The exit of the Nightmare Mystic realm had long been opened. Gabriel, his teammates, and the other participants stepped back into the real world, leaving behind the shadows of that dark place.
But the moment they returned, the huge stadium, once filled with deafening cheers, fell silent as if it had been struck mute. The contrast was jarring.
The audience, who had roared in support just hours before, now sat in stunned silence.
The scene of Gabriel casting his spell to end the Lord Rank Viper Snake still played vividly in their minds. It was as if they could still see him standing there, the air crackling with power, his expression fierce and determined.
Even though five or six minutes had passed, the image lingered, and the weight of it kept them rooted in place, unable to regain their senses.
Gabriel's parents, who had been among those cheering the loudest earlier, were now as quiet as the rest of the stadium. His mother, Helena, blinked as if trying to wake from a dream, her earlier excitement now tempered by the sheer magnitude of what had just happened.
"Ce... Celene," she whispered, her voice trembling, "tell me quickly, did all of this really happen? Are we not dreaming?"
Helena placed a shaky hand on Celene's shoulder. Celene, still caught between the world of the Mystic realm and reality, could feel the sweat on her palms. She looked into her mother's eyes and managed a smile, one that carried both reassurance and disbelief.
"Mom," she replied softly, "can so many people dream the same thing?"
The words hung in the air, fragile yet comforting.
Suddenly, as if a spell had been broken, Harold, Gabriel's father, snapped back to reality. His eyes focused, and without warning, he waved the flag he had clutched tightly in his hand, his voice booming with pride. "My son is the best!"
He waved the flag as hard and as high as he could, the metal clang echoing through the stadium. His voice seemed to awaken the crowd, and slowly, the audience in Emerald City was the first to react. They erupted into thunderous applause, the sound spreading like wildfire.
"After so many years, our Emerald City finally has a top scholar!" someone shouted from the stands.
"That's right! And he's a Priest, the first of his class! The whole Empire will be shaken by the news of our Emerald City Martial arts assessment for the next three days!"
More voices joined in, shouting praises and excitement. "Look at Gabriel's team! They're happier than when I won five million gold!"
"Brothers from other cities, what are you waiting for? Applause!"
The applause grew louder, sweeping through the stadium like a tidal wave. At that moment, the exit of the Nightmare Mystic realm flickered, and more prodigies from other schools began to emerge, their faces etched with a mix of relief and triumph.
But when Gabriel's team appeared as the final group, the stadium erupted into a crescendo of cheers.
Gareth couldn't contain his excitement. He waved to the crowd, unbridled joy.
The applause was a powerful wave of sound, shaking the very ground beneath Gabriel's feet. Yet, amidst the noise, he felt a quiet sense of contentment. Unlike his teammates, who still wore the echoes of the Nightmare Mystic realm like shadows, Gabriel found peace in those terrifying moments. The memory of defeating the Lord Rank Viper Snake filled him with joy, not fear. He was proud of what they had accomplished.
Gareth, usually so stoic, was uncharacteristically animated, waving to the crowd with a grin that seemed permanently etched on his face. Zhao Kong and Elton exchanged excited glances, still caught up in the thrill of their victory. For them, the memories of the Mystic realm were fresh and intoxicating. They relished the adrenaline still coursing through their veins, unable to shake the high of their triumph.
Jane stood quietly at Gabriel's side, her smile more subdued. But in her eyes, Gabriel could see the same satisfaction he felt. She had faced the same challenges, stared down the same fears, and emerged stronger for it.
"Can you believe it, Brother Gab?" Gareth shouted over the roar of the crowd, his voice brimming with excitement. "We're the champions! We made history!"
Gabriel smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Yeah, Gareth. We did."
Unlike Gareth, Zhao Kong, and Elton, who were still riding the high of their victory, Gabriel felt a calm happiness. He knew the battle they had fought inside the Nightmare Mystic realm had been dangerous, but it had also been exhilarating. Every challenge they had faced had only served to sharpen his skills, to prove what he was truly capable of.
He glanced over at Jane, who caught his eye and gave him a small, knowing nod. They didn't need to say anything—there was an understanding between them, a shared experience that words couldn't capture.
Just then, the mayor of Emerald City's voice boomed through the stadium, cutting through the applause and drawing everyone's attention.
"Participants of the Nightmare Mystic realm, your efforts today have not gone unnoticed!"
The mayor's voice was commanding, and the crowd quickly fell silent. All eyes turned to the tall, imposing figure standing on the platform at the edge of the stadium. His presence alone demanded respect.
"All of you who braved the Nightmare Mystic realm have shown remarkable courage and skill," he continued, his voice resonating through the now-quiet arena. "But now, it is time to recognize your achievements in a more formal way. The awarding ceremony will begin shortly. Please, gather your teams and make your way to the front."
Gabriel felt a rush of anticipation as the mayor spoke. This was it—the moment they had been waiting for. He glanced at his teammates. Gareth was still grinning, unable to contain his excitement. Zhao Kong and Elton were practically buzzing with energy, while Jane remained calm, her eyes steady on the platform.
"Let's go," Gareth said, his voice filled with determination as he led the team forward.
