The Tournament

Part 1: Unveiling Cosmic TriumphsAs the first rays of the sun peeked through the curtains, the sound of firecrackers filled the air, followed by the cheers and laughter of the city's excited citizens. Arnav stirred in his bed, his curiosity piqued by the vibrant atmosphere outside his window. As he gazed out, his eyes widened at the sight of the city adorned with decorations and the infectious enthusiasm of the people. Determined not to miss out on the festivities, Arnav quickly got out of bed and prepared for the day ahead.Knowing that Rehan would most likely be at the gym, Arnav made his way there. Lost in his thoughts, he suddenly collided with someone, stumbling slightly in the process. Looking up, he found himself face to face with Rix, her eyes twinkling with amusement."Watch where you're going," Rix said with a playful grin.Arnav blushed, his usual shyness surfacing in the presence of someone new. "S-Sorry about that."Rix's smile was warm and inviting. "No worries. I'm Rix. What's your name?"Arnav's shyness vanished as quickly as it had come. He flashed a bright smile, suddenly eager to engage in conversation. "I'm Arnav. Nice to meet you, Rix!"From that point on, Arnav found himself talking animatedly, sharing stories and anecdotes with Rix. It became clear that his shyness was a fleeting trait, as he chatted freely about various topics. Rix listened with genuine interest before eventually excusing herself to join Zim, who was also working out in the gym.Meanwhile, the tournament's host stood on a grand stage, addressing the citizens and contestants who had gathered in the arena. Among the audience, Arnav took a seat, eagerly anticipating the event about to unfold. The host's voice resonated, explaining that the tournament would consist of two halves: an Olympian-style series of tasks and a Duel-like competition. Only two contestants would proceed from the first half to the Duel-like battles.Backstage, Rehan stood in the dressing room, his ears tuned to the announcements being made. His mind, however, was preoccupied with the absence of Zim and Rix. He contemplated introducing himself to the other contestants, but hesitated. The determined looks on their faces indicated that they were equally focused on the tournament.The host's voice called out the names of seven contestants, including Rehan, who were to make their way to the arena. As he stepped forward, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The adrenaline surged as he entered the arena, greeted by a sea of spectators.The true magnitude of the event hit Rehan when the host unveiled the arena's special feature. The arena's ceiling was closed, projecting an illusion of a cosmic expanse above. The sky resembled the vastness of space, a stunning visual that seemed almost surreal. But the host's words shattered any doubt: this was no illusion. The arena, aptly named the Cosmic Arena, had the power to connect different realms together.The crowd's cheers escalated, and Rehan's heart raced with a blend of exhilaration and awe. The arena was beyond anything he had imagined. The shouts and claps echoed around him, reverberating his own excitement. As the host's speech concluded, Rehan's emotions were a whirlwind of anticipation and determination...Part 2: Race of DeterminationRehan's heart raced with excitement, the adrenaline coursing through his veins as the tension in the arena grew palpable. The prospect of participating in the tournament's first task had him both thrilled and slightly disappointed. He yearned for a chance to prove himself against formidable opponents like Zim and Rix, yet the circumstances had him racing against different contenders.The host's voice resonated through the arena, announcing the commencement of the race. The task was simple – navigate through the city, clear each checkpoint, and return to the arena. The first five contestants to complete the task would qualify for the next round. As the countdown began, Rehan's determination intensified.The initial moments of the race were challenging for Rehan. He realized that his fellow contestants possessed varying techniques and strategies for acceleration. Their use of energy components and manipulation of their elemental abilities propelled them forward. As the racetrack unfurled before him, Rehan's mind raced, searching for the best approach to surge ahead.At the 10% mark of the race, Rehan made a decision – he would attempt the fifth form of air swing, the Cold Mountain Wind, to provide himself with an additional push. However, his execution fell short of expectation, and he pressed on without losing hope. The gap between him and the leaders seemed insurmountable, yet he refused to let despair take hold.By the time he reached the 25% checkpoint, Rehan's determination was beginning to pay off. Several frontrunners started to falter, their