Silhouettes appeared on the roofs of the buildings surrounding the arena. One after another, almost silently. The hooded figures stood motionless, observing the monumental structure, from which light and the buzz of the crowd still emanated.
Arthur stepped to the edge of the roof and raised his hand.
He didn't have to say anything.
The shadows moved.
One by one, the figures vanished in a flash, reappearing on the next rooftop. Flash Step was fast, precise, perfectly synchronized. They jumped between buildings like ghosts until they finally stopped on a tall tower near the arena.
— These people don't even feel like they're being watched. — muttered one of the figures.
— That's good — replied another voice. — It's always easier that way.
Arthur stood facing them.
— The finale is about to begin. The energy will be tremendous.
— Perfect for opening the passage," said the woman under the hood, smiling quietly.
— And the emperor?" someone asked.
Arthur shrugged.
— It doesn't matter. The demons didn't come here for politics.
There was a moment of silence.
— Sylpha was right — said another demon. — This tournament is more than just entertainment.
Arthur looked at the arena.
— Just a moment. When the final begins... the light will draw out what should remain in the shadows.
The arena was bustling with life again.
The stands were filled to capacity. People shouted, laughed, and placed bets on who would win. The flames around the central circle burned brighter than ever before.
Both gates were already closed.
Dragon's Pursuit stood silently on one side.
Wolf's Edge stood on the other.
The commentator ran into the center of the arena, his voice tearing through the air.
— AUDIENCE! — he roared. — WE HAVE REACHED A MOMENT THAT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY!
The crowd responded with a deafening roar.
— Will Wolf's Edge maintain its legendary winning streak? Or will the new team, Dragon's Pursuit, go down in history as the slayers of the favorites?! The team that survived the dungeons, defeated the beasts, and made it all the way here!
The gates began to open.
— ENTERING THE ARENA... THE DRAGON'S PURSUIT!
Valdor went out first. Behind him were Mayuri, Noah, Kael, and Arwen. They were all focused, silent. Members of the Forest Shield, Burning Sand, and other teams could be seen in the stands. Everyone was watching them.
— AND NOW... WOLF'S EDGE!
Arok walked out slowly. His team followed him in perfect formation. Calm. Confident.
Both teams stopped facing each other.
Arok looked at Valdor.
— You've come a long way.
— We intend to go even further. — replied Valdor.
— The final does not forgive mistakes. — Said Valdor
— Neither do we. — replied Arok.
The commentator raised his hand.
GONG!
Both teams started at the same time.
The arena burst into motion.