The Capital City coliseum was a beast of stone and echo. From the stands, thousands of eyes fixed on the center of the arena: circular platforms reinforced with Astral, floating just above the ground, built to withstand the clash of warriors.
Asori, Blair, Mikan, and Mikrom walked among the crowd. Fighters from every region filled the grounds—monks in white robes from Nifelheim, scarred mercenaries from Veltramar, Donner knights clad in gold-plated armor, even a Caldusian giant wielding a mace the size of a cart.
—What a zoo… —Mikrom muttered, tightening his belt with disdain—. And these are the ones who think they stand a chance?
Mikan whistled, hands folded behind her head.
—Some don't look too bad. The big guy at least might make me break a sweat.
Asori said nothing. Something gnawed at him. His gaze roamed the crowd until it froze.
A man in dark armor, helm tucked under his arm, walked as if the multitude didn't exist. His very presence made the air heavier, colder. Asori's eyes widened, a chill running down his spine.
—That one… —he whispered, throat dry.
Blair turned toward him, sensing the seriousness in his stare. She felt it too: a cold pressure, like being watched from the shadows. She frowned.
—Do you know him?
Asori swallowed hard, recalling the forest, the blood, the blade at his neck that first night.
—No…
Blair's fingers curled into fists, fighting the urge to shield him. The mere fact that this man shook Asori meant he wasn't just another contestant… fate wasn't done with them yet.
A gong thundered, silencing the crowd. An elder in a purple cloak stepped into the arena's center, a scroll in hand.
—Welcome to the Tournament Preselection. —His voice boomed, amplified by Astral—. The rules are simple: single-elimination duels. The first to fall from the platform loses. If your opponent cannot continue, or dies, it is also a victory. Let the trials to decide the true fighters begin!
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Mikrom grinned.
—You heard him. Quick and easy.
Blair tightened her grip on Asori's hand without realizing it.
—Be careful…
He gave her a faint smile, though his eyes were steel.
The first match was announced.
—Jason Lokix of Donner… versus Asori Matsuda of Azoth.
The murmur of the crowd exploded into a roar. Jason—the pride of Donner, the supposed hidden ace of Azoth—against an unknown. The difference seemed insurmountable.
Jason climbed onto the platform, cold composure radiating from him, eyes as sharp as blades. Blair recognized him instantly; her breath caught in her throat.
Asori transformed before stepping onto the platform. He inhaled deeply and fixed his gaze on Jason. No doubts remained. This was the moment to show the fruits of his training—the pain, the discipline, the strength he had forged. Now or never.
The gong struck.
Jason moved first, vanishing in a flash of speed. His foot cut the air, aimed straight at Asori's face.
But Asori didn't move as before.
The world slowed as he unleashed Delta Burst. His muscles burned, his aura roared, and in the blink of an eye he vanished from the crowd's sight.
Jason had no time to react. A brutal impact slammed into his abdomen, followed by a crushing kick that hurled him through the air, off the platform, slamming him into the arena wall.
The crowd fell silent. No one understood what had happened. Only Blair, who felt the savage vibration through the Sweet Kiss, grasped the risk Asori had taken.
Jason rolled across the ground, eyes wide. He rose slowly, gasping, pride shattered.
Asori stood tall on the platform, eyes cold.
—That makes us even. One to one. —His voice cut through the air like a blade—. Next time… I won't be so gentle.
Jason clenched his teeth in fury but said nothing. He turned and walked away, humiliation burning with every step.
The gong rang once more.
—Victor: Asori Matsuda!
The coliseum erupted in chaos. Some shouted, others whispered—no one could fathom how a no-name had defeated Donner's champion in a single strike. Then Asori staggered, nearly collapsing.
Later, in the infirmary, Blair shut the door behind her. Asori sat on the bed, hands trembling, breath heavy.
—What was that?! —she demanded, heart still racing.
He looked up, a tired smile on his lips.
—Delta Burst. I can only use it for a minute… or less, depending on how much strength I draw. It leaves me wrecked afterward.
Blair stared at him, throat tight—a knot of pride and fear. She moved closer and knelt before him.
—That was reckless. —Her voice trembled with tears, though she smiled softly—. But you beat Jason… and it was incredible.
Asori chuckled low, dropping his gaze.
—I don't care about glory, or the tournament. I just wanted to protect you… and to make that man take back what he said.
Blair blinked, startled.
—Asori, you…
—I wanted to prove I can protect you. Though I'll admit, I got lucky triggering Delta Burst so fast Jason couldn't react.
Blair's breath caught. His words pierced her heart like knives. Her lips quivered before she leaned in and kissed him gently. Not a healing kiss, not one imposed by the Sweet Kiss. It was hers. It was real.
Heat spread through them both. Asori felt strength returning—not from Astral, but from the warmth of her lips, filling the emptiness inside.
When they pulled apart, Blair rested her forehead against his.
—Tomorrow the tournament begins. Now I feel calmer… I know you'll do amazing.
Asori closed his eyes, smiling—tired, but at peace.
—Yes… but as long as you're with me, nothing will scare me.
The wind tapped gently against the window, as if the world itself had heard that promise.