Chosen By The Lover's Constellation-Chapter 194: Star Players, Part Twenty-Three

Lianna scanned the area around her, her eyes darting from one seat to the next. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her.

She leaned forward slightly, her gaze sweeping across the rows of spectators, searching for any sign of the elusive Child of Mana that they hoped would show herself today.

The last thing she wanted was to be seen first before she could spot the girl. Both of them had abilities that let the other know what they could do.

The matter of "who sees who first" was just too important.

"EHK!"

Lianna flinched as Enverna poked her side.

"Lianna? You alright?" Enverna asked with a slightly raised brow.

She turned to face her friend, forcing a reassuring smile.

"I’m fine," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just keeping an eye out, you know?"

Enverna regarded her with a knowing look, her expression filled with understanding as she too began to search the area.

Lianna offered her a grateful nod before returning her attention to the task at hand.

Just then, Marcus approached them, his presence drawing their focus.

He wore a confident smile as he addressed them, his voice carrying over the hum of the crowd.

"Good afternoon, ladies," he said, his tone cheerful. "It’s almost time for the tournament to begin. We’ll need you to join the other competitors for the lineup before we get started."

Lianna nodded in acknowledgment, a surge of determination coursing through her veins.

With a sense of purpose, she rose from her seat, exchanging a glance with Enverna before following Marcus toward the stadium’s halls.

Lianna and Enverna followed Marcus as he led them out to the center of the stadium, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished surface of the white stage that covered the expansive field below.

The crowd was deafening.

[No VR this time. The fighting’s going to be real.]

As they approached the middle, Lianna’s eyes widened in awe at the sight that greeted them.

Rows of competitors stood poised and ready, their diverse skills and abilities on full display without Lianna even having to use {Target Analysis}.

Paladins stood tall and resolute, mages’ hands crackled with arcane energy, and archers held quivers full of arrows they’d soon shoot at the others on the stage.

The anticipation hung heavy in the air as they joined the other duos, a palpable energy coursing through the crowd.

Suddenly, Lianna felt Enverna’s hand intertwine with hers.

The warmth of her touch sent a comforting wave of reassurance through her. She glanced over at her friend, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Together, they stood amidst the others, with Lianna almost feeling like she didn’t belong.

As they reached the center of the stage, the announcer’s voice boomed over the crowd, his words filled with a natural sort of energy to them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying effortlessly across the stadium. "Get ready for a thrilling display of skill and strategy as our talented fighters go head-to-head in the ultimate test of strength and prowess!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the sound reverberating throughout the stadium as the announcer continued to build excitement.

"And now, without further ado, let’s meet our first contenders!" he declared, gesturing toward the lineup of fighters.

Lianna felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. But, she tried to remind herself of the real goal.

This wasn’t really about the exhibition.

"First up, we have the valiant duo of Galahad and Elara, renowned champions from the Silver Blade!"

The crowd erupted into applause as the gallant pair stepped forward, their armor gleaming in the bright stadium lights.

They actually did look like a knight and a princess had just popped up out from a fairytale.

"Next, please welcome Thalia and Orion, arcane masters from the Shields of Saren!"

A wave of awe swept through the audience as the two mages walked up.

"Please give a roaring applause to the renowned duo of Dante and Cerena!"

The crowd roared.

The announcer wasn’t done yet.

"Previously, both of them were independent, but they’ve recently joined a brand new guild!"

Lianna and Enverna looked at each other.

[What?] Lianna thought.

The announcer’s words echoed through the stadium, but Lianna scarcely registered them as her gaze remained fixed on Dante and Cerena.

The realization that these two may be associated with the Seeds of Eternity sent a chill down her spine.

Enverna’s hand tightened around Lianna’s, the tension palpable between them as they exchanged a worried glance. They were on the same page.

[I guess I should have considered that,] Lianna thought, her mind racing with apprehension. [We guessed that girl would show up, just so she could be sure she took us out, but she might have just sent these two instead.

"Additionally," the announcer continued, "Dante has informed us that if they do end up coming out on top, they will reveal exactly which guild they’ve signed to!"

[... Okay,] Lianna thought. [That kinda sounds like they’re planning to make some dramatic announcement after they kill us or something.]

Her thoughts were interrupted as the announcer shifted his focus to Lianna and Enverna.

Their moment in the spotlight had arrived, but Lianna found it difficult to concentrate as her eyes remained locked on Dante and Cerena.

"And now, brace yourselves for the next formidable contenders, the Deadly Brides, the stars of the Watchful, the femme fatales who’ve been all the rage recently, give it up for Lianna and Enverna!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, but Lianna’s mind was elsewhere.

She could feel Cerena’s gaze boring into her, a silent challenge passing between them.

For a moment, the world seemed to fade away as Lianna stared back at Cerena, her determination flaring.

Whatever Dante and Cerena were planning, she and Enverna would be ready.

With a deep breath, Lianna tore her gaze away from Cerena and turned to face the audience, her resolve hardening.

[Doesn’t matter what they’ve got planned. We won’t let it stop us.]