The room was quiet, aside from the faint sounds of Rose's slow, steady breathing and Bolt's occasional murmurs in his sleep. The two were curled up on the large bed, exhausted from the day's excitement. Rose had one arm draped lazily over her pillow, while Bolt had somehow sprawled across most of the bed, his small frame taking up more space than it should.
Blaze smirked slightly at the sight. For all their energy during the day, they always looked so peaceful when they slept.
His gaze then shifted to the glass window, where the vast neon skyline of Exohorizon stretched endlessly, the lights of the city still twinkling like distant stars. The world outside never slept—but for tonight, Blaze needed to.
He walked over to the nearby sofa, stretching his arms before dropping onto it with a deep sigh. His muscles ached, but he welcomed the feeling—it meant he had pushed himself.
His eyes drifted to Venom Devolos, still secured in its crimson scabbard. The legendary sword rested on the adjacent sofa, the faint, ominous glow of its runes barely visible in the dim room.
Blaze reached out, running his fingers along the hilt. A deep part of him could feel Devolos's power—restless, hungry, always craving destruction.
He chuckled softly. "Big day tomorrow, partner."
For a second, he almost expected the blade to respond, to whisper its usual venomous hunger for battle. But tonight, it was silent—just like the room, just like the night.
Blaze leaned back, exhaling deeply.
"Good night, Devolos."
The weight of exhaustion finally settled in as his eyes slowly shut. His breathing evened out, his body sinking into the comfort of the sofa.
Tomorrow was the Grand Showdown.
Tomorrow, he would fight for the championship.
Tomorrow, he would fight for her.
And with that final thought, Blaze drifted into sleep—
CTS TIME: RE250.08.24 – 2:15 AM
7 HOURS UNTIL THE GRAND SHOWDOWN
Location: Diamond Spacehub – Rooftop
Blaze couldn't sleep.
No matter how much he tried, his mind wouldn't shut down. His heart pounded with anticipation, his thoughts running in endless circles—the tournament, Serena, his promise, the future. It was all too much.
Carefully, he slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake Rose and Bolt. The soft hum of the elevator echoed around him as he ascended to the rooftop.
When the doors slid open, a cold breeze greeted him. Despite the late hour, the city of Exohorizon was still alive, its neon-lit skyscrapers glowing like celestial towers in the dark. Hover cars zipped across the sky, their lights painting streaks of color against the night. The streets below buzzed with energy—restaurants, entertainment hubs, and markets still teeming with life.
Blaze took a deep breath, letting the moment settle in.
And then he saw him.
Jasper.
The silver-haired warrior stood near the edge, hands resting on the railing, his eyes reflecting the city's brilliance. He wasn't surprised to see Blaze—he must have been restless too.
Blaze walked over, standing beside him.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" Blaze muttered.
Jasper smirked. "Not a chance. Big day ahead."
For a moment, they just stood there, watching the city. It was peaceful, yet overwhelming—knowing that in just a few hours, they would be standing in an arena, not as friends, but as rivals.
Finally, Jasper turned to Blaze and held out his fist.
"No matter what happens tomorrow—whether you win, or I win… we're still friends."
Blaze looked at him, then chuckled. "Damn right we are." He bumped Jasper's fist, sealing the promise.
Jasper then grinned. "And if I win, I expect you to treat me to a full meal at the best restaurant in this city."
Blaze smirked. "Fine, but if I win, you help me finally reach out to her."
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Still stuck on that, huh? You really need my help that badly?"
Blaze sighed. "Man, you have no idea. Every time I try, I freeze. It's like facing a final boss without knowing the attack pattern."
Jasper laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, deal. I'll make sure you don't chicken out next time."
They both stood there for a while longer, silently appreciating the moment. Tomorrow, they would fight with everything they had. But tonight, they were just two friends, standing under the vast futuristic skyline, sharing one last quiet moment before battle.
The countdown had begun.
7 hours to go.
CTS TIME: RE250.08.24 – 8:30 AM
Location: Exo Horizon – Grand Arena
Blaze's Room
Blaze jerked awake.
His heart pounded in his chest, his forehead damp with sweat. For a moment, he was disoriented, his mind still entangled in the dream of her—Serena. Would he ever confess? Would there even be a chance after the showdown?
And then it hit him.
"THE SHOWDOWN!"
Blaze's eyes darted to the clock. 8:30 AM.
"DAMN IT!"
He threw himself out of bed, rushing to the bathroom. In less than a minute, he was under the freezing cold shower, forcing himself awake. No time for distractions now.
