The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation. Both academies eagerly awaited the start of the battle, their students crowded in the stands, exchanging murmurs and predictions about the upcoming clash.

  At the center of the coliseum, a massive white platform floated above the ground, surrounded by a translucent energy field emitting a faint hum. This barrier not only protected the spectators but also served as a stark reminder of just how destructive these battles could be.

  Amid the cheers and shouts, a figure rose from the main spectator stand. Isein took the microphone, and his powerful voice echoed throughout the stadium.

  —Welcome to this thrilling showdown between Arkanum Academy and Arkam Academy! —he announced enthusiastically, sparking another wave of cheers—. Both academies will give their all to claim victory, so prepare yourselves for an unprecedented spectacle!

  From the upper stands in the teachers' section, Master Kaishin silently observed the platform. His sharp gaze scrutinized every detail of the stage until someone sat down beside him.

  —Well, well, so you decided to come watch the battles after all, huh, Tsume?

  Tsume, with his usual stern expression, nodded.

  —I came for a specific reason…

  Kaishin raised an eyebrow, as if he already knew the answer.

  —You heard Kuro is finally participating, didn’t you?

  Tsume sighed.

  —Well… partly.

  —"Partly"?

  Tsume crossed his arms, his tone growing firmer.

  —I’m mainly here as a paramedic. These battles can get out of control… You know how they are. Serious injuries aren’t uncommon in fights like these.

  Kaishin nodded with a faint sigh.

  —You’re right. Let’s hope your services aren’t needed, but it’s better to be prepared.

  Meanwhile, in the arena, Isein continued explaining the rules of the match.

  —As you all know, combatants will not be disqualified unless they drop their sword or Reiken. The academy with the most victories will be declared the winner. To ensure the safety of the spectators, we’ve installed a force field capable of withstanding the blast of a sonic missile.

  The Arkanum students exchanged excited comments.

  —That’s incredible! Our academy always has the best tech.

  —No surprise there.

  Isein raised a hand, silencing the chatter.

  —Without further ado, let’s welcome our first two combatants!

  The stadium erupted in a mix of applause and tension.

  —Representing Arkanum Academy, one of the Four Jotas, a second-year student, wielder of the Dragon Reiken, belonging to the Mythological class… Kaiyō Shirokuma!

  The crowd roared deafeningly as Kaiyō strode confidently into the arena. He stopped at the center of the platform, extended his right hand, and declared in a firm voice:

  —Come to me, Reiken of the Dragon!

  Immediately, an intense aura of fire enveloped him. In his hand, a crimson sword materialized amid the flames, and when the fire dissipated, his body was clad in red armor with a scaly texture, leaving only his head exposed.

  A sweltering heat spread through the arena, leaving the spectators in awe. Kaiyō smirked, satisfied with the crowd’s reaction. He raised his Reiken to the sky, and in a burst of flames, a colossal fire dragon erupted from the blade, soaring upward before exploding like fireworks.

  The crowd went wild.

  —Kaiyō, crush that rookie! —a student shouted from the stands.

  —Go, Kaiyō, show them who’s boss!

  But near the arena entrance, Igurū didn’t share the excitement. His face remained as expressionless as ever.

  —He sure loves the spotlight, huh? —Kuro remarked with a light chuckle.

  —I know. I just hope that idiot didn’t waste too much energy on that stupid display… —Igurū replied, rubbing his temples in annoyance.

  Isein waited for the cheers to die down before introducing the next fighter.

  —And his opponent… from Arkam Academy! A first-year Sentinel, wielder of the Bat Reiken, belonging to the Wild class… Komori Reiketsu!

  The Arkam students erupted in cheers as Komori stepped into the arena. He walked with measured steps, his expression serious, his gaze locked onto Kaiyō. A faint smirk curled on his lips as a dense, dark mist began to seep from his body.

  From the waiting area, Igurū, Kuro, and Remy felt a chill as they sensed the strange energy.