stamina waning as the race progressed. Despite their initial lead, they struggled to maintain their pace. This gave Rehan the chance to advance, securing a promising fifth position.The race was far from over. As the competitors navigated through the city's twists and turns, some attempted to sabotage Rehan's progress. However, he had learned well from the hermit's teachings and responded with the fourth form of air swing, the Rising Dust Storm. His swift retaliation kept him in the running, but challenges persisted.Reaching the halfway mark, Rehan realized that the distance between checkpoints was increasing. In a stroke of quick thinking, he opted to utilize the rooftops of the city's houses to not only navigate the checkpoints but also cut across the race track. This strategy helped him secure the third position for a brief period.Yet, the leading contestant maintained a consistent pace, reaching the 89% mark of the race track while Rehan stood at 69%. The window of opportunity was closing fast. The roof maneuver that had served him well before began to falter as the checkpoints drew closer once again, slipping him back to sixth place.Doubt and anxiety crept in, threatening to overwhelm Rehan. The fear of losing in the very first round clouded his mind. In the midst of this turmoil, echoes of the teachings he had imbibed from the hermit resurfaced—lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, urging him to focus on his actions and not the outcomes. Emboldened by these words, he broke free from his fear-induced paralysis and sprinted ahead.Drawing on his newfound resolve, Rehan combined his physical prowess with calculated air swings, using them strategically to slow down his opponents. As he neared the finish line, he faced the last obstacle—overtaking the fourth-place contestant. With a surge of determination, he unleashed the seventh form of air swing, the Gale, Sudden Gusts, propelling himself into the air with his sword raised high.The distance between him and qualification seemed to close in slow motion. Every stride felt like a triumphant step towards victory. The crowd's cheers grew louder, blending into a euphoric roar as Rehan crossed the red line that marked qualification. His heart swelled with elation and a sense of accomplishment that transcended the physical race.As he stood there, panting yet exhilarated, the realization of what he had achieved sank in. The first round was over, and he had secured his place among the top contenders who would progress to the next stage. Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Rehan's emotions surged—victory, happiness, and the knowledge that his journey in the tournament was just beginning.Top of FormAs he caught his breath, Rehan's heart raced with a mix of relief and exhilaration. He looked around at the cheering audience, the energy of their support washing over him. The sense of accomplishment was undeniable, and he felt a surge of pride in his abilities.The host of the tournament congratulated the qualifying contestants, and Rehan exchanged glances with some of the other participants who had also made it through the race. There was a camaraderie among them, a shared understanding of the challenges they had faced.Despite the exhaustion, Rehan couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement for what lay ahead. The first task had been a demanding one, but it had only been the beginning. The journey through the tournament promised to be filled with even greater trials and tests of strength.As the competitors began to disperse, Rehan made his way back to the dressing room. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a moment to reflect on the race. The teachings of the hermit echoed in his mind once again, reminding him of the importance of perseverance and determination.The sense of victory was sweet, but Rehan knew that the road ahead would not be easy. He had to continue pushing himself, honing his skills, and finding new ways to face the challenges that awaited him. The thought of facing opponents like Zim and Rix fueled his determination even more.With renewed resolve, Rehan changed into fresh clothes and headed out of the dressing room after a break of 15 minutes. The arena buzzed with anticipation as the next phase of the tournament approached. The competitors who had qualified were already strategizing and preparing for the tasks that lay ahead.Rehan's thoughts turned to his friends, Arnav who had been his companion on this journey. He knew that he is watching, cheering him on from the sidelines.As the atmosphere in the arena crackled with excitement, Rehan felt a surge of energy coursing through him. The challenges were far from over, but he was ready to face them head-on. With the lessons of the past guiding him and the thrill of victory spurring him forward, he was prepared to take on whatever the