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Chapter 236 - THE GOLDEN TWELVE

Chapter 232: The Golden Twelve

The dinner with Maria ended not with a dramatic declaration, but with a quiet understanding.

We stood on the rooftop terrace of Ristorante Luna, the wind tugging at her silver dress and my suit. The city lights of Arcadia sprawled below us, a grid of mana and ambition.

"So," Maria said, leaning against the railing, her cheeks still faintly flushed from the wine. "The Dwarf Kingdom. The Ironhold."

"It's going to be dangerous," I said, dropping the playful facade. "More dangerous than Sky Island. The Tournament attracts the world, Maria. And where the world gathers, shadows lengthen."

She turned to me, her eyes sharp. "You're not talking about the competition."

"I'm talking about the things that watch the competition." I adjusted my cufflinks. "Keep your guard up. Even when the cameras are off."

She studied me for a moment, then nodded. "I will. Thank you for the dinner, Michael. It was... real."

"I aim to please."

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