice filled with confidence.
As the group began to prepare for the next challenge, the bonds they had formed and the trials they had overcome only strengthened their resolve. The second phase of the Aether Knight Trials was about to begin, and Mixarnt and his friends were ready to face whatever came their way.
Ever the early riser, Mixarnt stretched before discreetly retrieving meats and cooking supplies from his dimensional pocket. He made sure to keep it hidden—he wasn't in the mood to answer questions so early in the morning.
Ewan, noticing Mixarnt's preparations, quickly set up a campfire, and soon, the group was bustling with activity. As the scent of sizzling food filled the air, Ewan, Mara, Liva, and Tessa watched in awe, confusion written across their faces as they wondered where Mixarnt had even gotten the ingredients.
Mitchel, however, remained unfazed, calmly setting up the plates. Unlike the others, she had long since stopped questioning Mixarnt's oddities.
Once breakfast was ready, the group gathered around the campfire. Mixarnt, Ewan, Tessa, Liva, and Mara had worked together to prepare a hearty meal, and now, it was time to wake the rest. Rise, Razen, and Lina were gently roused from their slumber, their grogginess quickly replaced by delight at the feast before them.
"Yawn… nomnomnom," Mixarnt mumbled, already halfway through his meal as the others joined him.
As they ate, Ewan voiced a concern. "I wonder how Erenesto's group is doing. None of us really packed much food—just some dried jerky, at best."
Rise, still half-asleep, nodded sluggishly while chewing. "Yeah… the city's been packed. It was even tough finding a place to eat last night."
Mitchel, ever the strategist, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Then why not invite them over? We have plenty of food anyway."
Mixarnt, sipping his orange juice, nodded in agreement. "No objections here," he said casually, before offering the drink to Razen beside him.
Razen froze for a moment, her face heating up as she realized the implications of sharing the same cup. She hesitated, then—despite herself—took a small sip, her cheeks turning as red as a tomato.
Mixarnt, catching her reaction, grinned sleepily. "I have another box of orange juice if you want, you know," he teased lightly.
Razen shot him a glare, though she didn't move away. "Shut up," she muttered, still flustered. Not that Mixarnt seemed to mind—his thoughts had already drifted toward the looming second phase of the trial.
Liva stood up, brushing off her clothes. "I'll go call them over. I heard their camp is near the entrance." With that, she headed off to find Erenesto's group.
As she left, Razen turned to Mixarnt, her curiosity getting the better of her. "By the way, why did you guys cook so much? Were you already expecting Erenesto's group to struggle with food?"
Mixarnt leaned back, his lazy grin widening. "Yeah, I figured as much. Most of them are nobles, and they probably didn't expect Ateria to be so crowded. The shops are always out of stock, and the restaurants, pubs, and taverns are packed. Plus, they likely didn't bring much money since the trials require us to be self-sufficient. I'd bet they've been surviving on dried food since yesterday."
He shrugged before continuing, "Besides, the final trial isn't about competing like before. I wanted to build some camaraderie. Who knows? Their skills might come in handy in the next two phases."
Razen nodded, impressed. Despite his carefree nature, Mixarnt had a habit of thinking ahead—of bringing people together. It was one of the things she admired about him.
Before long, Liva returned with Erenesto's group in tow. Grateful for the invitation, they eagerly joined in the meal, their spirits lifted by the unexpected hospitality. Mixarnt's plan had worked—not only had he ensured everyone was well-fed, but he had also strengthened the bonds between them.
As they ate together, the group felt a growing sense of unity. The final trial was far from over, and greater challenges awaited them. But as the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its golden light over Ateria, one thing was certain—the second phase of the Aether Knight Trials was about to begin. And with Mixarnt leading the way, they would face whatever came next together.