tournament had in store.And so, as the next round approached, Rehan stood on the threshold of new challenges, his heart filled with determination and his spirit unbreakable. The echoes of his victory reverberated in the air, setting the stage for the battles yet to come... Part 3: Trial by TempestThe arena was charged with anticipation as the next round's rules were revealed. This time, there was no room for partial victories. Only those who completed the task would qualify, regardless of whether it was one, two, or none of the contestants. The hushed silence that fell over the audience spoke volumes about the increased level of competition among the contestants.Rehan stood among them, his heart pounding with a mix of determination and apprehension. He knew that this round would be a true test of endurance and power. The task ahead seemed daunting, and he couldn't afford to falter now.As the host unveiled the nature of the challenge, a sense of unease settled over the contestants. In this round, each contestant would face three forest devils charging at them. The challenge was to defend against these creatures for two minutes without harming them and then, in the next 30 seconds, defeat all three of them. It was a test of not only physical strength but also mental acumen.Rehan's chance came last, and he retreated to the waiting area to collect his thoughts. The suspense in the air was palpable, and the arena buzzed with an electric atmosphere.When his turn finally arrived, Rehan entered the arena. To his surprise, only one contestant had managed to qualify before him. The tension was heightened as the host announced the commencement of the last match of this round.With a surge of adrenaline, Rehan began his defense against the charging forest devils. He darted away, agile and swift, attempting to evade their furious charges. Yet, these creatures were relentless. One of them used its horn to knock him off his feet, and he tumbled into the path of another. It was a stroke of luck that he managed to roll away, narrowly avoiding being crushed under their massive hooves.As the buzzer signaling the start of the final attack sounded, Rehan knew he had to act quickly. Drawing upon his training and the techniques he had honed, he unleashed the Third Form of air swing, the Clean Storm Wind Tree. With a single swift motion, he cut down two of the forest devils, their forms dissipating into shimmering particles.But the last forest devil remained defiant, refusing to fall. Panic briefly welled up within Rehan as time ticked away. He cycled through different forms, attempting to overpower the creature, but it stood its ground.With just ten seconds left on the clock, Rehan's mind raced. He needed a strategy, a move that would secure his victory. Swiftly, he scaled a nearby wall, leaping onto the creature's neck. In a final, desperate maneuver, he employed the Eighth Form of air swing, the Primary Gale Slash.Rehan's body became a whirlwind of motion as he moved his blade in a circular torrent, pushing his body to its very limits. The force generated by this move was immense, and it was enough to overpower the stubborn forest devil. As the creature crumbled, Rehan landed on the ground, panting heavily, his body trembling from the exertion.As he caught his breath and looked around, he realized that he had done it. His name appeared on the list of qualified contestants, alongside another name, "Gabu." The time he had spent waiting had finally paid off.But the real twist came with the announcement of two wild card entries – Zim and Rix. The audience erupted with excitement, and Rehan found himself in a whirlwind of emotions. He was thrilled at the prospect of battling against them, the renowned contestants, but he couldn't shake the undercurrent of fear that accompanied their formidable abilities.With mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation, Rehan headed back to the changing room. When he emerged, he discovered that his first duel match would be against Rix, while Gabu would face Zim. The stakes had never been higher, and the true test of his abilities was about to begin.As the cheers of the audience echoed in the arena, Rehan knew that this part of the story was only just beginning, and the challenges ahead would push him to his limits.Part 4: Illusions ShatteredAs Rehan stood backstage, a strange mixture of excitement and apprehension coursed through his veins. The sounds emanating from the arena had taken a dark turn, the unmistakable noise of someone being brutally beaten echoing in the corridor. Rehan couldn't help but wonder who the unfortunate contestant was, but his instincts whispered that it might be Zim. The sheer power he sensed from Gabu earlier suggested a formidable opponent.Before he could glimpse anything beyond the curtains, the announcement boomed through the arena, catching everyone's attention. