Nearly three months had passed since Ladynne Gan began training intensely. Eryndra decided they should head to Alzeiris Island two or three days earlier than planned. They prepared themselves three days ahead and made their way to the airship station on the eastern edge of the floating island of Falcri (where Aqueleon City was located). Upon arrival at the Zeperin airship station, Eryndra purchased their tickets. Then, she accompanied Ladynne Gan to watch the docked airships. Ladynne stared in awe.

  Their airship arrived. Ladynne also continued honing his magic aboard the vessel. Eventually, their ship passed through the final veil of sky mist that separated Falcri Island from their main destination—Alzeiris Island.

  As the curtain of clouds parted, a breathtaking sight greeted them. Alzeiris stood tall amidst the orange twilight sky, as if the city itself floated on the last rays of sunlight. Slender towers reached skyward, with magical rings slowly rotating around them, casting pale blue light that danced into the air. Curved streets and suspended structures buzzed with other airships coming and going from the vast floating port.

  Gan stood by the window, eyes wide with wonder. Eryndra stood beside him, a faint smile on her lips, then spoke softly, “This is the place… where everything begins.”

  Ladynne Gan, as always with a calm face and an ever-present smile, gazed out with sparkling eyes. This was more than a city—it was a battlefield of hopes, dreams, and true challenge.

  Their airship gently descended onto one of the rotating platforms at Alzeiris' skyport, greeted by streams of blue light that guided them toward the main terminal.

  The tournament hadn’t even started, yet their hearts already burned with unstoppable determination.

  Eryndra and Ladynne Gan left the grand skyport and stepped into the main streets of Alzeiris Island. The city was like a living painting—full of color and light. The arched buildings floated slightly above the ground, adorned with softly glowing magical engravings, as if the city's magical pulse never ceased to beat.

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  The streets bustled with diverse races—humans, beastkin, sky elves, and beings from other realms who had come from across the world. Golden and silver banners fluttered along the alleys, marking the arrival of the Great Alzeiris Magic Tournament. Street vendors sold energy crystals, exotic foods, and lucky charms while shouting words of encouragement to participants.

  They ascended a spiral stone staircase wrapped in glowing roots, leading to the city’s high plateau—Aetherion Square. There stood Solastra Arena, the tournament venue, and a grand hall for registration.

  The wind on the plateau was lighter, yet charged with power. The golden sunset bathed the entire square, reflecting off the golden plates that adorned the arena’s structure. The massive round building stood proud, protected by a magical barrier made of ever-shifting geometric shapes.

  In front of the registration hall, the line of participants had already begun to form. Some were practicing off to the side, others stood still, observing their potential rivals. Amidst the crowd, Ladynne Gan still wore his calm smile, yet his burning spirit was evident.

  Eryndra glanced around. They both knew—from this moment onward, everything would change. As they queued in front of the registration hall, a particular group caught their attention—five individuals clad in elegant dark blue uniforms, emblazoned with the crest of a winged silver dragon. At the center stood a tall young man with white hair and sharp golden eyes. He turned, noticing Eryndra and Ladynne Gan, and smiled faintly.

  “Eryndra,” he said as he approached, his voice calm yet brimming with unwavering confidence. “It’s been a while.”

  Eryndra raised an eyebrow. “Qale? So you’re joining this year too?”

  Qale was a renowned participant from previous tournaments, and also hailed from the village of Welin.He now led a team representing the Kingdom of Erueqe. Behind him, his four teammates gave polite nods, including a girl with glowing purple eyes and a short green-skinned boy who seemed to always be scribbling something in a notebook.

  “I won’t miss this chance,” Qale replied, his gaze falling on Ladynne Gan. “And who’s this one?”

  Eryndra gave a soft smile. “This is Ladynne Gan—my son.”

  Qale studied Ladynne for a long moment. Ladynne’s smile remained unchanged—calm, sincere, but as if something deep was hidden within.

  “I like his spirit,” said Qale. “But be careful. This tournament… is more than just a magic show.”

  In the midst of it all, Ladynne Gan looked around, his smile unwavering.

  As if he wasn’t just ready… but had been waiting for this moment all his life.