The moment he stepped out, his hands moved on autopilot—signature black-and-red combat attire, reinforced trench coat lined with energy-weave, and fingerless gloves designed for maximum blade control. His sword, Venom Devolos, gleamed under the artificial lighting as he strapped it onto his back.
He glanced around—Rose and Bolt were gone.
Blaze's stomach twisted.
"I overslept… again."
With no time to waste, he grabbed a slice of toast, clenched it between his teeth, and bolted out of the door. The streets were overflowing with people heading toward the Grand Arena, their holographic banners flickering with the images of the three finalists.
He could hear the commentator's voice booming through the city's speaker drones.
The Grand Arena was a colossal, high-tech coliseum, a marvel of futuristic engineering. The battleground, a circular energy-forged platform, levitated at the center, supported by massive anti-gravity pillars. Above it, holographic displays projected real-time stats, sword swings, and slowed-down action replays.
Over 200,000 spectators filled the multi-tiered stands, their excitement shaking the entire stadium. The air vibrated with the electric hum of anticipation, while neon banners danced in the air—each one displaying the names of the finalists.
In the middle row, Blaze's friends—Rose, Bolt, Talon, Dante, Serena, and Mainak—sat together.
Mainak grinned. "Rose, today my dad let me sit with you! Now I can see how the audience experiences these fights!"
Rose nodded absently, her golden eyes scanning the field, worry creeping into her expression. "That's great… but where is Blaze?"
Dante folded his arms. "That dumbass… how does he forget something THIS important?"
Serena frowned. "Are you sure he didn't just oversleep?"
Bolt sighed. "Oh, he totally did. He was still sleeping when I left."
Serena clenched her fists. "If he doesn't show up, I swear I'll kill him myself."
Just then, the commentator's voice boomed across the stadium.
The Announcements Begin
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!"
The entire Grand Arena erupted with cheers.
"TODAY, WE WITNESS A SHOWDOWN BETWEEN THREE UNSTOPPABLE BLADERS! WARRIORS WHO HAVE TRAINED THROUGH BLOOD AND SWEAT TO CLAIM THE DIAMOND CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE!"
The massive holographic screen flickered, displaying three names.
"INTRODUCING… OUR FIRST FINALIST!"
A platform beneath the battleground rumbled.
A figure slowly rose from underground, standing atop a futuristic lift. His midnight-black armor gleamed, his presence exuding power. In his hand, he held his legendary blade—Prime Apocalypse.
"THE FEARLESS WARRIOR WHO SHOCKED EVERYONE WITH HIS STRENGTH! THE MAN WHO CAN BRING DARKNESS TO HIS FOES WITH A SINGLE STRIKE! GIVE IT UP FOR—TENEBRIS THRON!!!"
The crowd exploded in cheers. Tenebris stepped forward, his gaze cold and unshaken.
The commentator's voice boomed again.
"NEXT UP, A BLADEMASTER WHOSE SKILLS AND DETERMINATION HAVE LED HIM TO THE FINALS! A WARRIOR WHO FIGHTS WITH HONOR, THE MASTER OF DRAGONIS—JASPER TYROS!!!"
Another platform lifted.
Jasper emerged, rolling his shoulders before gripping the hilt of his sword. His confident smirk sent the audience into a frenzy. The name 'Jasper' echoed throughout the arena, fans screaming their support.
Where the Hell is Blaze?
Back in the middle row, Serena's foot tapped impatiently.
Rose frowned. "He's not here yet…"
Jasper, now standing in the arena, clenched his fists. "You idiot… where ARE you?"
The commentator cleared his throat.
"AND NOW, THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! THE ONE! THE ONLY! THE FEARLESS WARRIOR, THE MASTER OF DESTRUCTION, THE CHAMPION WHO WIELDS THE LEGENDARY SWORD VENOM DEVOLOS—BLAZE DEATHBRINGER!!!"
The crowd ERUPTED.
Fans jumped from their seats, screaming his name. Many of them—especially the fangirls—were on the verge of fainting.
But…
There was no Blaze.
The crowd murmured. The cheers faltered.
The commentator hesitated. "Uh… where is Blaze?"
Jasper facepalmed. "Unbelievable."
Bolt groaned. "Of course, he screws up his entrance."
Rose's heart pounded. "Where are you…?"
And then—A SHADOW DROPPED FROM THE SKY.
The roaring of a high-speed aerial drone filled the air.
The crowd gasped, eyes shooting toward the sky as a figure clung onto a speeding drone with one hand, soaring straight toward the battlefield.
Then—he let go.
The figure flipped mid-air, twisting through the sky as he descended at breakneck speed. Wind whistled around him. The sunlight hit his blade, making it gleam like fire.