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the next contestant to grace the arena... Rehan!"Rehan's heart raced as he stepped into the spotlight. His eyes darted to the result board, confirming his suspicions. Zim had indeed emerged victorious, but not without consequences. Gabu was now being stretchered away, a testament to the intense battle they had just endured.The host's voice reverberated through the arena once more, this time detailing Rehan's abilities, particularly his mastery of air swings. As the crowd listened with bated breath, Rehan felt a mixture of pride and pressure. The audience now knew the extent of his powers, and their expectations were palpable.The tension in the arena reached its zenith as the host announced the next contender. "And facing Rehan in this thrilling duel... Rix!"As the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the host went on to describe Rix's formidable abilities – the art of illusions, known as Genjutsu, and her mastery of magic. Rehan knew he was up against a versatile and powerful adversary.The rules were straightforward: the first contestant to be forced out of the arena or rendered unconscious would be declared the loser. With the stage set and the audience's anticipation at its peak, the match was about to begin.Rehan steadied himself, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and determination. The arena awaited, and the battle against Rix was about to commence. The arena crackled with anticipation as Rehan and Rix faced each other, both ready to unleash their formidable powers. With the first attack, Rehan moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, his body twisting and contorting as he unleashed the Sixth Form of air swing, the Black Wind Mountain Mist. It was a devastating upward slash, a display of raw power that threatened to cleave the very air itself.Rix, however, was no novice in the art of combat. With a swift and precise movement, she countered Rehan's attack using Magic Cutting, a technique that harnessed her magical energy to slice through his powerful strike. The clash of elements and energies sent sparks flying, illuminating the arena in a dazzling display.Undeterred, Rehan pressed on, his agility and speed serving as his greatest allies. He countered Rix's magic blast with the First Form of air swing, the Dust Whirlwind Cutter. In a blur of motion, he propelled himself forward, striking continuously with a relentless assault. The force of his blows was imperative to avoid, and Rix found herself hard-pressed to defend against his ferocious onslaught.As the battle raged on, Rehan's tactical mind came into play. He utilized the walls of the arena to gain higher ground, a strategic move that caught Rix off guard. With a swift execution of the Ninth Form of air swing, the Idaten Typhoon, Rehan performed a breathtaking backflip, facing down on his opponent. A powerful circular blast of wind erupted from his blade, slicing through the air like a whirlwind of destruction.But Rix was not one to be easily defeated. With a swift incantation, she summoned a magical shield that shimmered into existence just in time to protect her from Rehan's devastating attack. The force of the Typhoon pushed her backward, her feet skidding along the ground, perilously close to the edge of the arena.It was at this critical moment that Rehan's senses betrayed him. As the dust settled and the echoes of their clash subsided, he realized the harsh truth – he had fallen into an illusion, a Genjutsu crafted by Rix's cunning. The Ninth Form lacked the inherent power to physically push someone, and the realization hit him like a sudden gale.The arena, once a battleground of fierce determination, was now a realm of uncertainty. As Rehan grappled with the illusions that clouded his vision, he knew that the true battle had just begun. With his senses cleared and determination burning brighter than ever, Rehan focused on the teachings of the Gita to break free from the Genjutsu that had ensnared his mind. The verses resonated within him, providing clarity and strength to overcome the illusions that had clouded his vision.Yet, as he broke free from the illusion, the reality of his situation struck him like a bolt of lightning. He was not in the center of the arena, as he had believed, but teetering dangerously on its edge. There was no room for error, no margin for hesitation.In a bold and calculated move, Rehan decided to play his riskiest card yet. He channeled his energy into the Eighth Form of air swing, the Primary Gale Slash, a move known for its lethality. With a swift and precise motion, he unleashed the devastating technique upon Rix.Rix, though skilled and formidable, was comparatively slower in her reactions. She could only muster a desperate defense in the face of Rehan's relentless attack. The force of