"Sis..."
Huo Wushuang opened his mouth, wanting to say something, only to realize he had no idea how to comfort her.
All he could do was tighten his arm around his sister's shoulders, telling her through that gesture: I'm here.
Huo Yun and Huo Yu stood in silence. The flames on their bodies had long since died out, leaving only exhaustion and dejection.
Huo Jin and Huo Ran supported each other. Both were Support System Soul Masters, and they had been badly injured when that final blast of cold sent them flying. Their faces were now paler than paper.
But they paid no attention to their own injuries, looking only at their captain with worry.
Lia.
She stood there, her red hair somewhat disheveled. Her battle attire was torn in several places, exposing bloody marks left by the searing ice crystals beneath.
Her breathing was still a little rapid, but her amber eyes remained as calm as still water.
Yet deep within that calm, something seemed to be slowly burning.
"Captain..." Huo Wushuang could not help speaking.
Lia raised a hand, stopping him.
"I'm fine."
Her voice was soft, yet somehow reassuring.
"A loss is a loss. We weren't as skilled as they were. There's nothing else to say."
She paused, her gaze turning toward the arena.
"Next time, we'll win it back."
Those few simple words dispelled much of the frustration and dejection weighing on the Blazing Fire Academy team.
Huo Wu lifted her head and looked at Lia's back.
Flames rekindled in her rose-red eyes.
If even our captain hasn't fallen, what right do I have to give up?
Just then, a decidedly ill-timed figure came scampering over.
Short silver hair slicked back, a dark high-collared undershirt, and that black mask embroidered with silver patterns still covering his