A deafening BOOM shook the entire battlefield as the figure slammed into the ground. A shockwave of dust and energy exploded outward, shrouding the scene in chaos.
The crowd fell into stunned silence.
And then, as the dust began to settle…
A lone figure stood in the center of the battlefield.
Blaze Deathbringer.
His trench coat billowed in the artificial wind, his crimson eyes gleaming with determination. In his hand, Venom Devolos rested against the ground, the energy circuits along its blade pulsing.
A slow grin spread across his face.
The entire stadium ERUPTED.
"BLAZE! BLAZE! BLAZE!"
The commentator was laughing now. "OUR CHAMPION IS HERE… IN HIS OWN STYLE!"
Serena crossed her arms, trying (and failing) to hide a smile.
Jasper shook his head, grinning. "You absolute showoff."
Rose sighed in relief. "About time."
The stage was set.
The Grand Showdown… had officially begun.
The Exohorizon Grand Arena was unlike anything else in the universe. A colossal structure that could hold over a hundred thousand spectators, it floated above the surface of Nova Prime, supported by anti-gravity stabilizers. The sky above shimmered with holographic projections, showing close-up images of the stage where the greatest warriors would soon clash. The air buzzed with electric energy, a mix of roaring cheers, flashing neon lights, and the commentator's booming voice.
The battlefield itself was a massive circular platform, its sleek black surface glowing with intricate golden runes. Hovering drones circled above, capturing every angle of the upcoming battle, broadcasting the event to millions across the galaxy.
Blaze landed in a dramatic cloud of dust, his silhouette outlined against the bright lights of the stadium. As the dust settled, his signature smirk was in place, and he raised his hand, acknowledging the crowd. Fans erupted into deafening cheers, chanting his name with uncontainable excitement.
But not everyone was smiling.
Rose watched from the stands, her arms crossed, trying to suppress the knot forming in her stomach. Unlike the ecstatic crowd, she wasn't swept up by the spectacle. She had known Blaze for years—his recklessness, his bravado—but this time, something felt different. Why was he cutting it so close? She bit her lip. What if he's distracted?
Bolt leaned forward, shaking his head. "That idiot always has to make a grand entrance, huh?" He tried to sound annoyed, but there was a hint of admiration in his voice.
Serena, however, was unimpressed. "He thinks he's in a movie or something," she muttered, arms crossed. "It's not a game, Blaze. He better not let all that fan attention get to his head."
Dante, on the other hand, was grinning. "Oh, come on! That was sick! Did you see that landing? The guy's got style."
Only Talon seemed unfazed, sitting with his usual relaxed posture. "He's here now, isn't he?" he said coolly. "And that's all that matters."
Rose exhaled slowly. Fine. He's here. Now let's just hope he keeps his focus where it belongs.
The Championship Prize is Revealed
The Diamond Championship Trophy was placed on a high pedestal at the center of the battlefield. Its crystalline surface refracted the arena's lights, making it glimmer like a celestial artifact. Beside it, a large holographic check hovered, displaying the prize—1 million star credits.
Then, a hush fell over the stadium as Xander Starcrest, the ruler of the universe, took the stage. His regal presence was undeniable—tall, draped in a white and gold high-collared coat, his piercing violet eyes scanning the crowd. His silver hair shimmered under the arena's lights.
Mainak nudged Rose. "There's my dad."
Rose gave a small nod but kept her focus on Blaze.
Xander stepped forward, his voice calm yet commanding.
"Warriors are not born. They are forged in the fires of hardship and perseverance. To wield a blade is not just to fight, but to stand for something greater than oneself. Today, three warriors stand before us, each proving their strength, skill, and determination. But only one will claim the title of Champion of the Diamond Tournament."
The audience erupted into applause as Xander took his seat, nodding to the commentator to proceed.
The Semi-Final Selection
A massive digital screen lit up, showing three legendary swords—Venom Devolos, Prime Apocalypse, and Dragonis—representing the three competitors: Blaze, Tenebris, and Jasper. The swords began shuffling rapidly, their positions changing in a randomized sequence.
All eyes locked onto the screen. The crowd held its breath.
Blaze narrowed his gaze. This was it. The moment that would determine who he would face first.
Rose clasped her hands together, tense. Please let it be someone strong. Blaze needs a real challenge to stay focused.
The screen stopped.
Two blades emerged.
Semi-Final Matchup: Jasper vs. Tenebris
The arena roared. The first semi-final had been decided—Jasper Tyros vs. Tenebris Thron.
Blaze exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. That meant he would automatically advance to the final round. He looked over at Jasper, who turned to face him, smirking.
