The Inner Odyssey

Within the stands of the arena, the spectators conversed animatedly.

"Four silvers Caelum wins!"

"Are you crazy?! Did you not see how vast Varnel is? Who's to say he can't reach Caelum before his illusions take place?"

"You buffoon! Varnel is only good at one thing. I've heard that Caelum doesn't just conjure illusions, but he also has an impressive affinity for wind and space. Haven't you seen the way the Elders of the Zephyr Clan have been looking at him? It's as if they've found their latest treasure!"

"Whatever, Varnel will win. He must have something up his sleeve as well."

Seated in the private viewing chamber, Alden focused on the conversations of the crowd. It was an exercise in controlling the sensitivity provided to him by Morrigan's Art, but he was also slightly curious about the gossip spreading there.

So far, he had learned a few interesting things.

And they all pointed towards a thrilling clash.

Internally excited, Alden watched as Caelum and Varnel stepped out into the arena.

The former was all smiles, and received by far the largest cheer. With platinum hair, fair skin, and plum-coloured eyes, the young man was a sight for sore eyes. With his increased hearing, Alden heard several girls in the crowd swoon over Caelum.

"Asterons, he's gorgeous! I want to devour him!"

"Do you think he will mind if I ask him out?"

"What a hottie!"

…The corner of Alden's lips twitched.

Varnel, meanwhile, was the polar opposite of his opponent. While he did receive a considerable number of cheers, most found themselves intimidated by the deadpan expression on his face - which was rough, dark, and weathered, a far cry of Caelum's soft, supple skin.

To the crowd, Varnel seemed gloomy, while Caelum was handsome and strong. It was no wonder the latter was so popular. For his part, the purple-robed youth did not seem to care… the same could not be said for the green-robed illusionist, however, who appeared to thrive and bask under the attention.

Caelum gave the crowd a dashing smile.

Which, of course, caused another frenzy.

Alden's cheek twitched.

Very soon, it was time for the clash.

The arena quietened, turning deathly still.

Tension grew in the air like an infestation of vermin.

Varnel and Caelum stared at each other, a light breeze ruffling their hair.

They both wore solemn expressions, and for good reason.

This was not like any of their previous bouts - victory was not guaranteed.

They couldn't afford to underestimate their opponent.

Alden gave an approving nod.

…And a moment later, the final was underway.

***

Immediately after the wail of the announcer's horn, Caelum's plum eyes flashed.

Varnel's body twitched.

Before the speed demon even had a chance to display his incredible swiftness, he seemed to fall under the illusionist's control. Varnel's expression turned glassy, and he appeared to lose all strength in his limbs.

Like a marionette, his body slowly turned around on its own accord.

Step.

Step.

Step.

In the deafening silence of the arena, Varnel's figure neared the boundary line. Once he strode past it, he would be disqualified. Several of the spectators had their hearts in their mouths - hands clasped together and heads bowed in desperation.

…Especially those who had bet on him.

Surely this wouldn't be how he would go out?!

After going to the trouble of defeating every single opponent to reach the final, it would be a disgrace and the greatest of humiliations if Varnel was eliminated within the first few moments of this match!

However, it seemed that no matter how hard the audience prayed, the speed demon was destined to step out of bounds. Unease spread through the crowd, and some couldn't handle the tension, closing their eyes.

Just as he was about to stride over line, an intense jolt ran through Varnel.

A faint crease appeared on Caelum's brow.

In the next moment, a purple blur tore through his former position.

Alden's expression remained neutral, yet his good eye gleamed.

He leaned forward, his interest in the clash kindled further.

The crowd gasped at the sudden change which gripped the bout. One moment, Varnel was on the verge of disqualification. The next, his figure was a bolt of purple lightning, streaking towards Caelum.

Thanks to his new senses, Alden noted the deep scowl lining the speed demon's face.

…Whatever Varnel had experienced must have riled him up.

'Interesting.'

With restless anticipation, the Keeper's Apprentice gazed intently at the duel. The purple-robed youth's movements seemed erratic, but only because he devoured the distance between him and Caelum like a starved beast.

For his part, the dashing illusionist looked a little flustered.

Alden wouldn't say Caelum was struggling.

But, he did seem uncomfortable.

This was the most awkward everyone had seen him act in the entire Tournament.

Varnel continued to chase his opponent, the crowd unconsciously holding their breath every time he neared Caelum. The latter kept evading - wind and space under his control, so it appeared like he was out for a leisurely stroll as opposed to a frantic and high-paced bout.

As Alden peered closer, he noticed how the wind around Caelum was docile like a soft breeze, gently guiding him away from harm. For Varnel, on the other hand, the fluctuations of wind were like a hurricane, violent and aggressive.

At the same time, space seemed to bend for Caelum, while it narrowed and twisted for Varnel.

These forces combined together to throw the speed demon off.

The result?

Varnel was unable to reach Caelum, no matter how hard he tried.

Alden felt a little sympathy for the purple-robed youth, but he had to admit that the illusionist's keen anticipation and control were impressive for someone of his rank. Not to mention doing so whilst being chased by an extremely swift opponent.

For that reason, Alden's instincts informed him that Caelum would win.

Even when Varnel's figure glowed with a brilliant flash, unleashing a blinding wave of purple lightning, the Keeper's Apprentice trusted his instincts. Eventually, after the speed demon seemed to tire, Caelum swooped in, bombarding his foe's mental defenses with a myriad of illusions while the green-robed youth slipped in behind, and held a blade of wind to Varnel's throat.

Varnel's expression turned sullen.

The crowd roared; the females among them cheered especially loud.

Suddenly, Caelum's figure shimmered with a nebulous light, and a shackle of dread abruptly coiled in Alden's gut. His sole eye widened as a cataclysmic presence enveloped the Theatre of War.

The barriers protecting the spectators shattered, and every single person inside the stadium felt the urge to submit completely.

Instantly, an overwhelming silence permeated the arena.

Alden gritted his teeth, resisting the oppressive force.

…Just then, the corner of his good eye flashed.

The notification read:

[Overseer of the Great Fissure has descended to the lower Realm.]

The young man's gaze constricted.

In the next moment, Arkanis welcomed the birth of a new Chosen of the Divine Sovereign.