“Twenty-seven... Twenty-six... Twenty-five...”

  The seconds ticked away rapidly. The audience in hopes for a miraculous recovery from either Roselle or Chalcon.

  Roselle’s consciousness flickered in like a fragile fme in the darkness. She could hear the distant sounds of the crowd, their chants, and the persistent countdown by the announcer. Her body felt heavy and unresponsive.

  With great effort, she attempted to open her eyes, but they only fluttered slightly. Her muscles refused to obey her commands.

  Weakly, she whispered to herself, “Move... just move.” But her body remained still.

  Roselle gnced over to Chalcon, who y unconscious on the ground.

  “Chalcon’s out cold,” she murmured weakly. “He’s not moving at all. If I can just get back on my feet, I can win this... but it’s so hard. My body just won’t listen.”

  With each passing second, Roselle forced herself to concentrate, trying to muster any of her strength that she could find. “Come on, Roselle... just a little more.”

  With every ounce of strength, she strained herself, willing her body to move. For a brief moment, it seemed like she might rise to her feet. Risebelle and Runebelle exchanged hopeful gnces, Runebelle even revealing a rare smile.

  Roselle’s limbs began to respond, and she managed to lift her head slightly. “Yes,” she whispered to herself, “I can make it. I can make it...!”

  But just as hope began to spark within her, a system message fshed in her vision:

  [System Message]

  Shutdown Initiated: Overexertion Detected. Immediate System reboot required to Prevent Critical Damage.

  The words seemed to pull the ground out from under her. Her body, already on the edge of colpse, was now forced into a complete shutdown. Roselle’s strength evaporated and she fell to the floor.

  The countdown reached its final five seconds.

  Then, at the very st second, just when the countdown was about to hit zero, Chalcon’s eyes snapped open. With his ferosity, he flipped up from the ground, pointing his sword ahead at Roselle and shouted angrily, “There isn’t any way I’m gonna lose to you! Prepare for round—”

  His words cut off abruptly when he noticed that Roselle was no longer standing across from him. His gaze shifted to the ground where she y in the aftermath of the fierce battle. A flicker of confusion crossed his face. “Wait, what?”

  The announcer shouted, “What a turn of events! The winner of this wild showdown is none other than Chalcon! Now that’s a finish I don’t think anyone saw comin’!”

  The crowd erupted into a combination of cheers, gasps, and stunned murmurs.

  Chalcon, still somewhat disoriented from his abrupt awakening, looked around the area. He scratched his head in a puzzled manner, “I won... right? I didn’t die and gone to heaven yet?”

  This garnered a chuckle from the audience.

  Then, as it sank in. He raised his hand to his chest, “Oh! I won…”

  Finally, he pumped his fist into the air triumphantly, “That’s right! I won!”

  The crowd cheered and cpped enthusiastically. Roselle y on the ground, but her face still managed to have a smile on it. Risebelle and Runebelle wore disappointed faces.

  Cha, on the other handm rushed over to Chalcon and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you, Chalcon!”

  Chalcon tried to push Cha away, but she had him locked in a bear hug, and he couldn’t escape. “Cha, come on, you’re embarrassing me! Let go of me right now!”

  The crowd erupted in cheers and appuse, celebrating Chalcon’s victory.

  Kintovar sighed. “I had hoped Roselle would win this match and we would be able to gain some more data in a battle against the champion Cha, but oh well.”

  Juliana, sitting nearby, offered a thoughtful response, “Well, Kintovar, you still have some work to do with Roselle. With what we have seen here today, we know that she can become stronger, along with Risebelle and Runebelle, but it’s up to you to guide them. They need to be at their strongest before the Eastern Annual Tournament begins. It’s crucial for completing our mission.”

  Kintovar nodded. “You’re right, grandmother. I’ll ensure that Roselle and her sisters reach their full potential before the next tournament.”

  Juliana leaned in closer with a whisper. “Kintovar, have you ever considered using a Force-Memory Fragment for Project Mage, Project ZAB, and Project Rune? According to what I’ve heard from you and the three of them separately that night, they have missing data in their memories. A Forced Memory Fragment could locate and reveal the missing parts of their memories, not only completing their data collection but also providing them with a clearer understanding of their past.”

