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.

humans alike gathered in groups as they

an expression of nervousness and excitement. This was understandable however as the tournament held a lot

like they are already

I caught a

looked like famous celebrities surrounded by a bunch

was understandable, however. After all, not only were they extremely good-looking, but their

they were the future

faint smile appeared on my lips as

things just

had seen it

from the past, their shine never disappeared. In fact,

now...where are

I glanced around the crowd and looked for

session I decided to

stereotype of girls being slow at changing was

'I see them.'

didn't take me too long to spot the others. Standing at the far corner of the human section I caught a glimpse of a familiar

me, everyone was currently not wearing a

to. The only ones that had to hide his identity were Waylan and me. The others not so much. I was quite thankful for

my clothes, I headed in their

"You're finally here."

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

was a

not in a hurry.

reassured with the

softly smiled in response. Then, turning around I proceeded to greet the others. Apart from Leopold, Smallsnake, and Ryan who weren't planning on participating, Ava and Hein had nervous looks on

as not too long ago they were brimming with confidence. But as they stared at the people around them,

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

included me

was also aiming for the top

could get and with it, I would have no trouble breaking through to

"…hm?"

and the others heading in my direction. I deeply sighed at the

definitely

knew just how much I hated attention, and she was definitely coming to me knowing that it would attract

of them stopped right in front of me. As they stopped, I suddenly felt hundreds of eyes directed in my direction and

rolling my eyes, I asked in an

are you doing this

in my voice as I tried to make it

"…Doing what?"

being Melissa feigned ignorance and pretended to not have understood

"Here."

a set of cards. Lifting her head, she

don't think you will need it, I believe that

obviously referring to

you up on the

cards from her. Then, turning around,

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 at

Melissa

have you guys seen

the type

Or maybe I was just overthinking things? Could just be that he was hanging out with Emma since she was

"They're over there."

on cue, just as I was wondering about Kevin's whereabouts, Amanda

"Where?"

"There."

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

didn't take long for me

"Oh, I see them."

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

sick or

sight. Not only was his aura weird, but his hair was disheveled and his overall complexion looked extremely pale. The current Kevin looked to be in no state to

seemingly having noticed my stare, Kevin raised his head

"…hm?"