the Primary Gale Slash sent shockwaves through the arena, and in a fleeting moment, Rix's consciousness slipped away. She fell to the ground, unconscious and defeated.The realization washed over Rehan – he had made it to the finals of the Septentiy Tournament. It was not an illusion, but a moment of true triumph and victory. As he made his way backstage once more, he couldn't help but smile. The most awaited moment had finally arrived, the climax of the tournament where the ultimate victor would be decided.Rehan took the time to refresh himself, gathering his strength and focus for the battle that lay ahead. The arena buzzed with anticipation, the audience eager to witness the showdown between Rehan and Zim, two formidable contenders who had fought their way to the pinnacle of the tournament. The echoes of their earlier victories reverberated in the air, setting the stage for the final battle.Part 5: Defeat & RedemptionAs the momentous battle between Rehan and Zim approached, the atmosphere in the arena was charged with an electric intensity. The echoes of their earlier victories still lingered, adding to the anticipation of the audience.With a hint of déjà vu, both contenders entered the arena, their steps echoing in the cavernous space. The host, once again, took the opportunity to regale the crowd with tales of their incredible powers. He spoke of Zim's cosmic abilities and strategic brilliance, recounting the glorious victory that had brought him here. The audience cheered in appreciation of Zim's formidable prowess.Similarly, the host extolled Rehan's remarkable journey to the finals, highlighting his super-powerful attacks and unyielding determination. The crowd erupted in applause, celebrating Rehan's relentless spirit.However, as the host's words flowed like a river of praise, Rehan seemed to be in another world. His thoughts meandered into a realm of dreams and possibilities. The prospect of winning the 9999 costos prize filled his mind, and he daydreamed about the fame and recognition that would surely follow. It was as if he heard nothing of the host's narration, lost in his own reverie.In stark contrast, Zim's demeanor remained focused and determined. He saw in Rehan a formidable opponent, one who had earned his place in the finals. With a smile that concealed his true intentions, Zim addressed Rehan, "You are the same as others. You are not my match and don't deserve a fair fight."But Rehan, still ensnared in the cocoon of his fantasies, didn't hear Zim's words. His overjoyed mental state had transported him to a world where victory was already assured.Zim's smile faded, replaced by an expression of disappointment. He had attempted to rouse Rehan, hoping for a challenging and exciting battle. However, it seemed that Rehan was lost in his own world. Without hesitation, Zim sprinted toward Rehan, his fist enveloped in a radiant cosmic infusion.It was then, in that fleeting moment, that Rehan finally awakened to the reality of the arena. His eyes widened in realization, but it was too late. Zim's punch, powered by cosmic energy, connected with devastating force, sending Rehan hurtling out of the arena's bounds.The crowd fell into stunned silence, the abruptness of the match's conclusion leaving them in disbelief. Rehan had been caught off guard, lost in his dreams when the battle began. Zim stood in the center of the arena, victorious yet wearied by the anticlimactic end to the duel.As Rehan lay outside the arena, he grappled with the reality of his defeat. The overjoyed thoughts of victory had dissolved into bitter disappointment. The echoes of his earlier triumphs now felt distant, replaced by the harsh reality of defeat.As Rehan lay on the ground, a wave of crushing disappointment washed over him. Every drop of sweat he had shed, every moment of training, and every battle he had fought—all of it seemed to have been in vain. The weight of expectations, not just his own, but those of Arnav, his hometown, and his little sister, pressed upon him like a leaden shroud. In that moment, it felt as though the dreams and hopes he had carried with him had been abruptly erased.Slowly, as his consciousness returned, Rehan realized the harsh reality of his defeat. He had lost everything in an instant—a defeat that had been delivered by nothing more than a single punch from Zim. It was a stark and bitter realization that stung deeply.The host's voice called out, bringing both Rehan and Zim to the center of the stage for their respective rewards. Rehan's head remained bowed, his spirits shattered, while the audience murmured and speculated about the unexpected outcome.Zim, on the other hand, stood tall and proud, basking in the glory of his victory. He was rewarded with a staggering 96,987 costos, a sum that left the crowd in awe. But it wasn't just the wealth that Zim had earned. He was also bestowed