Respect

The Phoenix Princess' blood didn't so much as soak Ryu's blade. He stood there in silence, his body beaten and broken, more shattered than even before. And yet, it wasn't he who stood there as a headless corpse. It was the once beautiful woman in front of him.

The Phoenix Princess' body collapsed and then morphed into her true form. A bird of prey that could only be described as one of the most gorgeous creatures in all of existence lay there, its rainbow flames dimming before their eyes.

Even after several seconds, no one could seem to understand what happened. It was only Young Master Bright, who sat silently on his pillar, that showed a flicker of rage in his eyes.

He didn't enter this competition because he was a close combat expert first and foremost. Also, his pride told him that he didn't need these Titles; all he needed was his own.

He was the sun that lit the skies. He didn't need anyone else to illuminate his path forward.