Two days passed in a blur.
During those days, aside from his conversation with Lore, Finn never once left the Myriad World Mirror. Sometimes, he practiced his techniques. Sometimes, he simply meditated, quietly absorbing the abundant soulforce that filled the air.
The others did much the same, but with a crucial difference—outside, the soulforce was thin and of poor quality. Unlike Finn, they didn't have a Myriad World Mirror that brimmed with potent energy.
Compared to Finn, their progress was painstakingly slow.
They also had no miraculous pills to accelerate their cultivation—only their own efforts to rely on.
Finally, the day of the second round of the competition arrived.
The Soaring Seven gathered in the main hall of their faction house, waiting quietly for Noah and Marcus.
A few minutes later, Lore approached Finn with an uncharacteristically friendly smile. Finn returned it calmly.
The other five couldn't help but be puzzled by the sight.
Even back in the Cloud Soaring Sect's territory, Lore had always kept his distance from his fellow core members. Seeing him behave so humbly toward Finn was…strange.
Leo, however, seemed to realize something. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Of everyone here, he was the only one with some inkling of what Finn was capable of—though he still didn't know exactly what had changed Lore's attitude.
Ashe watched them briefly, but soon lost interest. She turned her attention instead to stroking Little Red's soft fur.
Minutes later, Noah and Marcus finally descended the stairs, smiling brightly.
Their beaming expressions made the young adventurers stir with curiosity.
"Sect Master Noah, Elder Marcus—did something good happen?" Leo asked eagerly.
Both men shared a proud look.
"We'll explain on the way," Noah said, motioning toward the door. "For now, let's get in the carriage to the stadium. I'll tell you the good news there."
Without further questions, everyone followed. Excitement buzzed through the group—whatever the news was, they could tell it related to the results of the first stage. The happiness shining on Noah's and Marcus's faces said it all.
Once they'd all settled in the spacious carriage, Ashe leaned forward, her voice impatient.
"We're all here now, Father. So will you finally tell us what this good news is?"
Noah sighed, unable to keep from smiling wryly.
Sometimes, he felt like his own daughter ordered him around—and he was so fond of her, he never had the heart to scold her, even in front of the others.
"As I said," Noah began, meeting each of their gazes in turn, "I have good news. I've received the official results of the first stage. Of the four who fought for the Cloud Soaring Sect…whether they won or lost, every single one impressed Lord Helbram."
Pride glimmered in his eyes.
"Because of that, he awarded us extra points. I am so proud of you all."
Yes—only four of them had fought so far: Ezekias, Finn, Lan, and Lore.
Among them, Finn was the sole outright victor. Lore's match ended in a draw, while Ezekias and Lan were defeated—but both had fought with such determination that even in defeat, they earned recognition.
Lan, in particular, had faced a female member of the Ancient Darkness Island and lost—but her performance was commendable.
"Since Lore and Hyon Pierceval's duel ended in a draw," Noah continued, "both sides received ten points. Ezekias and Lan each received two points for their dedication."
The group brightened.
That was fourteen points altogether—not a bad showing at all.
"Normally, only victories grant points," Noah added. "But thanks to the spirit you displayed, you still earned extra credit."
Ashe tilted her head.
"Then…how many points did Finn receive?"
It was the question on all their minds.
Finn had defeated Jacobus so effortlessly he hadn't even broken a sweat.
Noah's smile grew.
"Because of Finn's conduct—choosing to aid Jacobus despite being opponents—Lord Helbram was deeply impressed. Acts like that are rare among Adventurers. Combined with the strength he demonstrated, Finn was awarded seventeen points."
Gasps rippled through the carriage.
"Which means," Noah concluded, "Cloud Soaring Sect earned a total of thirty-one points in the first stage. We are currently in fourth place. This is the first time we have ever surpassed the Soul Puppet Sect and Burning Heaven Sect. You all should be proud."
Fourth out of seven factions!
It might not be first place, but it was a leap forward—and there was still time to climb higher.
Most of them couldn't help glancing at Finn.
Even when pitted against powerful opponents, he had never once been defeated—or even seriously injured. More than that, they were all certain he was still holding back.
If he were matched against Brien or another 6th Level Scarlet Gold Rank, they had no doubt he could reveal even more terrifying strength.
Even if they didn't finish in the top two, just being part of the Seven Great Faction Games was an honor—an opportunity only the most talented young adventurers were ever given.
It was a chance to prove themselves.
To be recognized by the Royal Clan.
To earn rewards and acclaim that could change their lives forever.
Noah went on to explain the other factions' scores, and the group was shocked to learn that the Burning Heaven Sect was in last place, with the Soul Puppet Sect just ahead of them.
The Ice Feather Sect had claimed fifth place with twenty-nine points, only two behind the Cloud Soaring Sect.
Unsurprisingly, the Sword Immortal Pavilion was in first with forty-eight points, followed by Ancient Darkness Island with forty-five, and the Alchemist Association with forty—still nine points ahead of the Cloud Soaring Sect.
"But don't celebrate too early," Marcus cautioned, his smile fading into a calm seriousness. "This is only the beginning. The path ahead is still long."
He looked over them all, voice firm but kind.
"The coming matches will test you in new ways. You must be ready."
Noah nodded in agreement.
"The next battles will be fought in pairs," he said. "Lord Helbram wishes to see how well you work together in combat. I know this will be a challenge—none of you have experience fighting side by side."
His gaze sharpened.
"All I ask is this: when you stand together, support one another. Do not underestimate your opponents."
His tone left no room for argument.
The Soaring Seven fell silent, every face solemn.
Juvia spoke up hesitantly.
"Sect Master…do you already know who will be fighting whom?"
Noah smiled at her.
"Three of you haven't fought yet—you, Leo, and Ashe. Juvia, you'll be paired with Leo. You'll be second to fight."
His expression darkened a little.
"Your opponents are the siblings Mavina and Segarus of the Soul Seven. It will be four against two, but don't underestimate them. Both are 4th Level Scarlet Gold Rank, while you and Leo are only at 3rd Level."
Juvia and Leo swallowed hard.
Of all the factions, the Soul Seven were the ones they most dreaded facing.
Their puppet-controlling skills were infamous—and fighting them would be no easy feat.
Ashe folded her arms, chin tilting defiantly.
"And me? Who will I be paired with?"
Noah's lips curved into a faintly mischievous smile.
"You'll be fighting alongside Finn."
A stunned hush fell.
Ashe's eyes widened.
From the start, she had been irritated by Finn's calm, unreadable demeanor. Noah had quietly hoped that forcing them to fight side by side might…soften that hostility. Maybe, in learning to rely on each other, Ashe would finally begin to understand him.
Lore exhaled a slow breath.
He'd suspected this pairing, but still…he couldn't help a dull pang of envy.
He knew it was foolish. He knew Ashe would never look at him the way he wished.
So he closed his eyes, forcing himself to let go of the thought.
In the end, he had his own battles to fight—and his own clan to protect.
Finn, for his part, showed no reaction.
He was far more interested in knowing who he and Ashe would face.
Noah didn't keep him waiting.
"You'll be pleased when you hear it, Finn," he said, his voice tinged with a secret amusement.
A slow smile spread across Finn's lips.
"May I ask who it is?"
He already had a feeling—and if he was right, he really would be pleased.
Noah's gaze locked with his.
"You know them well. They are from the Ice Feather Sect—Tiffanya Frois and Hyon Pierceval."