Eclipse Core Tournament (Part 3)

God’s Prisoner

Lordhair was seated in the God’s prison, within a special cell whose walls were cloaked in dark energies. All around him were books, carefully stacked — gifts from Attila. Their thin covers and elegant prints were meticulously arranged. Calm and composed, Lordhair turned the final page of the third book. With the tips of his fingers, he gently closed it and took a deep breath. The silence between the pages was more than quiet — it was a form of mental training. With the knowledge he gained, he questioned the pressure of the prison and kept his will alive.

After placing the book aside, he raised his head and observed his surroundings. He smiled faintly and spoke to himself:

“I’ve already finished four books… Now, I’ll go see Solve.”

With those words, Lordhair slowly stood up. His voice echoed within the dark energy of the prison. He closed his eyes gently and focused, calling upon the power of Alter. Thus began the journey that would take him to Solve. He moved forward, disappearing among waves of energy, pushing past the boundaries of darkness.

In the palace of the Northern Kingdom, Solve was watching the snow-covered landscape through large windows. Her thoughts had drifted to Lordhair; she knew of the struggles he faced in prison and the inner battles he fought. A quiet longing filled her heart — she hoped to see him, to feel his presence.

At that very moment, Solve turned around — and there he was. That familiar figure appearing before her turned her yearning into a sudden, overwhelming joy. Her eyes welled up as she rushed toward Lordhair. Wrapping her arms tightly around him, she expressed her emotions:

“Are you alright? I missed you so much!”

Lordhair returned Solve’s warm welcome with deep affection. Despite her strong posture, the longing in her eyes was clear. Holding her tightly, he answered in a calm yet heartfelt tone:

“I missed you too.”

As they embraced more tightly, it was as if everything else faded away. The silence of the palace wrapped around this emotional reunion, and the blanket of snow bore witness to their moment.

The Northern Kingdom’s palace stood like a beacon of light amidst the snow-covered lands. Icicles hung from its towering spires, sparkling like crystals under the moonlight. On this cold night, where everything was cloaked in white, the warmth within the palace was not only from its stone walls — it radiated from the heartfelt reunion between Solve and Lordhair.

After a long time, Lordhair felt the peace that came from being beside Solve. Solve gazed at the charismatic and powerful man before her with a gentle smile. As the two of them watched the snowy landscape from the palace’s grand windows, the night fully enveloped them.

After a while, Solve turned to Lordhair, her eyes filled with deep longing and curiosity. Her voice was soft and emotional:

“Being apart for so long wasn’t easy for me, Lordhair. I knew how strong you were in that dark cell, but I always wanted you by my side.”

Lordhair looked into her eyes. Despite the heaviness he had carried for so long, Solve’s sincere words touched his soul. With a faint smile, he replied:

“If it weren’t for my longing for you, the darkness in that cell might have consumed me completely. The thought of you was the only thing keeping me alive in that cold dungeon.”

Gently, Solve reached out and placed her hand in his. It was a warm and delicate touch — in it, Lordhair felt the longing and bond of years gone by. They both lost themselves in the magic of the moment.

After some time, Solve withdrew her hand and invited Lordhair to walk through the snowy garden outside the palace. They wrapped themselves in thick cloaks before stepping into the snow-covered courtyard. The snow glistened under the moonlight. Beside Solve, Lordhair felt entirely freed from the prison’s darkness and cold.

Solve turned to him with a playful laugh and pointed at a snow-covered tree: “Do you remember? We once chased each other with snowballs. We could do it again — unless you’re afraid of losing.”

Lordhair replied with a soft smile: “Losing? Even if you're the princess of the Northern Kingdom, don’t be so bold, my lady.”

Before he could finish, Solve had already thrown a snowball at him. This moment rekindled joyful memories from the past. A cheerful chase began among the snow, Solve’s laughter echoing through the garden alongside Lordhair’s amused but determined replies.

After the laughter faded, the two sat by a stone fire pit in the center of the garden and lit a fire. The flames slowly melted the surrounding snow, casting a soft warmth on their faces. Solve turned to Lordhair, eyes never leaving him:

“Being with you brings light to me, no matter how dark things get. I’ll always remember this night.”

Lordhair remained silent at her words, but the gratitude in his eyes spoke volumes. He smiled gently and replied:

“For me, tonight is like stepping beyond the prison’s walls. Even if everything ends and I never see you again… this moment will stay with me.”

Solve moved a little closer to him. Only the sound of the fire and snow filled the space between them, completing the quiet yet meaningful bond they shared.

As the night wore on, they returned to the palace. The light in Solve’s eyes was strong enough to pull Lordhair from even the deepest darkness. As he looked at her, he felt truly at peace for the first time. In that snow-filled night under the moonlight, the memories they created were etched into eternity, becoming a lasting part of both their stories.