Jasper extended a fist. "I promise you, I'll be in that final."
Blaze bumped his fist against Jasper's. "You better. I don't want an easy win."
Jasper chuckled before turning toward Tenebris, his eyes flashing with anticipation.
As Blaze walked past the waiting area, he didn't stop. Instead, he climbed the illuminated stairs leading to the middle row of the grandstands, where the others were seated. The entire stadium was alive with energy, fans still buzzing from the intense buildup of the tournament.
The digital screens flickered, showing live feeds of the battlefield, and the commentator's voice echoed throughout the arena.
Rose spotted Blaze first and immediately stood up. "Here, take my seat," she said, brushing past him. "I'll sit next to Mainak."
Before Blaze could object, she was already gone, leaving him with an empty seat.
Right next to Serena.
His body immediately heated up. His face turned red. He stiffened, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly sitting down.
"Damn it…" he thought.
Serena didn't react much, only sparing him a brief glance before focusing on the battlefield.
But the others? They weren't about to let this go.
Dante, seated on the other side, leaned over with a smirk. "Oi, champ. You were almost late to your own damn tournament. What happened? Decided to sleep in?"
Blaze cleared his throat, still flustered. "I, uh… got held up."
Rose, sitting with Bolt and Mainak a few seats away, crossed her arms. "Held up? You forgot about the tournament, didn't you?"
Bolt grinned mischievously. "Yeah, yeah, what really happened? You were dreaming about something, huh?"
Blaze gritted his teeth. "Shut up, Bolt."
Mainak, who had been silently observing Blaze this entire time, leaned forward with an amused expression but didn't say anything. He already knew.
Blaze could feel all their eyes on him, waiting for an explanation. But he had none.
And then—
"WILL EVERYONE PLEASE FOCUS ON THE DAMN MATCH?!"
Serena's sharp voice cut through the teasing.
Blaze almost sighed in relief, but then realized Serena was just as irritated as ever. He stole a quick glance at her. Even when she was annoyed, she looked stunning—her long red ponytail resting over her shoulder, her crimson eyes locked onto the battlefield with fierce intensity.
Blaze swallowed hard. Damn it. Focus.
The Battlefield Setup
The giant holographic screens above the arena switched to an overview of the battlefield. The crowd's excitement surged as the terrain was revealed.
A massive, rugged battlefield.
Jagged rocky terrain covered most of the area, with uneven cliffs and plateaus, making movement unpredictable.
A huge lake shimmered at one side, deep and vast, adding an element of strategy—pushing an opponent into the water could slow them down.
Scattered trees and ruined pillars provided cover, making the battlefield feel almost like a legendary battleground from ancient times.
On opposite ends of the field, Jasper Tyros and Tenebris Thron stood in position, their blades at their sides.
The tension was palpable.
The Rules Announced
A professional referee in sleek black armor floated down onto the battlefield, a hoverboard beneath his feet. His voice, amplified through the stadium's speakers, rang out clear and authoritative.
"This match will be fought under the Grand Showdown Rules."
The screen displayed the rules for everyone to see.
A total of 3 points will determine the winner.
1 point is awarded if a blader successfully drops their opponent's sword onto the ground.
2 points are awarded if a blader successfully bursts their opponent's sword—detaching it completely from the hilt.
The referee looked at both competitors. "Do you both understand the rules?"
Jasper spun Dragonis in his hand and smirked. "Crystal clear."
Tenebris tightened his grip on Prime Apocalypse and simply nodded.
The referee raised his hand.
"THEN LET THE SEMI-FINAL… BEGIN!"
A massive horn blared through the stadium, and the battle erupted into motion.
Blaze's Thoughts
Sitting in the stands, Blaze leaned forward, his hand gripping the railing.
Jasper, you better not lose. I need you in the finals.
His eyes flickered to Tenebris.
And you… I need to see exactly how strong you are.
The battle was about to begin, and the entire universe was watching.
The referee raised his hand, his hoverboard humming beneath him.
"3…!"
The entire crowd roared in unison, their voices shaking the stadium.
"2…!!"
The tension reached its peak. Blaze clenched his fists. Rose gripped the railing. Bolt was practically bouncing in his seat.
"1…!!!"
BOOM!
A massive explosion tore through the battlefield.
The Battlefield Erupts
The impact sent a blinding shockwave across the arena, making the screens flicker violently.
A green energy barrier materialized around the battlefield, absorbing the raw power radiating from the fight. The shockwave was so intense that the entire stadium rumbled. Dust and debris filled the air, swirling like a violent storm, blocking everyone's vision for a moment.
To be continue....