Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Royals


    “I can’t believe they would do that,” Alyx said. “This Arena is beautiful. Why would they destroy it?”


    “They’re the Cult,” Xander told her. “Of course they’d do something like this. The real question is what are we going to do about it?”


    “First, I need to tell the Wolf,” Yue replied. “As soon as the Wolf calls a fifteen minute break, I’ll tell him.”


    “I don’t feel safe here anymore,” Neena said. “The stadium could explode at any time.”


    “They won’t blow it up today,” Zade told her. “But now that we know what they’re doing, we can stop them.”


    “How?” Neena asked. “They’ll never allow anyone near it.”


    “I’m still surprised they would destroy it,” Alyx said once again. “We have Royals here, and fifty thousand spectators. Do they really want to kill them all? What is the point of killing all the royals?”


    “Mass chaos?” Xavier guessed. “The Cult loves spreading chaos, because then their arguments are more believable to others.”


    “I really don’t like this,” Zade told them. “High Mage Aegon told me that we wouldn’t be able to stop what the Cult wanted from starting, we could only stop it if it was in motion. But if they start with blowing up the Arena, we might not be alive to do anything else.”


    “But what is their real reason for blowing up the Arena?” Alyx continued, persistent. Yue felt a pang of annoyance, but didn’t intervene. “Chaos is fine, but they won’t do this just for chaos. Is the reason really killing the Royals? Maybe they want to endanger Magefell or cause a war?”


    “That’s a good point,” Xander agreed. “We need to know why they want to do this.”


    “I don’t know if we can,” Zade said. “They’re watching us, remember?”


    “If they’re watching you, though,” Aster jumped in, “Then doesn’t that mean they know you were in the storage rooms?”


    Yue had no answer to that.


    “If so, you need to bring the Wolf there immediately,” Aster continued. “And, more than that, we need to be more careful. If they know you were there, we’re in even more danger than before. We need to constantly be looking behind our backs.”


    “Can I bring Sia and Skai back?” Xavier asked.


    “Not yet!” Aster, Alyx, and Zade exclaimed at the same time.


    “We’re not done yet,” Yue said. “You’re right, Aster. And I do think this puts Skai and Sia in danger. The Cult knows they were with us.”


    “Then shouldn’t we involve them?” Xavier asked. “If they are in danger, they deserve to know why.”


    “I don’t think so,” Xander told him. “I don’t know if we can trust them. And, honestly, I think they’ll be better off not knowing.”


    “I think Xavier is right, though,” Alyx said. “They need to know now.”


    “I’m not so sure about that,” Zade said. “The consequences if they end up being untrustworthy are horrible. We should not trust them, Sorry, Xavier.”


    “I guess we’re voting again;” Yue chuckled. “Raise your hand if you think we should involve them.”


    Poli and Artemis, who had been silent so far, did not raise their hands. Neither did Xander and Zade. Yue did, choosing to trust them, as did Xavier and Alyx. Neena and Aster did as well. Th’ul seemed on the edge, but in the end, did not decide to raise his hand.


    “It’s equal,” Neena said. “What do we do?”


    Th’ul raised his hand.


    “We should go for it,” He said. “We need to take risks. Everything happens tomorrow. We need all the help we can get.”


    “Alright, then,” Xavier told them. “I’ll go get the girls.”


    — — —


    Skai and Sia gaped at them, simultaneously horrified and excited about the story.


    “This is all real?” Sia asked. “I can’t believe it!”


    “I’ve never heard of the Cult,” Skai told them. “So, you’re saying that they’re bringing mass destruction tomorrow?”


    “We’re not sure,” Zade replied. “But knowing what they’ve done, I think so.”


    “I’m sorry about Astil, Diamond, Jos, and Rosalia,” Sia said. “They sounded like nice people.”


    “They were,” Yue told her. “At least, the ones I knew did.”


    “Where’s Anni now?” Skai asked. “I haven’t seen her.”


