Chapter 10:The Arena of Aurora (Continued)

Rian darted through the forest, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he and his teammates executed their strategy. The competition intensified, with elemental powers clashing around him. He felt alive, riding the edge of danger, weaving his Flicker into the fast-paced rhythm of the match.

As he flickered to avoid a barrage of fireballs from a rival team, he suddenly misjudged his landing. His foot slipped on a patch of moss, and before he could react, he crashed into a tree trunk. Pain shot through his shoulder, and he grunted, struggling to catch his breath.

"Rian!" Lyria called, her voice filled with concern. She summoned a gust of wind and was at his side in an instant. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he gasped, though he could feel a sharp throb in his shoulder. "Just—just a little setback."

But as he stood, the pain radiated through him. He glanced at his teammates, who were still engaged in the match, their attention diverted by the fierce battle unfolding before them. Realizing he couldn't keep up in this state, Rian decided it was best to retreat and regroup.

"Guys, I think I need to head to the nurse's office," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Can you make it?" Kiel asked, worry etched on his face.

"I'll be fine," Rian insisted, though doubt crept in as he took a few hesitant steps. His shoulder felt like it was on fire.

"Let's get you there," Lyria urged, her determination unwavering. Together, they made their way out of the arena, the sounds of cheers and cheers fading behind them.

Once they reached the nurse's office, Rian stumbled inside, leaning against the cool wall for support. The scent of antiseptic and herbs filled the air, creating an odd sense of calm amidst the pain.

"Just sit down," Lyria said, guiding him to a chair.

Before Rian could respond, the door swung open, and in walked Mira, his older sister. Her expression shifted from casual indifference to surprise as she took in the sight of Rian, disheveled and wincing in pain.

"What happened, little brother?" she asked, a teasing smirk creeping onto her lips. "Didn't think the great Rian Ashford could handle a little game."

"Mira, this isn't the time," Rian mumbled, trying to wave her off, but the pain in his shoulder made it difficult to muster any defiance.

"Look at you, the Flicker himself, all bruised and battered. Should've stuck to the sidelines!" She laughed, a sound that echoed harshly in the small room.

"Leave him alone, Mira!" Lyria snapped, stepping forward, her protective instincts flaring. "He did his best out there. It's not easy!"

"Is that supposed to be comforting?" Mira shot back, folding her arms. "He's just a flicker in a world of flames. What did he expect?"

"Enough!" Rian exclaimed, surprising even himself with the force behind his voice. He held up a hand, feeling the weight of his sister's words pressing down on him. "I don't need you to make this worse."

Mira raised an eyebrow, her mocking smile faltering for a moment. "Oh? So, you can handle it all on your own now? You're really starting to believe the hype, aren't you?"

"Rian, you don't have to take that from her," Lyria urged, her expression a mix of anger and concern.

"Please, Lyria…" Rian said, his voice quieting as he fought back a wave of frustration. "Just let it go."

But before anyone could respond, the lights in the nurse's office flickered ominously, and the room grew cold. A dark shadow passed by the window, sending a chill down Rian's spine. Mira's smirk faded as she turned to look outside, her eyes widening.

"What was that?" Mira whispered, fear creeping into her tone.

"Something's wrong," Rian said, adrenaline surging again as he felt the pain in his shoulder fade into the background. He stood up, clenching his fists, ready for whatever was to come.

As the ground trembled beneath them, Lyria stepped beside him, her eyes narrowed. "We have to see what's happening."

Just then, a loud crash echoed from outside, and the nurse's office door burst open, revealing chaos—a dark figure loomed at the entrance, shrouded in shadow. Rian's heart raced as he locked eyes with the intruder, the air thick with danger and uncertainty.

And in that moment, Rian knew that the real battle was only just beginning.