Trial Grounds, Divine Relic

Ten thousand meters above Jaya Island.

Here was a world made of pure white island clouds.

Strange clusters of buildings stood atop the cloud plains.

Most eye-catching of all was an enormous trial ground enclosed by cloud fences.

A fierce battle was underway inside.

"Impact Dial—Full Power!"

A Sky Island warrior pressed his palm against his opponent's chest, and the shell embedded in his wristguard lit up.

A shockwave erupted, violently sending his opponent flying.

Scattered applause rose from the sidelines.

There were not many spectators, only around fifty. All wore the distinctive clothing of Sky Island, with white wings hanging from their backs.

An old man sat on a raised platform, with his granddaughter, Veloni, standing beside him.

At that moment, she frowned as she watched another match in the arena determine its victor.

"Grandfather," Veloni said softly, bending down beside the old man's ear.

"They've been fighting for so many days. Haven't any of them satisfied you?"

The old man silently shook his head.

He took a Tone Dial from his robes and pressed the button on top.

A prerecorded voice came from within the shell—

"None of them... are qualified to participate in the Divine Throne Trial."

"Next pair—"

Following the referee's announcement, two new warriors stepped onto the trial platform.

"Beep—!"

The whistle signaling the start of battle sounded.

Blade flashes and flames intertwined in the air as the two moved across the field at high speed.

On the platform, Veloni watched without blinking.

Suddenly, she blinked.

"Grandfather, did they use Wind Dials?"

The old man slowly shook his head, though his eyes narrowed slightly.

Gradually, everyone heard the sound of wind tearing through the air.

"What is that—"

The spectators pointed at the sky.

A gigantic bird with a wingspan of over ten meters,