Jasper fell to one knee, panting heavily, sweat dripping from his forehead. "…Damn."
Blaze walked over, smirking, resting his sword on his shoulder. "You okay, buddy?"
Jasper let out a breathless chuckle. "You're… really strong. You beat me… again."
Blaze grinned. "Of course. I'm the champion."
The energy from Blaze and Jasper's battle still lingered in the air. The cracks in the ground, the faint embers flickering from Blaze's crimson energy, and the whispers of astonished spectators still remained.
On the adjacent training field, Talon and Dante stood in silence, watching as the crowd slowly dispersed.
Blaze was still basking in his victory, his confidence soaring—until he realized something.
His eyes scanned the area, expecting to see Serena watching him.
But…
She was gone.
Blaze's jaw dropped in shock. His heart sank.
"All my struggle was wasted?! I went all out to impress her... and she didn't even see?!"
Jasper placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to contain his laughter. "Oof. That hurts. But don't worry, buddy. She'll definitely notice you sooner or later."
Blaze, still stunned and frustrated, rubbed his forehead. "Damn it… I really thought—"
Before he could finish, a fiery presence interrupted him.
Dante, his body practically radiating heat, stormed over. His eyes blazing with intensity, he stepped uncomfortably close to Blaze, nearly nose-to-nose.
"BLAZE! One-on-one! NOW! My Luminar will BURST YOU!!"
Blaze instinctively took a step back.
The sheer determination and wild energy pouring from Dante was overwhelming.
Blaze blinked. "Uh… wait… what?"
Dante's fiery aura flared up, his presence almost explosive.
"I SAID, FIGHT ME!"
Jasper, thoroughly entertained, snickered from the sidelines. "Damn, he's more fired up than usual. You really left an impression, Blaze."
But Blaze wasn't even listening.
His mind was somewhere else.
"Where is she?"
Dante's aura flared even brighter.
"WHO?!"
Blaze stiffened. His face was already turning red, his usual sharp and confident demeanor completely melting away.
Jasper, grinning ear to ear, decided to push him over the edge.
"He's talking about Serena."
Blaze shot Jasper a death glare. "Jasper, SHUT UP—"
Dante paused, processing the name.
"Ohhh. You mean Serena? But I have no clue where she went."
Blaze let out a frustrated sigh, ruffling his own hair. "Great. Just great."
Jasper turned toward Talon, who had been silent the entire time, standing with his arms crossed.
"Talon, any idea where she went?"
Talon, without shifting his gaze, answered in his calm, cold voice.
"She told me she was going swimming."
Blaze's head snapped up instantly.
"Swimming?!"
A new spark of confidence ignited in his eyes.
"Okay. I'm going too. My swimming skills will DEFINITELY impress her."
Before anyone could react, Blaze turned and bolted for the elevator.
Jasper and Dante watched, dumbfounded.
Dante scratched his head. "Uh… what just happened?"
Jasper sighed dramatically. "He's officially gone."
As Blaze disappeared into the elevator, Talon remained motionless. His thoughts were focused elsewhere—specifically, on Venom Devolos.
He murmured to himself. "Blaze also wields a legendary blade… Venom Devolos…"
The name echoed in his mind.
He began analyzing it with cold precision.
117 cm in length.
A double-edged longsword.
Blade width: approximately 12 cm.
Handle length: 28 cm.
Weight: 4.8 kg.
He thought about the immense destructive power Blaze had just unleashed.
"Just like Tenebris… but… something is different."
His mind was still racing when Dante's loud voice snapped him back to reality.
"Hey! What are you thinking about? Let's fight! I know you'll enjoy this."
Talon turned his gaze toward Dante, finally focusing.
He could feel Dante's burning excitement—his undeniable hunger for battle.
After a brief pause, Talon exhaled. "…Alright."
Jasper clapped his hands together, stepping between them.
"Then it's settled! I'll be your referee."
