The Author's POV

Ci Clank—!

Closing the door behind him, Kevin got out of his apartment. Taking a deep breath, he stared at the scenery before him with lethargic eyes.

Closing his eyes for a brief moment of time, he soon opened them again and proceeded to head down.

"There you are, Kevin."

Waiting for him below was Emma who waved her hand in his direction.

Kevin's feet came to a pause. Staring at Emma who was waiting for him from below, Kevin's unfocused eyes became a little bit more focused.

'Emma...she's alive.'

Faint fragments of the vision replayed in his mind as he stared at her. Each time recollection resulted in a stinging sensation inside of his heart.

Smiling weakly, he nodded his head and greeted her back.

"Yeah...I'm here."

His voice was rather weak, but it was loud enough for Emma to hear. Of course, Emma was able to notice that something was wrong as her brows knit together.

"What is up with you? Are you okay?"

"...I'm good."

Kevin gave a short reply. Then, placing his hand on the handrail, he walked down the stairs of the building.

Not convinced by Kevin's words, Emma leaned forward. A worried look flashed across her face.

"…You don't seem to be okay? Should we have you checked?"

"I'm really fine."

Kevin raised his head and met Emma's eyes. They stared off for a good minute before Emma eventually relented.

"Alright, if you say so."

Staring into the distance, she flipped her hat backward.

"Let's go then. The others are probably already waiting for us."

Rummaging through her pockets, Emma took out a pack of gums. Taking one of the gums she placed it in her mouth and started chewing.

"Munch…munch…want one?"

Extending her hand, she offered one to Kevin. Raising his hand, Kevin politely refused.

"No thank you."

"Munch…munch…suit yourself."

Putting the pack of gums away, Emma blew a bubble gum and proceeded to head towards the center of the Issanor.

Pop—

"Ukeh!"

But just as she took two steps, her bubble burst apart and the gum splattered all over her face.

***

Today was the day of the conference tournament.

As the sun slowly rose from the horizon the atmosphere in Issanor became extremely lively and filled with excitement.

This was the event that everyone was eagerly awaiting.

Not just for the prizes, but for its meaning as well. It was the event that decided the fate of the alliance between the three races.

When I arrived at the main tournament square, the place was already boiling with noise.

and humans alike gathered in groups as they chatted

of the other races who were fairly relaxed, every human wore an expression of nervousness and excitement. This was understandable however as the tournament held a lot more meaning to them

like they are already

distance, I caught a

like famous celebrities surrounded by a bunch of fans, all

were they extremely good-looking, but their talents and

a doubt, they were the future

faint smile appeared on my lips as I witnessed this scene from

just

scene was quite familiar as I had seen it multiple times back at the

all grown up and were entirely different people from the past, their shine never disappeared. In fact, they shone more brilliantly than

are

glanced around the crowd and looked

with them to the place, but since I didn't want to skip my training session I decided to just go by myself. Amanda was also training with me, but it appeared that she was a lot faster than me at

the stereotype of girls being slow

'I see them.'

the others. Standing at the far corner of the human section I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure. It was Douglas. Behind him were the

currently

The only ones that had to hide his identity were Waylan and me. The others not so much. I was quite thankful for this. It made the search a lot easier for

clothes, I headed

"You're finally here."

was immediately greeted by Douglas who had a calm smile on his face. I nodded

session was a lot

not in a hurry.

with the same calm

the others. Apart from Leopold, Smallsnake, and Ryan who weren't planning on participating, Ava

too long ago they were brimming with confidence. But as they stared at

their worries came from. After all, there were a lot of talented people present today, and everyone here was pining

included me

was also aiming

costs. It was the item that only the winner could get and with it, I

"…hm?"

the others heading in my direction. I deeply sighed

is definitely Melissa's

definitely coming to me knowing that it would attract the attention

the three of them stopped right in front of me. As they stopped, I suddenly felt hundreds of eyes

my eyes, I asked in an

are you doing

didn't hide the displeasure in my voice as I tried to make it as evident

"…Doing what?"

not have understood

"Here."

hand, Melissa handed me a set of cards. Lifting her head,

will need it, I believe that your friends might need

obviously referring to Hein

you up on

cards from her. Then, turning around, I handed them

me use them against John not too long ago, but Ava didn't so I spent the next couple of minutes explaining to them how the cards worked. Once I was done, the both of them looked

sideways, and staring behind Melissa and the others, I wondered out

the way, have you guys seen Kevin by any

really the type

Could

"They're over there."

Kevin's whereabouts,

"Where?"

"There."

eyes, I tried to look in the direction of where she pointed, but my vision wasn't as good as hers so it took me

take long for

"Oh, I see them."

to him, Kevin's head hung low. Emma looked like her usual self, but Kevin looked a bit different

sick

disheveled and his overall complexion looked extremely pale. The current Kevin looked to be in no state to participate in

looking at Kevin in the distance, seemingly having noticed my

"…hm?"