While watching the snowy night together in the palace’s grand hall, Solve sank into deep thought. They were both under the spell of the darkness and the white landscape’s enchantment. Then, gently raising her head toward Lordhair, she spoke in a warm and tender voice:

“Lordhair, did you know that Christmas is in two days? There will be a grand celebration in the palace.”

Lordhair smiled faintly at her words. Solve continued, her eyes shining with sincerity:

“I want to invite you to Christmas. It’s the perfect opportunity to be with you.”

Hearing Solve’s heartfelt invitation, Lordhair looked at her with warmth and replied:

“Spending Christmas with you would make me very happy, Solve.”

Then, with a gentle smile, he added:

“But I must return before the chains pull me back. Thank you for this night.”

Solve responded softly:

“You’re right… You should go. Thank you as well — for this night.”

With that, Lordhair used Alter, and his soul vanished instantly from the Northern Kingdom — returning to that cell he so deeply hated.

Eclipse Core Tournament: The Final Battle Begins

In the Realm of Shadows, the Eclipse Core Arena was once again packed, ready to witness history. The black sun cast a crimson hue across the sky, spreading a unique gloom over the battlefield. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, trembling with excitement and anticipation for the final showdown. This moment held the power to shape the fate of the entire realm — the grand culmination of the battle between Saren and Shade.

With a thunderous rumble, the arena’s colossal gates opened. Silhou emerged, glowing with sapphire light, his steps elegant yet firm. The medallion on his chest gleamed as he stood with a leader’s authority and a sage’s calm. As he entered, the crowd fell silent. Everyone awaited his speech and the battle’s start.

Standing before the Eclipse Core, Silhou turned to the crowd and began to speak. His voice held the commanding presence of true authority:

“Today, the Realm of Shadows will write history. The final of the Eclipse Core Tournament is not merely between two warriors, but a battle of will and intellect. Saren and Shade — you are the strongest and most determined figures in this arena!”

He paused briefly, then continued as his gaze swept the crowd:

“This battle will decide the fate of our nation. The limits of will and power will be tested today in this arena. The one who stands closest to the Eclipse Core shall be the victor. But remember — this isn’t a battle to be won by strength alone, but by strategy and resolve.”

A murmur rose from the crowd. Silhou slowly raised his hands, calming the energy of the arena, and concluded his speech with finality:

“If the warriors are ready, I now declare the final battle… begins!”

The two massive doors of the arena slowly creaked open. Shade emerged from the shadows, cloaked in black and wielding his dark blade. The darkness in the sky accentuated his figure, making him appear even more fearsome and imposing. As Shade stepped forward toward the Eclipse Core with resolute strides, he radiated an aura—like a symbol of death itself.

From the other gate, Saren entered gracefully, wielding a crimson lightsaber. The calm and elegant nature of his movements reflected his mastery of swordsmanship. As Saren approached the Eclipse Core, his eyes were locked with fierce focus, revealing how much this battle meant to him.

The two stood in the center of the arena, locked in an intense stare. With Silhou’s announcement, the battle had begun.

The grand battle that would go down in history had started at the Eclipse Core Arena. Beneath the crimson sky, Saren and Shade stared each other down in absolute silence. The spectators held their breath, watching these two unmatched warriors prepare to clash. Shade, draped in his black cloak, looked like a living shadow, his dark blade exuding menace. On the opposite side, Saren stood poised with his crimson saber, a symbol of grace and intellect. This was to be a battle of will as much as it was one of skill.

Instead of launching an attack, Saren stood patiently. Looking directly into Shade’s eyes, it was as if he were daring him to strike first. Holding his saber slightly lowered, Saren made no threatening move—he was gauging Shade’s reaction. He was determined to let Shade make the first move. His eyes carefully tracked every motion his opponent made.

Shade recognized this calculated behavior but wasn’t the kind of warrior to back down. His blade vibrated with dark energy as he took a sharp step forward toward Saren. With every move, Shade drew closer, initiating a series of aggressive strikes. Yet Saren remained calmly in place, seemingly vulnerable.

This only drove Shade into a more aggressive frenzy. He accelerated his attacks, but Saren skillfully avoided each strike, gracefully retreating and analyzing Shade’s movements. Saren was carefully identifying the patterns and strengths within Shade’s offensive.

Frustrated by Saren’s continued defense and apparent openings, Shade lost his patience. He raised his black sword high and began channeling all his dark energy. The entire arena seemed to tremble under the pressure of his aura. Shade merged with his blade, transforming into a more formidable form. A murmur of awe spread through the crowd as he shouted:

"Bloody Death!"