Talon's cold gray eyes met Dante's fiery gaze.
Two completely opposite energies stood face to face.
Dante grinned. "Get ready, Talon. I won't hold back."
Talon's grip on his sword tightened. "Neither will I."
The Royal Starship rested atop the Diamond Spacehub's rooftop, overlooking a small, vibrant city nestled within the cosmos. Anik sat on the ship's sleek, metallic surface, his gaze drifting over the cityscape below. He watched as three Bladers trained in the open field, their swift movements and synchronized strikes forming a deadly dance of skill. Not far from them, children zipped through the sky on hoverboards, laughing as they weaved around the towering structures. The hum of the bustling city, the scent of various cuisines wafting from restaurants, and the distant sounds of vendors filled the air.
Anik's expression remained unreadable, yet his mind was lost in a deep well of memories.
"Rose and I… we used to ride hoverboards like that… but everything changed. Everything is different now. I promised myself that I would become the ruler of this multiverse. And I will… no matter the cost."
The weight of his vow pressed against his heart like an immovable stone.
A faint metallic clank echoed across the rooftop as someone approached. Anik didn't need to turn around; he could sense the presence.
Mainak.
Mainak folded his arms and leaned against the ship, observing the cityscape alongside Anik. His fiery eyes reflected the neon-lit skyline.
"Did you feel better?" Mainak asked. "If you're feeling a little lighter, why don't you come with me? Let's explore this city. You haven't stepped outside since we arrived, and I even made some friends."
But Anik remained silent, his gaze unwavering.
Mainak exhaled in defeat. "Fine, suit yourself." His tone wasn't bitter, just understanding. With a shake of his head, he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing down the hatch, leaving Anik alone with his thoughts.
Rose and Bolt stepped into a transparent elevator, its glass walls providing a breathtaking view of the city inside the Spacehub. People bustled below, some enjoying breakfast at stylish restaurants, others exploring the countless small shops lining the streets. Everything—from luxury boutiques to small snack stalls—was built within the self-sustaining hub, giving it the energy of a thriving metropolis.
Bolt grinned, turning to Rose. "I found out there's a swimming pool on the fifth floor. Do you wanna try it?"
Rose glanced down at her clothes, checking inside her top. "I don't have a swimsuit."
Bolt waved a hand dismissively. "No worries, they have plenty there. You'll find something that fits."
Rose hesitated for a moment before nodding. "That works for me."
The elevator stopped, and they stepped into the lavish fifth-floor pool area. The pool was enormous, stretching across the entire floor, its shimmering blue surface reflecting the soft golden lights overhead. The water wasn't just water—artificial aquatic life swam beneath the surface, their bioluminescent forms glowing in hypnotic colors.
Though artificial, they looked as real as any ocean life.
Bolt didn't waste a second. After changing, he leaped into the water, his splash echoing as he swam with effortless grace. Meanwhile, Rose sat at the pool's edge, her bare legs dipped into the cool water. A small shiver ran through her.
"It's a little cold..." she murmured.
Bolt surfaced, grinning like a mischievous fish. "Come on, Rose! Let's have a swimming race!"
She shook her head. "I don't know how to swim."
Bolt's playful expression turned into one of shock. "What—? You don't know how to swim?! Okay, okay, just watch me!" He took a deep breath and dived, moving effortlessly through the water like he was born in it.
As Rose chuckled at his enthusiasm, a figure approached.
A long red ponytail tied high.
Crimson eyes that gleamed with confidence.
A sleek, full-red swimsuit hugging her athletic frame.
It was Serena.
She walked with elegance, stopping right beside Rose before lowering herself to sit next to her.
Serena smirked slightly, tilting her head. "Hey, little girl, what's your name?"
Rose hesitated for a moment, then softly replied, "I'm Rose..."
Serena leaned forward slightly. "You and that kid—you two are always with Blaze, aren't you?"
