"We now have three semi-finalists: Kenshi, Targus, and Aurelia," Akito announced loudly, stepping into the center of the dimension. "The first match will be Targus versus Aurelia. And as for Kenshi's opponent… one of you will get a second chance to prove you're worthy of fighting for the grand prize."
He took a step forward, glancing at the remaining contestants.
"The rules are simple. Only those who have been eliminated can vote. You can't vote for yourself. So, choose the one you believe deserves it most."
A short silence followed. Everyone was deep in thought.
"I'll vote for Arden," Elian thought, watching the nearby fox. "I wouldn't stand a chance against Kenshi anyway, and Arden came closest to winning."
"The smartest choice is probably Kasumi," Arden reflected. "She had an incredible fight against Aurelia. Honestly, she deserves it."
"Lord Akito said we can't vote for ourselves… then who?" Kasumi thought, lowering her gaze. "He spends more time with Arden… Yes, for his sake, I'll choose the Fox."
"Well then, have you all decided?" Akito asked, looking around.
Everyone nodded.
"Arden, you go first."
The Fox stepped forward.
"I vote for Kasumi. She gave a stunning performance against Aurelia and was inches away from winning."
"Thank you. Kasumi, your turn."
The winged girl looked at Akito and gave a soft smile.
"For you, my Lord, I vote for the Fox — Arden."
"One to one," said Akito. "Elian, it all comes down to your vote."
A tense pause fell. Elian looked between Arden and Kasumi, then back at Arden. The silence dragged on. Thoughts stormed in Arden's mind like waves in a dark sea. "If only I had another chance…"
"I vote for Arden," Elian said softly. "To me, he showed a battle worth a second shot."
For a moment, everything froze. Then — a click in his mind. Arden clenched his fists, slowly raised his head, and a confident, slightly cocky smile curled at the corner of his lips. He looked up — toward the sky of the dimension, as if gazing above the arena itself.
"A second chance… I'm not screwing this one up."
The fire reignited in his eyes.
"It's settled. Arden moves on to the semi-finals to face Kenshi," Akito declared.
"Arden versus Kenshi. Begin on my signal," Akito added.
They walked to opposite ends. A heavy, almost tangible silence settled in the air.
"FIGHT!"
In a flash, they charged each other. Kenshi, lightning-fast as always, unsheathed his katana mid-run and swung horizontally. Arden dodged at the last second and landed a solid punch to his gut. Kenshi slid back but immediately regained his stance.
"Not bad, Elf-boy… but I'm still taking this," he smirked.
"I'm not losing again, little samurai," Arden replied coldly.
A twisted grin crossed their faces — and the world around them vanished.
[Activated Skill: Seishin no Dojo – Duel of the Spirit]
The world dimmed. Color disappeared. Light faded — leaving only a monochrome void. No smells. No sensations. Only sound.
Arden didn't hesitate.
[Activated Skill: Lapet's Impulse]
He moved with such blinding speed that even Kenshi, used to fighting at hurricane pace, couldn't keep track of him. Only the sounds remained… rustling, tearing air, scratching.
"Da*n… where the hell is he?!"
Then — a faint whisper of air directly in front of him. Kenshi instinctively raised his blades but still took a heavy hit and was sent flying across the ground.
"Got you," Arden's voice echoed. "I kept moving until I reached your limits. This world isn't infinite, Kenshi."
Kenshi clenched his teeth in fury. His breath quickened.
"You son of a b*tch… I'll END YOU."
Arden launched another flurry, but Kenshi blocked each strike with surgical precision. Steel shimmered in the air as katana slashed the void, barely grazing the Fox. Suddenly, Kenshi spun both blades in front of him and leapt backward, forming hand signs:
[Activated Skill: Yami no Kiri — Mist of Darkness]
His legs were engulfed in black fire. His steps became silent. His figure — ghostlike. Their speeds now nearly equal — though Arden was still slightly faster — they clashed mid-air.
Kenshi's lunge — vertical, sharp, meant to split Arden in half. But the Fox blocked with a bare hand, grabbed his opponent's head, and slammed a knee into his forehead. A pulse exploded, and a few seconds later, they reappeared in Arden's dimension. But Arden no longer had Lapet's Impulse.
Blood ran from Kenshi's nose, but he didn't care. His eyes gleamed with that icy rage — the same terrifying stare only seen up close. He fell into stance. Silent, but his aura screamed: "I'll kill you."
"He's going to press with his second skill now… but…"
Suddenly, Arden's legs wobbled, and he staggered slightly.
"I used Lapet's Impulse too often. If I'm not careful… I'll black out."
Silence.
Then — impact.
Kenshi appeared like a shadow. Katana swings — Arden dodged, but a brutal kick slammed into his stomach, then his temple.
"I'll slice you into f*cking pieces," Kenshi snarled, eyes gleaming like cold steel.
"I need… to take a few hits. Make him overconfident."
Kenshi intensified his assault. Arden didn't resist. Then — the blade pierced his side. He clenched his jaw, blood splattered.
Akito took a step forward. So did Targus, fists clenched. But then Elian stepped between them.
"Stop. Don't interfere. I think… he did it on purpose. Arden would never take a hit like that for no reason."
"Maybe… you're right," Akito muttered darkly, eyes locked on the battle
[Noxveil]
Hey there, reader!
If you've made it this far, thank you so much. I'm writing this story in Russian and translating it into English — so I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Even one small comment gives me huge motivation 💬💙
Let me know who your favorite character is so far!