Epilogue: From Ashes, They Rise
The tournament is over.
The dust has settled.
The arena that once echoed with the clash of magic and metal now lies silent under the golden afternoon sun.
Lux and Synoh stand at the center, facing each other one last time—not as rivals, but as warriors who've pushed one another to the limit.
> Lux: "You've grown, Synoh. Faster than anyone I've ever seen."
Synoh: "That's because… I had you chasing ahead of me."
They smile.
From the stands, Princess Akane, Captain Elara, General Leonhart, and Vice General Sasakibe look on.
> Leonhart (to Sasakibe): "Those two will shape the future of the kingdom."
Sasakibe (smirking): "Let's just hope they don't blow it up first."
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Chapter 43: Graduation – Path of Knights
A few days later…
The academy courtyard is filled with cheers, tears, and proud smiles.
Students stand in perfect lines, all wearing the academy's ceremonial white-and-gold sashes.
One by one, names are called.
"Lux Valiant."
He steps forward. The crowd erupts.
"Synoh of the Shadow Blade."
He steps forward, a little awkwardly—then grins when Fel chirps from his shoulder.
They are now knights-in-training, ready to be assigned to divisions.
Edward, Mina, Yuta, Dane, and the others join them—laughing, hugging, some crying.
> Edward: "We really did it."
Mina: "From students… to warriors."
Yuta: "Tch. I wanted to be the final winner, but fine… I'll settle for second place. For now."
Lux and Synoh raise their glasses as the sun begins to set.
> Lux: "No matter where we're assigned—don't fall behind."
Synoh: "Only if you promise not to go soft."
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Fireworks light the sky.
The students cheer.
And somewhere, in the far north, a shadow stirs—an ancient evil watching the new generation rise.
Because this…
was just the beginning.
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