The light dimmed again.
Fiona floated above the stage, eyes locked on the next gate.
"Well, Luxoria fans," she called, voice playful, "we've had seven incredible entries…"
She paused and looked toward the final gate as it began to open.
"But now… our final contestant has arrived."
From the misted doorway, a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out.
His heavy beaststeel mantle shifting with every confident stride.
Fiona blinked. "Wait. That's…"
She flew forward slightly, hovering above him.
"Caelan Valefor! From the famed Valefor family?"
The crowd gasped, then broke into murmurs.
Caelan stopped near the center and gave a simple nod.
He raised his hand.
A portal opened behind him, red mist leaking from the edges.
From within, a massive lion-shaped figure stepped out.
Its body was wrapped in iron-black plating laced with crimson Valenite veins.
The beast growled low, its fangs glowing red as molten metal dripped from its claws.
Fiona's eyes widened. "W-What is that?"
