By the fourth day in Verdane, word of Kai's victory spread.
A no-name initiate from the outskirts, rising fast in one of the most ruthless dojos in the Outer Ring—and already showing potential to climb higher.
But in Verdane, recognition brought challenges.
That evening, a new announcement was posted across the Martial Crescent:
⚔️ ANNOUNCEMENT — EMBER TOURNAMENT ⚔️Hosted by: Verdane Martial CouncilSponsored by: The House of Steel FlameEntry Tier: Outer Ring Disciples (Level Cap: 10)Prize Pool: 300 Spirit Credits • 1 Tempest Core • Invite to Inner Ring Trial
Participation was optional. But for fighters like Kai, it wasn't a question—it was the opportunity.
Back at the dojo, Fang Duun tossed the scroll on the floor.
"You're going?" he asked without looking up.
Kai nodded. "I need the experience."
"Hmph. You need scars first. But you'll get those, don't worry."
Duun leaned forward, voice low. "The Ember Tournament ain't just about fighting. It's a showcase. You do well, the Inner Dojos will notice. Even the Sect Enforcers. You do poorly…"
He trailed off, grinning.
Kai understood.
Two days later, the Crimson Ember Arena roared with life.
Built into the side of Verdane's western cliffs, it was a natural amphitheater lined with Ki amplifiers and ancient rune-laced stones. The crowd was massive—students, teachers, rogue cultivators, merchants, and even emissaries from Verdane's Inner Ring.
Kai stood in the waiting zone, hands clasped, scanning the other competitors.
[Scan Initiated…][Entry Roster: 64 fighters][Top Threats Detected:]
Name: Kareth Volk | Level: 10 | Thunder Palm Style (Heavy impact burst Ki)
Name: Yin Isha | Level: 9 | Ghost Leaf Form (Speed & Poisoned Blade style)
Name: Mako Rin | Level: 10 | Dual Style Practitioner (Blade + Flame Art)
Kai focused. He could win—if he played smart.
Round One: Kai vs. Jin "Bear Grip" Toma
Level: 9 | Ironroot Temple Trainee
A towering opponent with reinforced gauntlets and a tree-trunk physique. But slow. Predictable. Kai darted around him, slicing at exposed joints, weaving between the blows until he landed a clean stab to the side.
[Fang Step Lv.2 – Double Dash Unlocked][Victory: +140 XP | Advancement to Round Two]
Round Two: Kai vs. Kaelin of the Ash Lotus Sect
Level: 10 | Petal Blade Technique
She fought with grace, like a dancer—but every movement masked a trap. Kai was nearly caught by her blade-feint illusion, a flickering Ki mirage. He used Fang Step in reverse, baiting her into overextending, then struck true.
Blood on the sand.
[Victory: +180 XP | Advancement to Round Three]
That night, Kai returned to the dojo, arms sore and energy drained.
But the System chimed:
[Level Up: 8 → 9]Stat Points Gained: +3]Skill Enhancement Available – Select one:— Fang Step— Ember Pulse— Ki Sense
Kai chose Fang Step.
[Fang Step upgraded to Lv.3 – Now chains into follow-up strike "Fang Lash" (light damage bonus + speed)]
He could feel it: his body sharper, his Ki flow faster, the very core of him more attuned to combat.
The Ember Tournament had only just begun.
And Kai was no longer fighting for survival.
He was fighting for dominance.