In the first-floor hall, all the previously "eliminated" players gathered to watch the final showdown between father and daughter.
"Go, Noah! Go, Dad!"
"Cheer up, Noah-chan!"
Muwen and Helena took on the role of the cheer squad, enthusiastically encouraging both sides. Aurora was held in Isha's arms, her small tail twitching with excitement.
Over these past hours of gameplay, Aurora had enjoyed plenty of amusement, but it had always felt like something was holding back the true excitement. Now, with her big sister facing off against her dad in the ultimate showdown—this was a rare treat.
Unlike other fleeting sources of fun, a good "father-daughter duel" would age like fine wine, getting better over time. Aurora even considered asking the staff for a Memory Stone or two to record this epic battle so she could replay it endlessly once they were home.
And she wasn't the only one eagerly watching; she could feel her aunt's anticipation too.
"Auntie, who do you think will win, Big Sis or Dad?" Aurora asked.
"Objectively speaking, even a hundred of your big sister wouldn't stand a chance." Isha gave a factual analysis but added, "Though, who knows? Your dad might hold back."
Aurora's big eyes blinked, sparkling with mischief. "But Auntie, even if Dad let the whole of Samaya flood with his 'holding back,' Big Sis still wouldn't stand a chance, right?"
Isha laughed and gently tapped Aurora's nose. "Just keep watching. I'm as curious as you to see how this ultimate duel will unfold."
Meanwhile, Rossweisse watched quietly from the side.
She knew that Leon Cosmodeous would hold back enough to let their daughter win. But the problem was, Noah wasn't a fool.
Knowing Noah as well as she did, Rossweisse was sure her daughter was aware of how outmatched she was against her father. This meant Leon's acting skills would be put to the test.
He would have to appear completely serious while holding back subtly enough that Noah wouldn't notice. It had to be a convincing show of "I gave it my all, but somehow, I couldn't win!"
Of course, Leon and Rossweisse had already discussed this thoroughly in the cellar. They both wanted Noah to win but didn't want it to feel forced. If it was too obvious that he was holding back, it would only upset Noah. In that case, it would be better to play seriously.
For Leon, "perfectly losing" was much harder than easily winning.
"I have to take this more seriously than when I fought those Dragon Kings," Leon thought to himself.
---
In the center of the hall, father and daughter stood ready for their ultimate duel.
Their game was [Bell Snatch].
The rules were simple: each wore a small bell on their waist, and whoever snatched the other's bell first would win.
Standing across from each other, both had bells fastened around their waists and were poised to begin.
---
"Hey, kid," an elder voice in the dark golden waterway of Noah's consciousness suddenly addressed her.
"Yes?"
Since the time flow in the mind space differed from reality, Noah had enough time for a quick chat.
"You realize that in a physical contest like this, against your father, you don't stand a chance, right?"
"Yes, I know." Noah's tone was calm as she spread her hands, speaking slowly.
"But what am I supposed to do? Surrender and ask Dad to just hand over the prize, the Black Sacred Stone?"
"That sounds efficient." The elder laughed. "But I know you won't do that."
"I never expected this game to end this way. So the Night Spirit Crystal might not be something I can—"
"If you want to win, stop saying defeatist things," the elder replied, unusually stern.
The elder's white dragon eyes reflected Noah's small form. "Although your opponent's strength is overwhelmingly superior, preparation is still necessary. Are you planning to just throw yourself at him recklessly because you feel you can't win?"
Noah's expression shifted briefly before vanishing into calm once more.
Taking a deep breath, she thought for a moment, then replied, "Aside from the difference in strength, Dad's combat experience is much greater. Everything I know, he or the academy taught me; it's all very predictable."
"Exactly. So keep it flexible. Don't rely solely on what you learned at school—adapt and think on your feet."
Noah nodded. "Understood."
"Finally, a bit of encouragement is always in order."
The elder looked at her with quiet pride.
Long ago, countless people had advised her not to be the savior of the dragon race. But she had walked that road anyway. And now, in this girl, she saw the same courage.
"Though it's just a simple [Bell Snatch] game, I'm pleased to see your resolve, little one. Give it your all."
"Mm."
---
The staff announced the start of the game.
Father and daughter stared each other down from about five or six meters apart.
"Didn't expect you to hold onto a card like this, Noah," Leon said, smiling.
"Dad, do you know who I hoped to face off with when I found this card?"
"Who?"
Noah's gaze was unwavering. "You, Dad."
Leon raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you might've chosen Mom or Helena. But me?"
"Of course, it's you. It's always been you."
Noah bent slightly, crouching low in a stance that signaled she was about to pounce.
"I've always wanted to truly go up against you, Dad. So, even if it's just a game of [Bell Snatch]... I'll give it everything I've got."
Leon smiled softly. Once, long ago, he'd done the same—challenging a mentor far stronger than himself and losing badly.
He certainly wouldn't go that hard on her.
---
"I'm coming, Dad."
"Alright."
At her word, Noah shot forward, making a direct move for the bell at Leon's waist.
A simple sidestep—Leon dodged effortlessly. As he moved, he reached toward Noah's waist—not too fast, not too slow.
Noah spun away, shielding her bell, forcing Leon to miss.
She pressed forward again, more aggressive this time.
Her short height required her to jump, but she avoided that obvious mistake. Instead, she attacked low, aiming to break his balance.
Leon smirked. "Turning a disadvantage into an advantage. Not bad, Noah."
"A very good teacher told me... don't rely too much on routines; keep thinking."
In her mind, the elder huffed with satisfaction.
"Well then—try this!"
Leon grabbed her collar and lifted her into the air like a kitten.
He reached for her bell.
Noah swung her hips, tail curling around his arm, pulling her body up.
Leon blinked. "Wow, you're really flexible, huh?"
"There's more where that came from!"
Using his forearm as a pivot, Noah hoisted herself onto his shoulders like a monkey knight.
"But sitting up there, how will you reach my bell?" he teased.
"Oh, like this!"
Leaning backward, she locked her legs under his arms, then arched her back.
Upside-down, her fingers reached for the bell.
"I've got it!"
But Leon spun, dizzying her, breaking her rhythm.
Gently, he set her down.
"You've improved a lot since I last noticed."
"I told you, Dad, I'm giving it my all."
---
After a short pause, they clashed again.
Noah came in fast, from different angles, her footwork dazzling.
"Your daughter... is really only five?" Claudia asked in awe.
"She'll be six this fall," Rossweisse replied.
"Mommy, Muwen will be six soon too!"
"Yes, sweetheart," Rossweisse said with a smile.
"When I was her age..." Helena shook her head. "I couldn't come close to this."
Pride filled Rossweisse's heart. But she knew—Noah's strength came from more than talent. It came from hours of quiet effort.
---
In the center of the hall, Noah spotted an opening.
She lunged.
Leon dodged—but this time, she didn't recover like before.
Leon countered.
But then, her silver tail snaked around—
From a blind angle—
Ding-ling!
Leon froze.
Noah's feet hit the floor, her hands empty.
But the little bell dangled from the tip of her tail.