    “She’s really depressed,” Zade responded. “I don’t think you’ll see her. She’s on the edge, but I think she’ll sort it out.”


    “This is horrible,” Sia said. “They just get away with it?”


    “We can’t do anything about it,” Th’ul shrugged. “And they have positions of power. Does that mean you don’t want to be a mage anymore?”


    “No,” Sia replied. “I want to be a mage more now. I want to stop them.”


    Zade chuckled wryly. “Do you see us, Sia? There used to be thirteen of us. We didn’t know each other then, but there did. Diamond and Astil died. Anni is depressed to the brink of death, who knows for how long. I have been tortured and almost killed. Xander has been permanently scarred physically. Neena, Aster, Alyx. and Artemis have been injured by the Cult. Only Th’ul, Xavier and  YUe have escaped mostly unscathed, although even they have scars. And we all are more skilled than you. Meanwhile, what have we done? Killed one mage-in-training and a couple other Cultists! We haven’t actually done anything to stop them! No offense, but what do you think you’ll be able to do against them?”


    “Anything I can,” Sia responded. “I know I’m not a mage. I know I’m not a warrior. But you’ll need all the help you can get, right?”


    “Yes, we will,” Yue said, shooting Zade a glare. “We’re happy you want to help. What about you, Skai?”


    “Oh, I’m in,” Skai smiled. “This sounds like fun.”


    “That’s the spirit,” Alyx grinned.


    “So, what’s next?” Sia asked.


    “Not much,” Yue replied. “I have to tell the Wolf about what happened, but he needs to call a fifteen minute break first. He should call one in a couple of fights. We don’t have to wait long.”


    “Knowing all of this does make me nervous, though,” Sia said. “I’ve never really been in immediate danger before. I have a question.”


    “Go ahead,” Yue told her. “I have a question too. Where are your friends?”


    “They couldn’t come,” Sia told her. “They got sick. Anyways, my question is: Where should I sleep? If I go home alone, they could follow me. They could get to my home and kill me.”


    “You’re right,” Aster breathed. “You can’t be in the Vanguard grounds, though, considering your status. Can she go to Zenyth?”


    “I’m not sure,” Zade shrugged.


    “She can,” Th’ul said. “We’ll bring her in as a guest.”


    “I should go, too,” Skai told them. Zade nodded in confirmation.


    “I get to go to Zenyth?” Sia shrieked. “I can’t believe it! I’ve always wanted to go there!”


    Zade chuckled. “You’ll love it there.”


    “I know.”


    “It’s a deal,” Yue said. “Any other questions?” No one responded, so she continued. “I don’t think I need to say this, but we need to be quiet. Don’t mention this to anyone, and, even between yourselves, keep the Dautha talk to a minimum.”


    “Of course,” Skai told her. “I won’t speak of it.”


    “THE NEXT MATCH COMMENCES IN FIFTEEN MINUTES!” The Wolf roared from the ring.


    “I guess that’s my cue, then,” Yue stood up, walking down to the ring.


    “What happened?” The Wolf asked. “Is it urgent?”


    “Very,” Yue said. “I’ve figured out part of what the Cult wants to do.”


    The Wolf sucked in a breath and his eyes widened. “Show me.”


    Yue led him to the Foyer, where they entered the storage hallway.


    “Why are we here?” The Wolf asked nervously. “These are the storage rooms. Are you telling me they’re targeting the participants?”


    “Yes,” Yue nodded. “In fact, they’re targeting everybody.”


    “What do you mean?” The Wolf asked. “Are you sure?”


    Yue nodded again, leading him down the corner. They were close, and Yue could feel her heart beating rapidly.


    “Thank you for telling me,” The Wolf said. “We might just be able to stop them. Out of curiosity, how did you find it?”


    Yue blushed. “Me and Zade had decided to explore the storage rooms, and we stumbled on the Cultists doing it.”


    “You brought Zade here?” The Captain asked. “He shouldn’t have come. Only participants…”


    “I know,” Yue replied. “But that doesn’t matter anymore.”


