The sun burned bright over the central arena as the herald announced the next match. The crowd erupted in cheers, hungry for spectacle.
—Third bout of the day! Mikan of Azoth versus Sae of Veltramar!
The shouts merged with the pounding of drums. Mikan walked lightly toward the center, her step feline, her hood swaying with the breeze. Her eyes gleamed with mischief, as if fighting in front of thousands was just another tavern game. Opposite her stood Sae, a tall warrior from Veltramar, armed with twin short spears and a body carved with scars.
Asori and Blair watched from the competitors' reserved stands. Mikrom was still recovering in the infirmary, but their eyes were locked on the ninja.
The gong rang.
Sae charged like an avalanche, his twin spears spinning like blades of a windmill. The air filled with metallic flashes, a storm of thrusts too fast for the untrained eye to follow.
Mikan didn't move… until she did.
In a blink, she vanished from her spot and reappeared behind Sae, her daggers trailing a streak of blue Astral. The crowd gasped.
—Too fast! —Asori exclaimed, leaning forward.
Blair's lips curved, noticing something beyond the speed.
—Could it be…
Mikan spun and released a spiraling burst of fire. It was the exact same sequence Blair had once shown her in training. The technique struck Sae, forcing him to stumble back.
—She copied it —Blair murmured, surprised.
Asori frowned.
—Then she can mimic moves… even elements?
—Yes —Blair explained calmly—. Ninjas of her clan can replicate techniques they've seen, though only partially, since it burns through a lot of Astral. That's why she trains with me…
In the arena, Sae roared, hardening his body with Astral until his muscles gleamed like steel. Mikan only smirked.
—Nice defense… but let's see if you can catch a shadow.
Her body split into four silhouettes cloaked in smoke and Astral. The copies attacked from every angle. Sae struggled to follow them, cuts already forming on his arms and legs.
Asori's eyes narrowed. His stomach twisted.
—Blair… do you see it?
—See what?
—Mikan isn't reinforcing her body with Astral. —He clenched his teeth—. She's fast, yes, but any hit she takes goes straight through.
Blair turned to him, serious.
—And how did you learn to reinforce yours?
Asori shifted in his seat, memories of Aeryon Mountain crawling back.
—Eryndor taught me. If you channel Astral into your skin and muscles, you boost endurance. But there's a limit: if you fortify the body, you sacrifice power for offense. And the opposite too. It's balance… —he exhaled—. To use both at once, you need insane control.
Blair nodded, eyes softening with a quiet pride for him.
In the arena, Sae, enraged, slammed both spears into the ground. A wave of Astral exploded outward, scattering the smoke. Mikan's clones dissolved, leaving only her real body exposed.
The crowd roared, but Mikan only licked her lips, thrilled.
—Well, well… this might actually be fun.
Sae charged, aiming straight for her chest.
Mikan bent just enough to slip past the strike, vaulting onto the spear as if it were a step. She flipped in the air and, on the descent, smashed her heel against Sae's helmet, Astral igniting with flame. The warrior staggered, leaving an opening.
Her daggers gleamed, cutting a bright arc. Sae collapsed to his knees, his spears buried in the dirt.
—Mikan of Azoth is victorious! —the herald bellowed.
The crowd erupted, chanting her name in waves.
Up in the noble stands, Sir Kael had not blinked once. His eyes followed every move, especially the moment she replicated Blair's technique.
An attendant leaned close.
—My lord, Lord Darian requests you.
Kael rose, leaving the balcony with heavy, measured steps. In a shadowed corridor, Darian awaited him.
The young noble handed him a small vial of green liquid.
—Anti-Astral venom. You know what to do tonight. Just follow the plan.
Kael's smile twisted beneath his helm, a grin that could freeze blood.
—Understood. No noise.
And he vanished into the dark.
Back in the arena, Mikan raised her hand to the ovation. Already, the crowd was chanting her as a tournament favorite. Blair sighed, impressed despite the rivalry she felt toward her.
Asori watched in silence, fists clenched. He now understood how dangerous his companion truly was… and that one day, he might have to fight her himself.
But not yet.
The herald's voice boomed:
—Next match! Asori of Azoth versus Riven of Nifelheim!
Blair caught his hand before he could descend.
—I believe in you…
He met her gaze, heart roaring.
—And I in you.
The crowd thundered. Asori's real trial was only just beginning.