Far above the roaring crowd, in a secluded balcony rarely granted to anyone without considerable importance, sat a man dressed in a refined black coat.
He remained perfectly still — posture straight, presence quiet yet undeniable.
While the spectators below erupted in celebration, he watched silently, fingers steepled beneath his chin.
Not a single emotion revealed itself through the faint glow of the arena lights.
Behind him stood a loyal attendant, waiting like a shadow for his command.
The man's gaze remained fixed on the place where Adlet had exited the stage.
Only when the hallway swallowed the young Protector did he speak — calm, precise:
"Find out everything about him.
Name. Origin. Mentor. Recent missions."
The attendant bowed, voice low:
"As you wish, Director Helion."
The man did not look away from the empty arena.
"Talent like that rarely appears without a reason…"
His eyes narrowed faintly — curiosity sharpened into interest.
"…and rarely goes unnoticed."
As the attendant slipped away into the darkness, the crowd continued cheering — oblivious.
A new player had taken an interest in Adlet.
And that alone was enough to shift the future.
Adlet stepped through the corridor at the arena's edge, lungs still burning from battle, legs trembling from exhaustion — but his head held high.
The roar of the crowd dimmed behind the stone walls…
…and a familiar bulky silhouette waited for him at the end of the hallway.
Barno.
He crossed his arms, a rare smile cracking his usually stoic features.
"As expected," he said. "You delivered a spectacular show."
Adlet rubbed his arm, still feeling the ache of Gillan's last hit.
"I just did my best… but I also realized how far I still have to go."
Barno chuckled — a deep, approving sound.
"That makes your promotion twice as valuable," he replied, reaching into his coat.
A bronze insignia emerged — its polished surface glinting in the torchlight.
"I had this ready for you before the tournament even began.
Congratulations… Master Protector."
Adlet stared at it, breath catching in his throat.
He exchanged it for his old metal insignia — hands shaking just slightly.
"Thank you… I'll make sure to live up to it."
Barno nodded once, serious again.
"And I bet you've already decided where your path leads next."
"I have," Adlet answered without hesitation.
"That fight only strengthened my resolve.
I'll go to the Horus Desert.
I want to see the land that could shape someone as powerful as Gillan."
Barno's eyes narrowed — not in disapproval, but in anticipation.
"I suspected as much. And I assume we'll see each other again next year… at the Aegis promotion tournament?"
Adlet smirked lightly.
"I'm counting on it."
Barno placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Then listen well: reaching the required Rank won't be enough.
Only the most exceptional are granted a place.
Make sure your name becomes unavoidable."
Adlet's gaze hardened — unwavering.
"Then nothing changes.
I'll keep giving everything I have."
Barno's expression softened — pride unmistakable.
"That's exactly why you'll make it."
Adlet gave a final nod, then stepped back.
"I'll stop by the infirmary. I want news about my friend."
Barno let him go with a respectful incline of the head.
The infirmary was a long stone building pressed against the academy's outer wall — busy yet eerily calm.
Adlet entered and spoke with a nurse, who guided him to a side room.
Polo was lying in bed — bandaged, but clearly awake and alert.
The moment he spotted Adlet in the doorway, he lifted an eyebrow with dramatic flair.
"You didn't have to get injured just to take a little break," Adlet teased.
"Oh, you caught me.
Grievous wounds are the only way they let me take vacations," Polo replied with a smug grin.
Adlet snorted and approached the bedside.
"I heard your name being chanted loud enough from here," Polo continued.
"Congratulations, Mister Master Protector."
Adlet placed a hand over his heart and bowed dramatically.
"Thanks — and congratulations to you too, Master Protector… Merchant."
They both laughed — but exhaustion tempered Adlet's smile.
"It wasn't easy for either of us…" he admitted. "There are real monsters among Protectors."
Polo nodded.
"Oh, I know. I heard who you fought.
Gillan Horus — one of the most gifted Protectors of our generation.
Defeating him will spread your name across the entire kingdom."
Adlet exhaled slowly.
"It was the luckiest win of my life. He outclassed me in every way."
Polo shook his head.
"That's the mark of the elite, Adlet.
Winning even when the opponent is overwhelmingly strong.
You should be proud."
Adlet stared at his own hands — still trembling from strain — and breathed out.
"You're right.
And honestly… I'm grateful.
That fight already changed me."
Polo tilted his head.
"So… next step is the Horus Desert. Right?"
"Yeah," Adlet replied. "I can't afford to rest long if I want to meet my goals."
"Well, don't worry.
I'll rest plenty for both of us," Polo said with a wink.
"You take the fights — I'll enjoy the drinks."
Adlet laughed — a genuine, full laugh.
Adlet placed a fist lightly against Polo's shoulder.
"We'll see each other again soon."
Polo mirrored the gesture with his good arm, a confident spark in his eye.
"Of course we will. You're not getting rid of me that easily."
Adlet huffed a small laugh.
"And don't let that injury be an excuse to slack off. I'll be expecting progress when we meet again."
Polo arched a brow.
"Same for you. When we cross paths next time… I'll be the one stronger."
Their challenge hung warmly between them — rivalry forged, not hostile but driving.
Adlet nodded, stepping back toward the door.
"I'm counting on it."
Polo exhaled slowly, gaze steady.
"Go on, then. The world won't conquer itself."
A final exchange of looks — determination reflected in both pairs of eyes.
Adlet turned away — bronze insignia clutched tight, steps fueled by purpose.
He had no idea…
eyes beyond friends and rivals were already fixed upon him.