    “Just don’t bring him here again unless I give permission,” The Wolf told her. “Are we close?”


    “Just down this hallway.” Yue responded. “I can’t believe the secrets in this Arena!”


    “And you haven’t found half of them,” The Wolf’s eye twinkled.


    “I bet,” She responded. “Okay, here we are.”


    She turned the corner and her heart skipped a beat, breath hitching in her throat.


    Everything was gone. No Cultists, no explosives, no…nothing.


    “What am I looking at here, Yue?” The Wolf asked.


    “I swear, me and Zade found Cultists here rigging explosives,” Yue said. “They were preparing to blow up the Arena!”


    “Hmm,” The Wolf thought. “I’m inclined to believe you, but there’s nothing here. Maybe they changed their mind, or maybe they just decided to move everything. And it is also possible that there was nothing.”


    “Maybe,” Yue agreed grudgingly. “But Zade saw it too!”


    “That’s why I believe you,” The Wolf responded. “This is not good. They know you found them. They must’ve decided to hide this from you.”


    “So, what are they doing now?” Yue asked.


    “I don’t know,” The Wolf replied. “They might try the same thing. Or they could do something different. Either way, I don’t think coming back here will be fruitful. YOu know about this place, and the Cult knows that. They won’t set up anything here anymore.”


    Yue nodded sadly. How had the Cult had time to do this? It had only been half an hour since they''d left.


    “I’ve got a tournament to judge,” The Wolf told her. “It’s about to start. I need to get back. Thank you for showing me. If there’s anything else, tell me.”


    “What do you mean, there was nothing there?” Zade asked incredulously. “We saw it all there!”


    “I know,” Yue gritted her teeth. “But it’s not there anymore.”


    “Were you in the right spot?”


    “Yes! I’m sure of it. They just had time to move it all.”


    “Either that, or they did some magic,” Th’ul told them. “An illusion or they moved it magically.”


    “I didn’t think of that,” Yue said. “Should I go back?”


    “Not now,” Th’ul told her. “Since they’re onto you, they’ll have time to do anything before you go there.”


    “I can’t believe it!” Neena complained. “They’re always a step ahead of us. It’s so annoying.”


    “Is that what happens every time?” Sia asked, eyes wide.


    “Pretty much,” Alyx hung her head. “We’re never really able to do anything to stop them. They always know everything.”


    “And they also might try to kill us at any moment,” Aster pointed out.


    “That’s why there’s a shield around this part of the Arena,” Th’ul told them. “ANy sort of harmful magic will be stopped.”


    “No,” Yue responded. “That can’t be. Remember Taoteo? He was magically powered, but he harmed me!”


    “The magic just made him faster,” Th’ul responded. “It didn’t hurt you directly. It-s a technicality.”


    “I hate technicalities,” Yue murmured.


    “I CALL TO THE ARENA SKAI PELT AND ALYX REINHOLT!”


    Skai gaped. “I can’t believe it. Why?”


    Alyx smirked. “Let’s do this.”


    “Wow, I didn’t think Skai would have to fight any of us,” Aster said. “But both of them are undefeated. Who do you think will win?”


    “Alyx for sure,” Zade chuckled. “I still feel the bruises she gave me.”


    “No, I think Skai will win,” Xavier responded.


    “Well, of course you would think that,” Neena retorted. “You’re her temporary boyfriend.”


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    “Hey!” Xavier exclaimed. “What’s that supposed to mean? I’ll have you know, she’s moving to Magefell after the tournament.”


    “She’s doing that for you?” Neena asked, incredulous.


    “Not exactly,” Xavier said. “She’s looking to join the guard here.”


    “Not the Van-guard?” Yue asked. Xavier rolled his eyes.


    “Not as far as I know. You could ask her, though.”


    Yue smirked. “No, she’s not strong enough.” Xavier didn’t rise to the bait, instead looking at the field, where both Alyx and Skai were stretching.


    “THE MATCH COMMENCES IN THREE…TWO…ONE…BEGIN!”


