The tournament had ended. The lights of the coliseum began to fade, yet the echoes of cheers still resounded through the stands. Ares, standing at the center, received the gazes of respect and awe that had never before been his.
He had won.
But beyond victory, he had earned something far greater: recognition… and the trust of those who had once doubted him.
That night, as the closing ceremony filled the academy with magical fireworks and music, Tony sought out Emma.
He found her alone, sitting beneath a tree, her eyes lifted to the stars.
"Emma…" he began, nervous, "I know this might sound reckless, but I don't want to live chained to others' decisions anymore. I love you. I don't care what my family says… I want to be with you."
Emma looked at him with her violet eyes, shining with emotion.
"I love you, Tony," she answered with a sincere smile. "And this time… I won't let anything separate us."
They embraced, and in that instant—without their knowing—Tony's parents watched from a distance. His father frowned, but it was his mother who spoke first.
"Look at them. Do you truly think you could pull them apart?" she said softly. "Perhaps… we should trust him."
His father sighed, resigned.
"So be it. If Emma makes him happy… then we'll accept her."
---
Hours later, in a quieter corner of campus, Dana approached Liana. Her steps were uncertain, but her expression was honest.
"Liana… can we talk?"
The elf nodded, her gaze neutral, unsure of what to expect.
Dana lowered her head.
"I was an idiot. I let jealousy blind me… I had no right to decide who should be with Ares. I challenged you out of pride, out of fear of losing him. But I was wrong."
Liana looked at her in surprise, then gave a faint smile.
"I was confused too. I didn't know what I felt… and I didn't think about how it made you feel."
They stood in silence for a moment.
"Maybe… it's best if Ares is the one who chooses who he wants to be with," Dana said at last. "We're not a prize to be won in a tournament."
Liana nodded with a warmer smile.
"Then… let Ares' heart decide."
And for the first time since it all began, the two girls embraced as friends.
---
From afar, atop the tower, Ares watched the glowing city, unaware that two hearts awaited his decision.
But he was not yet ready.
For within him, the blue flame still burned—not only with power… but with emotions he had yet to fully understand.