Tournament 5

Sara stood before the massive arena doors, her new blade heavy at her side. Three weeks had passed since her investigation began, and she could not find anything no matter how much she looked, it was strange.

The tournament transformed into something darker, more violent, as Vell carved his way through the ranks.

She touched the scar on her neck—a reminder of her own brush with death in the upper brackets. The rules change once you reached the top ten. No more friendly matches, no more simple surrenders. Up here, you fight until you couldn't fight anymore, one way or another.

"Quite the crowd today," a familiar voice purred.

Sara didn't turn. "Come to gloat again?"

The beast girl leaned against the wall beside her, tail swishing lazily. "Just enjoying the show. Your friend's match is about to start."