    The charge was astounding. Roaring in unison with the crowd, Alyx and Skai ran at each other, swinging rapidly with their swords. Yue struggled to keep up with all the blows coming from both girls. Since they were both on attack, they were forced to block and return their strikes rapidly, leading to a match that left the crowd gaping in astonishment.


    The rush lasted over thirty seconds, both parties unwilling to stop, either afraid of the consequences or adrenaline-fueled, Yue didn’t know. All she knew was that she needed to keep watching this exhilarating match.


    Eventually, Skai pulled away, brow filled with sweat. Alyx stopped her barrage as well, breath hitching, chest heaving up and down.


    The break didn’t last long, though. Simultaneously, the girls rushed at each other again, murderous glint in Alyx’s eyes.


    “This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” Zade breathed, and Yue agreed. This was incredible, and she couldn’t be sure who would win it.


    As Alyx and Skai continued to rain hell on each other, even the low mumbles of the crowd quieted down. Skai stepped back again, thinking critically. Obviously, she knew that if this match continued how it was, whoever won would mostly win by luck. If Skai wanted to win from skill, she’d need to change her strategy.


    Of course, Alyx wasn’t intent on giving Skai a moment of thought. She kept pummeling her, forcing Skai on the defensive now.


    That was Skai’s only mistake. And it proved to be decisive.


    As Skai struggled to contain Alyx’s wrath, Alyx pushed harder, faster, determined to end the match. Skai grew more desperate, seeing how the match could end, her movements erratic and her lunges slow.


    Ducking a sloppy swing, Alyx struck at Skai. At the last minute, Skai moved out of the way, but it wasn’t enough. The flat of the blade hit her in the head, sending her spinning to the ground.


    From there, the match ended quickly. Alyx raised her sword ?, then laughed and scraped it slightly on Skai’s arm. Skai winced but nodded in a  congratulatory manner.


    “I DECLARE THE WINNER TO BE ALYX REINHOLT!” The Wolf exclaimed.


    Another match down, and another participant with one loss.


    They were one step closer to the end of the tournament.


    — — —


    “Oh, Yue!” Kol told her. “Did you hear who your next fight is?” Yue shook her head. “Jabari.” At Yue’s black stare, he rolled his eyes. “The big Mremban.”


    Yue’s eyes widened. “Oh no. You’re joking, right?”


    “Nope,” Kol winced. “It’ll be a hard one. But I’m actually here to tell you something else. After your match, it’s your turn to guard the Royals.”


    “Great,” Yue said sarcastically. “After I get pummeled, I have the privilege and duty to guard the ones who saw my shame.”


    “Aw, come on, Yue,” Kol told her. “It can’t be that bad.”


    “Really?” Yue asked. “Why don’t you go fight Jabari?”


    “I see your point,” Kol laughed. “Well, good luck.”


    “Thank you,” Yue replied. “I’ll need it.”


    As Kol left, Yue turned to her friends.


    “You’re taking on Jabari?” Alyx asked. “Wouldn’t want to be you!”


    “Look who’s talking!”


    “Hey,” Alyx replied defensively. “I’m undefeated, remember?”


    “Someone needs to put you in your place,” Neena said.


    “I am already at the top.”


    “I CALL TO THE ARENA YUE ZHANG AND JABARI KOLO!”


    “Well, that’s me,” Yue told them. “I’ll be back soon.”


    The crowd cheered for the match they expected to be the greatest one. The Sterkona against the Strongarm. It was a match for the ages.


    When Yue met Jabari in the ring, she offered her hand. He didn’t take it.


    “You will get pummeled,” He rumbled. “You will not escape!”


    Yue was taken aback but didn’t show it. She walked to her corner of the ring. She needed to breathe.


    In and out.


    In and out.


    In and out.


    With every breath, she calmed herself a little. Without a level head, she wouldn’t make it very far in this match. She tried not to look at Jabari, but she couldn’t help it. Glaring at her, he took a few practice swings with his sword. He was a more strategic version of Gunnar. This would be even more difficult than that match.


