After the blackness of night, Mysthia's star rises on the horizon, spreading her gold in every direction. She comes in the way that natural forces do, needing not invitation yet feeling her welcome. The light is her gift, bold and free, for anyone who cares to open their eyes in the dawn and watch the world awake.
Today her light was brighter than usual as though to show her that seemed to announce today as a great day.
Blue Haven Villa, Alex was already up and with a fond smile on his face, he took breakfast with his family. After they were done with the girls he left for the academy.
••••
Imperial Magic Academy's Stadium.
Today it was fuller than usual because of the semifinal.
When Alex and the girls arrived they saw a fully packed stadium, Alex couldn't help but whistle.
''Wow! All of this just to watch the semifinal?"
To Alex's question, Luna smiled before answering.
''It was to be expected. You are both celebrities. While you may not be a crown prince of one of the strongest empires in this world, your status isn't less than his. Besides people are more interested in something foreign. Also, this match will be like the otherworlder and Mysthia's native. They would like to know who's stronger.''
''I do also share the same feeling. Both of you have been awesome in the mock battles thus far. I believe in my brother but even so, you should not take Leon too lightly as I believe that he is more formidable than the like of Leonardo and Damien.'' Gracier said while glancing at her brother.
Two pairs were locked, both heterochromia. one golden as pure as the finest gold and the second as red as the most beautiful ruby in the world. The second pair boasted a mix of beautiful green and the most perfect blue chilling eye ever seen, both looked at each other in silence without saying a single word. But although none of them said anything, it seemed that they both communicated silently since they seemed to be able to sense each other's thoughts through their eyes. No other words were needed after what she said.
Today the two were not wearing their eye patch as they have learned to control their eyes. No need to conceal it behind an eye patch any longer.
Alex's lips curved to form a reassuring smile.
Suddenly, Luna felt jealous of the chemistry between the siblings and as if he could sense her mood, Alex took her hand in his. Luna's heart skipped for a bit before a smile blossomed on her face and he interlocked her fingers with the man she chose, the one she would be spending eternity with. They will be some ups and downs on the road but she was prepared for it. Love is like a challenge, the winner wins everything while the loser ends up heartbroken. She doesn't want to be a loser.
Gracier watched the two entered their world, it was unknown if they were doing this intentionally or not because too far from them were Leonardo, his crew, and Damien. The two, especially Damien's eyes turned ugly when he saw how lovely dovey Alex and Luna appeared, he almost spurted when he saw the engagement ring on Luna's finger.
Leon was standing with others (Maria, Sakuya, Eris, Ferris, Kuina. Lilith, Artemia).
''Morning my friend. Congratulations.'' Leon said the moment Alex appeared before them.
''Morning everyone. Thank you, Leo, I hope you will present to me your future empress.'' Alex greeted everyone, he did not forget to tease Leon.
While the others greeted Alex back, Leon's face stiffened when he heard Alex's words. His words seemed to have brought back some unwanted memories.
Not being the one to miss out on the opportunity to tease the oversized lion, Kuina announced.
''Don't worry Alex because I think you will have the chance to know her soon and I'm sure you will like her.''
''Shut up kuina,'' Leon said while rubbing his forehead.
Kuina only chuckle in response, the four can be considered as childhood friends, so they knew why Leon was reacted like this. It was because of his fiancée.
Alex was curious about his friend's fiancée, he wanted to inquire about her but seeing now wasn't the time for such a thing, he postponed it for not.
''Alex congratulations.''
Like Leon, Artemia congratulated him before adding.
''I hope to face the best in the final.''
She left after saying these words, naturally, Lilith followed, she stopped for a moment and flashed a smile at Alex before resuming.
For a moment, Alex had the feeling that the one who smiled at him was the plain-looking Eleonora, not the cold Lilith. He wondered which one was the real her. Shaking his head Alex decided to focus on what is about to come.
Chris their teacher appeared and announced.
''Welcome to all of you. As you may know today we will hold the semifinal. Without wasting more of your time let's immediately started the match.''
The audience cheered when they heard Chris's words.
Elseria and Freya were both presents. In another pavilion, Zero and Alpha were also present, Alpha had already recovered from her injuries against the black entity.
''Who do you think we will win?" Alpha asked to fight the boredom she was feeling.
Without looking at her, eyes focused on the arena where Alex was facing Leon, Zero answered.
''The best will win.''
''Tch! You are no fun at all. I thought you will say yo-"
Alpha stopped right away as Zero was glaring at her. The temperature inside the Pavillon plummeted to an alarming degree.
Even though she had stopped talking, a smile never left Alpha's face. She knew the outcome of her action and yet she still did it. It was because she had finally found something to tease the all serious, the perfect killer.
Love can change people, Alpha thought. Should I also try to experience it? Maybe my life will become more colorful, more fun.
Zero ignored Alpha who was lost in her little world. It was because she didn't what the other party was thinking, if she knew hell would have descended upon Alpha.
~Back on the arena.
Alex was facing Leon. Neither of them said anything after the signal to begin has been given.
Five minutes passed before both chuckled.
Leon was the one to break the ice and said.
''I'm happy that you don't plan to hold back. By the way, beautiful eyes even though the blue one looks a bit frightening.''
Alex smiled at his friend's praise. ''Thank you. I have promised to not hold back and as a good friend, I ought to keep my promise. May the best win. Well, I'm the best.''
''Hahahaha! That's some nice confidence you have there. Indeed may the best win.''
As if this was the signal for them. Leon sprung forward his fist aimed at Alex's temple. He stepped back, balancing his weight on his left foot, and threw his right fist out in a curved punch at Leon's temple. Turning ninety degrees to the side, he brought his right forearm up to counter the blow, formed a fist with his left, and threw it at Alex's outstretched jaw. Alex was in trouble.
It was mostly what people thought, not Leon though as he knew his friend was resourceful.
And Alex did not disappoint him, he let himself fall toward the ground before using his right arm to pivot himself while sending a kick at Leon. Everything happened too fast, Leon crossed his arms to kill some of the force behind Alex's kick. He was pushed a couple of steps back.
Leon grinned before disappearing in flash, he left afterimages behind.
Bang! Bang! Boom! Boom!
While most people had trouble following what happens in the arena as Alex and Leon were moving at extremely fast speed. The powerful individuals had no troubling watching what was happening.
Like a child that just found some interesting game, Alex and Leon were exchanging moves at fast speed. None of them were using any weapon, just pure brute strength, fists, and kicks were flying here and there.
Their physical strengths were so advanced that their punch and kicks create a shockwave in the air.
What most of those watching were surprised about was that Alex was able to keep up with Leon. Let's not forget that Leon was a beastman, known to have the most powerful physical among the races. And yet a human was able to fight on par with a beastman, a pureblood lion.
After exchanging more than hundreds of punches and kicks, both got separated to appear opposite of each other.
They were gasping from breath, Alex's left cheek was swollen, proof that he had received a powerful punch there.
While on the other hand Leon's right cheek was swollen as well.
Both wiped away the blood on their lips. Their regenerative ability kicked in to heal their injuries.
''It was a draw it seems,'' Leon said while looking at his friend. He had expected such an outcome nonetheless he was still surprised by Alex's physical strength.
Nodding his head Alex said, ''Indeed. Shall we continue?"
Leon's answer was a smile before he disappeared. To them, real men talk with their fits first.