Silas faced off against the Undead Giant summoned by Kael, the necromancer. She raised her arms, and from the ground, her plant children sent out thorny vines toward the Undead Giant. These entwined themselves around the giant's rotting limbs. Thorns pierced the unnatural flesh, creating restraints that sapped the undead creature's strength.

  Silas then commanded her plant children to release a cloud of fine pollen into the air. This mist wafted around the battlefield, carrying with it the soporific essence of nature. The pollen infiltrated the senses of the Undead Giant, causing its movements to grow sluggish.

  Silas then made a barrier out of delicate mosaic of intertwining leaves and petals. This Photosynthesis Barrier absorbed the ambient sunlight, bathing her in its gentle warmth. Silas was revitalized by the life-giving energy of the sun. Her strength and resilience surged, granting her an increased level of magical energy.

  Kael grinned. While his undead struggled, he did nothing. Silas, in contrast, was ready to bring this battle to a decisive end. With her plant children by her side, she launched a barrage of seed blasts rained down upon the Undead Giant. The giant's already deteriorating form could no longer withstand the onslaught.

  With each explosive impact, the Undead Giant disintegrated, falling apart piece by piece until it was reduced to a pile of lifeless limbs and decaying remnants.

  Kael's grin widened. "You did well to rid the world of the Undead Giant," he commented while slowly turning his gaze towards Silas. "You must have had a Dryad as a teacher."

  Silas replied, "That's none of your business."

  Kael raised up one hand infront of himself. "Would it happen to be... Corrupt?"

  The mention of that name froze Silas in her tracks. She swallowed hard, her eyes betraying a sense of dread. "It wasn't," she managed to utter with anger. "I would never be taught by the likes of her!"

  Kael responded with a creepy laugh. "That's very dirty."

  Roselle watched the exchange between Silas and Kael with fascination. Risebelle, however, seemed a bit tenser. Runebelle remained quiet, but raised one hand up to the side of her face.

  Kael' casted, “Skull Swarm…”

  A horde of spectral skulls materialized in the air above him. With a sinister grin, Kael directed the skulls to descend upon Silas. Their bony jaws snapped menacingly.

  Silas summoned her plant children to shield her from the spectral skulls. The skulls clashed with the thorny vines. In mere seconds of the clash, the spectral skulls pierced through the thorny vines and plant children. Silas gasped in shock .She cried out, "What...?"

  Kael's lifeless words echoed through the arena, "Your power will never be as good as Curropt's."

  The ground beneath Silas began to quiver, and skeletal hands erupted from the earth. These Hands of the Undead reached out and grabbed hold of Silas, restraining her with their cold, bony grip. Silas struggled against the undead appendages, but her efforts were futile.

  Kael raised his other hand and began to summon another Undead Giant. This one was even more massive than the previous, its decaying form towered over the battlefield. The giant’s eyes glowed while lumbering toward Silas.

  Silas, trapped and unable to move, looked on in terror towards the colossal creature prepared to strike. The Undead Giant raised its enormous, rotting arm and delivered a titanic slash with a blade it wielded. The sheer force of the blow sent a shockwave through the arena. The slash struck Silas with such impact that her eyes rolled back, and she crumpled to the ground.

  The arena fell into a stunned silence. Kael looked down at the fallen Silas with a cold, calculating gaze. “Thanks for the magical energy, by the way.”

  The announcer looked stunned herself, but she quickly spoke in an incredulous tone. “Well, folks, I reckon we’ve just witnessed one of the most... downright intimidating displays of power we’ve ever seen in this Grand Arena. Kael’s got himself a grip on the title of ‘Master of the Undead’ after that one, no doubt about it. Absolutely bone-chilling!”

  With a flourish, the announcer continued, “Now, we're gonna start the 60-second countdown here to see if Silas can make it back up! If Silas doesn’t get up by the time this red timer hits zero, Kael here will be declared the winner!”

  A red timer appeared on the arena’s giant screens, counting down the seconds. The crowd watched in hushed anticipation to see if Silas would recover.

  Kael began to make his way out of the arena; however, the announcer shouted,“Hold on there, Kael! You gotta stick around ‘til this timer runs out. If Silas doesn't get back on her feet, you’ll be officially declared the winner. Patience is a virtue and all that, y’know?”

  Kael turned back to the arena, looking unbothered. “Trust me….she’s not getting back up after that one.”

  The audience watched, puzzled and intrigued, as Kael retreated from the arena, leaving Silas behind.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  The countdown reached zero, and the announcer was about to speak, but Kael was already gone.

  The announcer was visibly irritated by Kael's premature exit. She struggled to maintain her composure. “Kael took it upon himself to make a grand ol' exit before we gave the official word. Can you believe that sh--”

  The announcer cleared her throat. “But hey, rules are rules, and that timer’s done ticked its last tick. So, even with Kael’s little dash, the result stands. Kael’s walkin' away as the winner of this match, whether he’s here or not!”

  Risebelle leaned over and whispered to Roselle, "Kael, he’s a necromancer, Roselle, someone who deals with the dead and dark powers."

  Roselle furrowed her brows. "Dark magic? Is that what he used against Silas?"

  Risebelle nodded. "Yes, dark magic often involves manipulating death and the undead. It's... well, while we encountered Dark magic before, the Undead manipulation, it's not something we've encountered before."

  Runebelle, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke up. "I remember a game I used to play in my past life, Epic Quest: Realm of Shadows. It had necromancers in it, and they could control the undead. Maybe that's what Kael is doing."