Rose's face brightened at the mention of Blaze. "Yeah, Blaze is like my big brother."
Serena's smirk faded as she studied Rose's expression. "Oh, he's like your big brother… but what about your real family?"
Rose's face darkened slightly. She looked down at the water, her fingers tracing ripples on the surface.
"I… I don't have a family anymore. My parents, my friends… they're gone. There was an accident." She swallowed. "But Blaze gave me a special place."
Serena's eyes softened. "I see. Sorry for asking." She paused before adding, "Blaze took you in just like that?"
Rose let out a small breath. "Not exactly. I asked him the same thing once, and he told me about his sister."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "His sister?"
Rose nodded. "He lost his sister in an accident too. When he met me, he said I reminded him of her… so he accepted me."
Serena's gaze lingered on Rose for a moment, as if reevaluating Blaze in her mind. "I had a different image of Blaze, but now… I think I understand him better."
She observed Rose more closely before smirking again. "You like to take care of your looks, don't you?"
Rose blinked. "Huh? How do you know that?"
Serena chuckled. "You've got good color coordination. The way your top hair has those red shades that fade into purple toward the tips? And your light blue eyes… They all fit together perfectly."
A slight blush rose to Rose's cheeks. "T-Thank you. But… you're also really beautiful."
Serena flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. "Well, of course. But trust me—when you grow up, you're going to be stunning."
Meanwhile…
Blaze finally reached the pool, scanning the area. His sharp gaze locked onto Serena sitting beside Rose.
His heartbeat quickened.
"Why is she talking to Rose…? Does Rose know how I feel about Serena? She might tell her something about me!"
Before he could take another step, a sudden force slammed into his back.
SPLASH!
Blaze spun mid-air before crashing into the pool, swallowing a mouthful of water. Coughing, he turned to see three figures standing at the edge.
Dante, Jasper, and Talon.
Jasper grinned. "Surprise, dumbass!"
Blaze wiped his face. "What the hell?! What are you all doing here?"
Jasper shrugged. "It was my idea. Talon didn't want to come, but me and Dante dragged him here."
Talon, always the silent one, simply walked toward the water's edge and dove in. Not a single splash. Not a single ripple. He disappeared beneath the surface like a ghost.
Dante watched, shaking his head. "Man, he's so weird. Always acting serious."
Then, with zero hesitation, Dante leaped in, sending water flying in every direction.
Jasper laughed, then nudged Blaze. "Hey, did you find her?"
Blaze sighed. "Yeah, she's over there…"
Jasper's eyes widened when he saw Serena. "Oh my god… She looks even hotter in that outfit."
The sun shone brightly over the crystal-clear pool as Dante and Blaze competed fiercely in their swimming race. Water splashed wildly around them, creating waves that caught the attention of Serena and Rose, who were lounging nearby.
Rose squinted at the figures in the water, then smiled. "Look over there, Serena! Blaze is having fun with the others."
Serena grinned and stretched her arms. "Come on, Rose! Let's join them. Let's go for a swim."
Rose hesitated, taking a step back. "But… I don't know how to swim," she admitted, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
Serena placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Rose. I'll teach you! It's really simple once you get the hang of it."
After a moment's hesitation, Rose nodded, and together they dove into the pool. The cool water surrounded them as Serena held Rose's hands, guiding her gently through the strokes. At first, Rose struggled, her movements clumsy and uncertain, but Serena's encouragement kept her going.
Soon, Rose found herself floating effortlessly, her fear fading away with each stroke. "Wow," she said, laughing. "That was really easy! I don't know why I was so afraid, but this is really fun!"
Serena beamed. "See? I told you! Now, let's go meet your big brother."
Meanwhile, Jasper stood at the edge of the pool, watching the swimmers. He spotted Rose and Serena heading toward them and nudged Blaze with a smirk. "Blaze, look who's coming."
