Following his conversation with Leiya, Xerxes uncovered a crucial detail that had been missing when unifying with Airi. Over the week, until the tournament began, he had finally pieced together the last part of the puzzle, and now he was filled with confidence like no other.
Leiya, on the other hand, continued with her training. She needed to increase her mana capacity to the greatest it could be; she also had to combine this with increasing her physical stamina, which consisted of mana exertion training, long-distance running, sparring, and much more.
Thornfum had been focused on his own regard; not only did crafting Xerxes' sword take immense precision and force on his physical body, but it also trained his mana. He would constantly create earthen hammers, pounding on the metal until it took shape. Only on the last day did he go to search for something more.
Luckily, as he said he would, he found an alchemist who could prolong Claudia's time being awake; the potion varied in duration, but it could last anywhere between five and fifteen minutes; however, there were known repercussions, which included significant drawbacks.
One of them was not being able to use mana for a few days, and depending on the nature of the tournament, it could mean that using the potion could be more of a liability than a benefit, as not even Thornfum knew Claudia's physical potency; he only knew her ability with mana.
It was the morning of the tournament, and before leaving, Bertha and Gundrik came to visit Leiya and Xerxes.
Xerxes was putting on a new change of clothes, stretching, when the door was met with a knock. Leiya called out, "Come in."
Bertha and Gundrik both entered, with their stocky builds, but oddly enough, they weren't in their work clothing; for the first time, Leiya and Xerxes saw them both in normal and casual clothing.
Oddly enough, despite waking early, there weren't the usual sounds of people within the tavern. Leiya then turned to them and asked, "Mr Gundrik, Mrs Bertha, is everything all right? You're not in work clothing."
Bertha spoke proudly, "Over the past few months, ya've stayed in our home, we've come to realise that, like ya' been supporting us, we will go out there and support you in any way we can, Leiya m'girl. I get I'm harsh on the both of ya's, but at heart, you're very good kids, and win or lose, I'm sure you'll be satisfied."
Gundrik nodded, "It's the nicest m'wife has ever been, so you can see how sincere we are, and you don't have to tell us about ya's past, but we wan' ya' to know that despite anything that may have happened, we enjoy the company of the two of you, and we will cheer ya's on."
They both then displayed two tickets, which said the words 'premium' on them.
Leiya and Xerxes walked over, hugging both of the helpful dwarves that had given them a home and helped the two of them out without any questions asked—just two people who had pure hearts and were willing to help.
Xerxes patted Gundrik's back, "Hey Gundrik, say we win, will you give us a bonus?"
Gundrik immediately pulled away, "Ya' rascal! If ya' win the tourney, you'll get years' worth o' salary! You should be givin' me a bonus!"
"Haha, well then, Gundrik and Bertha, we're off. We'll see you in the stadium, and I'll consider that bonus."
Xerxes and Leiya then walked away, making their way to Thornfum's dingy shack. Eventually, they arrived and waited outside. With a sword in hand, two vials of red liquid swirling on a belt, and Claudia on his back, Thornfum waited eagerly for his companions to arrive.
"Ah', my princess and the executioner have arrived. I hoped ya' took your shits in the mornin', cause I certainly 'ave," Thornfum said, with a grin upon his face.
Xerxes walked forward, "Interesting way to put it, but yeah, Leiya had helped me discover something—something that I'm sure can be used as a fail-safe if all goes wrong, but hopefully I won't need to."
"Alright, Mr Mysterious, keep gatekeepin' it, surprise us. But I have a thing or two—firstly, here's your sword. She has a name; it's basic, but I put my 'eart and soul into it, though it will be a temporary sword. Treasure 'er, the name's Morninstar'."
Thornfum handed Xerxes Morningstar. As he gripped the blade, Xerxes could only respect the craftsmanship. He repeated the name, "Morningstar," and analysed it.
Despite his lack of knowledge on forgery, he admired the perfectly shaped hilt that held the sword's weight. It wasn't exactly light; it gave just enough weight to deliver forceful blows, but it would still be able to accommodate his speed.
The steel had a sleek and perfect design, with tints of black. Xerxes looked at himself through the reflection as he spoke, "Thornfum, I don't doubt you were working day and night for this, and I won't let your craftsmanship down. I'll brandish it and use it not only as a weapon but as a symbol for our party—that I can assure you."
Xerxes then practised the motions of swinging the sword as he thought, This is the first time—the first time I've ever had a sword made personally for me, something that respects my body and abilities.
Smirking, Xerxes continued, 'I can get used to this, and I can display everything: the style that Conrad and Dorian taught me, my ability to use mana coupled with it, and Thornfum's craftsmanship.'
Airi replied to his mental thoughts, "I sense your conviction and your determination. Just remember—something I have observed is that you can get ahead of yourself. Keep a level head in battle, Xerxes; that is something I should warn you about."
Xerxes had never really thought of it as such. The way he went through combat was ruthless; his brain and body experienced many emotions, but could Airi be correct? Is that truly a flaw I have? Is it what differentiates me from someone like Tristan, who seemed like a cold and calculating person at a glance?
Replying a bit haphazardly, Xerxes said, "Yeh I'll keep it in mind."
Leiya then looked towards everyone, "If we're ready, then I believe we should get going."
Everyone agreed as The Embered Flame began walking through the town. And, as expected, many parties also followed suit—there was an array of people, all equally prepared in their own regard.
Not all of them were, though. Xerxes observed that some people lacked confidence, and that was something he could only understand—something that usually came down to a lack of experience or a battle that pushed someone to life or death.
Though Xerxes wasn't able to confidently say he was the strongest within this tournament, he was sure of one fact: no one he would compete against had experienced anything as harrowing as himself, and for that—as Airi had told him—he wouldn't get ahead of himself, but he would understand that fact and utilise it in the battles going forward.
They all continued walking as Leiya asked Thornfum, "Do you have any idea of where this thing is even supposed to be?"
Thornfum began scratching his head, "Honestly, I just kinda walked into a rock last time, but I don't see it no whe—"
Leiya immediately looked behind as Thornfum vanished. Xerxes looked towards where Thornfum had been, holding Claudia, and immediately roared, "THORNFUM!"
He ran towards where Thornfum had been as he called out, "Leiya, what the hell happen—" Then Xerxes noticed Leiya's mana signature disappear as he saw her, in the split moment, falling through the floor. He leapt towards her, but she vanished before Xerxes could reach her hand.
One by one, they all vanished, and finally, Xerxes noticed his hands seeping through the ground as if it was intangible.
Holding onto Airi, he braced himself for whatever awaited him. "Here we go, Airi."