Akane and Jake arrived at Carter's ward, ready to visit their friend. As they entered, they were met with the sound of applause. Maddie and Arjun had planned a surprise to congratulate Jake on his impressive performance. Though he hadn't won, his friends still wanted to celebrate his efforts and show their support.

  Jake was taken aback by the warm welcome. "Thanks, guys!" he said, rubbing his head, blushing at the unexpected gesture. He wasn't entirely sure how to react, so he simply expressed his gratitude again.

  "It was an amazing performance, Jake! Something worth celebrating at the end of the competition!" Arjun said, still clapping enthusiastically.

  "Yeah, Jake! Let's spread some positive vibes and celebrate!" Maddie chimed in, trying to lift everyone's spirits after the recent unfortunate events. Everyone laughed, appreciating Maddie's heartfelt attempt to bring happiness back to the group.

  "Sorry, but could you guys lower your voices? I'm trying to sleep here," a faint voice muttered from behind them.

  They turned around, startled, and their surprise quickly turned into joy. The voice belonged to Carter, who had finally regained consciousness after days of uncertainty.

  "Carter!" Maddie exclaimed, immediately rushing to his bedside. She wrapped her arms around him, sobbing with relief. "You're not sleeping anymore! You've slept enough, you dummy!"

  "Hey, why are you calling me dummy?" Carter protested weakly, somewhat annoyed.

  "Because you know exactly what you did that made you unconscious!" Maddie reminded him sternly, recalling his earlier promise. He had vowed to enjoy the tournament without putting excessive pressure on himself, but his stubbornness against Olivier had led to severe blood loss.

  "Sorry, Maddie," Carter said softly, genuinely apologetic as Maddie continued to sob into his shoulder.

  The rest of the group remained silent, smiling warmly at Carter and Maddie's touching reunion. They didn't want to interrupt this emotional moment, and a collective sense of relief filled the room.

  Once the emotional moment had passed, everyone gathered around Carter's bed, filling him in on everything that had happened while he was unconscious.

  "I'm so glad Olivier got what he deserved!" Carter said angrily but also with evident relief.

  Maddie quickly chimed in, reminding him gently, "What's most important is that everyone is safe, the tournament is over, and you're finally awake!"

  Arjun nodded enthusiastically, his positivity shining through. "Exactly! Staying alive and optimistic matters most. We can always come back stronger another day!"

  Halfway through the conversation, Jake suddenly realized Luna wasn't among them. Curious, he turned toward Maddie and Arjun. "Wait, where's Luna?" he asked, concern showing on his face. He had expected Luna to be at the hospital since neither he nor Akane had spotted her at the Maxwell Colosseum earlier.

  "We haven't seen her at all," Arjun replied, with Maddie nodding in agreement.

  Jake paused briefly, considering this information. "Maybe she's back at my house with my family," he concluded aloud, deciding to confirm it once he returned home.

  After visiting Carter and Arjun at the hospital, Jake returned home, his spirits lifted by Carter's recovery and the return to a semblance of normalcy after the intense Athenaeum Games. However, throughout his hospital visit, Luna had been nowhere to be seen. Jake was eager to share with her that, now that the tournament had ended, he was refreshed and ready to help her continue the mission of finding the remaining legendary swords.

  As Jake opened the main door to his house, a sudden burst of confetti showered over his head. His parents, Elizabeth and Fumio, stood with party poppers in hand.

  "Surprise!" they shouted cheerfully.

  "Mom, Dad, it's only second place!" Jake protested, though he couldn't help but smile, appreciating his parents' unwavering support.

  "Come here, my boy!" Elizabeth reached out, holding Jake's face gently with both palms, inspecting him closely. "Did that girl hurt you with her tennis racket?"

  "I'm fine, Mom!" Jake groaned, feeling slightly embarrassed by the way his mother treated him like a child.

  "No need to be shy, Jake! It's just family here!" Fumio laughed, thoroughly amused by the exchange.

  "Dad!" Jake quickly looked around the house, suddenly remembering Luna. But she was still nowhere to be seen. Concerned, he asked his parents, "Where's Luna?"

  Fumio exchanged a glance with Elizabeth, confusion evident in their expressions. "Luna? Didn't she go to meet you all at the colosseum?"

  "No, she didn't come," Jake replied, alarm rising in his voice. He began to fear that Luna might have gone missing—or worse, had been kidnapped again.

  Elizabeth frowned, recalling something Luna had said earlier. "Jake, before Luna left, she said something strange. She said we should check her room if she didn't come back."

  With worry mounting and Luna's cryptic final instructions their only lead, the Harada family quickly rushed toward Luna's room, desperate to uncover any clue to her whereabouts.

