Temple of the Demon Lord of Wishes

"A rat that controls fortune has been messing with my family?"

Estelle repeated, her brows shooting up in disbelief.

"Pardon my language," the woman said smoothly, her crimson lips curling into a polite smile.

"In the art of card reading, a rat often symbolizes something, or someone slippery, hard to catch, and clever. Not always a villain, mind you, but certainly a troublemaker."

Estelle's thoughts wavered as she eyed the small stall.

'I wonder if I'll have to pay for this reading... But I only have enough cash for coffee!'

She mentally winced at the thought, her curiosity battling with practicality.

She narrowed her eyes skeptically.

"You're telling me there's some invisible lucky pest messing with me and my father's life?"

The woman's painted eyelids lifted slightly as she gave a soft chuckle.

"The meaning could be figurative, dear."

She said, her tone playful yet serious.

"Though fortune's tricksters often leave more signs than you might expect."

Estelle folded her arms across her chest.

"Signs like what?"

The woman tilted her head thoughtfully.

"Well, your father… Has he acquired anything recently? Something that might've shifted the fortunes of your family?"

Estelle frowned.

"What do you mean, 'acquired'?"

The woman leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering as though sharing a secret.

"It could be many things. An animal, a piece of clothing, some food..."

She paused, letting the words hang in the air before adding with a sly smile.

"It could even be... a coin."

...

After the intense first round, the town came alive with celebrations, offering the Champions a chance to rest and recover.

Streets filled with colorful stalls, performers dazzled the crowds, and music echoed through every corner of the alleys.

While many competitors took the time to recuperate, Ivaim, of course...

Had no intention of staying idle.

The smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread lured him toward the bustling market square, where food vendors shouted over each other, promising the best deals.

Ivaim sampled almost everything, from crispy fried dumplings to sweet honey-coated treats.

"Careful, Champion, or you'll become fat enough to be rolling around the next match."

A vendor teased as Ivaim bit into a tart fruit pastry.

"Rolling's just another way of getting to the finish line."

Ivaim shot back with a grin, wiping crumbs from his mouth.

Later, he found himself amidst a crowd gathered around a street magician who claimed to predict fortunes with colored stones.

The magician waved a hand dramatically.

"Choose wisely, or face the curse of misfortune!"

Ivaim smirked, flicking a silver coin into the air before catching it lazily.

"I think I'll pass. I've got enough luck to spare."

The crowd laughed, some whispering about his uncanny good fortune during the previous round.

The festivities continued with contests and performances, but the highlight came with the lantern release over the river at night.

As golden lights floated skyward, casting reflections across the water, most Champions stood quietly, reflecting on strategies and nerves for the next battle.

Not Ivaim.

He was at the fishing docks, effortlessly convincing a skeptical fisherman to lend him a rod.

With a grin, Ivaim cast the line into the dark waters.

"Sometimes life catches you a bigger fish when you're just having fun."

He mused aloud as he pulled the rod from the fisherman.

Finally, as the festivities came to a close, the dawn of the fourth day signaled the beginning of the second round of the competition.

The lively streets were now quiet, the decorations from the celebrations fading into remnants scattered along the cobblestone roads.

The arena, once filled with echoes of laughter and cheers, returned to its grand and solemn form.

Crowds packed the stands early, the excitement thick in the air as spectators eagerly awaited the next thrilling matches.

"The Underdog's last fight was wild."

Aman said, his grin wide as he leaned toward his friend.

"Guess the rumors were right—he sure knows how to make things interesting."

His friend laughed, nodding in agreement.

"No kidding. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time."

"Yeah." the first man continued, eyes glinting with anticipation.

"I wonder who he's up against today. It's bound to be another exciting match."

A nearby spectator overheard and chimed in.

"If I had to bet, I'd say Nathan's probably gonna take it. That guy's got more power than anyone here."

Another voice piped up from the other side.

"True, but you never know. The Underdog might just surprise us again."

The chatter continued as the crowd buzzed with excitement, eager to see what would unfold in the next round.

