The buzz of the gala resumed, though a subtle shift lingered in the air. Conversations hummed around the room, but every so often, glances darted toward Ari and his crew. The exchange with Drelvar hadn’t gone unnoticed, and whispers of what had transpired spread quickly among the guests.

“Did you see how he shut Drelvar down?”

“The Crimson Blade barely got a word in before he folded.”

“Well, what did you expect? Ari’s on a completely different level.”

Ari moved through the room with the same quiet composure as before, as if he were entirely unaware of the attention. But his crew wasn’t as subtle.

“He really thought he could challenge you,” Yuri muttered, still bristling as she walked beside him. “What an idiot.”

“Yuri,” Ari said calmly, giving her a sidelong glance.

“What? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking,” she replied, crossing her arms.

“I think it’s adorable,” Kimi said, her tone sweet but laced with sarcasm. “He really believed he had a chance.” She took a sip from her glass, her violet eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Adorable isn’t the word I’d use,” Finoria chimed in, her grin playful as she stayed close to Ari’s side. “Pathetic, maybe.”

Ari sighed, shaking his head. “You’re all enjoying this too much.”

“Well, of course,” Finoria said, brushing her arm against his casually. “It’s not every day someone makes such a fool of themselves in front of us.”

“They do it more often than you think,” Ari replied dryly.

The group paused near a quiet corner of the ballroom, where a servant approached with a tray of refreshments. Finoria grabbed a drink, raising it in mock toast. “To Drelvar, for giving us something to laugh about tonight.”

Yuri snorted, picking up her own glass. “I’ll drink to that.”

Kimi chuckled softly but said nothing, her serene smile speaking volumes.

Ari, meanwhile, didn’t take a drink. Instead, his gaze drifted across the room, settling briefly on Drelvar, who was sulking near the edge of the party. Though the man was surrounded by a few other heroes, it was clear his earlier bravado had taken a hit.

“Do you think he’ll try again?” Kimi asked, following Ari’s gaze.

“He’d be even dumber than I thought if he did,” Yuri muttered.

“He might,” Ari said simply. “People like him don’t take failure well.”

Finoria leaned closer, her tone light but knowing. “And what’ll you do if he does?”

“Depends,” Ari replied. “If he makes it my problem, I’ll deal with it.”

“And by ‘deal with it,’ you mean—”

“End it before it starts,” Ari said, his voice calm but resolute.

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of Ari’s words settling over them. For all their banter and teasing, they knew better than anyone how easily he could back those words up.

Elsewhere: Drelvar’s Frustration

Across the room, Drelvar nursed a glass of wine, his jaw clenched as he listened to the murmurs around him.

“Did you see the look on his face?”

“He didn’t stand a chance.”

“He’s lucky Ari didn’t humiliate him further.”

Drelvar’s grip tightened on the glass, the faint crack of strained crystal breaking through the chatter. The heroes around him—lesser names who had once admired him—were now avoiding his gaze, their respect for him clearly shaken.

One of them, a wiry swordsman with an apologetic smile, spoke up hesitantly. “You know, maybe you should’ve gone about it differently. Ari’s not the type you can—”

“Enough,” Drelvar snapped, his voice low and sharp. “I don’t need advice from you.”

The swordsman flinched and fell silent, stepping back into the crowd.

Drelvar’s gaze drifted back to Ari, who stood at ease with his companions, their laughter carrying faintly across the room.

How? Drelvar thought bitterly. How does he command so much respect without even trying?

His knuckles turned white as he stared at the man who seemed untouchable, his mind racing with thoughts of how to prove himself—not just to the crowd, but to the legend himself.

Back with Ari’s Crew

“You’re being too quiet,” Finoria said, breaking Ari’s train of thought.

“I’m always quiet,” Ari replied, his tone even.

Finoria smirked, leaning against him just enough to draw Yuri’s attention. “Not this kind of quiet. You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”

“Who, Drelvar?” Yuri scoffed, stepping closer. “He’s not worth it.”

“Agreed,” Kimi said, her smile faintly sharp. “People like him don’t need your attention, Ari. They thrive on it.”

Ari’s gaze shifted between them before he finally let out a soft sigh. “You’re right. Let’s enjoy the rest of the night.”

“That’s the spirit,” Finoria said, nudging him lightly. “Though, if you’re ever in the mood to put someone like him in their place again, let me know. It’s fun to watch.”

Yuri rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love me for it,” Finoria replied with a wink.

Kimi chuckled softly, taking another sip from her glass. “As long as you don’t encourage him, Finoria. One villain a night is enough.”

“Villain?” Finoria laughed. “He’s barely a nuisance.”

Ari said nothing, but the faintest smile tugged at his lips.

As the evening wore on, the tension from earlier faded into the background, replaced by the lively hum of conversation and music. For Ari and his crew, the party had become just another stage—a place where their legend continued to grow, no matter who tried to challenge it.