Far above the mortal lands, where clouds broke into pale rivers of mist, the gods sat on their cold thrones. The sky trembled faintly, as if even the heavens feared the names being spoken.
Arion Vale leaned forward, his silver eyes fixed on the others. His voice was quiet, but it cut sharper than any blade.
"Don't do anything stupid… unless you all want to die in the hands of Sylus."
The other gods fell silent. No one argued. No one moved. The air itself bent to the weight of his words.
The clouds shifted, and the gaze of heaven turned away.
Far below, inside a lonely hut hidden by the shadows of the Death Spring Mountains, Jiyul sat on the floor. A faint red glow shimmered at the edge of his pupils before fading. He exhaled slowly.
Three weeks to go.
He leaned back against the wall, his hair messy, his clothes worn but clean enough.
I told that noble idiot… Daren… to enter my name into the tournament when I left him. I hope he did. If not, I'll join without permission. Either way… I'll be there.
His lips curled slightly, a cold half smile that wasn't joy, just certainty.
I will leave this place two days before the tournament. Until then… I train.
He stood and stepped outside into the crisp mountain air. The hare, small and alert, hopped after him. Its ears twitched as if it refused to let Jiyul walk alone.
Training filled the day. Jiyul's movements were sharp, each strike splitting the air like thunder. His muscles had grown harder, his body leaner, his veins carrying power far beyond human strength.
The hare sat on a rock, watching silently. It twitched when Jiyul struck the ground so hard that cracks spread across the soil.
"Stone breaks easier than men… but men scream louder."
The hare tilted its head, almost like it understood.
Later that night, Jiyul returned to the hut. His chest rose and fell heavily. Training had burned through all his strength. He looked at the empty corner no food left. His gaze shifted lazily to the hare.
The hare froze.
"Poor thing… don't worry. I won't kill you. I've lived many days without food. Starving won't kill me… it became a habit."
The hare's ears twitched nervously. Then, without hesitation, it dashed out the door.
Jiyul exhaled, closing his eyes. Sleep pulled at him like a heavy chain.
An hour later, a soft nudge touched his hand. His eyes opened slowly.
The hare stood there, a small bird hanging from its mouth, feathers ruffled and blood fresh.
For a moment, Jiyul just stared.
"All this time, I fed you… now you feed me. Hah. Nice."
He picked up the bird.
"I like you now. So be my only friend. From now on, you'll hunt for me daily. I'll let you live well under my shadow."
The hare twitched its nose, as if agreeing.
Jiyul cooked the bird over a small fire. The smell filled the hut. He tore the meat slowly, eating in silence, before tossing the bones and scraps to the hare.
Neither of them slept hungry that night.
The days passed.
Jiyul trained at dawn, his body glowing faintly with red sparks as he pushed his strength beyond limits. The hare always followed, sometimes hiding behind a rock, sometimes sitting proudly in the open as if guarding him.
At night, Jiyul would sit outside the hut, staring at the dark sky. The hare would curl beside him.
This world is filled with betrayal, greed, and blood. Yet this little beast… loyal without reason. Hah. Strange. Even beasts are cleaner than men.
The hare nibbled on a bone, unaware of his thoughts.
One cold night, Jiyul spoke aloud, his voice a low whisper.
"You know… hare… if you ever betray me, I'll eat you without guilt. But until then… you're the only one who doesn't disgust me."
The hare blinked, ears twitching, then hopped into his lap as if mocking his words.
For the first time in weeks, Jiyul let out a faint laugh short, cold, but real.
The wind howled outside, but inside the hut, two unlikely companions sat together.
And time moved on.