EPISODE 8: THE END OF THE TOURNAMENT AND HENRIQUE'S AWAKENING

Days passed quickly, and the Tournament of Power reached its final stage. The grand arena was set for the decisive battle between the strongest warriors. Neythan, the prince of light, had advanced to the final, facing formidable opponents, while Henrique remained silent, watching everything from the shadows.

Since his conversation with Macrona, something inside him had changed. His hands clenched involuntarily at every battle he watched. Every successful strike from Neythan ignited something within him: a mix of envy, frustration, and a burning desire to become stronger.

The final battle took place between Neythan and a warrior from a distant kingdom. It was an intense fight, where Neythan's light and speed dominated the battlefield. He won with a brilliant finishing blow, proclaiming himself the tournament champion.

The kingdoms celebrated, but Henrique felt a bitter taste in his mouth. I should be there. I should be the one holding victory, but instead, I remain in the shadows, feeling powerless.

After the closing ceremony, Neythan approached Henrique. "Are you okay, brother? You've been distant since our fight…"

Henrique forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just reflecting."

But the truth was different. Macrona's words still echoed in his mind. He needed to change.

That night, Henrique left the palace, seeking an isolated place. If he wanted to reclaim his honor, he needed to become stronger.

He traveled to a forgotten temple, an ancient place where warriors had trained for centuries. It was surrounded by mountains, shrouded in a heavy air of mystery. There, he trained alone, away from the eyes of the world.

With every strike, he felt his anger fueling his strength. He no longer wanted to be the weak prince.

Henrique recalled every mistake in his fight against Neythan—his hesitation, his overconfidence, his lack of strategy. He began to refine every movement, repeating attacks relentlessly, improving his endurance and speed.

In the middle of the night, Macrona appeared again, watching from afar. Her malicious smile indicated that everything was going according to plan.

"You're starting to understand, Henrique. Strength doesn't come from light… it comes from desire, from the hunger for power."

Henrique didn't respond; he just kept training. He didn't want to admit it, but deep down, her words were true.

After weeks of intense training, Henrique finally returned to the palace. His gaze was different—colder, more determined.

He found Neythan and faced him directly.

"I want a rematch."

Neythan widened his eyes in surprise. "A rematch?"

"Yes," Henrique affirmed. "I need to prove to myself that I'm stronger than before. Not in the tournament… but between us. A fight with no rules. Just power against power."

Neythan remained silent for a moment. He saw something different in his brother—something darker.

"If that's what you want…" he replied, with a concerned tone.

The battle between the brothers was about to take place. But Neythan had no idea that Henrique was no longer the same…

TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE 9…