Blaze turned around, only to be met with the sight of Rose and Serena emerging from the water, droplets glistening on their skin. His eyes widened, and his face instantly turned red. His heart pounded against his chest as he opened his mouth to speak but found himself unable to form words.
Dante, meanwhile, had dived deeper into the pool, playing with the small, colorful fish that darted around him. But then, something caught his attention—Talon, sitting motionless at the bottom of the pool. His silver hair swayed in the water like a ghostly mist, his expression unreadable.
Dante swam toward him and waved. "Hey! What are you doing down here?"
Talon's cold voice echoed through the water, calm yet unsettling. "Nothing… but something is bothering me."
Dante tilted his head in confusion. But then, a realization struck him, and his eyes widened. "Wait a minute… how are we talking underwater? And how am I breathing normally?"
Talon's expression remained unchanged. "I am explaining—"
But before he could finish, Dante shot up toward the surface at an incredible speed, leaving behind a trail of bubbles. Talon watched him go, shaking his head. This kid… he thought.
Above the water, Serena placed a hand on Blaze's forehead, frowning in concern. "Are you feeling okay? Your face is burning up… why are you so red?"
Blaze stammered, unable to answer.
Rose was about to explain when Jasper quickly intervened, smirking. "Let's leave them alone. Blaze has to handle this himself."
Blaze's heart pounded as Serena tilted her head, waiting for his answer. But all he could do was avert his gaze, swallowing nervously as Serena smiled mischievously.
With a joyful laugh, Dante leaped from the pool's edge and splashed back into the water. "Guys, let's dive deep! This pool looks like an entire ocean!"
Jasper grinned, cracking his knuckles. "I'm coming too."
Rose followed, diving into the depths of the pool. As she descended, the view before her took her breath away. The artificial aquatic life looked almost real—brilliant coral reefs shimmered in the filtered light, schools of vibrant fish swam around her, and the deeper she went, the more she felt like she was in another world.
Bolt, the energetic little creature, found Rose and joined her, twirling playfully among the fish.
Serena turned to Blaze with an eager smile. "Come on, Blaze! Let's explore together!"
Blaze hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. "I—I'm coming," he managed to say, though his voice cracked slightly.
As they dove together, Serena instinctively reached for his hand. Her warm fingers wrapped around his as they glided through the water. Blaze stiffened at the touch, his mind going blank for a moment.
The underwater world surrounded them in stunning beauty—glowing jellyfish, sleek manta rays, and even artificially created sharks that swam peacefully in the distance.
Meanwhile, Rose and Blot swam near the artificial sharks. Rose reached out, running her fingers along the smooth surface of one of them. "They look so real… but I know they're artificial," she said in amazement.
Blot, always the adventurous one, grinned. "I bet there's some treasure down here. Let's find it!"
Jasper overheard them and swam closer, crossing his arms. "Hey, don't go too far without me! I want to find the treasure too!"
Suddenly, a blur shot past them like a torpedo. Dante swam at an incredible speed, weaving between them with an excited grin.
Jasper barely had time to react. "What the—what are you doing?!" he shouted.
Dante grinned as a large shadow loomed behind him. "Just racing with sharks!"
Blaze, watching the scene from a distance, shook his head. "That guy has way too much energy…"
Serena giggled. "Did you say something?"
Blaze quickly looked away, his face once again turning a deep shade of red.
Serena smiled, but her attention was caught by something else. She turned to Blaze, her brows furrowing in curiosity. "Hey… have you noticed that we're talking completely normally underwater? How is that possible?"
Blaze opened his mouth, but no words came out. He was too flustered by her presence to even think straight.
Suddenly, an eerie voice echoed from behind them.
"I can explain…"
Serena and Blaze whipped around, their eyes widening in terror as a ghostly figure hovered behind them. Serena let out a startled yelp, instinctively grabbing Blaze's arm.
But as the figure stepped forward, its features became clearer. It was Talon.
Both Serena and Blaze let out a breath of relief.
