The final event had originally been scheduled to begin at nine o'clock that morning, but at eight-thirty, people received notice that the competition would be delayed by an hour. This gave Shade, who had just been preparing to put on his armor, more time to rest.
While they waited, Dorothy guessed that the delay was due to new arrangements by The Church. Tifa, meanwhile, believed that danger had appeared nearby and that the royal family needed to coordinate the selection of the final spectators, lest Cavendish's heirs be put at risk.
Then, around nine-thirty, a new visitor entered the tent. Iluna arrived before Shade that morning, much to his surprise.
"Good morning, Shade."
The seventeen-year-old girl had simply tied her long brown hair into a ponytail and wore a fitted brown women's jacket. One glance made it clear that she was working, and Iluna's appearance at Edward III Arena at this hour was likely related to the Humanoid Relic that had already harmed four people nearby.
"Good morning, Iluna."
"Good morning, Miss Bayes."
Besides Shade, Tifa and Dorothy also greeted Iluna. Miss Writer was not especially familiar with Iluna, but they at least knew one another.
"You came because of that fellow looking for his brother?"
Shade raised an eyebrow. Iluna nodded and stood behind him, watching him put on his armor in the mirror.
"Our team received orders to keep watch and search the southeastern side of the arena. Just now, the captain told us to move freely for the time being and check the nearby areas separately, so I came straight here."
She lowered her voice slightly.
"Have you found anything?"
"Not yet."
Shade shook his head.
"If a Humanoid Relic wants to hide itself, it will be hard for us to find it on our own. But