With that cry, Shade unleashed the full force of his dark power toward Saren. His sword surged like a storm, tearing through the arena. The velocity and power of the attack were overwhelming, shaking the very foundation of the battlefield.

Seeing the attack coming, Saren raised his crimson blade and focused his energy. The clash of their weapons unleashed a shockwave across the arena. Shade’s dark force met the concentrated might of Saren’s saber, resulting in a powerful explosion. Saren was thrown back but managed to turn his fall into an advantage.

As soon as he hit the ground, Saren twisted his body and launched himself upward. It was a move Shade hadn’t anticipated. Saren rebounded with immense speed, striking toward Shade like lightning. Though surprised by the speed, Shade was prepared.

Their blades collided once more with a force that created another massive blast. The impact sent waves of energy rippling through the arena, eliciting gasps and screams from the spectators. The arena trembled as though engulfed in a storm.

The lights illuminating the sky and the shadows surrounding them only added to the grandeur of the battle. Saren and Shade were unleashing their full power in a final showdown, each determined to end the fight with their own strength.

The Eclipse Core Arena was witnessing the climactic moment of a battle that would be etched into history. Light and darkness, strength and strategy—everything collided in this warzone. Saren and Shade were shaping the fate of the Shadow Realm with every strike. The sky glowed with the red of the black sun, while the ground cracked with the echoes of energy waves.

Saren took a few steps back, distancing himself from Shade’s relentless assault. Locking eyes with his opponent, he drove his crimson saber into the ground. The audience watched in awe at this calm yet menacing gesture. Clutching the hilt with both hands, Saren focused all his energy. His voice rang with command throughout the arena:

"Crimson Wave of the Bloody Flame!"

After a moment of silence, a circular and unstoppable wave of red energy surged from the saber, rushing toward Shade. These supernatural waves, imbued with uranium-like power, filled the entire arena. The chaos they generated wasn’t aimed only at Shade—the entire arena was caught in a storm of destruction.

Shade, seeing the wave coming, swiftly raised his blade. Channeling dark energy into his sword, he attempted to block the attack. Shadows swirled around his weapon, rising like a wall before the incoming force. As the storm approached, Shade spun like a whirlwind, shouting:

"Black Blade of Death!"

Thousands of vicious slashes struck back against Saren’s massive wave. Each collision birthed enormous explosions. The sky and ground lit up with one energy burst after another. The audience watched in awe at the spectacle unfolding before them.

The clash of attacks unleashed a chaotic storm upon the arena. Blinding explosions and smoke rendered visibility near zero. The battlefield had become unrecognizable, and the audience could no longer guess who the victor might be.

At that moment, Saren made a decision. He suddenly ceased his assault and, hidden in the smoke, gathered his energy. Taking advantage of the silence, he gripped his saber and yanked it from the ground, channeling the momentum directly toward Shade.

In the smoke, Shade stood in a defensive stance, unaware of the sudden move. Saren burst toward him at incredible speed, piercing Shade’s defenses. The crimson saber shattered his armor, and another colossal explosion rocked the arena. Shade was hurled into the air.

He crashed to the ground, bloodied. His black blade slipped from his hand and embedded itself into the ground. The dark energy from his body began to fade. A deep silence spread among the crowd; everyone had witnessed Shade’s defeat—and Saren’s victory.

As the smoke cleared, a lone figure stood tall at the center of the Eclipse Core Arena: Saren. His saber still hummed with energy, radiating the glow of triumph. His eyes, filled with respect, gazed upon the fallen Shade. The audience erupted into thunderous cheers:

"SAREN! SAREN! SAREN!"

Saren turned his gaze to Shade’s black blade and slowly stepped forward. The spectators held their breath, eager to see what he would do next.

He raised his crimson lightsaber and reached out toward Shade’s dark sword. Though wounded, Shade’s weapon still pulsed with powerful energy. But Saren was determined to control it. He touched the tip of his saber to Shade’s blade—and an absorption began instantly.

The aura from the crimson saber started drawing in the energy of the dark sword. The arena grew even quieter. A darkened hue enveloped Saren’s weapon, transforming its aura into something more ominous. Saren’s entire figure changed. His presence became a sea of shadow and crimson, taking on an almost terrifying form.

Shade could only watch as his weapon’s power was absorbed. His strength spent, the last remnants of his darkness were drawn into Saren’s blade. Shade took one final breath—and slowly closed his eyes…

Silhou’s expression suddenly grew serious. Stepping forward through the smoke, he walked toward the place where the Eclipse Core was supposed to be. But the shimmering energy crystal was gone. The black sun’s light illuminated the emptiness where it should have been. Silhou took a deep breath and spoke with a voice that shattered the arena’s silence:

"The Eclipse Core is not here!"

Among the battle’s smoke, the Eclipse Core had suddenly disappeared.