"Winner: Duo #69!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement reaching a fever pitch as Azmodeus and Anna stood victorious. Anna let out a breath, her shoulders relaxing as she shot Azmodeus a grin.
"Looks like we did it," she said, her voice filled with pride.
Azmodeus nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Couldn't have done it without you."
As they made their way back to the participant section, they were greeted by Zara and Nova, who pulled them into a triumphant embrace, their laughter ringing out amidst the crowd's applause. For a moment, it felt like nothing else mattered—just the thrill of victory and the camaraderie they shared.
In the VIP stands, Lady Ming watched the scene unfold, her expression as unreadable as ever. But there was a faint gleam of intrigue in her eyes as she observed Azmodeus, her mind already racing with possibilities. Beside her, the elders exchanged glances, murmuring in quiet admiration.
"Quite a performance," Elder Shun commented, his voice tinged with approval. "Perhaps there's more to that young man than we initially thought."
Lady Ming's gaze remained fixed on Azmodeus, her thoughts hidden behind a mask of cool detachment. "Yes," she murmured, almost to herself. "Perhaps there is."
As Azmodeus and Anna basked in the afterglow of their victory, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The tournament had been a test, a stage on which he'd proven his strength, his control, his potential. But he knew that eyes more discerning than the crowd's were watching him, evaluating him, waiting to see if he'd live up to the expectations they were beginning to place on him.
And deep down, he welcomed the challenge. For in his heart, he knew that this was merely a step on the path to something far greater. The academy, the rivals, Lady Ming's attention, even the Eternal Jade Heaven Immortal Realm itself—all of it was just the beginning.
Because he was Azmodeus, and his true journey had only just begun.
—--------------
The acolyte kept his head bowed, his tone polite but firm. "The Elders wish to speak with you regarding your performance and your... potential."
Azmodeus's expression didn't change, but a flicker of intrigue passed through his eyes. He inclined his head slightly. "Very well. Lead the way."
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The Hall of Reflection was a vast, opulent chamber carved from smooth jade and adorned with intricate golden engravings. The light from countless floating lanterns bathed the room in a warm, ethereal glow, casting long, shifting shadows across the polished floor. At the far end of the hall sat the Elders, a council of venerable figures whose authority extended far beyond the tournament grounds.
Lady Ming was among them, seated in the center with an air of quiet command. Her piercing gaze found Azmodeus the moment he stepped into the room, and he felt the weight of her scrutiny like a tangible force. The other Elders murmured amongst themselves, their voices low but carrying an unmistakable undertone of interest—and perhaps caution.
Azmodeus and Anna approached the dais, their footsteps echoing in the otherwise silent hall. They stopped a respectful distance away and bowed, their movements precise and deliberate.
"Azmodeus. Anna," Lady Ming began, her voice calm but firm. "Your performance in the tournament has been... noteworthy."
"Thank you, Lady Ming," Azmodeus replied, his tone measured. "It has been an honor to compete."
Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly, as if probing his words for hidden meaning. "You have demonstrated exceptional skill, both in combat and in strategy. But what interests me most is not your strength, impressive though it may be. It is your potential."
Anna shifted slightly beside him, clearly curious but wary. "Potential for what, exactly?"
One of the other Elders, a man with a long silver beard and a stern expression, leaned forward. "For greatness," he said simply. "The kind that shapes the course of nations. The kind that redefines power."
...