The announcer's voice boomed across the massive arena, crackling through the enchanted amplifiers placed at every corner.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fearless Champions!"

His voice resonated with both pride and warmth.

"We gather today on the edge of fierce and unforgettable matches."

He paused, letting the crowd's energy simmer down.

"But even the mightiest warriors need a moment of peace. A time when hearts are stilled, and the mind is allowed to breathe. And what better way to calm our nerves before a grand event than hearing the voice of a beautiful maiden?"

A murmur of curiosity swept through the stands as he continued, his tone shifting to one of reverence.

"To honor this ancient tradition, we have prepared a special performance... a gift for the soul!"

The announcer raised his hand, commanding silence across the restless arena.

"Today, we welcome a voice from beyond the distant valleys!"

He declared, his tone brimming with pride.

"A rising star of unmatched talent, whose songs have swept through the hearts of many..."

"She is here not merely to entertain but to gift you a moment of calm before the storm of the second round!"

The crowd murmured with curiosity as a woman stepped onto the stage.

She wore a black dress that flowed to her ankles, simple but elegant.

A long veil covered her face, hiding her features completely, while her dark hair fell freely over her shoulders.

Most spectators watched with polite confusion, but Ivaim's eyes widened in shock.

'Eh? The Black Veil Master?'

He thought, leaning forward in disbelief.

'What the hell is that strange woman doing...'

He sat back, folding his arms as his lips twitched crept onto his face.

'I've been wondering where she went... Damn, she went ahead to get a singing career, huh...'

He shook his head, amused.

''I was expecting her to compete in the arenas... I guess not.''
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The announcer gestured toward the singer.

"I present to you—Veil."

The woman, hidden behind the veil, opened her mouth, and her voice filled the arena.

It was soft at first, then grew with a haunting power that caught everyone's attention.

"Whispers ride the midnight wind,

A shadow borne where souls have sinned. "

"A curse that walks from hand to hand,

Cruelty bound by no command."

The words were eerie, the melody sorrowful, and it felt like something dark was taking root in the air.

Ivaim narrowed his eyes.

'Why is her song about a curse...?'

He frowned as he listened.

'She sounds like she's cursing us.'

But as the song continued, a strange sense of calm washed over him.

He glanced around, surprised to see the tension in the crowd easing, even among the other champions.

The weight of nervousness lifted, and for a moment, it felt like the air itself was less oppressive.

"It gnaws the heart, twists the will,

Turns warmth to ice, and joy to ill."

"A poisoned thread that none can see,

But ties the bearer mercilessly."

Ivaim's mind raced as he considered the song.

It wasn't exactly what he expected before a major competition.

It wasn't the kind of melody that would get people excited. It sounded... ominous, like a warning.

'Hm... she's the scheming type.'

He thought, glancing at the singer again.

'She wouldn't get a singing career as a joke, plus we're all in a Fractured Reality right now... Is this a warning? A curse that can be passed around?'

But then, the song shifted, and the tone seemed to brighten ever so slightly, though the underlying sense of dread remained.

"But where hope's flame burns bold and bright,

A child of strength steps into light."

"With goals held firm and spirit true,

They bear the weight none else could do."

Ivaim tilted his head, something unsettling crawling along his spine as the song spoke of someone who could bear the curse...

'Someone pure and strong enough to endure it...'

The words echoed in his mind.

"Pure of heart, yet bold and brave,

One who fights, not seeks to save."

"With dreams like stars and iron mind,

They bear the weight others resigned."

Ivaim let out a quiet breath, realization hitting him like a sudden storm.

'So only someone with a pure heart can bear this curse...?'

He thought.

'But who exactly is she singing about?'

"For only one pure, brave, and strong,

Can break the curse and right the wrong."

"But finds a bearer wise and pure,

A heart that cruelty can endure."

As the final lyrics of the song echoed through the arena, Ivaim fell silent, his gaze distant as he pondered the meaning behind the words.

Then, without warning, his eyes widened in sudden realization.

'Wait... could it be...'