As they moved toward the front of the stadium, Gabriel caught sight of his parents in the crowd. His mother's face was alight with pride, and his father gave him a nod of approval that made Gabriel's heart swell.
They had supported him every step of the way, and now, as he prepared to receive his recognition, he knew he had made them proud.
The stadium fell silent once more as the participants gathered in front of the mayor.
The air was thick with anticipation, and Gabriel could feel the weight of thousands of eyes on him. But this time, it didn't feel overwhelming. It felt like recognition.
The ceremony was about to begin.
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As Gabriel and his teammates stood at the front of the stadium, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The mayor, flanked by several high-ranking officials and respected elders, stepped forward, holding a gleaming medal in his hand. The moment was solemn, the weight of it pressing down on everyone present.
"Today," the mayor began, his voice steady and clear, "we honor not just the bravery of these young warriors but their unwavering spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Gabriel, Gareth, Jane, Zhao Kong, Elton—each of you has proven your worth, not just as individuals but as a team, a beacon of hope for Emerald City."
The crowd, silent in reverence, waited as the mayor continued, "Gabriel, step forward."
Gabriel took a deep breath, his heart pounding as he stepped forward. The mayor reached out, placing the first medal around his neck. The cold metal against his skin felt like the culmination of all his efforts, the countless hours of training, the battles fought, and the fear overcome.
"You led your team with wisdom and strength, slaying different foes from Spirit Rat to Orc, From pack of wolves to goblin to Ghost Reapers you lead them with grace, even the likes of a Lord Rank Poison Eye Demon Spider and Lord Rank Viper Snake which no others did before you was vanquished,this is—an achievement that will be spoken of for years to come," the mayor said, his gaze piercing and full of respect. "You have set a new standard for what it means to be a warrior of Emerald City."
As Gabriel accepted the medal, the crowd erupted into applause once again, but this time it felt different—more personal, as if each clap was a personal acknowledgment of his journey.
Seconds later, The mayor of Emerald City, raised his hand indicating the crowd to stop clapping, then continued,"This tokens are the proof the you guys conquer what others deemed unconquerable, with this medal you will be able to access the rewards Emerald City prepared for you and your teammates"
One by one, the rest of his team was called forward, each receiving their own medal and words of praise. Gareth beamed with pride as the mayor acknowledged his unyielding courage, Jane accepted hers with a quiet grace that spoke volumes, and Zhao Kong and Elton stood tall, their energy barely contained.
As the last of the medals was awarded, the mayor raised his hand, signaling for silence. "These young warriors have not just brought honor to themselves but to all of Emerald City. Let their story be a reminder of what can be achieved through courage, teamwork, and determination. Today, they are champions. Tomorrow, they will be legends."
The crowd roared, the stadium trembling with the force of their cheers. Gabriel felt a swell of emotion, a deep sense of fulfillment and pride. He glanced at his teammates, seeing the same emotions mirrored in their eyes.
But just as the applause began to die down, a sudden commotion erupted at the far end of the stadium.
The huge screens above flickered, and a new image appeared—a live feed from the entrance of the Nightmare Mystic realm.
A dark figure emerged from the shadows, the atmosphere around it ominous and unsettling. The figure moved with a fluid grace, exuding a sense of danger that silenced the crowd almost immediately. As it stepped fully into the light, gasps of shock rippled through the audience.
It was another participant, but unlike the others who had returned, this one was cloaked in darkness, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light. His presence was a stark contrast to the victorious atmosphere that had filled the stadium moments before.
Gabriel felt a chill run down his spine as he recognized the figure.
He and his team encountered this figure and his team when they are inside the mystic realm.
It was Damian, a participant known for his ruthless tactics. But something was different about him now, something that made the hairs on the back of Gabriel's neck stand on end.
The mayor's voice faltered thinking, "this participants was recorded to have fallen inside the realm" as he tried to regain control of the situation. "Damian, welcome back," he said cautiously, his eyes narrowing as he studied the dark figure.
But Damian didn't respond. Instead, he raised his hand, and the ground beneath him began to tremble. The air crackled with energy, a dark, foreboding energy that seemed to suck the light from the surroundings.
The crowd began to murmur in fear, the celebratory atmosphere dissipating into one of dread. Gabriel, sensing the danger, instinctively stepped forward, his hand tightening around the hilt of his weapon.
"What is he doing?" Gareth whispered, his earlier excitement replaced by a growing sense of unease.
Before anyone could react, a massive burst of energy exploded from Damian, sending shockwaves through the stadium. People screamed as the stands shook, and the mayor stumbled back, his face pale.
Gabriel and his team braced themselves, their eyes locked on Damian as the dark energy continued to pulse around him. It was clear that whatever had happened to him inside the Nightmare Mystic realm had changed him, twisted him into something dangerous.
Gabriel's mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. But there was no time to think, only to act. He tightened his grip on his weapon, his eyes narrowing with determination.
"Whatever this is, we need to stop it," Gabriel said, his voice firm. His teammates nodded in agreement, their earlier sense of victory now replaced with the resolve to face this new threat.
As the dark energy continued to build, it became clear that the battle was far from over. The Nightmare Mystic realm had left its mark, and the true challenge was only just beginning.
And as Gabriel took a step forward, ready to confront Damian.