  Upon entering Luna's room, the Harada family found everything neat and orderly, with nothing seemingly out of place except for a single note left on the table. Immediately, they noticed it and read it together, recognizing Luna's handwriting. The note read:

  "Jake and the Harada family,

  I just want to express my deepest gratitude for all you've done for me during this time. Meeting you all in this era has truly been a blessing. When I first arrived, I was helpless and confused in this unfamiliar timeline, uncertain about how to find the legendary swords, completely alone in an unknown world. Without your guidance and support, navigating this world would have been nearly impossible, and I might have faced my demise.

  Your family came into my life like a beacon of hope, guiding me, supporting my mission, and making me feel genuinely cared for. Your warmth and kindness have given me a sense of family that I never experienced in my dystopian timeline. Through you, Jake, I've also made wonderful friends, making my journey safer and infinitely more meaningful.

  Every moment I've spent with you has been precious, a true comfort and joy. But, as time passed, I began to realize that my presence had unintentionally brought danger to you, your family, and your friends. I disrupted the normal, peaceful life you had. Without my presence, none of you would have faced such threats. I deeply regret and apologize for all the trouble and risk I've caused.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Learning that you, Jake, are the guardian of the Sword of Flame has given me immense relief. Knowing that someone brave, honorable, and righteous is safeguarding it assures me that it won't fall into the hands of the Overlord.

  I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye in person. I knew it would be difficult for all of you to let me go alone, but it's the right thing to do. This battle is mine to fight, and it's not fair for you and your loved ones to bear this risk. It pains me deeply to see you all endangering your lives for a mission that isn't yours. I sincerely hope my departure restores the peaceful and normal life you deserve. Please don't try to find me—I must continue this quest alone to protect you all.

  Jake, Mr. and Mrs. Harada, thank you for everything. I truly hope we meet again someday, though for your safety, it may never happen.

  Yours sincerely,

  Luna"

  As Jake and his family finished reading Luna's heartfelt letter, Jake suddenly recalled their final encounter before the Athenaeum Games finals. Luna had been acting strangely, speaking cryptically. "I just… wanted to say thank you. For everything. No matter what happens today, I wish you the best in the tournament and life." Jake now realized Luna had planned her departure all along. A deep regret sank in—he hadn't recognized her intentions earlier. If he had known, he would have gladly forfeited the tournament to talk with her and persuade her to stay. But now, with no clear idea of Luna's next destination and only vague clues about the legendary swords, searching for her would be incredibly difficult.

  "That silly girl, thinking she's a burden," Elizabeth sighed mournfully.

  Fumio's perspective was more pragmatic. "She was thoughtful about everyone. Perhaps now we can return to our normal lives." Elizabeth nudged her husband sharply, noticing Jake's troubled expression. "What?" Fumio asked, puzzled.

  "Fumio Harada!" Elizabeth scolded, displeased. "Can't you see Jake is upset about Luna's departure? You could at least show some support."

  "It's not that Jake can't look for her if he wants," Fumio replied defensively. "Kenjiro did give him some clues. But maybe now our lives can return to being peaceful again."

  Jake, hearing his parents' conversation, finally spoke up with determination. "Mom, Dad, I've decided to look for Luna. Uncle Kenjiro's clues suggest the Sword of Light and the Sword of Ice might be in Europe. The Sword of Shadow is in China, the Sword of Storm is likely with someone connected to the sea, perhaps a captain or sailor, and the Sword of Earth was last seen in Egypt. Even though the clues are vague, I need to try."

  Fumio and Elizabeth exchanged worried glances. "Are you sure, Jake?" Fumio asked cautiously. "We only want what's best for you, but if this is your decision, your mother and I will support you."

  Just as the Harada family began to deliberate over Jake's next destination, a breaking news announcement interrupted the television, which Fumio had left on. "We have important news regarding the legendary swords, previously believed to be myths."

  The Harada family quickly moved from Luna's room to the living room, their eyes glued to the television screen. The broadcast introduced Professor Elden Thorne, the very person Jake had previously confronted and imprisoned. Their hearts sank as they realized this news couldn't be good.

  Professor Thorne, still dressed in his orange prison jumpsuit, sat calmly in his private cell, the dim lighting casting shadows on the cold concrete walls. Across from him, the interviewer from the television broadcast center shifted uncomfortably, gripping a notepad tightly.

  "Professor Thorne, you've researched the legendary swords extensively," the interviewer began skeptically, his tone edged with doubt. "Why are you now claiming these swords are real?"

  Thorne leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling confidence.

  "I've seen and even fought against one," Thorne confidently stated. The interviewer remained unconvinced until a news crew member whispered into her ear. Her eyes widened in surprise. "We have exclusive footage of Professor Thorne fighting against a legendary sword."

  As the footage began to play, and the Harada family watched anxiously, their hearts pounded with worry that Jake's identity might be revealed.

