Enchanted Fortress Siege [1]

'A friend, huh...' Adrian chuckled inwardly at Aurelius's words. 

"Aria is done, I need to get going, see you later," Then he stood up and started leaving. "...friend."

"!" Aurelius's eyes widened in surprise at Adrian's parting words. He watched as Adrian walked away, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. For a long time, he had felt isolated and misunderstood, but Adrian's acknowledgment, albeit brief, gave him a sense of hope and belonging he hadn't felt in years.

Aurelius stood there for a moment, processing everything. The events of the day, the intense matches, and the conversation had left him with much to think about. He glanced once more at the VIP seats where his family sat, then back at the arena where Aurelia was leaving after the announcement of their advance to the next round.

'That's right... I still have many unfinished things left to do... I can't leave this world yet...'

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