Arlen leaned forward in his seat, eyes burning with hope.

  This was it. Now. This was the moment. Toma had to attack.

  Emion felt the same tension twisting in his chest.

  “Come on, Toma. Do it. Attack already.”

  Lyrien watched the battlefield with worry, holding Toma’s little sister, Nira, securely in her lap. Her fingers tightened slightly as she whispered encouragement, her gaze never leaving the arena.

  “You can do this… come on, Toma.”

  Nira, perched happily against her, joined in with all the confidence a child could muster.

  “Go, big brother Toma!”

  The moment those words left Nira’s mouth, Lyrien’s heart melted completely. She hugged the girl tightly, unable to hide her smile.

  “Oh, Nira, you’re adorable… Let’s cheer for your brother together.”

  Not everyone shared the same gentle mood.

  Demia clenched her fists, eyes sharp and unwavering.

  Attack already, my son. Stop playing around.

  Even the commentator couldn’t stay quiet anymore.

  “Everyone, it looks like Toma is about to make his move!”

  Toma didn’t wait another second.

  Enough.

  The Blue Nova flared around his body.

  And then Toma vanished.

  He didn’t move fast. He simply wasn’t there anymore. The air still trembled where he had stood as he reappeared right beside Arvian.

  Arvian reacted on instinct. His hand shot up, ice erupting from the ground and forming a sharp wall between them.

  Too late.

  Toma was already behind him.

  The ice wall shattered the instant the Blue Nova struck it, fragments exploding across the arena. Arvian spun around just in time to see Toma disappear again—only for a crushing strike to come down from above, wrapped in concentrated blue energy.

  Arvian crossed his arms as thick ice condensed over them, forming armor. The impact rang sharply, cracks spreading like spiderwebs across the frozen surface as he was forced backward.

  “This isn’t tactics anymore!” the commentator exclaimed. “This is pure pressure from Toma!”

  Trying to regain control, Arvian changed his approach. The ice no longer formed walls—it fractured into dozens of razor-sharp shards that launched simultaneously from every direction.

  Toma disappeared.

  The shards collided midair, smashing into one another before they could reach their target.

  He reappeared directly in front of Arvian, close enough to see the flicker of shock in his eyes. There was no strike this time—just an eruption of the Blue Nova, bursting outward as a shockwave.

  Arvian was blown back, the ice beneath his feet splitting apart as he dropped to one knee.

  He looked up.

  Toma was gone again.

  The next blow came from the left. Then the right. Then behind him. There was no rhythm, no pattern—only flashes of blue and overwhelming force crashing in from every direction.

  The ice tried to respond, but it was always a moment too late. By the time Arvian raised a defense, Toma was already elsewhere.

  “Incredible speed!” the commentator shouted. “Arvian simply can’t keep up!”

  Cornered, Arvian reached for his final option.

  The ice turned savage.

  He stopped shaping it, stopped refining it. The entire arena froze over as massive blocks of ice erupted from the ground, forming something like a rising ice city.

  For a brief moment, Toma appeared atop one of the towering pillars.

  He looked down calmly.

  The Blue Nova around him no longer scattered wildly. It compressed inward, forming a dense, vibrating sphere of energy.

  Arvian raised his hand—and every block of ice surged toward Toma at once.

  Toma didn’t retreat.

  He vanished.

  The next instant, he was standing right in front of Arvian.

  Behind him, the massive ice blocks crashed into one another with a thunderous roar. Arvian barely even registered Toma’s arrival—only the sudden compression of air in front of him.

  The Blue Nova no longer flickered.

  It had condensed into a single, perfectly focused core around Toma’s hand.

  Arvian tried to move.

  The ice around him trembled—but it didn’t respond fast enough.

  “This is the moment…” the commentator murmured, his voice low with tension. “…when only one question remains. Will the defense hold?”

  Toma raised his arm.

  The Blue Nova blazed with blinding density.

  And then he launched the Nova strike.

  Everyone believed it had landed.

  Everyone—except Arvian.

  No—no—no! It’s not over yet, Toma!

  At the last possible instant, Arvian blocked the attack with a massive ice spike, stopping the Nova head-on.

  What he failed to realize…

  was that this was exactly what Toma had been waiting for.

  In the blink of an eye, Toma was already in front of him.

  A powerful punch slammed into Arvian’s body.