  Kuro, who had shed his usual carefree demeanor for a much graver one, glanced at Igurū.

  —You felt that?

  Igurū barely shifted his gaze, but his tone carried concern.

  —Yeah, I noticed it earlier but didn’t think much of it. That Sentinel… possesses the darkness element.

  Sukasa and Hino exchanged surprised glances at Igurū’s words.

  Meanwhile, in the arena, the dark energy swirled around Komori. His eyes gleamed with a crimson flash as he extended a hand and spoke in a deep voice:

  —Come to me, Reiken of the Bat!

  A black sword appeared in his palm, and when the dark mist faded, his body was clad in sinister black armor. Unlike Kaiyō, his equipment included a pair of membranous wings protruding from his back, making him look even more menacing.

  The stadium fell silent for a moment, taking in Komori’s imposing presence.

  Near the arena entrance, Hino frowned as she rapidly scrolled through her phone, searching for information on the Bat Reiken. Her expression grew increasingly uneasy.

  —There’s no record… —she murmured, a shiver running down her spine—. I can’t find anything about that Reiken.

  Hino’s words drew the others’ attention. Sukasa leaned toward the screen, while Igurū narrowed his eyes, analyzing the situation.

  Kuro, however, let out a small, amused laugh.

  —Obviously, you won’t find anything on that Reiken —he said casually, though a glint of interest shone in his eyes—. Because it’s a lost Reiken.

  The air seemed to grow heavier instantly.

  —A lost Reiken…? —Sukasa repeated quietly, as if the idea was hard to believe.

  Remy frowned and looked at Kuro.

  —And how do you know that?

  Igurū also turned to him with a furrowed brow.

  —You have information we don’t, don’t you, Kuro?

  Kuro shrugged with feigned innocence.

  —Well, yeah, I guess —he admitted with a mischievous grin—. I read about it… somewhere.

  —"Somewhere"? —Remy raised an eyebrow.

  Kuro waved a hand dismissively.

  —There are many Reikens that aren’t officially recorded. Some were forgotten over time, while others simply vanished without a trace. These are called lost Reikens. There are small records of their existence, but almost nothing verified. It’s like they’re just legends… they might exist, or they might not.

  Sukasa swallowed hard.

  —So… Komori’s Reiken…

  —Is real —Igurū cut in, his tone grave—. We’re seeing it with our own eyes.

  Remy crossed her arms and eyed Kuro suspiciously.

  —You say you read about it in old archives… but how much do you really know about that Reiken?

  For the first time, Kuro averted his gaze and scratched the back of his neck uncomfortably.

  —Well… honestly… I don’t know anything —he confessed with a nervous smile—. I just found a few old records… from… somewhere. No need to give you guys too much info, right?

  Sukasa frowned, still analyzing the situation.

  —Doesn’t this seem strange to you…?

  Hino tilted her head, intrigued.

  —Strange? What do you mean?

  Sukasa crossed her arms and fixed her gaze on Komori, who was still shrouded in that ominous dark mist.

  —That Sentinel… possesses the darkness element.

  Hino’s eyes widened in realization.

  —Wait… Are you saying he might be…?

  But before she could finish, Igurū interjected with his usual serious tone.

  —I doubt it.

  Everyone turned to him.

  —I won’t deny that a Sentinel possessing the darkness element—and wielding a Reiken that perfectly harmonizes with it—is highly unusual… but jumping to the conclusion that he’s a demon is another story. So far, only five darkness-element Reikens have been recorded in all of human history. This would be the fifth…

  A brief silence fell among them until Kuro burst into laughter.

  —That’s easy to figure out, troublemaker girl —he teased, addressing Sukasa in his usual relaxed tone.

  —And why are you calling me that now? —Sukasa huffed, annoyed.

  Kuro ignored her complaint and, with a mocking grin, placed his hands on his head, shaping his fingers into horns.

