Starlit Encounters

Ubel groaned as the medical staff carefully laid him down on a cushioned bed in the treatment ward of the arena. The battle against Krieg had left him battered, his body aching from the strain of his techniques and the blows he'd endured. Despite the pain, Ubel wore a faint smirk. He had won, and for now, that was enough.The medics worked swiftly, cleaning his wounds and applying salves to his bruises. 

After an hour of treatment, Ubel was finally cleared to leave. He limped out of the ward, greeted by the clamor of contestants waiting outside. Applause broke out as they noticed him, a mixture of genuine admiration and strategic camaraderie. Among the crowd, familiar faces like Kounéli, Velvet, and Leo stepped forward, their expressions ranging from worry to pride.

"You look like you've been through a meat grinder," Velvet teased, poking his side gently. "But hey, you did it!"

Leo nodded approvingly. "That was one hell of a fight. You earned every bit of that victory."

Ubel waved them off with a smirk. "You act like I wasn't going to win. It's me we're talking about."

The crowd parted slightly as another figure approached, her presence commanding immediate attention. Maestro Arcanos Duskweaver glided forward, her movements elegant and purposeful. Her bright blue hair shimmered as though tiny stars had been woven into the strands, and her starlike eyes seemed to pierce through Ubel's very soul. She was stunning, an Etrean whose beauty and aura left everyone around her awestruck.

"Congratulations to all the victors of today's matches," she began, her voice like a gentle melody. "You've proven yourselves to be exceptional warriors, and your resolve is commendable."

When her gaze fell on Ubel, her lips curled into a faint smile. "Ubel, your abilities are... intriguing. I look forward to seeing how far you can go."

Ubel straightened slightly, ignoring the throbbing pain in his body. "Thanks. I'll make sure not to disappoint."

Maestro Arcanos Duskweaver lingered for a moment, her eyes studying him as if searching for something deeper. Then, with a graceful nod, she moved on to address the other contestants, leaving Ubel, Leo, Kounéli, and Velvet in quiet awe.

"Whatever," Ubel muttered, though his thoughts lingered on her words longer than he cared to admit. "Let's get out of here. I'm starving."

The squad decided to take a break from the tension of the arena, heading out into the bustling streets of Etris. The city was alive with activity, vendors calling out their wares, and performers entertaining crowds. They found a cozy restaurant tucked away in a quieter corner and settled in for a much-needed meal.

Velvet, as usual, was bursting with energy, pointing out every dish on the menu that caught their eye. Kounéli was more reserved, quietly enjoying the warmth of the atmosphere. Leo kept an eye on the surroundings, his protective nature never truly at rest, while Ubel leaned back, savoring the food and the temporary peace.

"You really had to go all out like that, huh?" Velvet said between bites of her meal. "Hellfire and all."

"Of course," Ubel replied with a smirk. "If you're going to win, might as well make it look good."

They laughed, the tension from the earlier battle slowly melting away. After eating, they wandered the streets, taking in the sights of Etris. Velvet got distracted by a street performer with glowing orbs of light, while Kounéli marveled at the intricate architecture of the city. Ubel and Leo hung back, sharing a quiet camaraderie as they walked.

Eventually, the time came to return to the arena. The crowd was as energetic as ever, buzzing with anticipation for the next match. The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium, bringing everyone's attention to the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the next fight of the tournament is about to begin! On one side, we have the electrifying Rajin Kikoshi! And on the other, the enigmatic Ren Fuuji!"

The audience erupted into cheers as the two fighters stepped into the arena, their auras radiating power and determination. Ubel, Leo, Kounéli, and Velvet took their seats, watching intently as the next battle unfolded before them