The midday sun zed down with fierce intensity, casting a brilliant glow across thendscape.


    The sky, washed clean by the light, stretched endlessly, perfect expanse of clear blue.


    A soft breeze drifted in from the sea, carrying the salty scent of the ocean and the steady rhythm of waves crashing against the shore.


    The ind, ancient and untouched, seemed to stretch on forever, itsndscape shaped by countless years, each one blending seamlessly into the next.


    Everything was tranquil, simple, and unpretentious, free from self-importance or reflections on life and death.


    There were no illusions here, no unrealistic hopes or dreams.


    All that had been, all that was, and all that was yet toe, were nothing more than the fleeting blooms of flowers, the opening and closing of chapters in a book. Nothing mattered-there was no ambition, no selfishness, and certainly no room for futile longing.


    The world was in a state of calm, untouched by the chaos of life.


    The only movement in this quiet scene was the flight of birds, their wings slicing through the air, stirring à momentary emotion, as if time itself could be captured in their flight. For a brief instant, everything seemed frozen, a quiet passage of life and death.


    A sharp gust of wind cut through the air, rustling the lush vines of Duskhaven''s L2 Mystic Realm War Game Base.


    The vines swayed gently in the breeze, creating a soothing rhythm.


    At the far end, 80 elite teams stood motionless, their bodies rigid and unmoving, like statues carved from stone, their postures a mark of respect and silence.


    The stillness was profound, as pure as the seagulls soaring high above the vast ocean, untouched by the corrupting influences of humanity.


    Ryker, the Chief Assistant Designer of the Thalrex Order''s Advanced Science Department, had just announced the winner of thepetition.


    The crowd stood in silence, but this silence was far from peaceful-it was thick with resentment, anger, and unspoken conflict.


    Dragon Soul Special Forces had imed the title of topmander-in-chief through the most forceful of means, and many were left unsatisfied with the result.


    Not all victoriese with apuse, and not all mediocrity is overlooked.


    Underneath the calm exterior, dissatisfaction simmered in the hearts of 79 teams, a storm of emotion waiting to break.


    "Congrattions, Commander-in-chief Ramsey!"


    Ryker, Chief Assistant Designer of the Thalrex Order''s Advanced Science Department, approached Robin with a formal salute.


    "You are only the secondmander in 20 years to be chosen as the top of the qualifying match by our department.


    "Your daring and unconventional leadership, your ability to break from tradition, and, most importantly, your unwavering sense of duty make you a rare and invaluable talent in our eyes! "From Area One to the final area, your team''s performance was wless!


    "Particrly after you earned the qualifying token, when disaster struck, you set aside selfish desires and led yourrades into harm''s way to save the lives of all the elite teams. That is the mark of a true leader, willing to sacrifice for the greater good. "Such wisdom and selflessness in the face of catastrophe-that''s the true brilliance of a leader."


    Ryker nced around at the othermanders-in-chief in the room, shrugging slightly.


    "Sure, your performances were impressive, but beneath the surface, when it came to life and death, we saw selfishness and foolishness.


    "The L1 Mystic Realm Finals is a different kind of challenge than L2. It''s a test that only a truemander can bear.


    "That crown isn''t for just anyone to wear.


    "If given to the ipetent, it would only bring more suffering to the world.


    "Only those who are truly heroic are worthy of its weight.


    "Those who stand tall and bear the world''s burdens must cast aside personal desires and false peace.


    "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey of Dragon Soul Special Forces is that hero who rises to the asion in the most desperate moments.


    "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey, we look forward to seeing you lead the world''s strongest teams and shine again in the LI Mystic Realm Finals tomorrow!"


    Robin gave a small nod, indifferent. "General Irvin, your praise has only earned me more enemies. Looks like I''ll need to have a ''talk'' with them-using my fists." Ryker smirked. "When ites to action, there''s no need for words-that''s how real men handle things.


    "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey, if ites to that, dont hold back! You''re now the most important figure


    in the Thalrex Order, and we''ll take full responsibility for whatever happens.


    "We''re all in agreement with you-respect is earned through actions, not words. Go ahead and show them what''s what!"


    Robin patted Ryker on the shoulder. "We''ll see how things y out."


    As the members of the Thalrex Order''s Advanced Science Department left, the mystic realm''smunication system was activated.


    Robin''s phone buzzed, and he nced down to see a message from Kelsey, the newly appointed overseer of Qacalisle Ind.


    "Mr. Ramsey, Elodie''s parents, Ambrose and Dahlia, would like to meet with you about the Emberleaf Fan. Can you spare some time for a meeting? I''ll be apanying them." There were also messages from Lue, inviting him to dinner...


    Robin quickly checked the time and suggested they meet at the Ind Restaurant at Duskhaven in an hour.


    "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey, congrattions!" Anton and Jethro called out as they walked up behind him.


    Between them stood a middle-aged man with a round face and sses. His serious expression gave him a formal, almost intimidating air.


    He appeared to be in his fifties, radiating authority and solemnity.


    Anton stepped forward and introduced him. "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey, this is Mr. Kennard Morales, President of the Draconia Astronomical Technology Association.


    "Mr. Morales also ys a key role as a core member of the technical division within the Thalrex Order.


    "He''se to Qacalisle Ind from the Thalrex Order headquarters to guide Dragon Soul Special Forces through the uing operations after hearing about your entrance to the Mystic Realm Semifinals."


    Robin and the Dragon Soul Special Forces members exchanged surprised looks. "It''s just a match. Why would they send someone like him to oversee things?"


    Kennard''s face tightened in


    response. "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey, your attitude is reckless and uneptable. I''m here as a representative of the association, and must tell you-this mindset is dangerous.


    "You''ve won the L2 Mystic Realm War Games, and thats an undeniable fact.


    "But that doesn''t mean you should be proud or let it go to your head!


    "This result, while a testament to your team''s efforts, isrgely thanks to the support and operations of the scientific association.


    "Without the association''s behind-the-scenes work, you wouldn''t have even made it into the top 20!


    "From now on, Dragon Soul Special


    Forces must remain humble, focused, and ready to make any -necessary sacrifices. You should never becent, thinking that a small victory means everything."


    Jethro and Anton exchanged uneasy nces as they listened to Kennard''s harsh lecture. They both instinctively looked to Robin for a response.


    "D*mmit!" Robin''s eyes shed with anger. "Who the hell do you think you are,ing in here talking like that?


    "Are you saying that all the Dragon Soul Special Forces soldiers who risked their lives in the L2 mystic realm-who fought with everything they had-owe their sess to you and your association?" Kennard''s face reddened with fury. "Commander-in-Chief Ramsey, what''s with this attitude?"


    "This is exactly the attitude I have!" Robin shot back. He turned to Gavin. "Get all the Dragon Soul soldiers back to the hotel now. They need to rest and prepare for tomorrow''s match. "And unless I say so, no one is to disturb them!"