  —If he were a demon, he’d have horns.

  He laughed again, but the others didn’t seem to share his amusement.

  Sukasa clicked her tongue in irritation.

  —You’re an idiot…

  —But a charming idiot —Kuro shot back, winking.

  Igurū sighed.

  —Regardless, that Reiken isn’t something we can take lightly.

  The roar of the crowd reached its peak as Isein took the microphone again.

  —To ensure impartiality in this match, we'll have an elite referee... A former commander of the Liberation Army's First Line, veteran demon slayer, and current instructor of future soldiers... Give a round of applause for Master Geki Farukonbēru!

  A tall, imposing figure strode firmly toward the combat platform. His severe gaze and commanding presence demanded immediate respect. With each step, the sound of his boots echoed through the arena like a reminder of his battlefield experience.

  From the stands, some Arkam students whispered in awe.

  —Geki Farukonbēru? Here?

  —They say he could defeat a high-rank demon without even using a Reiken back in his soldier days.

  Master Geki stopped at the center of the arena and gave Isein a faint smile.

  —Hey, Isein... —he said calmly—. Is it true Kuro will be fighting in these matches?

  Isein nodded.

  —That's right, Master.

  Geki clicked his tongue, amused and intrigued.

  —I see... this should be interesting.

  His expression hardened again as he turned to the combatants. Raising a hand, his voice boomed with authority.

  —I want a clean fight. Remember—this only ends when one of you drops their Reiken!

  The two fighters nodded without breaking eye contact.

  —Prepare yourselves... —Geki swung his hand down sharply—. BEGIN!

  The silence lasted only a second.

  Kaiyō and Komori lunged at each other with overwhelming speed. Their Reikens clashed mid-air, releasing a burst of sparks and energy that lit up the platform.

  The impact resonated so powerfully the ground shook. Both fighters recoiled from the force, but in an instant, they charged again without hesitation.

  Kaiyō attacked with powerful thrusts, his Reiken wreathed in flames. Komori, however, moved with inhuman agility, dodging each strike by a hair's breadth.

  From the stands, students watched in disbelief.

  —Did you see that?! That first-year Sentinel is keeping up with Kaiyō!

  —No way... Kaiyō's a Jota!

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  The Arkam students smirked confidently.

  —Heh, and they said we couldn't compete.

  Kaiyō grinned arrogantly at Komori's speed.

  —Not bad for a rookie... but...

  Suddenly, raising his Reiken, a draconic surge of energy erupted from his body. The flames around his sword intensified to an incandescent red, distorting the air with extreme heat.

  —Let's see if you can handle this...

  A roar echoed through the arena as a massive firestorm erupted from his blade, surging toward Komori like a living inferno.

  But far from retreating, Komori smiled.

  —Don't underestimate me, Arkanum's Jota.

  With a fierce cry, he activated his Bat Reiken. A thick dark mist spread from his body, shrouding part of the arena in shadow. His silhouette vanished into the haze.

  —Where'd he go?! —a spectator shouted.

  Suddenly, a shadow shot from the mist at terrifying speed. Kaiyō barely had time to react before Komori appeared above him, descending with his Reiken cloaked in dark energy.

  Their swords clashed again, but this time, the impact was so brutal it sent a shockwave rippling through the entire arena.

  The ground cracked beneath their feet. The force field protecting the spectators flickered from the intensity.

  Cheers and shouts multiplied.

  —This is insane!

  —I can't believe they're this evenly matched!

  Kuro watched with an unusually serious expression, rubbing his chin.

  —Well, well... things just got interesting.

  Meanwhile, at the center of the arena, Kaiyō and Komori continued exchanging blows relentlessly.

  Every attack, every movement... could decide the battle at any moment.

  As the fierce battle raged on, tension in the stands grew.

  Master Tsume observed the fight with crossed arms, his eyes reflecting a mix of interest and analysis.

