Palmila could finally rest.
She knew now — truly knew — that Lily wanted her to be happy. That silent guilt she carried in her heart about the past, about the archery trauma in front of the Crowd, slowly began to loosen its grip. The memory no longer burned. It strengthened her.
And now… it was time for her comeback.
She trained harder than ever before. Not just for herself — but for Kamilaa too. The junior tournament was approaching, and her official rank tournament had already begun. There was no time to hesitate. Every dawn was sweat. Every night was discipline.
Meanwhile, Meenaksh and Palmila spent quiet moments together, remembering the old days — the laughter, the struggles, the distance that once stood between them. This time, there was no fear in Palmila's heart.
She finally looked at him and said yes.
Meenaksh's calmness, the gentle happiness shining in his eyes — it melted the last of her hesitation. But Palmila, still competitive as ever, smirked and added,"Focus on your training… or I'll take your rank."
He laughed. She didn't take it back.
And together, side by side, they walked toward the stadium.
The tournament gates opened. The air was electric. Everyone was ready.
The First Challenge
Narrator:This tournament had one rule — any Star Holder with 8 or more stars could challenge the Top 5.
Tin Tin had just earned her 8th star.
And she chose Palmila.
Tin Tin stepped forward first. Her eyes sharp, confident."I challenge you."
Palmila didn't hesitate.
The combat round began in hand-to-hand form fighting before weapons were allowed. The arena fell silent.
Tin Tin attacked first — fast footwork, spinning kick, sharp elbow strike. She had improved. She was stronger.
Palmila blocked smoothly, her movements calm and controlled. She countered with a grounded sweep, forcing Tin Tin back. The sound of impact echoed through the arena.
Tin Tin lunged again — relentless.
Palmila felt the old fear flicker for a second — that memory of failure in front of the Crowd.
But this time…
She didn't freeze.
She moved forward.
Her strike was precise. Controlled. Powerful. She disarmed Tin Tin in the final exchange and held her ground.
The crowd erupted.
Palmila had not just won.
She had overcome herself.
Tin Tin looked at her, breathing heavily — but smiling."You've changed."
Palmila nodded softly."So have you."
Bamboo Club – With Queen Johna
Later that week, Queen Johna joined Palmila at the Bamboo Club for sword training.
They practiced with bamboo blades — lighter, flexible, but still demanding precision.
Palmila miscalculated one turn and nearly slipped.
Queen Johna laughed. "So the Top Ranker still makes mistakes?"
Palmila rolled her eyes. "Don't tell anyone."
They sparred again. This time smoother. Sharper.
There was something comforting about training without pressure. Just two warriors sharpening each other.
They ended the session laughing — not as queen and champion, but as friends.
Night Training – Kamilaa's Growth
At night, Palmila focused on Kamilaa.
The girl had improved — her flexibility, her footwork, her stamina. She moved with more confidence now.
But strength? That still needed building.
Palmila stood beside her and said,"I'll teach you my favorite move."
Kamilaa's eyes widened.
"The Quadruple Shot."
Four arrows. One breath. One release.
Palmila demonstrated — draw, split focus, anchor, release — four arrows flew and struck four targets almost simultaneously.
Kamilaa tried.
The first time, her timing was off.
The second time, she lost balance.
Frustration filled her eyes.
"I can't do it…"
Palmila stepped closer."You can. You just haven't yet."
Kamilaa inhaled slowly. Adjusted her stance. Focused harder.
She tried again.
Three arrows hit clean.
The fourth barely clipped the edge — but it stuck.
Kamilaa stared at it, stunned.
Palmila smiled quietly.
That wasn't perfection.
That was progress.
And that was enough.
Now the tournament had truly begun.
Palmila wasn't fighting her past anymore.
She was building a future — with rivals, with friends, with love, and with a student who would one day stand beside her as an equal.
And as she walked toward the arena lights once more, there was no fear in her step.
Only fire.