And so, even though another unplanned incident had shaken the day's schedule, the second day of the grand celebration in Eterna came to an end—smoothly and according to plan. Six matches had been fought. The final one would take place tomorrow.
Masayuki versus Gobta.
A surprising pairing—yet one that had the entire city buzzing with excitement.
When night fell, the streets glowed with life. The night market was overflowing with citizens and travelers, their voices filling the air with laughter and speculation. The crowd's excitement was so thick that it felt like the very stars above were drawn to the sound.
Masayuki's admirers, mostly young women, were singing praises of his "grace and beauty," while others—more pragmatic—were commending Geld and Karion for their strength and discipline. Yet even Gobta had found his own set of supporters, especially among the more mischievous souls who admired his unconventional style.
It was a night of chatter and anticipation. The people of Eterna were united by one thing—the thrill of what tomorrow would bring.
Dinner that evening was held in the royal dining hall beneath the golden banners of the Pharaoh's crest. The tables were divided into small circles, each filled with nobles, warriors, and guests from foreign lands. But despite the grandeur of the setting, the mood was lighthearted—filled with laughter and debate about the day's matches.
At my table sat the children—Kenya, Chloe, Alice, Gale, and Ryota. Their innocent excitement was contagious, even for me.
"It was awesome! Masayuki-sama looked so cool when he fought!" Alice squealed, her eyes sparkling.
"Eh, I think sensei would've been way cooler," Kenya countered proudly.
"Geld-san was amazing too! He didn't even flinch against that Lion-Mask guy!" Gale added, imitating one of Karion's powerful strikes.
"Yeah! I want to learn that spinning move Lion-Mask used!" Ryota shouted, punching the air with enthusiasm.
"Gale wants to learn it too? Me too!" Chloe joined in, giggling softly.
The debate carried on like a small storm of voices. Alice adored Masayuki; Chloe remained indifferent; Kenya and the boys admired Geld and Karion equally. I simply smiled, observing them.
It was natural—Lion-Mask, or Karion as he was known, carried the presence of a mythical hero. The children's admiration was well earned.
Meanwhile, I placed the final dish on the table—a simple but delicious meal of fried shrimp, croquettes, and hamburger steaks. The aroma filled the air, light and comforting.
Even as a king, I wasn't above simple joys. These were dishes made to bring smiles, and tonight, that was enough.
We no longer bothered with formality here. I had ordered soundproof screens to surround each table so everyone could relax and speak freely. There would be no stiff etiquette tonight—only warmth and laughter.
The children devoured their food happily, their laughter echoing even through the enchantment barrier. Their joy was proof enough that today's events had been a success.
Still, my mind remained cautious. The final battle tomorrow would reveal much—and I needed to see Masayuki's true power.
At the next table, Karion sat grinning, clearly amused by what he heard from the children.
Not far from him sat Milim, who looked like a thundercloud about to burst.
To divine beings like them, my soundproofing barriers were little more than paper walls. I could hear them clearly, and they could no doubt hear me if they wished.
"Hehehe, looks like the kids have great taste," Karion chuckled, his lion's grin widening.
"What are you talking about? You couldn't even win!" Milim snapped, puffing her cheeks in irritation.
"Ahh, don't put it like that," Karion said with a laugh. "I held back, that's all. Had to make it fun."
Milim leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Hmph. So you lost on purpose now? Did you lose your pride as an ex-demon lord?"
Karion's laughter boomed. "Pride? Hahaha! I fought who I wanted to fight. I had my fun—that's all that matters!"
"That makes me jealous," Milim muttered, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, I should've entered the tournament in disguise," she added slyly.
That comment made Karion and Midley, who was sipping his drink, nearly choke.
"Whoa, hold up, Milim-sama!" Midley said hastily. "Surely someone as noble as you wouldn't join a brawl for sport!"
Karion nodded quickly. "Exactly! It'd be unfair to everyone else."
I raised an eyebrow at their desperate attempt to calm her. "Noble," they called her. Interesting choice of words.
Milim just pouted. "Tch. I still could've won easily."
"Let's put that aside," Karion said, waving his hand. "We should go watch the final tomorrow."
"Oh? Are you done with your labyrinth inspection?" Midley asked.
"Everything's in order," Milim replied confidently. "I'll join Atem tomorrow!"
Karion smirked. "Should I tag along too?"
"Nah," he said with a grin, "I've been invited by my subordinates to explore town. A shame to miss the final, but I'll see the celebrations."
That was a relief. If Milim attended the match while Karion caused another spectacle, I'd have to intervene personally.
"Speaking of which," Milim mused, "had I known how interesting the tournament was, I should've joined myself."
"Haha! And what were you doing all day instead?" Karion asked.
Midley raised his cup proudly. "I spent the day at the opera house."
"Opera house?" Milim tilted her head.
"Yes," Frey interjected with a graceful smile. "Midley was completely captivated by the performance."
"Really?" Karion snorted. "That stuff bored me to sleep yesterday."
Frey sighed. "A savage man like you wouldn't understand art if it hit you in the face."
Karion groaned. "Oi, that's harsh."
"Which one was that again?" Milim asked.
"The concert," Frey said. "The kind of refined music Clayman once loved. But Eterna's orchestra was far superior."
Karion blinked. "You think so?"
"Even Luminous attended," Frey replied with quiet satisfaction. "She took the best seat in the house. She said the music was divine."
"Seriously? Luminous came too?" Karion asked, startled.
Frey smirked. "You don't strike me as someone who can appreciate the harmony of music."
"That didn't sound like a compliment!" Karion barked.
"Because it wasn't," Frey said flatly.
Their laughter and teasing carried on endlessly. It was good to see them at ease.