  —That Arkam Sentinel has serious potential... —he mused—. What do you think, Kaishin?

  The young master watched calmly.

  —He's skilled, I'll admit... but Kaiyō's a Jota. He's just warming up.

  Near the arena entrance, Sukasa watched every move with her heart pounding. The two fighters clashed without pause—every strike blocked, every attack countered with equal ferocity.

  —They're evenly matched... —she murmured, feeling the shockwaves even from a distance.

  But Igurū shook his head, his sharp gaze never leaving the fight.

  —No, they're not. Even if it looks like Kaiyō's on his level, he's holding back. Komori's impressive... but he's not strong enough to win yet.

  Kuro chuckled under his breath, his usual mocking smirk in place.

  —That's easy to see, "Troublemaker." You should observe more carefully if you plan to be a competent Sentinel.

  Sukasa gritted her teeth, glaring at him.

  —Shut up, idiot!

  Kuro raised his hands in mock surrender, but his grin only widened.

  —Hey, hey... you should show more respect to your superiors.

  —Respect is earned, not given, dumbass, —she snapped, crossing her arms but keeping her eyes on the fight.

  Igurū, still watching the arena, let out a small sigh, visibly tired of their constant bickering.

  —You two are like cats and dogs...

  But just as he was about to make another sarcastic remark, his expression shifted.

  —Wait... —he frowned, focusing on Kaiyō's stance—. Is it just me... or is Kaiyō starting to slow down?

  In the arena, Kaiyō stood tall, a confident smirk on his lips.

  —Gotta admit, you’ve got impressive skills for a rookie...

  His Reiken blazed with scarlet light. The aura around him rippled like living flames, the arena's heat rising with every second.

  —But it's time to end this. Prepare to feel the dragon's true fury.

  With a battle cry, his sword erupted in fire, and with a swift flick of his wrist, he unleashed his special technique.

  —Dragon Fangs!

  Dozens of flaming slashes shot toward Komori. Each strike was a blazing arc, tearing through the air like fiery fangs. The arena glowed crimson with the attack's brilliance.

  The spectators held their breath.

  —There's no dodging that!

  But when the firestorm hit...

  Komori barely took any damage.

  The embers dissipated around him, leaving only faint scorch marks on his armor.

  —That's it? —he sneered, brushing dust off his shoulder—. You won't beat me with attacks that weak.

  Kaiyō narrowed his eyes, his pride wounded.

  —Weak, huh...?

  His energy spiked abruptly. His figure blurred in a fiery flash.

  Komori blinked.

  —D-Did he just disappear?!

  He whipped his head around frantically, searching—but saw nothing.

  Until a chill ran down his spine.

  —Right here.

  Kaiyō's whisper echoed in his ear.

  Komori barely had time to turn before a crushing grip seized his back. Kaiyō held him with overwhelming force, immobilizing him.

  The dragon roared.

  —Dragon Flight!

  Suddenly, a cyclone of flames engulfed both fighters. Kaiyō shot into the air like a blazing comet, dragging Komori with him. The heat was suffocating, the air vibrating with power.

  —This is gonna hurt...! —a spectator yelled.

  With a fierce shout, Kaiyō hurled him down with full force.

  Komori plummeted, his body wreathed in fire. The impact against the ground was so brutal it shattered the arena floor, sending up a cloud of dust and debris.

  Silence fell over the crowd.

  Smoke obscured the battlefield, hiding the outcome.

  Kaiyō landed gracefully, shaking off residual flames.

  —Game over, bat.

  But as the dust finally settled...

  Komori was still standing.

  Almost unharmed.

  Gasps of disbelief filled the arena.

  —How...?

  Kaiyō felt a chill. Something was wrong.

  Komori smirked mockingly.

  —That's the best you've got? —His eyes gleamed with dark amusement—. Did you really think such a weak attack would finish me?

  Kaiyō took a step back, unease growing. That attack should have taken him out.