  Risebelle and Roselle both turned to Runebelle and spoke in unison. "You played that game too?"

  Runebelle nodded. "Yes, I did. Maybe what we know from the game can help us understand how to deal with Kael."

  Risebelle thought for a moment, then looked at Roselle. "You'll have to be careful, Roselle. Kael's powers are dangerous."

  Roselle nodded. "I understand. If I have to fight him, I’ll figure out a way to beat him."

  The announcer's boomed throughout the Grand Arena. “Well, folks, that wraps up the first round of our Western Practice Tournament. Ain't it been a wild ride so far?”

  She paused for a beat, letting her words sink in. “Now, we’re takin' a 30-minute breather to let our fighters catch their breath. So, grab yourself some grub, stretch those legs, and get refady for the second round. We’ve still got plenty more action comin' your way, y’all!”

  With that, the crowd in the stands began to stir. Some went for the refreshment stands, while others engaged in discussions about the battles they had just witnessed.

  At a small table in a corner where attendees were enjoying their break, Roselle sat with her sundae, indulging in the sweet treat with delight. She took another spoonful of the creamy desert and savored its deliciousness.

  Risebelle sat with her arms folded and lowered eyes. She watched Roselle devour her sundae. “I don’t see how you can eat all of that,” she remarked, eyeing the mountain of ice cream and toppings with a hint of disdain.

  Roselle,with a spoon in her hand, beamed at Risebelle. “It’s so yummy! You should try some. Come on, just a little taste won’t hurt.”

  With a playful grin, Roselle scooped up a spoonful and gently held it up to Risebelle’s mouth. Risebelle hesitated for a moment before reluctantly taking a bite. The sweetness of the sundae hit her taste buds, and she blinked in surprise. “Huh, that actually isn’t half bad,” she said with a slight flush appearing on her cheeks.

  Roselle laughed softly. “See? I told you!”

  Risebelle shook her head. “I still don’t want any more. We only need to eat once a day, and I want to make my meal count.”

  Roselle shrugged. “You worry too much. It’s okay to indulge a little now and then. Besides, a little bit of sweetness never hurt anyone.”

  Risebelle suppress a small chuckle. “Maybe you’re right. But I still prefer to save my appetite for something more substantial.”

  Kintovar leaned forward with her pink headphones resting on her neck. She addressed the sisters in a firm tone. "Alright, team. The next round is crucial, and Roselle, you're the one who's made it this far. We don't know who your opponent will be until it's announced, but we need to be prepared for any one they decide to pair you against."

  She glanced at Rosell with confidence. "You've got great potential, and we've seen your growth. Remember what we've been practicing – your focus, your strategy, and, of course, your power."

  Juliana from nearby nodded and added, "And remember, you have the support of your sisters and the guidance of your creator Kintovar. You've got this."

  Roselle, still savoring her sundae, looked up at her mentor and sister. "I'll do my best, Dr.Kintovar, Juliana. I won't let you down."

  Kintovar nodded. She allowed Roselle to take another spoonful of her sundae , then raised a finger. "Roselle, remember when your cannon was destroyed back in the South? I know it was like losing a companion for you, and I understand how much it meant to you."

  Roselle's gaze grew distant as she recalled that painful memory. "Yeah, it was tough. That cannon had been with me for a long time, and it felt like a part of me."

  Kintovar continued, "Well, since then, I've made a breakthrough in redesigning your cannon. You used it in your match against Risebelle, but I'm sure you didn't feel much of a difference in using it yet. The real test will be in the upcoming rounds, especially against tough opponents like Kael and Rawna."

  Juliana chimed in. "Your bond with that cannon is essential, Roselle. The connection you have with it can make all the difference in a match. We'll make sure you're completely comfortable with the new design before your next fight."

  Roselle nodded “I know, and I appreciate it. I'll make sure to strengthen that bond and use the cannon to its fullest potential. I won't let you down, and I won't let my cannon down either."

  Haras, with her bubblegum-colored hair approached the table with a sundae in her hands. With a mischievous grin, Haras suddenly reached out and plucked Risebelle from her seat, setting her down on her own lap.

  Risebelle was taken by surprise and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Haras, what in the hell do you think you're doing?" Risebelle stammered.

  Haras chuckled and winked at Risebelle. "Well, my favorite creation deserves a sweet reward, even if she didn't win her match. It's ice cream time, Risebelle!" With that, she scooped up a spoonful of the sundae and brought it close to Risebelle's mouth.

  Risebelle sputtered in protest, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. "Haras, this is ridiculous! I don't need you to feed me! No! Stop!"

  Haras playfully raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come on, Risebelle. Live a little bit! You’re always so serious. Even if it’s just for a moment, let yourself enjoy something simple.”

  Risebelle’s eyes narrowed. “If you don’t stop embarrassing me right now, I swear I’ll never help you with your missions again.”

  Haras’ shifted dramatically. She clutched her chest and spoke in a melodramatic manner. “Oh no, not my beloved Risebelle threatening to abandon me! Whatever shall I do?”

  Risebelle chuckled softly. “I was just kidding, Haras.”

  Haras’s eyes gleamed mischievously. She Risebelle off guard. “Gotcha!” With a swift motion, she scooped up another spoonful of sundae and fed it to Risebelle with a triumphant grin.

  Roselle watched the exchange with amusement. She let out a giggle at the scene.

  Little did they know, in the shadows not far from the table, Chalcon watched the group from within the shadows. His keen eyes focused on Roselle, Risebelle, Kintovar, and Haras while the three chatted and shared their sundaes. He remained hidden, observing them discreetly.