  Kintovar’s curiosity was piqued. “A Forced Memory Fragment? I’ve heard of memory fragments before, but this is something new. Can you expin how it works and how we can obtain it?”

  Juliana nodded. ” This is something that can we can create to retrieve and complete the missing memories. We can acquire one by obtaining a rare, powerful crystal known as the ‘Suxena Nexus.’ With this, we can unlock the missing pieces of their memories, providing them with valuable insights and enabling them to collect 100% of the data we need.”

  Kintovar considered the idea carefully. “It’s certainly an intriguing concept. If it can help my creations reach their full potential and reveal the secrets of their past, then it’s worth exploring... but where would I obtain something like that?”

  Juliana leaned in even closer and whispered, “The Suxena Nexus is actually right here in the Western Kingdom. It’s a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. I can help you obtain it, but we’ll need to proceed with the utmost caution to keep our pns hidden from prying eyes.”

  Kintovar eyed Juliana with curiosity. “Grandmother, how did you come across such detailed information? It doesn’t seem like something easily discovered, let alone tested.”

  Juliana hesitated for a moment to speak, but then said, “Well, you know, Kintovar, I’ve spent a lot of time in my studies, and I’ve come across various documents in my time. Sometimes you find surprising things.”

  Kintovar’s brow furrowed slightly and she studied Juliana for a moment. Despite her skepticism, she nodded slowly. “I see. You’ve always been resourceful, grandmother. I suppose if anyone were to know about such things, it would be you.” Kintovar then extended her hand. “This is certainly an interesting development, and I’m eager to see what the Suxena Nexus can reveal.”

  Juliana nodded and looked down at her hand. She then whispered, “Before we proceed, Varta, there’s one more thing. I need to test your resolve and dedication to this cause. The Suxena Nexus is a powerful Crystal, and we can’t afford any missteps. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to ensure your creations reach their full potential and uncover the mysteries of their past, even if it means you may run the risk of making yourself an enemy of the West?”

  Kintovar’s responded without hesitation, “Juliana, I’ve dedicated my life to these creations and their mission. I’m willing to take any necessary steps and make whatever sacrifices are required to ensure they achieve their full potential and unravel the secrets of their past. I won’t let anything stand in our way, even if it means becoming an enemy of the West. These creations are my legacy, and their mission must succeed.”

  Juliana’s smiled and shook Kintovar’s hand.” Now that’s the commitment I wanted to see, baby bird! I’ll make the necessary arrangements for our mission to obtain the Suxena Nexus. You’ll receive further instructions soon. For now, let’s keep our pns hidden from prying eyes.”

  Time had passed since the intense battle in the Western Practice Tournament. Roselle stirred from her sleep, slowly regaining consciousness. She was met Runebelle was right next to her with deep concern.

  The closeness of Runebelle startled Roselle. “R-Runebelle?” she stammered, wide-eyed.

  But when she spoke, she realized that Runebelle was not just close—she was practically on top of her. Roselle let out a loud scream in shock.

  A few minutes ter, as Roselle’s heart rate began to return to normal. Runebelle sat at the side of the bed, and Roselle was now fully awake. She looked at Runebelle with confusion

  “Gosh, Runebelle, what were you thinking, being so close like that?”

  Runebelle, with her usual gloom, expined, “When I was always in the tanks, you would attach yourself to them like that... It was comforting to me…I thought... it was the same.”

  Roselle blinked. “Oh,” she said. Her cheeks flushed. “I guess I do that, don’t I? Sorry for screaming. It just took me by surprise.”

  Runebelle hung her head down. “its okay… I didn’t mean to scare you…”

  Roselle chuckled softly and gave Runebelle a pat on the shoulder. “No harm done. Thanks for looking out for me, Runebelle.”

  Risebelle rushed over to Roselle, wrapping her arms around her in a tight hug. “Roselle, you did your best out there. Well done.”