Then, without warning, Hinata—ever blunt and serious—spoke up beside me.
"By the way, Atem," she said, eyes sharp as her sword. "What would you do if you were to fight that boy called Masayuki?"
Her question drew curious stares from everyone nearby.
I didn't hesitate. "If it comes to that," I said calmly, setting down my cup, "then I'll face him directly. As King of Eterna, I never turn away from a challenge."
The children gasped.
"Ehh?! Atem-sama's going to fight Masayuki-sama?!" Alice exclaimed, eyes wide. "Masayuki-sama is so strong though!"
Kenya quickly jumped in. "No way! Atem-sama would totally win! He's the strongest in the world!"
That was all it took—the table erupted into cheerful arguments. Alice and Kenya led opposite camps, and soon the others joined in, shouting over one another.
I couldn't help but chuckle quietly. "Seems I already have more supporters than I thought."
Hinata crossed her arms. "You may joke, but I'm serious," she said in a low tone. "Even I can't properly gauge Masayuki's strength. Be cautious. There's something about him that doesn't feel… ordinary."
I looked into her eyes, my tone dropping into something colder—more commanding.
"I know, Hinata. I can sense it as well. He's not a simple warrior. Something divine lingers around him."
It had to do with Hinata's ability, and though she tried to keep her composure, even she seemed hesitant as she reported what she'd learned about Masayuki.
"I looked into him for you, Lord Atem," she said carefully, her voice steady but respectful. "He's… difficult to read. His presence doesn't follow any conventional rhythm or aura pattern. Even my skill can't fully decipher him."
Her tone was polite—too polite. It was the kind of voice people used when they knew the person before them was far above their reach.
I leaned back in my seat, golden eyes fixed on her as the light from the lanterns shimmered across my cloak. "So even you can't see through him," I said softly. My tone wasn't harsh, but the quiet authority behind my words made her shoulders stiffen.
"Although," Hinata continued, forcing a faint smile, "I believe he wouldn't last long against me in direct combat."
Her attempt at light humor fell flat. The room went still for a heartbeat before the children broke into innocent chatter.
"That's true! Big sis Hinata wouldn't lose to anyone!"
"Yeah, she's super strong!"
"No one could beat her, not even that Lion-Mask guy!"
The children's excitement filled the space, but I could feel Hinata's nervous glance in my direction. Their words hung in the air like sparks waiting to catch fire.
I raised an eyebrow. "So, you all think Hinata could defeat anyone?"
The tone wasn't mocking—it was calm, almost amused—but it carried weight. The kind of weight that pressed down without effort.
"W-Well, of course, Lord Atem," Hinata replied quickly, her usual confidence replaced with caution. "I only meant it as—"
"As what?" I asked lightly. "An observation? Or a challenge?"
Her pupils dilated slightly. "No, my lord. Of course not."
I let the tension linger for a moment before exhaling softly. "Relax, Hinata. I'm not so easily provoked." My voice was calm, yet every syllable carried an unshakable finality—like a blade that had already been drawn.
A hush fell over the room. Even the children stopped talking, sensing the invisible pressure that surrounded me.
I turned my gaze toward the festival lights outside the window, golden embers reflecting in my eyes. "Still," I said, "Masayuki intrigues me. His presence isn't natural. That kind of power doesn't appear without purpose."
"Agreed," Hinata said, her tone steady but low. "Yuuki mentioned he acts as Masayuki's guardian. I could reach out if you command it."
I waved a hand slightly. "No. Let it be. I want to see how the boy moves when he thinks no one is pulling the strings."
Her shoulders eased a little, though I could feel her aura still trembling beneath the surface.
"Masayuki will face Gobta tomorrow, correct?" I asked.
"Yes," she replied quickly. "But I doubt Gobta will—"
"Win?" I finished for her, smirking faintly. "He has the potential. But he lacks discipline."
Hinata nodded cautiously. "That's my thought as well, my lord."
Solarys' voice echoed quietly in my mind, smooth and radiant like a chime in the distance.
«Would you like me to analyze the probability of Gobta's victory, Sovereign?»
No, I replied inwardly. Let fate play its hand for now. The outcome will serve its own purpose.
Hinata hesitated before speaking again. "If you allow me to say, Lord Atem… that goblin soldier, Gobta, does possess an unpredictable kind of talent."
I gave a quiet chuckle. "Unpredictable, yes. But talent without restraint is chaos waiting to collapse on itself."
Hinata nodded once more. She didn't argue. She wouldn't dare.
"Still," I continued, standing from my seat, "tomorrow will reveal more than just a winner. It will show who among them understands what true strength means."
I walked past her, and instinctively, she lowered her gaze. Even when I said nothing, the air around me carried command—absolute, irrefutable command.
"Are you leaving already?" she asked quietly.
"Yes. I have a meeting with Gazel and the others." I paused, glancing over my shoulder. "And Hinata…"
She straightened immediately. "Y-Yes, my lord?"
"Try not to let your curiosity lead you into places you can't control. Even wisdom can turn to arrogance when it believes it's untouchable."
Her breath caught, and she lowered her head again. "Understood… Lord Atem."
I turned away, my cloak shifting as faint golden lines of power flickered along its edge. Solarys' light shimmered around me, silent and dignified.
The night outside was alive with the sound of music and laughter, but beneath it, I could feel the subtle hum of unease—the way Eterna itself seemed to hold its breath whenever I walked through its streets.
There were still problems to solve, powers to test, and destinies to shape. But for now, I would let the night breathe.
With calm purpose, I made my way toward the council chamber, the air behind me still heavy with the echo of my presence.
The festival lights flickered in the distance, and Eterna's people celebrated freely—unaware that their king's shadow watched over them, sharp as a blade and silent as judgment.