Chapter 50 - Tournament Begins!
The morning sun hung low in the sky, wrapped in a shroud of scattered gray clouds. There was no rain, but the air felt like it was hiding itself, as if the world were holding its breath.
Lucas stood tall in front of the palace, flanked by Andre and Darlene. Their black coats swayed in the wind, the fabric adorned with the silver emblem of Planet Tian. Opposite them stood Siman and his father, both dressed in deep black, as if the night itself had solidified into fabric. Siman was calm, but it was his father who truly drew attention.
Strands of his pitch-black hair draped over his shoulders, and though he spoke gently, his words fell heavy like metal crashing against stone.
"There are a few things that must be clarified," the man began. "First, only Lucas and Darlene will participate in the tournament."
Lucas's brow twitched, but he remained silent. He knew this was coming.
