The arena fell silent as the final Beybroll slowed, wobbling in the center of the cleared aisle. One by one, the others' Beybrolls had been knocked aside—into snack displays, under freezers, even into the automatic door. Vario's alone remained, spinning with stubborn, terrifying stability.
The Demon King stood still, arms crossed, cape fluttering slightly from the air conditioner. He hadn't even drawn his dimension sword once. He didn't need to.
"So… that's it?" Bella muttered from behind a stack of soda crates. "He just… won?"
Yuwen stared at the arena, expression unreadable. "As expected."
Feria pinched the bridge of her nose. "We are never hosting another tournament in this store."
The manager, who had returned just in time to witness the final match, slowly lowered his phone. "I don't get paid enough for this."
Vario stepped forward, boots crunching on scattered plastic tops. "It is finished," he declared. "This… Beybroll… has acknowledged my supremacy."
There was only one opponent left.
Nyx stood at the edge of the arena, holding her Beybroll loosely. She wasn't bouncing anymore. No teasing grin, no smug commentary. Just a small, quiet smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Everyone noticed.
"Nyx?" Bella called. "You're up."
Nyx took one step forward… then stopped.
"I forfeit."
The word landed heavier than any Beybroll collision.
"What?" Vario turned sharply. "You would surrender? After all that noise you made?"
Nyx laughed softly, scratching the back of her head. "Yeah. Guess I'm done."
Vario frowned. "This is unlike you. You never withdraw."
Nyx looked up at him then. Really looked at him. The Demon King in an apron. The same one who coughed himself into fear over a vape, drank energy drinks like potions, and once panicked over expired cup noodles.
"I know," she said quietly. "But I don't want to beat you."
The store went dead silent.
Bella's jaw dropped. Feria froze mid-clipboard scribble. Yuwen's eyes narrowed—just slightly.
Vario stiffened. "…Explain."
Nyx took a breath. "If I win, you lose. And if you lose…" She shrugged. "I don't want to see that look on your face."
Vario's crimson eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
"You're annoying," he said slowly. "You mock me. You provoke me. You kiss me without warning." His voice dropped. "And now you deny me a proper victory?"
Nyx smiled, softer this time. "No. I'm giving it to you."
She placed her Beybroll gently on the counter and stepped back.
"For the record," she added, voice light but honest, "I didn't forfeit because I was scared."
She met his eyes.
"I forfeit because I like you. A lot."
The words hung in the air, louder than any announcement.
Vario did not move. His aura flickered, unstable—not with rage, but with something unfamiliar. His grip tightened, then loosened.
"…You are troublesome," he muttered.
Nyx grinned faintly. "Yeah. I know."
The manager cleared his throat loudly. "Okay! Tournament's over! Demon King wins! Please stop emotionally destroying each other near the instant ramen!"
No one laughed.
Vario finally turned away, lifting the winning Beybroll. "The outcome stands," he said, voice firm again. "Victory is mine."
But as he passed Nyx, his tail flicked—just once—brushing against her arm.
She noticed.
So did Yuwen.
And somewhere above them, the convenience store lights hummed, bearing silent witness to the moment the Demon King won a tournament… and lost his composure entirely.