That night, the palace gardens shimmered with luminous flowers under the moonlight, and small streams slid between the trees, their gentle whispers a soft melody that accompanied Ryan and Arina's steps as they walked side by side in the tranquility.
Arina glanced at him occasionally, studying his serene features that concealed an almost inexplicable strength. Then, her voice filled with curiosity, she said, "Tell me, Ryan… how did you become so powerful? You don't use any kind of energy, yet your body alone is stronger than most fighters from other kingdoms."
Ryan smiled faintly, gazing up at the starry sky. "It's simple… I have a fierce rival—let's just say a friend."
Arina paused, her eyes sparkling with interest. "A rival?"
Ryan continued, "Yes, every time I wanted to fight him, something would happen and postpone the fight. But every time I saw him… he surprised me with his strength, and that pushed me to improve myself even more so I could keep up with him in the future."
His voice was calm, but it held a subtle respect and admiration. Arena smiled slightly as she looked at him. "You seem to respect him a great deal."
Ryan continued, "You could say we compete and learn from each other. It's never been about hatred, but rather a challenge that makes us both stronger."
A moment of silence passed between them, broken only by the gentle breeze rustling through her long hair. Her gaze grew warmer with every word, and with every smile he gave her, she felt a strange sensation stir within her, a feeling she had never known before.
"You're a strange person, Ryan," she said shyly. "You're simple in your speech, but there's something about you that makes me want to get to know you better."
He turned to her with a warm smile, then continued walking beside her without comment, but he sensed that this night held something different in her tone, in her eyes, and even in her slow steps near him.
After a long conversation, she said gently, "It's getting late. Let me show you to your room."
He nodded without refusing, and they walked quietly until they reached the ornate doors that led to the suite where he slept with Kyle.
A few minutes earlier, Kyle had been on the other side of the mansion, walking Beside Felisa, in the long, torch-lit corridors, they spoke with evident ease.
"I've never met a chess master like you," Felisa said, looking at him with barely concealed admiration. "Everyone I've faced before relied on luck or cunning, but you read the moves before they happen." "Your intelligence and analytical skills are very high."
Kyle smiled politely. "Thank you for the compliment, but I have to say you're the first girl who's been able to keep up with me intellectually. You've really made the game fun."
Felice blushed slightly, her eyes lowering in obvious embarrassment. "I'm not used to hearing things like that."
Kyle chuckled softly. "There's no need to be embarrassed. I'm just being honest."
His laughter was light but genuine, which only intensified her embarrassment. Her face flushed slightly as she continued walking in silence, trying to suppress her smile.
These were brief moments, but enough to leave a mark on both of them. As time passed, they both began to feel that strange urge to continue talking, to stay closer to each other.
When they reached the end of the corridor leading to the guest rooms, Felissa stopped. "I think we're here… this is your room," she said with a shy smile. "Thank you for the tour," Kyle replied. "It was really fun." Felisa: "No need to thank me, I enjoyed it immensely too."
The two exchanged a brief glance before parting ways, leaving behind an inexplicable sense of inadequacy as they separated.
A little while later, Ryan entered the same room, just as the Jungle Princess was quietly leaving after dropping him off. Kyle raised his head from his bed and said with a faint smile, "You were a little late. Were you out for a walk with the princess?"
Ryan sat down in the chair opposite him and said with a similar smile, "And you?" "Looks like you had a great time too."
They both chuckled, then each began to recount what had happened. Ryan talked about fighting and talking with Arena, while Kyle told him about chess and walking around with Felisa. As the room was filled with lighthearted banter, a heavy silence fell as Kyle said, his tone more serious, "I don't know, but she's a good girl… I don't want to break her trust."
Ryan sighed and replied in a similar tone, "Neither do I. I don't want to hurt her, but if we don't… we'll never get our family heirlooms back." "We won't be able to win against Saruto and Lucien."
Silence filled the room for a few seconds before Kyle reached behind his head and placed a hand on it. "Things seem to be getting complicated."
Ryan smiled slightly as he switched off the lamp beside him. "Yeah…more than we expected."
Just before they could close their eyes, they froze, as if an invisible current had passed through them simultaneously. Kyle opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, while Ryan suddenly raised his head. "This energy…it's Saruto and Lucien's energy…!" they both said at the same time, in unison.
They exchanged glances, a mixture of shock and apprehension in their eyes. "What are they doing here?" Kyle asked, his voice low and sharp.
A profound silence fell over the room, while outside the moon shone brighter, as if to announce that the night ahead would be anything but quiet.