The Elimination League Phase had finally come to an end. For three straight days, the tournament had delivered one incredible match after another. Every fight had its own story. Some were filled with power, some with strategy, and some with pure emotion. The audience had witnessed everything, from dominant victories to narrow escapes, from shocking upsets to unforgettable performances.
Now, however, the tournament was entering a new stage.
The Knockout Phase.
There would be no second chances anymore. No points to recover. No room for mistakes. One loss and it would all be over.
But before the battles could begin, there was one more event that everyone was waiting for.
The Draws.
The excitement for the draws was almost as intense as the matches themselves. The entire arena was filled once again. Not a single seat was empty. People from all over the world had gathered, eager to see how the brackets would be formed. The path each team would take to reach glory would be decided today.
All 32 qualified teams were present in the arena. Some stood calmly, some looked tense, and some were quietly discussing strategies among themselves.
Among them were the Rising Heroes.
They had barely made it through the League Phase. It had been close, too close. But now that they were here, they were determined to go further. This time, they didn't just want to survive. They wanted to prove themselves.
And now, Adrian had joined them as well.
As the fourth prince, he had responsibilities during the League Phase. But now, with the Knockout Phase beginning, he was finally going to fight alongside his team.
The energy around them was different now.
Excitement. Pressure. Determination.
Then, just as the murmurs in the arena began to rise, a loud and familiar voice echoed across the stadium.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome!" It was Ifa.
The crowd erupted instantly.
"Let's begin the draws for the Knockout Phase, shall we!"
Beside him stood Shai, calm and composed as always. "Thank you all for your constant support. Now, as you all know, the bracket is divided into four sections, Top Left, Top Right, Bottom Left, and Bottom Right. Each team will be placed into one of these paths as they begin their journey toward the finals."
The crowd quieted down, listening carefully.
Shai continued, "Also, as per the rules, the top 8 teams from the League Phase will be seeded. This ensures that they do not face each other until the Quarter Finals."
That meant one thing.
The strongest teams were being kept apart, for now.
Ifa smiled. "And now, to begin the draws… we invite His Majesty, King Arthur!"
The entire arena stood up in respect and applause as King Arthur rose from his seat. He walked toward the center with calm authority. In front of him was a large jar. Inside it were small, clear plates, each containing the name of a team.
These plates would reveal their names when a small amount of magic was infused into them.
King Arthur picked up the jar and gently shook it.
The sound echoed faintly in the silent arena.
He reached inside and pulled out the first plate.
A soft glow appeared as he infused it with magic.
"Top Left-1… Ravento."
The name echoed across the arena.
The first seed was placed.
And just like that, the draws began.
One by one, the top 8 teams were assigned their positions.
"Bottom Left-1… Eternal Wings."
"Top Right-1… Astra Axis."
"Bottom Right-1… Jade Court."
"Top Left-8… The Grand Party."
"Bottom Left-8… Hands of Karma."
"Top Right-8… Divatrix."
"Bottom Right-8… Karvek."
Each name brought a new wave of reactions from the crowd. Some cheered loudly. Some whispered among themselves, already predicting future matchups.
With the top 8 seeded, it was now time for the remaining 24 teams.
This part felt even more intense.
Anything could happen.
Any team could face anyone.
King Arthur continued drawing names one after another. The brackets slowly began to fill. Teams found their places, their paths becoming clearer with every draw.
Then, "The Rising Heroes."
The name echoed across the arena.
For a moment, everything seemed to slow down for them.
Sera instinctively bit her nails, her nervousness showing clearly.
Lila tried to stay calm, but her excitement was hard to hide.
Doran stood confidently, arms crossed, ready for whatever came next.
Drakar remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Fizzle floated beside them, nervously munching on cookies.
Adrian was standing behind his father, looked calm on the outside, but his heart was racing.
Everyone waited.
Where would they be placed?
King Arthur infused magic into the plate.
"Bottom Left-5."
A collective breath was released.
Now they knew.
Their path had been decided.
The tension eased slightly, but only for a moment. Now, their thoughts shifted immediately to preparation. Who would they face? How would they fight? What strategy would they use?
The draws continued until all 32 teams had been placed.
And just like that, the bracket was complete.
The Knockout Phase was officially set.
There would now be a two-day break before the matches resumed. For the audience, it was time to enjoy the Carnival. For the fighters, it was time to prepare.
---
Later, the Rising Heroes gathered together.
They decided that for now, they would relax and enjoy the Carnival. A fresh mind was just as important as strength.
Doran suddenly spoke with excitement, "If we win our next match… we'll face Eternal Wings next."
Sera immediately responded, "Let's focus on our next match first."
Lila smiled slightly. "Have some faith. But do you know who Eternal Wings are facing? Platinum Edge. Drakar… that's your brother's team, right? Aren't you going to support him? So that you can face each other in the next round?"
Drakar replied calmly, "We will see who we face."
Lila looked slightly disappointed by his response.
The conversation continued, but something felt different.
Drakar was quieter than usual.
Not just quiet, uneasy.
Adrian noticed it.
He didn't say anything at the moment. But he understood that something was wrong.
That night, long after everything had settled, Drakar quietly left.
He took flight and headed toward a nearby hill.
The sky was clear. The moon shone brightly above.
He landed and stood there, alone.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he clenched his chest.
Tears began to fall.
Memories.
Pain. Anger. Fear.
All of it came rushing back at once.
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Instinctively, he turned and took a defensive stance.
It was Adrian.
Adrian smiled lightly. "What are you doing here this late?"
Drakar quickly wiped his tears.
There was silence for a moment.
Adrian didn't ask anything.
But Drakar already knew.
He took a deep breath.
"It's about Eternal Wings… about their leader… Solreth."
His voice was heavy.
"He executed Dragonkind… those he thought were weak… on his own decision."
He paused.
"…Years ago… my parents were among them."
The words felt heavy in the air.
"He spared me and my brother…"
Drakar clenched his fists.
"I saw it happen… right in front of me."
His voice shook slightly.
"I feel anger… pain… and fear… all at once. I don't know what I'm supposed to do… especially when my brother is facing him… and maybe… I will too."
Adrian listened quietly.
Then he sat down in front of Drakar.
"I don't know if your brother will defeat him or not," Adrian said calmly.
"And maybe… if we win… we will face Eternal Wings."
He looked directly at Drakar.
"But what I do know is this…"
"We are going to win our next match."
"And when we face Eternal Wings…"
"When you face Solreth…"
His voice became firm.
"You will be the dragonkind standing at the end."
Silence followed.
But this time, it felt different.
Lighter. Calmer.
The two sat there for a while, talking quietly.
Then, together, they returned.
The time for rest was short.
Because soon... The real battles would begin.