    “THE MATCH COMMENCES IN THREE…”


    Yue unsheathed her sword, and closed her eyes. I’m at peace, she told herself. I’ll be fine. Her heart pounded with the applause of the audience.


    “TWO…”


    Breathe in, breathe out. An endless cycle that began to rattle her instead of calm her. She shouldn’t overthink this. She needed to be calm. That was the only way she’d be able to win.


    “ONE…”


    She stanced herself defensively. The guarding dragon. It was one of her favorite stances from Aleumdaun, but she didn’t use it, as she was rarely defensive, and it was an extremely defensive stance.


    Jabari flexed his bulging muscles, his sword waving this way and that, the man staring daggers at her.


    “BEGIN!”


    Jabari ran towards Yue and brought his sword down at her, intent on cleaving her in half. Bringing her sword up, Yue blocked the swing, grunting from the force of his sword. She didn’t know who was stronger, Gunnar or Jabari, but Jabari was much bigger.


    Jabari went for another lunge, this one horizontal, and once again, Yue parried it, sliding back a few steps.


    This was already exerting on her, and it had just started. She ducked a blow, then dodged, sending her sword his way. With a grunt, he slammed his sword into hers, and she had two options. Either she let her sword go, or she went with it. She chose the latter, and went flying, landing on the ground a few feet away, breathing hard.


    Jabari rushed in, and Yue jumped up, desperately blocking him. Sending a lunge his way to distract him, she stepped back again. Jabari recognized what she was doing and ignored her, swinging at her again. And again and again. Je began to send more and more quick volleys. Thankfully, those weren’t as strong as the swings before, but she was still hard pressed to defend him.


    And she could see that Jabari was not tired. If anything, the more he realized he was winning, the more awake he got. Jabari was well aware that at this rate he would win. The only thing Yue could do now was hope for a mistake.


    Eventually, she got her opportunity. Jabari wasn’t perfect, and with a sloppy swing, he put his foot too far than it should be. With a smile, Yue swung at him, a feint, but he didn’t notice. He tried to step back, but Yue stuck out her foot, catching him off guard and sending him tumbling to the ground. With a roar, Jabari latched onto Yue, and screaming, she fell on top of him.


    Her plan hadn’t worked as it should’ve, and now she was in a precarious position. Flipping her around, Jabari straddled her and punched her. Yue reeled from the shock and pain, but didn’t feel any blood. No crack from her nose either.


    Another punch came her way. Her hair flew up as her head hit the ground. Seeing the next punch coming her way, she stuck her hand up, catching Jabari''s hand midair. Jabari smirked and pressured her hand, and, as it went back, Yue groaned from the pain.


    He was breaking her hand. She wouldn''t let that happen. In a moment of surrender, she let her hand go. As soon as the punch hit her head, she felt the pain.


    The Mremban punched her again, and again, and again. After the fifth punch, Yue was done.  With a scream of exertion, she pushed Jabari up and punched him, and he stumbled back.


    The crowd cheered. Then they gasped.


    Yue looked around. What was going on? Jabari was standing up slowly, but he was fine. He looked at her and laughed.


    The realization hit her like a brick. Hands shaking, she raised her hand to her mouth. Nothing, no blood. Then she raised it to her nose.


    There. She was bleeding. And rapidly too.


    She had lost to the Mremban.


    “I DECLARE THE WINNER TO BE JABARI KOLO!” The Wolf said with obvious remorse. “Go clean yourself up, Yue. And come back stronger, I know you can.”


    — — —


    “Well, nothing''s broken,” The nurse told her. “You got lucky there, I heard what happened. You should be right in a few hours and ready to fight again by tomorrow. Just don’t do anything that will be of extreme exertion.”


    “I won’t, thank you,” Yue told her.


    “Well, I guess I’m the only undefeated one now,” Alyx said proudly.


    “No sorry?” Yue asked.


