The Forsaken Heir's Ascension
Chapter 109: After the Storm

Chapter 109: After the Storm

The entire stadium fell into stunned silence.

No one spoke.

They watched with wide eyes as Alex, carrying Selene, walked out of the ruined arena.

Emilia finally snapped back to her senses. Her voice thundered across the shattered silence:

"GAME OVER. WINNER — REBEL TEAM!"

She paused as the crowd slowly emerged from their shock.

"ALL INJURED — TO THE INFIRMARY. FURTHER MATCHES ARE SUSPENDED FOR TODAY!"

Darian stood amidst the wreckage of the arena, his armor blackened and dented, blood tracing a crimson line from his forehead.

He looked around, dazed by the scale of devastation.

Then down at himself. His once-shining armor now looked like scorched scrap metal.

He muttered in disbelief,

"Is this how gods wage war... or did they summon a god itself?"

He glanced up at the sky, voice a whisper only the wind could hear.

"That kind of power... shouldn’t exist. What hope is left for those without power... in a world where that walks freely?"

Elsewhere, Tina climbed to her feet and surveyed the scattered injured. Her gaze found Rina, lying motionless on her back, staring at the clouds.

As Tina approached, her eyes widened —

Rina was unscathed.

Not a single wound, not even a strand of hair singed.

She looked untouched, as if the destruction had politely stepped around her.

Tina smiled, gently reaching out a hand.

"What are you staring at? Come on. Let’s get down from here — this arena might collapse any moment."

Rina accepted her hand and stood without a word.

But her mind was far from quiet.

What was that?

That golden energy... it protected me completely. Nothing even came close to breaking through it.

Alex reached the infirmary, Hati padding silently behind him.

Selene lay cradled gently in his arms.

He entered the wide, sterile hall lined with white beds, each separated by drawn curtains. The scent of healing herbs lingered faintly in the air.

A woman in the Academy’s emerald uniform approached him.

"Please place her here, young man," she said with a kind smile, gesturing toward one of the beds.

Alex nodded and carefully laid Selene down. The woman stepped in, her hands glowing faintly with wood elemental energy as she began to examine Selene.

Noticing the worried furrow in Alex’s brow, she smirked.

"Don’t worry, young man. I’m a healer. I won’t hurt your little lover."

Alex’s eyes shot open.

"She’s not my—my little lover!" he stammered, stepping back in flustered protest.

The woman ignored his reaction, her expression shifting to a more professional one.

"She’s alright. Just exhausted — her core’s been overused, but she’ll recover."

Suddenly, the infirmary doors slammed open.

BOOM!

Ice Phoenix Matriarch Sara Frostreign strode in, her eyes sweeping the room in cold urgency — until they landed on Alex.

For the briefest moment, her gaze softened. But just as quickly, that flicker was buried beneath her usual composed, unreadable expression.

She crossed the room in swift strides.

"Is she okay?" she asked, her voice tense.

The healer responded with a nod and a more serious tone.

"Yes, she’s fine. Just pushed herself too far. She’ll need rest."

Sara let out a quiet breath of relief.

"Thank you," she said softly.

She crouched by Selene’s side, gently brushing her daughter’s cheek before taking her hand in both of hers.

Just then, Hati tugged on Alex’s jeans. He looked down to see the wolf gesturing — nodding toward the door with his muzzle and eyes.

Let’s leave quietly. It’s her mother.

Alex gave a silent nod and began to retreat toward the exit.

But before he could make it out—

"He’s not a normal wolf, is he?"

Sara’s voice was calm, but firm. She hadn’t looked up.

Alex blinked. Was she talking to him?

She sighed and finally turned her gaze toward him.

"I’m talking to you, Mr. Alexander."

Alex froze. A strange pressure settled over him.

Why am I nervous? Did I do something wrong? No... I didn’t.

He straightened, swallowing his anxiety.

"Yes... Yes, ma’am," he replied, trying to sound steady.

Sara turned her eyes back to Selene and spoke gently.

"Thank you for saving my daughter. I know this world hasn’t treated you kindly. And yet, you still choose to help others."

Her fingers softly brushed Selene’s silver hair.

"You’re the strongest person I’ve met — not because of power, but because you still have the kindness in your heart."

Her words struck something deep in Alex. He stood frozen for a long second, then a small, genuine smile bloomed on his face.

He gave a respectful bow.

"Thank you," he said simply — and stepped out.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Sara whispered to the silent room,

"I hope you keep that kindness alive in your heart. This world has seen enough cruelty. It needs people like you."

Outside, Alex walked back to his dorm with a quiet, lasting smile.

He collapsed onto his bed, still grinning faintly.

For the first time in his life... someone had thanked him.

And not just anyone — someone from the very peak of the world.

It feels good, Anna, saving lives feels good, he said in his mind.

A sudden growl snapped him out of his daydream.

He turned his head — and found Hati growling at him.

"What happened?" Alex asked, eyes wide in surprise.

"Woof. Woof."

The bark was sharp, filled with unmistakable resentment. Hati’s eyes burned with accusation.

Realization dawned.

"Oh— Oh no," Alex stood up abruptly and rushed for the door. "Yes, yes, we’re going! We’re going to the cafeteria, okay? Don’t look at me like that!"

Hati grumbled but followed, tail swishing with dramatic annoyance.

A little later, in the cafeteria...

Alex and Hati were quietly eating in their usual corner. Steam rose from the food, and the atmosphere buzzed with distant chatter.

As they ate, Serene walked past their table without a word, casually dropping a small folded note.

Alex blinked, watching her retreating back. He slowly unfolded the paper.

"Tomorrow after the match, we go for the rescue. Be prepared."

Alex clenched the paper, his jaw tightening, resolve flickering in his eyes.

I’ll save my mother.

Meanwhile, back in the infirmary...

Lyra sat beside the bed where Meika lay unconscious.

The healer had assured her Meika was stable — out of danger.

But Lyra’s hands were clenched in her lap, her nerves unsettled. Meika wasn’t just anyone, she was one of her few true friends. And worst of all, Meika had only ended up here... because of the one Lyra loved most.

Her mind was spiraling.

I know Riven truly loves me... but he doesn’t trust me.

His nature is cold, cruel even. But I still love him. And it’s not just some fleeting crush — I want a life with him. A home, children... a future. I want peace.

But Riven... Riven chases power. He wants strength above all else.

Is that wrong? No. But something about it feels wrong...

Is it me? Am I the one who’s mistaken?

Was it foolish to dream of love in a world that only respects power?

Her storm of thoughts was cut short by a soft groan.

She snapped to attention. Meika stirred.

Lyra leaned closer, her expression stiff but hopeful.

Meika blinked against the blinding white ceiling, grimaced, and muttered as she shut her eyes again,

"Ugh... I hate white."

"Yes, I know."

The voice was soft, but clear.

Meika opened her eyes slowly.

Lyra was sitting quietly by her bedside.

Meika glanced around the room, as if expecting someone else — but her gaze returned with the slightest flicker of disappointment.

Lyra noticed.

Gently, she said,

"Don’t worry about anything else. You’re alright. The healer said you just need a bit of rest."

Meika stared into Lyra’s deep blue eyes.

Then she asked quietly,

"Why are you here, Lyra?"