The morning sun rose differently over Sorriso.

  The streets were already packed; flags fluttered, and fairies spread light magic through the air, creating shimmering panels that would broadcast every detail of the battle to come.

  At the center of the square, the Herald of Sorriso lifted his staff, and silence fell like a cloak.

  — “Hear me, all! Today begins the Trial of Dawn, in honor of Helena, jewel of the Main House! Here, every pair will prove their strength, discipline, and heart!”

  The ground trembled. A circle of runes flared open, forming a glowing rift.

  An arena of shifting dimensions took shape — ancient stone, miniature forests, and portals from which monsters would emerge in waves.

  The crowd roared, and the Herald’s voice cut through the excitement:

  — “The pairs are set! Lukas Fernandes and Amélia Barca! Besouro and Aerya Summer! Akemi Fernandes and Hiroshi of the Black Sun! Leli Fernandes and Isla of the Spring! All others, stand ready!”

  Fairies lit each pair like stars.

  Lukas breathed deep. Beside him, Amélia raised her hand — an ice bow formed instantly, glittering blue beneath the sun, its string made of frozen mana.

  — “Don’t falter, Lukas. I’ll cover you from afar. I trust you.”

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  He nodded, though inside, voices stirred.

  César: “Boy, this arena will swallow you if you hesitate.”

  Morgana, purring: “Or you could shine, chocolatinho… maybe it’s time to show the world that blade you dream about.”

  The trumpet blared. The first portals burst open.

  Out poured shadow wolves, harpies, and goblins armed with crude blades.

  Besouro laughed, spinning beside Aerya, whose legs burned with fire magic. — “Come on! The dance already started!”

  Akemi and Hiroshi fought like thunder and silence — clean, efficient, devastating.

  Leli and Isla moved like flowing water, spinning and laughing, dazzling the crowd.

  Lukas and Amélia held their ground.

  She unleashed volley after volley — every ice arrow froze monsters whole, shattering them into glittering shards.

  Lukas darted through the chaos, striking with fists and kicks whenever she created an opening.

  But his body… couldn’t keep up.

  He stumbled back, blood on his lips. Closing his eyes, he imagined it — the short black blade slicing through lightning.

  — Sacred Gladius of the Black Thunder!

  For a heartbeat, the ground shook. The air hissed — lightning trapped inside a heartbeat.

  Then… nothing.

  His body seized. Muscles locked. Pain ripped through his bones. The spark went out like a candle in the wind.

  A goblin lunged.

  Amélia drew her bow — one ice arrow pierced the creature’s chest, freezing it mid-snarl before it shattered into a thousand icy shards.

  — “Lukas! What was that?!”

  He wiped the blood from his mouth. — “Not yet… I can’t do it yet.”

  From above, the Patriarchs watched:

  ?? Kotan of Winter narrowed his eyes, intrigued by Amélia’s cold magic.

  ?? Helena Summer tilted her head, watching Lukas closely.

  ?? Aurelius Rowan murmured, “That boy doesn’t fight like a child…”

  ?? Flora Anapelum pressed her chest, visibly moved.

  The crowd screamed with every arrow Amélia loosed, every time Lukas fell and stood again.

  But the murmur grew — they’d all seen it. He’d tried something… and failed.

  The Herald raised his staff again.

  — “First wave complete! Prepare for the second!”

  The runes flared brighter. Portals tore open once more.

  A deep roar shook the earth — no longer wolves or goblins.

  Now came winged serpents and cave trolls, their steps cracking stone.

  Besouro still grinned. Akemi held her calm. Leli fought like it was a dance.

  But Lukas… Lukas trembled.

  If I fail… Amélia could die.

  He clenched his fists.

  The thunder was still there — locked, waiting.

  And he swore:

  — “Next time… I’ll cut it.”

  End of Chapter 21