"No promises"

The morning sun bathed Blue Wave City in a golden glow, signaling the start of another day filled with tension and anticipation. In the modest inn's common room, Hiru paced back and forth, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. His usually calm demeanor was strained as he cast nervous glances toward the staircase leading to Makoto's room.

Across the room, Yuna sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the bustling streets outside. Merchants hawked their wares, and young cultivators in sect robes hurried toward the central square where the second phase of the Sect Promotion Exams was set to take place. Despite the lively scene, her thoughts were elsewhere.

"Do you think he'll come down in time?" Yuna finally asked, breaking the silence. Her voice carried a hint of worry, though she tried to mask it with indifference.

Hiru stopped pacing and turned to her, his expression a mix of irritation and concern. "Makoto's always so absorbed in his cultivation. He's probably forgotten that the second phase starts soon. If he misses this, there's no second chance."

"Do you think we should check on him?" Yuna suggested, though she knew how stubborn Makoto could be when it came to his training.

Hiru shook his head. "No. Interrupting him could do more harm than good. But if he's not down in five minutes, I'll drag him out myself."

As the seconds ticked by, the tension in the room grew. Other disciples staying at the inn were already gathering their belongings and heading out, their excitement and nerves palpable. The second phase of the exams-a direct confrontation among the disciples-was what everyone had been waiting for.

"Why does he always do this?" Hiru muttered under his breath, resuming his pacing.

Yuna finally turned away from the window, her expression softening. "He's preparing in his own way. You know how important this is to him. He won't miss it."

Hiru opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps descending the staircase. Both he and Yuna turned to see Makoto stepping into the room, his presence commanding as always.

He looked refreshed, his posture straight and his eyes sharp. There was an unmistakable aura of confidence about him, as if he had emerged stronger from his cultivation session. His qi, though restrained, seemed to ripple subtly around him, a testament to the refinement he had undergone.

"You're late," Hiru said, though there was a note of relief in his voice.

Makoto gave him a faint smirk. "I'm here, aren't I?"

---

Makoto descended the stairs into the inn's common room, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling area. The faint glow of his refined qi had not entirely faded, and it clung to him like a second skin, making him stand out even among the other disciples gathered there. Yuna and Hiru immediately turned toward him, relief evident on their faces.

"You're cutting it close," Hiru muttered, folding his arms.

Makoto ignored the remark, his gaze sweeping the room with purpose. "Where's Kazu?"

Yuna exchanged a glance with Hiru before responding hesitantly, "He left earlier. Said something about placing bets on the odds for the next round."

Makoto raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Betting on the odds?"

Hiru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know Kazu. He's got a sharp mind for numbers, but sometimes his priorities are... questionable."

Makoto shook his head but didn't press further. "Let's hope he's smart enough to bet on the right person."

Yuna smiled faintly. "I'm sure he has. He's always had faith in you, even if he shows it in strange ways."

Makoto's smirk returned as he adjusted the bracers on his wrists. "Faith is good, but I'd rather he focus on preparing for the fights ahead. Let's go. The second phase won't wait for us."

As they stepped out into the sunlit streets, Hiru muttered under his breath, "Kazu better not have bet against you. I'll never let him live it down."

Makoto chuckled quietly, his sharp senses already attuned to the distant hum of excitement emanating from the arena. Kazu's antics would have to wait. For now, all that mattered was proving himself in the arena.

---

In another part of Blue Wave City, Kazu leaned casually against a betting counter, surrounded by eager disciples placing their wagers. His sharp eyes flicked over the odds displayed on the large board, his lips curling into a satisfied smirk.

"Makoto," he muttered to himself, dropping a hefty pouch of spirit stones onto the counter. "Always the wildcard. But this time... all in."

-----

Makoto stepped into the bustling betting area, the clamor of voices a stark contrast to the quiet resolve he carried. The room was filled with disciples and spectators alike, each animatedly placing bets on their chosen participants for the second phase of the Sect Promotion Exams. Amid the noise, his sharp gaze quickly found Kazu, who was leaning against a betting counter with his usual air of confidence.

Kazu's eyes lit up as he caught sight of Makoto approaching. "Well, look who decided to finally show up!"

Makoto crossed his arms, an eyebrow raised. "Betting on odds instead of preparing? That's what you've been up to?"

Kazu grinned, patting the pouch of spirit stones on his waist. "Preparation takes many forms, my friend. Besides, I'd say putting all my stones on you is a sign of faith."

Makoto tilted his head, his tone dry. "All of them? You're either incredibly confident or incredibly reckless."

Kazu shrugged. "A little of both, maybe. But if you've been hiding some newfound strength after locking yourself in that room for hours, I'd say it's a safe gamble."

Yuna and Hiru, who had followed Makoto into the room, exchanged amused glances.

"Let's hope your gamble pays off," Makoto said, his voice steady but tinged with faint amusement. "Come on, we don't have time for this. The second phase is about to start."

Kazu nodded, falling in step beside Makoto as the group made their way toward the arena. "You know, it's not just about the stones. These bets let me gauge the mood of the crowd. Who they're rooting for, who they fear, who they underestimate."

"And what did you learn?" Makoto asked, his tone neutral.

Kazu smirked. "That most people here are fools. They're either betting on names they've heard of or flashy fighters who show off during spars. Very few actually pay attention to what's beneath the surface."

Makoto glanced at him. "And what do you see beneath the surface, Kazu?"

Kazu's grin widened. "I see someone who's been hiding their true strength. Someone who's about to shock everyone in that arena."

Makoto didn't respond, but his faint smirk spoke volumes.

-----

The four of them joined the flow of disciples heading toward the Sect's grand arena, an expansive structure carved into the mountainside overlooking the city. The arena buzzed with energy as spectators and participants filled the stands, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement and anticipation.

The second phase of the Sect Promotion Exams was infamous for its intensity. Unlike the first phase, which tested individual aptitude and comprehension, the second phase was a battle royale where alliances, rivalries, and raw power were all put to the test.

Makoto scanned the crowd, his sharp eyes picking out familiar faces among the sea of participants. Hiru and Yuna stayed close by his side, their own nerves heightened by the sheer scale of the event.

"I heard the Great Elder himself will be watching this phase," Hiru whispered, glancing nervously at the towering observation platform where the elders were gathering.

Makoto's gaze shifted to the platform, where the Great Elder and other high-ranking members of the sect were taking their seats. Their presence added an extra layer of pressure, but it also fueled his determination.

"This isn't just a test," Makoto said quietly, his voice steady. "It's a chance to make our mark."

Hiru swallowed hard, nodding. "Easy for you to say. You thrive on this kind of thing."

Yuna, standing on Makoto's other side, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she observed his calm demeanor. Even in the face of such overwhelming odds, he radiated a quiet strength that was hard to ignore.

A booming voice interrupted their thoughts as a sect elder stepped forward to address the participants.

"Disciples, the second phase of the Sect Promotion Exams will now commence!" the elder announced, his voice amplified by a technique that carried it across the arena. "This is your opportunity to prove your worth, to demonstrate not only your strength but your cunning and resolve. Remember, the eyes of the sect-and beyond-are upon you."

The elder raised his hand, signaling for the participants to step forward into the arena.

"Makoto," Hiru said, gripping his friend's shoulder. "Don't do anything reckless."

Makoto smirked, brushing Hiru's hand aside. "No promises."

With that, he stepped forward, his figure cutting a solitary path into the arena. The noise of the crowd seemed to fade away as his focus sharpened, his mind already strategizing for the battles to come.

This was it. The true test of his resolve had begun.