Talon simply nodded. "I'll explain later." With that, he dove deeper into the water.
Serena placed a hand on her chest, exhaling. "That scared me…"
But before she could finish, something brushed against her neck. A cold, slimy sensation sent shivers down her spine.
Serena's eyes widened in horror as she turned, coming face to face with a monstrous-looking fish that crawled along the pool floor. It had elongated fins and eerie, glowing eyes.
A scream erupted from her lips as she instinctively threw her arms around Blaze, clutching him tightly. "Blaze! There's something around my neck!!"
Blaze, however, had already lost his mind to panic. His face was completely red, his body frozen. His vision blurred as the overwhelming sensation of Serena's embrace sent his thoughts spiraling into chaos.
His limbs suddenly felt weak. His breathing became erratic. And before Serena could react, Blaze lost consciousness—his body going limp as he slowly began to sink.
"Blaze!" Serena shook him desperately, but he didn't respond. His fingers slipped from her grasp as he drifted downward.
Talon, watching from a distance, sighed. His cold voice cut through the water. "Go to the surface. I'll take care of him."
Serena hesitated, her eyes filled with worry. "Will he be okay?"
Talon's expression remained unreadable. "He'll live. Now go."
Biting her lip, Serena turned and swam toward the surface, casting one last glance at Blaze before breaking through the water, gasping for air.
Serena burst through the water's surface, gasping for breath. Her heart pounded wildly, panic gripping her chest as she looked back down. Blaze was still sinking.
Jasper and Dante, noticing Serena's distress, quickly swam over.
Jasper frowned. "What happened? Where's Blaze?"
Serena, still catching her breath, pointed downward. "H-He just… he fainted or something! He started sinking—Talon went after him!"
Dante, who had been goofing around moments ago, immediately turned serious. "Damn, I knew something was off. Let's get him out!"
Just as Dante was about to dive back in, a dark silhouette emerged from below. The water rippled eerily before Talon surfaced, holding Blaze effortlessly with one arm. He swam smoothly to the edge of the pool and lifted Blaze out, laying him on the side.
Serena quickly climbed out and knelt beside Blaze. His face was still slightly flushed, his breathing shallow but steady.
Jasper sighed in relief. "Well, at least he's still breathing. What the hell happened?"
Serena hesitated before muttering, "I… I don't know. One second he was fine, and then—" She stopped, realizing what had happened. The memory of her screaming, grabbing him, clinging to him flashed in her mind.
Her face turned completely red.
Jasper immediately caught on. He smirked. "Ohhh… I see what's going on."
Dante, still clueless, scratched his head. "What? What happened?"
Jasper crossed his arms, his smirk widening. "Let's just say Blaze got a little too much excitement all at once."
Serena turned away, embarrassed. "Shut up, Jasper…" she muttered under her breath.
Meanwhile, Blaze groaned, slowly opening his eyes. His vision was blurry, and the first thing he saw was Serena's concerned face hovering above him.
For a moment, he thought he was still dreaming.
But then Jasper's voice broke the moment. "Welcome back, lover boy."
Blaze's eyes shot open completely, and he quickly sat up, realization hitting him like a brick wall.
He had fainted.
In front of Serena.
Because of Serena.
"Oh, for f—" Blaze groaned and buried his face in his hands, completely mortified.
Dante burst out laughing. "Dude, did you seriously pass out from just being close to her?!"
Blaze glared at him. "Shut. Up."
Talon, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "You need to work on controlling your emotions. That was pathetic."
Blaze clenched his jaw but said nothing. He knew Talon was right.
Serena, trying to suppress her own embarrassment, stood up. "I think I've had enough swimming for today…" she mumbled before walking toward the changing rooms.
Jasper nudged Blaze. "Hey, at least she didn't slap you. That's progress, right?"
Blaze sighed heavily. "I need a damn break."
Jasper laughed. "Oh no, my friend. We need to talk."
To be continue...