  —Impossible... —he whispered, his pulse racing.

  "My flames... aren't hurting him."

  Sweat trickled down his temple. Something was very, very wrong.

  Komori took a step forward, a lethal smile on his lips.

  —Now it's my turn, dragon.

  Komori attacked with dizzying speed.

  Kaiyō barely had time to react before a flurry of slashes rained down on him from all directions. Komori's Reiken moved like a dark whirlwind, cutting through the air with terrifying precision.

  Kaiyō staggered back, raising his sword to block, but each impact shook him harder. Shockwaves from the blows rattled the air, forcing him into a defensive stance.

  From the arena entrance, Igurū watched with a deepening frown, his usual composure cracking.

  —This isn't right... —he muttered.

  Beside him, Kuro tilted his head with a knowing smirk, as if he already understood exactly what was happening.

  —Did you notice something, Kuro? —Igurū asked seriously.

  Kuro shrugged, eyes still on the fight.

  —Yeah... though I doubt you guys caught it. Happened in a split second.

  He paused before adding casually:

  —But Remy can explain better—she saw it too. Right, Remy?

  Remy nodded, her gaze locked on Komori.

  —It happened too fast, but... the moment Kaiyō launched his first attack, Komori used the wings on his back to block it.

  Sukasa and Hino exchanged stunned looks.

  —Block it? —Igurū repeated, incredulous.

  Remy continued firmly:

  —And not just that. When he fell from that height, he used his wings to cushion the impact.

  —That explains why he's unharmed... —Sukasa murmured, finally understanding.

  Kuro smirked in satisfaction.

  —I’m impressed by those wings' durability... but...

  He gestured toward the arena with a tilt of his chin.

  —They won’t hold much longer.

  Everyone turned to Komori—and noticed something:

  The wings on his armor were cracked.

  —Wait... —Igurū said suddenly, piecing it together—. It’s not that his wings are insanely durable... it’s that Kaiyō’s attacks have been too weak.

  The group fell silent.

  —And... —Igurū continued, his sharp gaze fixed on the fight— Kaiyō’s losing speed.

  He paused before adding gravely:

  —Komori, on the other hand, is faster than before. It’s almost like...

  In the arena, Kaiyō struggled to catch his breath.

  His movements grew sluggish. His body felt heavier, as if an invisible force were slowly draining his strength.

  "What... what's happening to me?"

  Sweat dripped from his forehead as he tried to steady his stance.

  —This should've been an easy win... but...

  His mind raced with doubt.

  Why do I feel so exhausted?

  A flash of danger warned him—but his body reacted too slowly.

  A sharp slash cut a line of blood across his right arm.

  —Tch... —He gritted his teeth, staggering back.

  Komori smirked predatorily, twirling his Reiken effortlessly.

  —You get it now, don't you, Dragon?

  His voice dripped with mockery and confidence.

  —No matter how hard you try... you won't win.

  He stepped forward and unleashed a flurry of rapid slashes. Kaiyō tried to block, but his reactions were too slow.

  The strikes landed mercilessly, leaving shallow cuts across his armor.

  From the stands, the teachers watched with growing tension.

  Master Kaishin frowned, his sharp eyes analyzing every movement.

  —Something's wrong... —he muttered, crossing his arms—. Kaiyō's slowing down. His stance is crumbling... It's like—

  Before he could finish, Tsume cut in grimly:

  —Exactly.

  Kaishin glanced at him in surprise, but Tsume kept his eyes locked on the fight.

  —The Bat is draining his energy.

  Kaiyō swayed in the arena, his body on the verge of collapse. Every breath was agony, every movement a struggle. He could feel his energy being siphoned away—as if his very life force were being stolen.

  But his spirit refused to break.

  —I can't give up... —he gasped, forcing himself to stand—. Even if he drains me dry... I have to win this.

  His legs trembled, but his gaze remained fierce—unbroken.

