Kael walked onto the battlefield with his hands in his pockets.
The Heaven's Gate section had already erupted in celebration—they'd won the matchup 3-1, secured their spot in the final round. The fifth match was technically unnecessary. But individual rankings mattered. Every fight counted. Every strike added to the scores that would determine personal standing at the tournament's end.
The Blood Moon vice captain was already waiting.
Male. Pale skin. Crimson eyes that gleamed with predatory hunger. His aura pressed against the air like a weight—blood manipulation, concentrated and refined, MH Rank 2 Peak. Not as strong as some opponents Kael had faced, but dangerous enough to warrant attention.
He smiled, fangs extending.
"Your academy has already won." His voice was smooth, confident. "You don't need to fight me."
Kael stopped at the center of the battlefield, silver eyes meeting crimson.
"And yet here we are."