  Then a spinning kick followed, striking him cleanly and sending him reeling.

  Toma stepped back, his stance steady, preparing to end it.

  “I’m sorry, Arvian,” his voice carried clearly through the arena, “but I will be the new captain of the Elite Division!”

  Arvian’s vision swam. He couldn’t even find the strength to push himself up.

  Damn it… Is Toma really going to defeat me like this?

  I shouldn’t have let him get close… This is already the second time. I know it—I know it better than anyone. Toma is superior in close combat. His acrobatics, his instincts… This hurts.

  The final Blue Nova strike erupted.

  A blue beam slammed directly into Arvian, driving him into the ground. When the light faded, he lay embedded in the arena floor, completely motionless.

  Toma turned toward the referee.

  “Referee, please begin the countdown.”

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  “Immediately!”

  The referee rushed to Arvian’s side and raised his hand.

  “Ten… nine… eight…”

  As he lay there, unable to move, Arvian’s thoughts drifted.

  Toma… when did you become this strong?

  No—what am I saying? You were always strong. You had no special ability, yet you trained every single day, pushing yourself further than anyone else. I know exactly why you fight. You never give up.

  But me…

  Why am I fighting?

  My name is Arvian Lysell.

  I am a child of the Lysell family—the greatest noble family in the land.

  At least, that is how it sounds.

  The truth is far more complicated.

  My father married a commoner. Not a noblewoman.

  Because of that choice, my father’s older brother——the man named as the family’s future leader—made sure my parents lived far away from the main clan. Not officially disowned… but close enough that it felt the same.

  So my parents left everything behind.

  They moved to a distant, quiet village and started over.

  That village was called Gorimbol.

  And that was where I first met Toma.

  ***

  Eleven years earlier…

  “Mom! Mom! Can I ask you something?”

  Arvian’s mother smiled as she looked down at him. Of course he could ask—he always could.

  “What is it, Arvian?”

  “Why did you and Dad move here?”

  She paused for a moment, then answered gently.

  “Why Gorimbol?” Her gaze drifted toward the window. “Because it’s the most beautiful village I know. The people are kind, there’s a small river, a lake… and the whole place rests in the arms of a vast, beautiful forest.”

  Arvian’s eyes immediately lit up.

  “A forest? What is it like?”

  She thought about it for a second.

  “Hm… I think it’s huge. Full of animals.”

  “What kind of animals?”

  “All kinds,” she said with a soft laugh. “Birds, deer, wild boars, foxes… They’re all very cute. One day, we can go there together.”

  Excitement exploded inside him.

  “Really!? That sounds amazing! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

  She shook her head with a fond smile.

  “Not now, my son. Your father works a lot, remember? For now, come—lunch is ready.”

  “Okay! I’m already starving!”

  That evening, Arvian lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

  Hmm… what if I go explore the forest tomorrow?

  Tomorrow is Saturday. Mom and Dad always sleep in.

  If I leave early enough, I’ll be back before they even notice.

  The plan was perfect.

  The next morning, Arvian woke up before sunrise. Quietly, carefully, he slipped out of the house while his parents were still asleep.

  At first, everything went smoothly.

  Then he realized one small problem.

  …I don’t actually know where the forest is.

  For a while, he wandered through the village aimlessly—until an old man suddenly appeared in front of him.

  “Little boy,” the man asked, squinting at him, “what are you doing out here so early?”

  Arvian felt his face heat up.

  “Well, um… I’m looking for the forest.”

  The old man blinked in surprise.

  “The forest? That’s on the other side of the village. But Gorimbol isn’t big—just keep walking straight along this road and you’ll find it sooner or later.”

  “Okay! Thank you, sir!”

  Without waiting another second, Arvian ran off excitedly.

  “Wait!” the old man called after him, reaching out. “Where are your parents?”

  Too late.

  Arvian was already gone.

  He continued his little adventure happily—until the sound of running water caught his attention.

  A small stream flowed alongside the path.

  “Whoa… there might be fish in here!”

  Grinning, he stepped closer.

  “I’ll just take a quick look. This is exploration too, right?”

  Arvian climbed down into the stream and tried to catch a fish with his bare hands. The water wasn’t deep—it only reached up to his waist.

  ***

  Meanwhile, in another house in the village, Toma was in the yard, busy building a racetrack for his remote-controlled car.

