I woke up before the call came. My body responded immediately, without heaviness, without sluggishness. For a few seconds, I remained lying down, staring at the ceiling in silence. There was no need to think too much. Everything had already been decided the day before.
I got up calmly. The girls were still in the room, some waking up, others simply watching in silence. The atmosphere was different, more direct, with no room for distractions.
"So it's here," Liriel said, still sitting on the bed.
"Yes."
Scarlett was already standing.
"No changes."
"No."
Lyannis adjusted her posture.
"Condition maintained."
Vespera nodded.
"Ideal state."
Elara stepped a little closer.
"You're calm."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"Then there's nothing left to say."
I gave a slight nod.
We prepared ourselves without haste. There was no urgency, but there was no delay either. Only the necessary amount of time.
We left the room and walked through the castle corridors. There was more activity than on previous days. Guards lined up, servants organizing routes, everything functioning with precision. It was obvious that the event was already underway, even before it began.
When we stepped outside, the difference became even clearer.
The Dragon Arena was located a short distance from the castle, but still within the main territory. It was an enormous structure, built from dark stone, with golden details reflecting the morning light. The stands were already filled. Not completely, but enough to create a constant sound, a background of controlled voices.
"So this is it," Liriel murmured.
"Yes."
We walked toward the main entrance. Guards opened a path without question. As we entered, the sound grew slightly louder, echoing through the walls.
The interior was even larger than it appeared from the outside. The central arena was vast, with solid ground and old marks left behind by previous battles. The stands rose in tiers, occupied by humanoid-form dragons, all watching attentively.
"Big," Elara commented.
"As expected," Lyannis replied.
Scarlett observed the terrain.
"Good space."
Vespera analyzed everything in silence.
Rai'kanna kept her gaze fixed on the center.
We stopped near the access area.
One of the officials approached.
"Your entrance will be announced shortly."
"Understood."
He stepped away.
The sound of the crowd gradually increased, but it wasn't chaotic. It was controlled interest, clear anticipation.
"This is different," Liriel said.
"Yes."
"Everyone here knows what's about to happen."
"Yes."
Lyannis crossed her arms.
"A high-level event."
Vespera added,
"Collective interest."
Scarlett looked around.
"They want to see it."
Rai'kanna nodded.
"And they will."
Elara gave a slight smile.
"You're already at the center of all this."
"Yes."
A louder sound echoed through the arena.
An announcement.
It wasn't an ordinary voice. It was amplified, firm, filling the entire space.
"The battle will begin shortly."
The crowd reacted, not with uncontrolled shouting, but with a noticeable surge of energy.
"It's now," Liriel said.
"Yes."
The girls fell silent for a few seconds.
Scarlett was direct.
"No mistakes."
"No."
Lyannis spoke calmly.
"Perfect execution."
Vespera added,
"No deviation."
Elara looked into my eyes.
"Come back."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms.
"I'll be watching."
"I know."
Liriel looked away for a second.
"Don't take too long."
"I won't."
The official returned.
"It's time."
I gave one last nod and walked toward the arena entrance.
The sound grew louder as I approached.
When I passed through the gate, the light hit me directly.
The entire arena opened up before me.
And in the center...
He was already there.
The Dragon King.
Different from before.
Now, in his true form.
His size was immense, occupying a large portion of the central arena. His scales reflected the light, creating an intense, almost solid shine. His wings were partially spread, and his presence dominated the space.
I stopped for a moment.
Observing.
Analyzing.
Without unnecessary reaction.
"So this is it," I thought.
I continued walking until I reached an appropriate distance.
The sound of the crowd gradually diminished, as if everyone were waiting for the same moment.
The king spoke.
"You came."
"Yes."
His voice was heavier in this form, but still clear.
"No retreat."
"No."
"Good."
He moved his head slightly, as if adjusting his position.
"I'm going to use everything."
"I know."
"Don't expect restraint."
"I don't."
"Then come."
I remained silent for a second.
I adjusted my stance.
My hand moved to my sword.
I gripped the hilt.
And slowly drew it.
The blade reflected the light of the arena.
The sound of metal echoed out, short and clean.
The crowd reacted in a restrained but noticeable way.
Another voice echoed through the arena, announcing the beginning.
"The rules are simple. The battle ends when one side can no longer continue."
Silence.
No sound except the breathing of the environment itself.
I looked directly at him.
Without distraction.
Without excess.
Only focus.
My body was already prepared.
My mind was already clear.
And now...
There was no more waiting.
The moment had arrived.
I took the first step forward.
And the battle began.