    “Sorry for what? I didn’t do anything wrong,” Alyx retorted. “You’re the one who lost. I didn’t beat you. I just watched as you got beat.”


    “Alyx, I really hate you.”


    “Aw, that’s sweet,” Alyx said. “Just make sure to congratulate me when I win.”


    “I won’t,” Yue said, leaving the room.


    “So you admit that I’ll win!” Alyx rushed after her triumphantly.


    “Fine. Whatever. Just get off my ass.”


    “That’s mean,” Alyx said. “I was just lightening the mood. Seemed like you needed it.”


    “Can you just be quiet for once?”


    “I guess.Where are you going now?”


    “I thought I told you to be quiet,” Yue smiled. “I’m going to see the Royals now. My turn to guard them.”


    “You know I don’t obey you,” Alyx said. “And that’s cool. I wish I could meet the Royals.”


    “I know,” Yue said, confused by the two conversations. “And you probably will meet the Royals eventually.”


    “If you know, why do you tell me anything anyway? And yeah, I guess I will meet the Royals eventually, but can I go with you?”


    “It’s a habit! And no, you can’t come with me. I can’t stand you right now.”


    “A bad habit for sure. Ugh, you’re no fun. Fine, I’ll see you soon.”


    Alyx left to find her friends, and Yue headed up to the Royals’ box. Kol was there waiting for her.


    “I saw what happened. Bad luck.”


    “It happens,” Yue replied. “I’m here to relieve you then.”


    “Finally,” Kol said. “I liked being here, but Aeson is tiring sometimes.”


    “I bet,” Yue laughed.


    “The Galacian queen is the worst,” He continued. “And the Mremban King is something different.”


    “I didn’t meet the Mremban one yesterday.”


    “He arrived today,” Kol replied. “He had something to deal with. He’s here now, and he just radiates Kingly-ness.”


    “Kingly-ness?”


    “You’ll see,” Kol smiled. “Good luck with your next matches.”


    “You too, Kol,” She replied. She opened the door to the box, and immediately Aeson came to greet her.


    “YUE!” He said. “It’s great to see you. I am sorry for your loss. You fought well. It happens. I don’t think you met the Mremban king, did you? He’s over here, his name is King Umi. You’ll love him. He’s great. We all are.”


    Yue was already overwhelmed by all he was saying.


    “Ah, this must be Yue,” A man with a coarse accent and chocolate-dark skin walked over to her. Kol was right. King Umi exhumed kingly-ness. He was wearing simple armor with no helmet, but it was his countenance that separated him. His face and tone told her he was in charge, and his large stature was enough to prove it. He seemed kind and just while at the same time prone to wrath when he needed to be. Yue bowed low.


    “Yes, your majesty.”


    “You may rise, Yue Zhang,” King Umi told her. “I have watched many of your exploits. You are a worthy fighter. Jabari was better, though.”


    “That he was,” Yue smiled. “It was an honor to fight him, majesty.”


    “That it was,” The king said. “He is an honorable fighter. One of our best.”


    “Not your best?”


    “No,” The king laughed. “I don’t think so. It depends on how the rest of the tournament goes.”


    “I hate to steal Yue from you,” Aeson stepped in. “But I want to speak to her.”


    “Go ahead,” King Umi said. “But I keep telling you, Aeson, you must be more kingly.”


    “Aw, screw that,” Aeson told him. “Here, Yue, sit. So, how’s your day going?”


    “Well,” Yue half-lied. “It’s been a busy day, and I’ve been very nervous, but it’s been fun.”


    “You, the Sterkona,” She blushed and Aeson laughed. “What do you think of that name?”


    “It’s strange,” Yue admitted. “I''ve never really had a nickname before. But, as far as nicknames go, it’s pretty good. I’m the strong woman.”


    “No, not the strong woman,” Aeson corrected. “You’re the strong woman. Many women are strong. Take my wife, for example. But you are strong. You took on Gunnar. You’re strong both in mind and body. That is something that not many men and women can say. I can, though,” He winked. “Most kings can. But you, Yue, are rare, because you are strong.”


