Seven spirited young people followed behind Bahamut, both excited and apprehensive as they walked toward the arena's raised platform.
Just a few days earlier, they had been nothing more than rising talents from all corners of the world.
Today, they could ascend to the emperor's platform.
A farmer's son at dawn, a guest in the sovereign's hall by dusk!
What an honor!
The waiting area was not far from the raised platform.
"Be sure to remain reverent, because those about to appear before you are the strongest in this world!"
As they approached the platform, Bahamut cautioned them.
Soon.
Bahamut led them onto the raised platform.
Before them stood a man and a woman by the railing, enjoying the sunset and evening breeze.
As they looked at their backs.
The seven young people, usually either proud or composed, felt as though they stood at the foot of a towering mountain, looking up at peaks that pierced the sky with no end in sight.
Some of them secretly raised their heads to look at the petite woman, only to feel as though they were amid a boundless ocean.
Others looked at the tall, straight-backed man and felt a radiance like the sun.
Yuhua only dared to lift his head for a single glance before he lost his nerve and lowered it slightly.
Yet the sense of familiarity in his heart grew stronger and stronger.
Time passed little by little, and Bahamut had long since left the platform.
Only the seven young people with their heads bowed and the two Kings enjoying the evening breeze remained.
Only at the instant the setting sun found the horizon.
Did Jiang Yang and Constana turn around, rein in their auras, and smile at the young people before them.
"Raise your heads, all of you."
Jiang