  That was when he noticed something.

  A cat was casually walking across the yard.

  Little Toma’s face lit up instantly.

  “A kitty!”

  The cat glanced at him and blinked once.

  Encouraged, Toma crept closer. When he was near enough, he crouched down and slowly reached out his hand.

  The reaction was immediate.

  The cat bolted.

  Toma’s mood flipped in an instant, and he took off after it.

  “Hey! Wait! You stupid kitty—I just wanted to pet you!”

  The chase continued through the village streets for several minutes. In the end, the cat reached the small bridge over the village stream. The path beyond was straight and open, and with a final burst of speed, it dashed across and vanished.

  Toma couldn’t keep up.

  Completely out of breath, he leaned against the bridge railing, hands on his knees.

  “Damn it… stupid animal!”

  As he caught his breath, he casually looked down at the stream below.

  That was when he noticed something strange.

  The water wasn’t empty.

  A white-haired boy was splashing around in the stream.

  “Hey!” Toma called out from above. “What are you doing down there?”

  The boy looked up, surprised, and met Toma’s gaze.

  “I’m trying to catch fish!”

  Toma burst out laughing.

  “That’s not how you do it!”

  Arvian frowned up at him.

  “Then how should I do it!?”

  “I’ve got a net at home,” Toma replied proudly. “I’ve already caught fish here before.”

  Arvian’s eyes widened.

  “Really!?”

  “Yeah!” Toma nodded. “If you want, I can bring it and show you!”

  Arvian shook his head quickly.

  “I can’t right now. I’m on a mission.”

  Toma’s eyes sparkled.

  “A mission? What kind?”

  “An exploration mission. I’m looking for the forest. Do you know where it is?”

  “Of course!” Toma answered without hesitation. “It’s not far from here. Want me to take you?”

  “Yes! That would help a lot!”

  Toma climbed down to the stream bank and reached out his hand. Arvian took it, and together they climbed out.

  With Toma leading the way, the two boys headed toward the forest.

  It wasn’t far—on foot, maybe fifteen minutes. Along the way, they talked nonstop.

  “Look!” Arvian suddenly held out his palm. A small patch of ice formed in his hand.

  Toma stared at it in awe.

  “Whoa… you have ice powers!? That’s amazing! I don’t have any abilities at all!”

  Arvian smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.

  “This is really all I can do—just make a little ice. By the way, what’s your name?”

  “I’m Toma! Toma Sorien!”

  “Sorien?” Arvian repeated. “That’s a special name. I’ve never heard it before.”

  Toma grinned.

  “Thanks! And you?”

  “My name is Arvian Nir.”

  “Arvian, huh?” Toma nodded approvingly. “That’s special too! And look—there it is!”

  He pointed ahead.

  “That’s the forest!”

  “I see it!” Arvian’s excitement exploded. “Come on, Toma, let’s run!”

  “Okay!”

  They sprinted across the green field and finally stopped in front of a massive tree.

  “Whoa…” Toma whispered. “It’s huge.”

  “So,” he continued, turning to Arvian, “what do we do now that we’ve found the forest?”

  Arvian thought for a moment.

  “I’ve never been in a forest before… but I think we should build a treehouse out of branches!”

  “That’s an awesome idea!”

  The two boys got to work immediately.

  When they finally finished, Toma suddenly froze.

  “…Oh no.”

  Arvian tilted his head.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I left home without telling anyone,” Toma admitted. “My mom is definitely worried.”

  Arvian blinked.

  “But we’ve only been here about an hour!”

  “I know, but still…”

  Then realization hit Arvian like lightning.

  “…I did the same thing.”

  His face went pale.

  “I have to go home too—but I don’t even know the way!”

  “Don’t worry,” Toma said quickly. “Come with me! My mom can help you!”

  “Thank you!”

  “Come on, let’s hurry!”

  Back at Toma’s house, his mother was already waiting in the yard, arms crossed.

  “Toma!” Her voice was sharp with worry. “Where have you been!? The moment I look away, you disappear! I already asked all the neighbors and was just about to go searching!”

  “Wait, Mom!” Toma quickly stepped aside. “You need to help! This is Arvian—he got lost!”

  Demia’s expression softened immediately.

  “Hello, Arvian. I’m Toma’s mother, Demia.” She crouched slightly to meet his eyes. “Can you tell me where you live?”