  Komori strolled toward him, smirking.

  —You really think you can keep fighting, Dragon? —He sounded almost amused—. Just surrender already.

  Kaiyō lifted his head, breathing raggedly.

  —Not... happening.

  Komori's smirk faded.

  —What did you say?

  Kaiyō clenched his teeth, his voice raw with defiance.

  —I said I won't surrender!

  Komori scoffed.

  —You still think you can beat me? You can barely move. If it weren't for your armor's scales, you'd already be finished.

  A weak smile tugged at Kaiyō's lips.

  —My scales... —he murmured—. Maybe that's the key...

  With renewed resolve, he lunged forward—channeling the last of his strength.

  Komori met him with a mocking grin.

  —Idiot! —He dodged effortlessly—. This is pointless!

  His movements were shadow-quick, evading every strike. And with each dodge, his own slashes lashed out like whips of darkness, further cracking Kaiyō's armor.

  Near the arena entrance, Sukasa watched in disbelief.

  —What the hell is Kaiyō doing? —she muttered uneasily—. If he keeps taking hits, he'll—

  Then she froze.

  Something wasn't adding up.

  Igurū narrowed his eyes, tracking his younger brother's every move.

  —What are you thinking, Kaiyō...?

  Komori attacked relentlessly, his strikes a storm of brutality. Kaiyō looked more exhausted by the second—but his eyes... his eyes held something else.

  Hope.

  —Just... need... the right moment... —he thought, barely dodging another slash.

  But Komori wasn't giving him one.

  His smirk vanished as he gathered energy for a final attack.

  —Enough games. —His Reiken pulsed with dark violet energy—. This ends now... Dark Wave!

  The air shuddered.

  A massive shockwave of darkness exploded outward with a deafening roar. The pressure was so intense the spectators felt it—like the weight of the air itself had doubled.

  Igurū shot to his feet.

  —Kaiyō, MOVE! —he shouted urgently.

  But Kaiyō didn't.

  The attack surged toward him—an unstoppable tide of destruction.

  —This is your end, Dragon.

  Then—

  At the last second, Kaiyō twisted aside—dodging by a hair's breadth.

  The wave grazed past him, shaking the air behind him—but didn't land fully.

  Komori's eyes widened.

  —WHAT—?!

  Kaiyō hadn't lost control.

  This whole time... he'd been waiting for this moment.

  Gathering every last ounce of strength, he raised his Reiken.

  —I can't lose here... not to someone like you.

  The blade ignited with ferocious intensity.

  Flames spiraled around the sword—growing, expanding.

  The arena's temperature skyrocketed.

  Spectators gasped as the heat hit them like a physical force.

  Komori, stunned, took a step back.

  —No... It can't be...

  But it was too late.

  —RISING DRAGON!

  A thunderous roar split the air.

  A colossal fire dragon erupted from Kaiyō's Reiken—its fury unleashed.

  The flames burned so fiercely the arena floor seemed to melt.

  Komori tried to move—but the energy drain from his attack left him depleted.

  —Damn it!

  The dragon descended—engulfing him completely.

  The impact was so brutal Komori slammed into the barrier—crashing against it with a sickening CRACK.

  His body crumpled to the ground.

  Unconscious.

  The arena fell silent for a heartbeat... then—

  The crowd ERUPTED.

  Students from both academies leaped to their feet, roaring in exhilaration.

  —UNBELIEVABLE!

  —HE BEAT HIM!

  —KAIYō WON!

  Master Geki raised a hand, declaring the result.

  —The battle is over. —His voice boomed—. Victory goes to the Dragon Reiken's wielder—Kaiyō Shirokuma!

  Kaiyō stood for a few more seconds—his body trembling from exhaustion.

  Then—

  His knees buckled.

  —I... did it... —he thought, as fatigue finally overwhelmed him.

  He wouldn't stay conscious much longer.

