The echoes of the arena faded behind them as Noel and Balthor exited through one of the side tunnels. The distant roar of the crowd still lingered, a reminder that the tournament was far from over. Matches were ongoing—Anastasia's, and later Charlotte or Elena.
Noel glanced back briefly.
He wanted to watch them.
But something else had already pulled his focus.
[New Mission: Find the 5th Pillar and deal with him.
Reward: ???
Time limit: 25 days.]
The message pulsed faintly in the corner of his vision before vanishing.
A soft ticking sound echoed in his head—subtle, yet constant.
He exhaled slowly.
'Now that I think about it… it doesn't say "kill" the Fifth Pillar. Just… deal with him.'
'That's not like the others…'
