Lily found solace in the confines of a cozy inn. As they sat at a small table in the corner, their conversation flowed with ease, a mixture of sibling banter and shared excitement.
Orion beamed at Lily, his eyes shining with pride and admiration. "Congratulations, Lily, for making it to the final round," he exclaimed.
His voice was filled with genuine joy. "I always knew you had it in you. You've come so far, and now you're on the brink of something truly extraordinary."
Lily couldn't help but feel a surge of elation at her brother's words. Orion's unwavering support had been a constant pillar in her life, and his praise held a special significance.
"Thank you, Orion," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and excitement. "I couldn't have made it this far without your belief in me. You've always been my rock, my source of strength."
Their eyes met a silent exchange that spoke volumes. They had always been there for each other through the highs and lows, and this moment was no different.
As the warmth of their connection enveloped them, Orion's eyes sparkled. A smile played on his lips as he raised his hand, his fingers curling with anticipation. He delved into his unique power, tapping into the realm of his contracted beasts—the Beast Space.
With a surge of energy, the space before them shimmered, revealing a figure slowly taking shape. It was Stella, Orion's loyal and formidable contracted beast, who had taken on a human form.
Stella stepped forward gracefully, her presence emanating a blend of ethereal beauty and power. Her voice carried a melodic symphony, captivating the very essence of those around her.
"Congratulations, Lily," Stella spoke, her voice a symphony of enchantment. "You have reached the final round."
Lily's heart swelled with a mix of astonishment and gratitude. To witness the transformation of Stella, her brother's contracted beast, into a human form was awe-inspiring.
"Thank you, Stella," Lily replied, her voice filled with reverence.
Stella's eyes sparkled with an intriguing glimmer, a mischievous undertone coloring her expression. "But this final round, Lily, it will be easy for you. In fact, I dare say you may even find it akin to a gentle stroll."
A silent smile played on Lily's lips as she contemplated Stella's statement. The truth was, her level right now was comparable to the higher up of some sects right now.
As Stella's words hung in the air, Orion couldn't help but interject, his voice laced with a touch of playfulness.
"Now, now, Stella, let's not bully her too much. After all, it was I who encouraged Lily to join the tournament. The prize is certainly enticing enough to be her first contracted beast."
Orion's words brought a light-hearted tone to the conversation, his love for his sister was evident in the way he teased her.
Lily's gaze shifted to her brother, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips. She appreciated his gentle reminder and the banter they shared.
As the trio continued their conversation, Stella's eyes shimmered with a mischievous glint, a playful idea brewing within her.
"How about I give you a challenge for the final?" Stella suggested, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.
Lily's curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, her eyes fixed on her contracted beast. "What kind of challenge do you have in mind, Stella?"
Stella's smile widened as she began to explain her proposition. "I have a thrilling challenge for you, Lily. How about we test your agility and defensive skills?"
Lily was a bit confused and said, "Please elaborate."
Stella nodded and began to explain, "In the final round, you will have to avoid all your opponent's attacks for a duration of thirty minutes. If your opponent manages to touch you during that time, you will surrender."
Lily's eyes widened with both excitement and a touch of apprehension. The challenge posed by Stella intrigued her, pushing the boundaries of her abilities in a unique way.
"That sounds exhilarating," Lily replied, her voice filled with anticipation. "It will truly test my reflexes and quick thinking. Count me in!"
Orion leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "This challenge will require you to be nimble and sharp, Lily. It will push you to enhance your defensive techniques and heighten your situational awareness."
Lily nodded, absorbing her brother's advice. She knew that her opponents in the final round would be formidable, and this challenge would help her fine-tune her defensive capabilities, ensuring she could evade attacks with precision.
"I welcome the challenge," Lily declared with conviction. "It will be an opportunity for me to showcase my agility and defensive prowess while also highlighting the importance of evasion and strategical thinking in combat."
With the challenge set before her, Lily's determination burned brighter than ever. She knew that this test of agility and defensive skills would push her to her limits and require her to exhibit flawless reflexes and quick decision-making.
The morning of the final round arrived, casting a sense of electric anticipation in the air. Today was the day that Lily would face her formidable opponent, Jason, in an epic battle for the ultimate prize.
As the sun's first rays painted the sky with hues of gold and pink, Lily prepared herself mentally and physically for the challenge that lay ahead.
Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of nervous excitement and unwavering confidence. She was strong in body, but that would not eliminate the nervous emotion in her.
Orion stood by her side, his unwavering support bolstering her spirits. "You've trained hard for this moment, Lily," he reminded her, his voice brimming with pride. "All your dedication and perseverance have led you to this point. Trust in your abilities and give it your all."
Lily nodded, drawing strength from her brother's words. She had spent countless hours refining her defensive techniques, perfecting her footwork, and sharpening her reflexes.
She had embraced Stella's challenge with determination and passion, moulding herself into a formidable force. The time had come to put her skills to the test.
As Lily made her way towards the arena, a wave of excitement washed over her. The crowd's cheers and the electric atmosphere fueled her adrenaline. She could feel the eyes of spectators upon her, eager to witness the clash of martial prowess that awaited them.
In the opposite corner of the arena, Jason, her opponent, stood with an air of fierce determination. His muscles rippled with power, his gaze fixed on Lily.
They were both aware of the stakes, the prize that awaited the victor. But beyond the material rewards, this battle held something even more significant—a chance to prove themselves, to etch their names in the martial arts history.