Every 5 years, a game unites 10 realms offering the ultimate champion, immortality. Those who are not as successful, will live in wealth and infamy. There is really no loss, isn't it? For sure, there is nothing nefarious about this, right?
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"Hey, Coen," a comforting voice called out into the emptiness of the room, its warmth contrasting with the solitude.
"Breakfast is ready," she continued, her words hanging in the air, devoid of any physical presence.
Hands gently reached for the shoulders of the man, his solitude palpable even in slumber. "Coen, my love. Wake up," she whispered, though no one stood beside him.
Her touch startled him awake, yet the room remained void of her form.
"Vita," Coen groaned, his voice a solitary lament as he opened his eyes to the vast emptiness of the room.
It took him several moments to shake off the remnants of sleep, his gaze wandering to the expansive window that framed the solitude around him.
As he stared out into the void, his mind still clouded with drowsiness, the soft glow of the holoscreen flickered with the day's broadcast, its presence unnoticed amidst the stark loneliness of the room.
UNIVERSITAS REGALIS BASTIONRIG, ALIVANCE EMPIRE GREATER EMPIRE OF PARNON
A streak of Eter's strand flashed across the sky, a celestial spectacle seemingly blessing the solemn proceedings below. To the gathered throngs, it held diverse interpretations: a reverent nod to their ancestors, a cosmic reminder of life's brevity, or perhaps both intertwined.
"Today, as the academic community of University of Regalis, amidst our exceptional students and esteemed faculty, we gather to honor a life extinguished far too soon," the speaker's voice resonated, punctuated by images of Jasper displayed on the holoscreens behind.
Cameras from various news networks swiveled their lenses from the speaker to capture the poignant tribute unfolding on the screens.
"Jasper Moxham, known to his friends as a devoted student, son, and friend. To our institution, he was not merely a scholar but a beacon of excellence, a source of pride for his scholarship sponsor, his family, and the people of The Styrd region," the speaker continued, evoking a mixture of sorrow and reflection among the audience.
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Tears flowed freely among the students, their emotions ranging from silent grief to whispered remembrances, each one touched by Jasper's untimely departure.
Even the Alforst twins remained silent, surrounded by the same friends who had been with Jasper during his final hours, their journey abruptly halted by the tragic incident.
Sabine lowered her gaze, her hands tightly clenched together in a silent display of anguish, while her brother slowly turned to their friends, his expression conveying an unspoken agreement to keep the truth hidden within their circle.
"Now, as we light these candles..." the speaker's voice trailed off as attendees retrieved white candles, each flame supposedly symbolizing Jasper's enduring spirit.