    “I’m confused.”


    “As well you should be,” Aeson said. “It’s something most don’t want to think about, much less agree with. It’s against everything the mages say. But it is true.”


    “It’s still confusing,” Yue responded. “You sound wise, though.”


    “I have to be,” Aeson winked. “I’m a king, aren’t I? We’re all wise. Except for Ingrid.”


    “I heard that,” The Queen hissed from where she was. “And it’s Queen Ingrid.”


    Aeson put up quotations with his hand. “Queen Ingrid, yes. Also, wisdom comes with age, Yue. That’s why I’m the wisest one here.” He chuckles. “I may not look old, but I have gray hairs in my mind.”


    “Oh, please,” King Umi told him. “If I had hair, it would be gray. You have baby brown hair. Your wisdom pales in comparison to mine.”


    “As you can tell,” Aeson said, “We are all humble too. Most of us, anyway.”


    Yue had always thought that the Royals would be serious and work-minded, and to a degree, most of them were. But Aeson still threw her off. He was so normal that it was abnormal. Aeson was informal and was always joking, it just wasn’t kingly. But at the same time that was what made him endearing. It was refreshing.


    As the rest of the day went along, yue enjoyed her time with the royals. The talk stayed mostly light, with only a little politics mixed in, something Yue never liked, so she was glad. Aeson, of course, loved talking with her, and Queen Ingrid avoided her like the plague. King Umi and King Xin were both cordial but unless the conversation directly involved them, they didn’t really want to jump in.


    The day wore away. It was getting dark, and Yue was tired. She was glad that she wasn’t going to have any more games today, because she didn’t know how she would stomach them. Speaking of stomach, she was getting hungry. She would have to buy something in the bar before she went back to the vanguard grounds.


    When the next Vanguard soldier came to watch the Royals,—the last one of the day—she went down to the foyer.


    The tournament was almost done. Just one more day, and the winner would be decided. The favorite was now Jabari, but the tournament wasn’t decided yet. Yue could still win. Not that she was very intent on winning. Although she wanted to, it was her second priority now. After the confirmation of the Cult’s preparations and the subsequent disappearance of said preparation, Yue was getting more nervous, and her guarding of the Royals only made her more so.


    And it would all happen tomorrow. Yue didn’t have much time to prepare for it. And then there were the murderers. Where did they fit into all this? Would they be involved in whatever the Cult wanted? If so, what would they do?


    Yue just had so many questions and no answers. Tomorrow, everything would be answered, though.


    Everything happened tomorrow.


    — — —


    The tournament was over for the day. Two hundred contestants had been eliminated—noth Joanne and Eva being part of those—and just fifty were left. There were just fifteen Vanguard members left, and just two were undefeated, one being Alyx. Tomorrow would have a lot less matches, most people having already lost one.


    Alyx was still not a favorite, and, surprisingly enough, Yue was still a higher favorite than Alyx was, which caused endless frustration to the girl. Jabari, of course, was now the favorite of the tournament. And Gunnar was one of them too, although he had also lost one.


    Sia and Skai left with Zade, Xavier, and Th’ul to return to Zenyth. Hopefully, they would be safe there. Yue didn’t think the Cult would attack them the day before their big plan, but anything was possible.


    She and her friends had returned to the Vanguard grounds. They needed to rest. They had a big day coming up, what with the end of the tournament, and an apocalypse they weren’t ready for.


    Everything was coming to a head. Yue didn’t know what would happen tomorrow or who would survive or die, but now she felt she was ready for it.


    The time was coming.


    And for now she couldn’t wait.


    So as soon as she got back to the ground, she went to her barracks. Wisely, Alyx and Aster did the same, not wanting to repeat their hangover.


    As soon as she reached her barracks, she undressed and got into bed.


    Five minutes later, she was asleep.


    Her dreams that day were of a horrible earthquake shattering Magefell. All her friends tried to escape but each was sucked down to the pits of hell.


    Only she was left.