Part 48 – Tom's Battle (Part 1)…
From Tom's POV …
The air was scorching hot.
Sweat dripped down my face.
A strand of hair fell over my eyes; I pushed it back and stepped into the arena.
A sharp pain stabbed through my chest, spreading across my whole body, but I ignored it.
If anyone realized what was happening, I'd be finished.
Everyone feared me right now.
I had to keep that fear alive.
As Master Ziar always said:
"Even at your weakest, show your strongest. Fear keeps enemies from acting."
I glanced around.
Shock, admiration, fear—every expression pointed at me.
The crowd cheered loudly, but I knew the truth:
If I failed here, those cheers would turn into mockery and scorn.
So I had to win.
I looked at my classmates.
More than nine had passed the exam.
Dan — pride and disbelief.
Henry — worried, holding Daenerys's hand.
Adriana — cold, icy, unreadable.
Hardy — jealous.
And then… Rose.
The only one looking at me with genuine kindness.
Her gaze warmed my heart.
I smiled at her.
She smiled back.
A few meters away, Lucas glared at me with burning hatred.
To annoy him even more, I flashed him a grin.
His whole face turned red.
My eyes moved to the highest platform—where the strongest men of the Empire sat.
King Harold — pure anger.
Bard Melodia — admiration.
Adrian Flor — a warm smile… something familiar stirred inside me.
Archbishop Leonard — neutral.
James Hyper — deeply worried.
The judge entered the arena.
A bald man in his sixties with narrow eyes.
"Hope you've enjoyed the exam so far," he said.
"Now it's time for the second stage."
The crowd roared.
"In this stage, all successful candidates will fight monsters.
No weapons allowed… except for two individuals.
You must rely solely on your magic.
You have ten minutes.
Fail to win within ten minutes—eliminated.
Survive but lose—eliminated.
Die—well, obviously eliminated."
Then he called my name.
"Tom Breach."
I took a deep breath.
Dust swirled across the arena.
And then… the Mohak appeared.
I smirked.
They thought I couldn't beat Mohak without Hardy's help?
I had my invisible sword.
Why not entertain the crowd a little first?
I summoned a whirlwind and launched my attack.
⭐ … From the Narrator's POV …
Tom's return sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Cheers erupted everywhere.
Some believed he was the "chosen one," but wiser voices whispered:
"Wait until the exam ends."
Two farmers—Tom's supporters—watched with cautious hope.
They were magicless, just like Tom, and wanted him to succeed…
But they knew reality could be harsh.
King Harold was furious.
Tom hadn't died.
He shot a hateful glare at Adrian Flor.
If Adrian hadn't opposed killing Tom years ago, none of this would be happening.
Adia Flor and Bard Melodia watched Tom with admiration.
They saw him as one of their own—almost like a son.
⭐ … From Rose Tarin's POV …
Tom had returned.
The cheers were deserved.
Despite all the lies and rumors, despite the humiliation…
He had succeeded.
When I looked closely, I noticed strands of white hair.
What had he gone through?
His gaze met mine.
I smiled.
He smiled back.
For the first time, a boy's smile warmed my heart.
Mohak appeared.
Tom stood ready.
They thought Mohak would defeat him?
Ridiculous.
I watched the battle begin.
Please win, Tom.
With all those wounds… with all that pain… please win.
⭐ … From Dan Hyper's POV …
I couldn't believe it.
Tom had returned.
He was conscious.
And he intended to continue fighting.
His determination surpassed even the iron will of our family.
All I could do was pray.
Win, Tom.
Chosen son of the gods.
⭐ … From Henry Flor's POV …
Tom was back.
Thank the gods.
I glanced at Daenerys—she felt the same relief.
A lump formed in my throat.
How had Tom become so important to me?
What connection existed between us?
⭐ … From Adriana Flor's POV …
I looked at Tom.
His determination was admirable.
But he had to lose.
I would defeat him myself.
Father… that emotionless man… was probably thrilled again.
Why?
What connection did he have with Tom?
It didn't matter.
I wanted one thing:
To defeat Tom.
⭐ … From Hardy Melodia's POV …
Tom had returned… with white hair.
Was it like this before the exam?
Or after?
Whatever it was…
He looked strangely attractive.
Why was I thinking such nonsense?
Still… I was happy.
Really happy.
I hoped he'd win.
⭐ … From William Jordan's POV …
Tom had returned.
That damned pawn was turning into a queen on my chessboard.
Why wouldn't he die?
Why wouldn't he let my plans unfold?
I clenched my fists.
I couldn't show my anger.
Everyone would die.
Everyone involved in my mother's death.
And Tom?
I'd make him kill himself with his own hands.