  From the stands, Igurū reacted instantly.

  —Medics! —he ordered sharply—. Get stretchers for both of them—now!

  Paramedics rushed the field, lifting Kaiyō and Komori—both visibly wounded and drained.

  As they carried him away, Kaiyō murmured weakly:

  —You were... always right, brother...

  His voice was barely a whisper.

  —If I hadn't... gotten cocky... I'd have beaten him easily...

  His vision blurred.

  —Sorry... to disappoint you... again...

  With those final words, he slipped into unconsciousness.

  From a distance, Igurū watched silently—his sharp gaze fixed on his brother's limp form.

  Beside him, Kuro crossed his arms, sighing.

  —He fought well.

  Igurū didn't look away.

  —I know. But if he'd used his full power from the start, this wouldn't have happened. —His voice was cold—hard—like a honed blade—. He needs to learn. Overconfidence is dangerous in this world.

  Kuro smirked, clicking his tongue.

  —Wow, harsh. He's got talent—he's just learning. And let's be honest, nobody expected that Sentinel to drain energy...

  This time, Igurū turned—his stare severe.

  —What he lacks is discipline. —His words carried weight—. Talent isn't enough. Mistakes like this cost lives on the battlefield.

  Kuro chuckled, closing his eyes.

  —You're right. But push him too hard, and you'll just turn him into another grump like you.

  Igurū didn't respond immediately. His gaze drifted to the empty arena—lost in thought.

  Before he could reply, Remy threw up her hands in frustration.

  —Enough, you two! —she huffed—. Kaiyō won! We should be celebrating!

  Meanwhile, in the stands...

  From the teachers' section, Tsume stood, stretching his neck with a soft crack.

  —Looks like I've got work to do.

  Kaishin arched a brow.

  —Not staying for the rest of the matches?

  Tsume adjusted his coat, ready to descend the stairs.

  —No. Those boys need medical attention. —His tone was firm, but concerned—. They did a number on each other. My duty comes first. See you later, brother.

  Kaishin nodded slowly.

  —Take care.

  He watched him leave before turning back to the arena. The tournament's excitement was only beginning.

  I wonder who's fighting next...

  Meanwhile, Isein held a sealed envelope. His expression hardened as he read its contents.

  For a moment, surprise flickered across his face—then resolve.

  The crowd's murmurs grew. Anticipation thickened the air.

  Finally, Isein took a breath and raised his voice.

  —Alright, everyone!

  The noise died instantly. Every eye was on him.

  —With our previous combatants receiving medical care, we'll proceed to the next match!

  Cheers and applause erupted.

  Isein raised a hand for silence before continuing.

  —Arkanum Academy has secured one victory thanks to Kaiyō Shirokuma—but this isn't over yet.

  Whispers spread.

  Everyone knew—this was just the beginning.

  Isein glanced back at the envelope, his frown deepening.

  Something about the names gave him pause.

  He pressed his lips together—then announced firmly:

  —Our next fighters are...

  The entire stadium held its breath.

  —First-year Sentinel, Miss Sukasa Kaze!

  The crowd exploded as Sukasa stepped forward—her strides steady.

  But inside...

  Her mind was chaos.

  —Don't panic, Sukasa... —she told herself, feeling the weight of every gaze—. Just do your best.

  Isein waited for the noise to fade before continuing.

  —Sukasa wields the Eagle Reiken—of the Wild class.

  Then... he paused.

  He reread the name—as if double-checking.

  A flicker of disbelief crossed his face.

  The arena fell utterly silent.

  Isein took a deep breath—and announced:

  —Her opponent will be... Arkam Academy's King—Ibuki Ishikawa!

  ?Ups! Sorry for the delay... again ??

  golden. The next chapter is cooking, and I promise it’ll be worth the wait.

  thank you for sticking around. Drop a comment to hype the next update—I’ll hug you through the screen! ??

  See you soon—pinky swear! ?