  “Uh… near the small shop.”

  “There are two shops in the village,” Demia said calmly. “Which one? The one at the far end, or the one across from the main square?”

  “I think the one at the far end,” Arvian replied. “The shop I know doesn’t have a square in front of it.”

  Demia nodded.

  “Alright. By car, it’s less than ten minutes. From the shop, can you show us the way to your house?”

  “Yes!”

  “Good,” she said with a small smile. “Then come on, boys. Get in the car.”

  ***

  Meanwhile, Arvian’s mother slowly woke up.

  She stretched with a satisfied sigh.

  “Ahh… I slept so well. What time is it?”

  One glance at the clock was enough to wipe the sleep from her eyes.

  “Oh my God—how is it already noon!?”

  She immediately shook her husband awake.

  “Darling, wake up! It’s noon already!”

  “Huh—what!?” Bren jolted upright. “How is that even possible? How did we oversleep like this?”

  Kalira’s face went pale.

  “Didn’t Arvian wake us up? We need to check on him—right now!”

  They rushed into their son’s room.

  The bed was empty.

  “…Arvian is gone!?”

  “Maybe he’s just playing hide-and-seek,” Bren said quickly, trying to stay calm. “Let’s search the house first!”

  They checked every room. The yard. Every corner.

  Nothing.

  Kalira’s voice trembled.

  “What do we do? What if something happened to him? What if he was kidnapped!?”

  “I don’t think so,” Bren replied, forcing himself to think clearly. “He probably just wandered off. I’ll take the car and look for him—you stay here. If he comes back, someone needs to be home.”

  Just then, the doorbell rang.

  Both parents froze.

  Bren rushed to the door and flung it open.

  Demia stood there, with Toma beside her—and Arvian between them.

  “Excuse me,” Demia said gently, “is this your child? Arvian?”

  Kalira didn’t wait another second. She rushed forward and pulled Arvian into her arms, hugging him tightly.

  “Yes! Yes, he’s our son!” Her voice broke with relief. “Thank you—we were looking for him everywhere!”

  “Toma found him,” Demia explained.

  Kalira and Bren were extremely grateful.

  “We’re so grateful! But Arvian—why did you leave like that?”

  Arvian lowered his head slightly.

  “I went on an exploration journey to find the forest… and on the way, I met Toma. He helped me.”

  Kalira hugged him even tighter.

  “My son, never do something like this again. We were so worried.”

  After calming down, Arvian’s parents introduced themselves properly.

  “My name is Kalira Nir, and this is my husband, Bren,” she said warmly. “Thank you so much for bringing our son back safely.”

  Then Arvian stepped forward, looking up at his mother.

  “Mom… can I meet Toma again sometime?”

  Kalira glanced at Demia.

  “Well,” she said gently, “if Toma and his mother don’t mind.”

  Demia smiled and nodded.

  “Of course. Toma would be happy to have a friend.”

  Arvian turned back to Toma and held out his hand.

  “Toma—let’s be friends from now on.”

  Toma’s face lit up. He slapped Arvian’s palm without hesitation.

  “Friends!? That sounds awesome!”

  Bren then gestured toward the house.

  “And if you don’t mind… as a small sign of our gratitude, we’d like to invite you in for some coffee or tea.”

  Demia hesitated.

  “Oh, we don’t want to intrude—”

  Kalira waved her off immediately.

  “Please, come in. We wouldn’t feel right letting you leave like this.”

  “…Alright,” Demia finally agreed with a small smile. “But just tea.”

  And from that day on, Arvian and Toma became friends.

  ***

  I’ll never forget the day Toma and I first met…

  “Seven… six…”

  The referee’s voice echoed across the arena.

  As Arvian lay there, something stirred deep inside him.

  Toma… you’re stronger than me. I’ve always looked up to you—the way you never give up.

  But because of that… I can’t give up either.

  His fingers dug into the ground.

  My parents and I were accepted back into the Lysell family only because they saw my strength.

  I’ll prove it—to them, to everyone! I’ll show the Lysell clan that my parents and I are worthy of the Lysell name!

  With a sharp breath, Arvian forced himself to stand.

  The air around him dropped in temperature instantly.

  In the next moment, a massive torrent of ice erupted from his body, surging across the entire arena.