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Chapter 42 - After the Dust Settles

Chapter 41: After the Dust Settles

As the battlefield finally quiets and the smoke clears, the crowd buzzes with both awe and disappointment when it's announced:

"Rounds Two and Three will be postponed until tomorrow."

Some audience members sigh, clearly eager to witness the next explosive clash. Still, the arena is filled with anticipation for what's to come.

---

King Alan and Queen Elsa, seated high above, stand from their royal seats. The king strokes his beard thoughtfully.

> "We shall return to the castle. Let's see how this ends tomorrow."

But Princess Akane, clearly not ready to leave the excitement behind, steps forward.

> "Father, Mother… may I stay and see Lux and the others before tomorrow's rounds?"

The king exchanges glances with the queen, who nods gently.

> "You may," King Alan says, "but only under one condition."

> "Captain Elara will accompany you," Queen Elsa adds firmly.

---

Captain Elara, ever casual with her sky-blue short hair and confident stance, gives a small smirk.

> "I guess I'm your chaperone now, Princess."

---

Meanwhile, in the resting quarters—

Synoh slowly opens his eyes, his head pounding slightly, his body aching.

> "Ugh… what happened?" he mutters.

Yuta, sitting nearby, grins.

> "You lost. Big explosion. Nearly got yourself blown to pieces. Epic stuff, really."

Synoh blinks, then scowls.

> "Wait… I lost?!"

Yuta nods with an exaggerated thumbs-up.

> "But hey, there's still Round 2 and 3," Lux chimes in with a grin, sitting casually at the edge of his bed.

Before Synoh can react, a voice cuts in—

Princess Akane enters with Captain Elara beside her.

> "There is still Round 2 and 3, Synoh. So don't check out yet."

Synoh's eyes widen.

> "Yuta… you tricked me!"

Yuta chuckles and makes a break for it, laughing loudly.

> "I didn't lie! Just didn't say when!"

Synoh bolts after him, only to collide—once again—with Captain Elara.

She steadies him with a laugh.

> "Seriously? We've got to stop meeting like this."

Synoh rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

> "Sorry… again."

Elara smirks, glancing at Lux and the princess.

> "Well, looks like tomorrow's going to be even more interesting."

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