  On the screen was grainy CCTV footage taken from the security system of FutureForge Innovations' R&D lab. It showed the intense battle that took place that fateful day—Professor Thorne wielding the Sword of Water against an unknown combatant who held the Sword of Flames.

  To their relief, Jake's identity had been completely concealed. His face was blurred, and none of the camera angles captured a clear view of him. Whether it was luck or deliberate tampering, the footage kept his name and appearance hidden from the world.

  Still, the footage alone was enough to send shockwaves across the globe. The clash had been real, the devastation undeniable. Within hours, news outlets, governments, clandestine organizations, and even other legendary sword bearers were scrambling to assess the implications.

  Fear, awe, and curiosity swept through the world's most powerful circles. The age of legends—once dismissed as myth—was beginning to surface in the modern era. And now, the hunt had begun.

  "Professor Thorne," the interviewer continued cautiously, "can you reveal more about the person wielding the Sword of Flames?"

  "Unfortunately, I can't disclose his identity due to an indemnity agreement," Thorne replied, his smile curling ominously as he stared directly into the camera. "But he knows who he is… and I'll be coming for him again."

  Jake clenched his fists, frustration and concern building within him, as the professor's words were directed at him.

  It was a veiled threat—one only he truly understood. If Professor Thorne were ever released from prison, he wouldn't rest until he got his revenge. And Jake knew… that day might come sooner than anyone expected.

  "However, I can share locations of some swords," Thorne continued. "The Sword of Light is held by the Church of the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light in Vatican City. The Sword of Spirit is in Japan, likely with the Yakuza, and the Sword of Shadow is in China. The exact locations of the others remain unknown."

  The revelation sparked global discussions and plans, with particular focus on the Church in Vatican City. As the interview concluded, and based on the professor's ominous hints, the exact location of the Sword of Light became apparent.

  Jake turned decisively to his parents. "I'm going to Vatican City. It's probably where Luna is."

  Fumio placed a supportive hand on Jake's shoulder. "Jake, be cautious. The world now knows these swords are real."

  Elizabeth pulled him into a tight hug, her worry plain in her eyes. "We support you fully, son. Just promise you'll stay safe. If it gets tough… please, just come home."

  Jake nodded confidently, picking up his bag, the Sword of Flames, and his baseball bat. "Don't worry, I'll return safely."

  The Harada family bid Jake farewell, knowing he was embarking on a journey filled with uncertainty and danger, but also hope, as he set out for Vatican City to find Luna.

  Late at night, on a quiet, dimly lit street, a sleek, luxury limousine waited discreetly, parked in the shadows. Augustine Salvatore, dressed impeccably in his signature white suit with an unbuttoned black shirt, approached slowly, his gladius strapped securely across his back, chewing thoughtfully on a toothpick. The reason for this clandestine meeting was unclear.

  Augustine opened the limousine door and slid into the seat. He nodded briefly to the driver, Alejandro "Roca" Mendoza, the stoic bodyguard of Bastien Laurent. Acknowledging Augustine's gesture, Roca started the engine, guiding the limousine smoothly into the night.

  Sitting opposite Augustine was Bastien Laurent himself, his legs crossed elegantly. Unlike his usual friendly and generous demeanor, tonight Laurent appeared stern and ruthless. Augustine inclined his head respectfully toward his boss.

  "You've met the boy. What do you think?" Augustine asked quietly.

  "Jake Harada? He's just a boy," Laurent replied, his tone measured and cold. "Yet, it's astonishing that such a powerful weapon has chosen a teenager as its guardian."

  Augustine nodded in agreement. "Even Professor Thorne couldn't fully explain the mechanics behind the legendary swords and how they select their wielders."

  Laurent's eyes narrowed slightly. "What's the situation with Professor Elden Thorne, my consigliere?" he asked sharply, revealing Augustine's crucial role in his inner circle. "And why arrange for him to reveal the existence of the legendary swords publicly through a TV broadcast? Wouldn't that complicate our efforts to secure them?"

  Augustine leaned forward slightly, his voice calm but assertive. "The professor desires an early release from prison. I can handle that arrangement through Selene Vrax of the Zephyr City Police Department. Moreover, he's interested in becoming an associate, fully aware of our influence and control in the city."

  He paused briefly before continuing, "I've considered this carefully. Besides the Sword of Light, Thorne's knowledge about the swords' locations is limited. Revealing their existence publicly encourages others to search for the swords, effectively doing our work for us. Remember, the swords choose their wielders, not vice versa. It's more crucial to identify these wielders than to locate the swords themselves."

  Laurent regarded Augustine silently for a moment, then responded decisively, "I trust you to handle this matter discreetly. Please do not fail me. None of this should trace back to me. You can exit at the next corner."

  The limousine slowed and pulled smoothly over to the curb. Augustine stepped out, adjusting his suit as Laurent's limousine disappeared quietly into the night.

  End of Athenaeum Games Arc

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