The gates of the pit clanged shut behind them, sealing Kai and Mattethis into the circle of dirt and firelight.
"From Room Seven we got two fine warriors!" the announcer's voice thundered, rolling across the packed stands. The crowd surged with cheers, stomping boots against the stone bleachers.
Kai flinched at the volume, leather armor creaking as he shifted his shoulders. Matt stayed steady at his side, chin lifted.
"And from Room Eighteen…" the announcer dragged the words out, milking the tension, "…two grown men!"
The opposite gate lifted, and their opponents stepped through with practiced ease. One swung a mace lazily, the other adjusted his straps as though the match was nothing more than routine. The crowd howled, bets flying into bronze bowls carried through the stands.
"Bets are in! Fighting commences in five minutes!" The announcer slammed his staff against the railing, grinning wide. He was enjoying himself far too much, feeding off the spectacle.
Matt used the moment to lean closer to Kai. "Alright," he muttered, keeping his tone low, "we don't have long. Let's talk shop. I've got shadow step—short range, anywhere the shadows touch. You got anything left?"
Kai rubbed his temple, blinking against the noise. "Um… I lost Velnix. Still don't know how that happened." His eyes flicked up at the crowd, then back to Matt. "But I've got residual step. And Flicker—my new guardian."
Matt's brows lifted. "Another one? Already?"
Kai shrugged faintly. "Came with me out of the dark. Haven't tested much."
Matt let out a sharp breath, half a laugh. "Good enough. My shadow step'll pair with your residual. Blink, cut distance, confuse the bastards. Might even give us an edge."
Kai nodded slowly, then hesitated. His mouth opened, shut, then opened again. "Hey, Matt… umm…"
Matt tilted his head. "Yeah? What is it?"
Kai's voice was barely above the din, but it carried a raw weight. "Thanks. For coming back for me. I… I didn't know how I'd survive. Especially after Chain." He swallowed, eyes darting away. "I owe you my life."
For a moment, Matt was quiet, studying him. Then he clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "Tch. Getting all soft on me now? Save it." He gave Kai's shoulder a firm pat, grounding. "We just get to floor fifty, and we win our freedom. That's all that matters." His mouth quirked in a faint, crooked grin. "I know we can do it."
Kai let out a shaky exhale, shoulders easing a fraction. The roar of the crowd swelled again as the announcer circled overhead, stoking wagers and laughter. Five minutes wasn't long.
But standing side by side, it felt just enough.
Kai's grip tightened on the short blade, his eyes tracing the movements of the two men across the arena. They were laughing with each other now, tapping weapons together, confident.
Matt leaned close, voice steady. "When the gong hits, I'll shadow step into their blind side. You come in front, Flicker at the ready. Quick and clean."
Kai shook his head faintly. "No… residual step doesn't work like that." He adjusted his stance, voice low but certain. "It pulls me behind them, not in front. Always behind. Like the shadow of a moment."
Matt blinked, then let a sharp grin tug at his mouth. "Behind, huh? Even better."
He tapped his temple with two fingers. "Alright, change of plan. I shadow step to cut their line of sight, you residual step to their backs. We hit both angles at once—they won't know which way to turn."
Kai nodded once, more firmly this time. The thought of slipping behind the enemy rather than rushing headlong into them steadied him. He could feel Flicker's presence at his side, eager, sharp as a razor waiting to cut.
The announcer slammed his staff again. "Thirty seconds!"
The crowd howled, voices a storm above the pit.
Matt kept his eyes locked on their opponents, shoulders loose but coiled. "Remember, Kai—behind them, quick as breath. I'll meet you on the other side."
Kai exhaled, slow and controlled. "Yeah… behind them."
The dirt floor seemed to vibrate with the crowd's hunger. The torchlight hissed. The gong loomed heavy and silent.
They were ready.