  Roselle hugged Risebelle back, looking confused. “What h--”

  Risebelle suddenly interrupted her by pulling back from the hug. She held Roselle by the shoulders and looked at her intently. “Hold on a second. I have something to say, and you need to let me do this. It’s something I’ve never done before, and it stays between us, okay?”

  Roselle’s eyes widened in surprise. “Uh, okay, fine. What’s this about?”

  Risebelle nodded. “Good. Then here goes...” She took a deep breath, her stern face momentarily appeared before a wide smile spread across her face.

  “You were amazing out there, Roselle! That st move you did was incredible! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. You showed everyone just how powerful you are! I mean, the way you took on Chalcon ... that elemental fusion of yours was something else!”

  Roselle blinked “Wow, I... I didn’t expect that,” she stammered before a smile appeared on her lips. “Thanks, Risebelle. That means a lot coming from you.”

  Risebelle released her grip, stepping back. “Don’t get used to it, though. I have a reputation to maintain.”

  Roselle giggled. “Is your reputation as the group’s resident grump?”

  Risebelle’s eyes narrowed slightly. she folded her arms across her chest, and said, “Just when I thought I could give you a compliment, you go and say that like an idiot. You really know how to ruin a moment, Roselle.”

  Roselle ughed “Oh, come on, Risebelle! I’m not that bad!”

  Risebelle managed to hold back a smirk. Roselle eyes her two sisters with a smile. “So…. Did I... win the match?”

  Risebelle sighed and spoke with a softer tone. “Roselle, you didn’t win this time. Chalcon managed to get up right before the countdown ended. You were so close, but…”

  Roselle’s face fell “Oh…I... see.”

  Runebelle quickly spoke up with a faint smile. “But you did amazing, Roselle. Everyone was cheering for you...”

  Risebelle nodded, “Yeah, you might not have won this match, but you showed everyone what you’re capable of. You didn’t let up, not even for a second.”

  Roselle sighed, and a small smile came to her mouth. “I guess that’s something, right?”

  Runebelle hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Roselle, I thought of something. We’re sisters, and sisters fight together.”

  Roselle looked puzzled. “What do you mean, Runebelle?”

  Risebelle chimed in, “Runebelle has been doing this for a while now. When it seemed like you were having a tough time in the match, she came down and said, ‘Sisters fight together,’ and then she did this.” Risebelle raised her fists and mimicked Runebelle’s face, which combined confidence with her usual sadness.

  Runebelle blushed slightly, but nodded in confirmation.

  Roselle finally understood, and a warm smile spread across her face. “I get it now, Runebelle. We do fight together, and I’m so lucky to have you and Risebelle by my side.” She reached out and gently patted Runebelle’s shoulder.

  Chalcon entered the room. Both Risebelle and Runebelle noticed that his usual angry demeanor was absent. She gnced at Roselle and then turned to her with a mischievous smile on her face. “Oh look Roselle, your new friend and the person who beat you are here! I’ll leave you two to chat.”

  Risebelle grabbed Runebelle’s hand and started leading her away. Runebelle looked a bit confused and asked, “Where are we going?”

  Risebelle’s leaned in close to her younger sister. “I have a feeling we might need to give these two some space, and maybe we can get to know Chalcon a bit better too.” With a wink, she continued to lead Runebelle away.

  Roselle took a deep breath and began the conversation. She looked at Chalcon and smiled, “So, you came to see me, huh?”

  She was about to pyfully call him ‘Mr. Angry Boy’ like she did st time, but after their intense battle and his victory, it didn’t feel quite right. Instead, she addressed him by his name, “Chalcon.”

  Chalcon’s cheeks colored slightly at the use of his name. He gnced at Roselle, not saying anything in response.

  Roselle scratched the back of her head. “Well, you did it, Chalcon. You sliced me up just like you said you would.”

  Chalcon finally spoke with a hint of embarrassment, “Yeah, I did. But it was a tough fight, Roselle. You were pretty damn amazing …”

  Roselle grinned. “Thanks, Chalcon. You were pretty amazing too.”