with the prestigious title of 'Cosmic Knight,' a recognition that would propel him to new heights of fame and admiration.In contrast, Shimmeshire received 45,890 costos, a significant sum but dwarfed by Zim's earnings. However, there was a silver lining amid the disappointment. Shimmeshire was granted free food supplies for nine days, a boon for his hometown, where he had garnered strong support. It was a small consolation for the loss he had endured.Zim's rewards extended beyond mere wealth. He was granted the privilege of eating and staying for free in the villages they had visited during the tournament. Moreover, he was given the freedom to travel to any city or kingdom within the northern region, a testament to the prestige and influence that came with his new title.As Rehan stood on that stage, head still bowed in the shadow of his defeat, he couldn't help but wonder about the path that lay ahead. The dreams of riches and fame had slipped through his fingers, leaving behind a profound sense of emptiness. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but he knew that he had to find a way to move forward, to discover a new purpose and meaning in his journey.In the aftermath of his devastating defeat, Rehan found himself engulfed in a cloud of despair. He had not even stayed to meet Arnav, the friend who had been his constant companion on this journey. Instead, he had fled, his footsteps carrying him aimlessly towards an uncertain destination.As Rehan wandered through the desolation of his own thoughts, he unexpectedly encountered a figure that would change the course of his introspection—the hermit. He stumbled into the hermit's presence and, in a voice laden with sorrow, asked for the hermit's name.The hermit replied in Hindi, "Tum mujhe naam se nahi kaam se jante ho," which roughly translated to, "You know me not by name, but by my actions." The enigmatic response left Rehan with more questions than answers, but he decided to set aside his curiosity for the moment and instead asked the hermit where he had gone wrong, what had caused his defeat.Once again, the hermit responded in Hindi, "Tum shayad Gita ka ek shlok bhul gaye ho." When Rehan inquired about the specific shlok, the hermit recited a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, "Karm karo aur phal kee chinta mat karo. phal ki ichchha rakhate hue bhee koi kaam mat karo. jab ichhit phal kee hamen praapti nahin hotee hai to hamen dukh hota hai. atah sukhi rehna hai to sirf karam karo aur vah bhee nishkaam bhaav se."The hermit's words carried profound meaning. It was a reminder that one should perform their duties without attachment to the fruits of their actions. When desire for a specific outcome led to suffering, true happiness could only be found in the selfless pursuit of one's duties. The wisdom of the Gita's teachings resonated within Rehan, sparking a glimmer of understanding in the midst of his despair.As Rehan sat before the hermit, the weight of his recent defeat still heavy on his heart, he contemplated the hermit's words. The journey he had embarked upon was not just about victory and success but also about self-discovery and growth. With the hermit's guidance, Rehan hoped to find a way to rise above his failures and forge a new path, one defined not by the pursuit of external rewards but by the pursuit of inner fulfillment and purpose. His journey , practise was not in vain . He can improve himself.With the hermit's words echoing in his mind, Rehan's perspective had shifted. He realized the importance of learning from his mistakes and finding the strength to face his failures. It was with this newfound resolve that he made his way back to the hotel, tears streaming down his face, to meet Arnav.The two friends spent the entire night engaged in deep conversation, delving into Rehan's feelings of guilt and remorse. Rehan acknowledged his errors and expressed his determination to improve, to hone his skills, and to challenge Zim once more, with the goal of emerging victorious.For the next two days, Rehan and Arnav remained in Meadagossa, eagerly awaiting any communication from Yash. However, no message or letter arrived, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. Rehan considered that Yash might be occupied with other matters and unable to send messages at the moment.Resigned to the situation, Rehan decided to leave his feelings of depression behind in Meadagossa and return to Shimmershire with Arnav. There, they planned to embark on a rigorous training regimen, strengthening their abilities and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead. They would wait patiently for Yash's return, hoping that their friend would rejoin them on their journey and bring with them the missing pieces of the puzzle that would reveal the full scope of their shared destiny.....Tournament of Septenity Arc Ends