“Forged by Battle”
The silence after the storm.
At the top of the platform stood Rioji, his gaze calm and piercing. For a moment, he said nothing.
Then, he spoke.
"The tournament has been decided."
He let the words hang in the air.
"The winner of the tournament… is Liebe."
A murmur ran through the ranks.
Liebe stood in the middle of the arena, covered in blood, his breathing heavy. His body burned, every muscle screamed for rest – but he remained standing.
He had won.
But at what cost?
Rioji (calm, unwavering):
"But the tournament was only a test – not a final verdict."
His gaze swept across the arena.
"Your points have been counted. Your victories assessed. Your mistakes noticed."
He let the words sink in before continuing.
"Today, you are the hunters. Tomorrow… you will be the hunted."
A heavy silence. No one dared to move.
Rioji (cold, matter-of-fact):
"In one hour, you will see where you stand – and who will take you in."
He said nothing more. Then, he turned and left them with their thoughts.
The Headquarters – The Final Decision
Every warrior must find their place.
But not every place is easy to choose…
The air was thick with anticipation.
The candidates stood in a circle as the Commanders of the White Wolves observed them from raised platforms.
Ten fighters.
Ten who had survived the Wolf Ritual.
And now, their greatest decision awaited them.
Rioji (serious, commanding):
"This is your record."
"No room for doubt. No space for discussion."
Then, the numbers appeared.
Final Scores After All Phases
1. Liebe – 179 Points
•Tournament Points: +25
•Bonus Points: +18 (Impressive battle intelligence. Exceptional adaptability. Mastery over timing and rhythm – achieved not through raw power, but through efficiency.)
Rioji (analyzing, calm):
"Liebe, you won the tournament – but not with sheer strength. You learned to control the fights, calculate your movements, and maintain balance when it mattered. That is why you stand at the top."
2. Rex – 172 Points
•Tournament Points: +20
•Bonus Points: +12 (Relentless defense. Strategic control of the battlefield. Calculated offense.)
Rioji (with respect, but firm):
"Rex, you lost nothing – except the top spot. Your style is ruthless but methodical. When you fight, it doesn't feel like you're just battling your opponent – but also their weaknesses."
3. Ezryel – 170 Points
•Tournament Points: +20
•Bonus Points: +14 (Outstanding reflexes. Superior resonance control. Adaptation to enemy strategies – but still too reliant on speed.)
Rioji (observing, cold):
"Ezryel, your speed is impressive, but speed alone does not make a champion. You've learned to read and react – but unless you learn to dictate a fight yourself, someone will eventually catch up to you."
4. Kyro – 167 Points
•Tournament Points: +22
•Bonus Points: +16 (Unstoppable forward momentum. Brutal efficiency. Excellent resonance usage – but lacking refinement in counterattacks.)
Rioji (neutral, but firm):
"Kyro, you have improved, but you still fight as if every battle is a war. Sometimes, control is more valuable than destruction. Your enemies are not always walls you can smash through – sometimes, they are blades you must evade."
5. Neo – 158 Points
•Tournament Points: +20
•Bonus Points: +14 (Master of adaptation. Creative use of abilities. But hesitates in direct confrontations.)
Rioji (assessing, cool):
"Neo, you have perfected your style – but perfection without courage will get you nowhere. Your copying techniques are strong, but now it's time to stop imitating and develop your own fighting style."
6. Nia – 142 Points
•Tournament Points: +15
•Bonus Points: +16 (Impressive defense. Intelligent use of spatial control. But still too cautious in decisive moments.)
Rioji (thoughtful, with a hint of sternness):
"Nia, you've proven that you can hold your ground – but hiding is not a winning tactic. Your talent is undeniable, but if you don't start taking control of fights, someone else will remove you from the equation."
7. Kirah – 140 Points
•Tournament Points: +14
•Bonus Points: +21 (Excellent tactical foresight. Impressive resonance control. But susceptible to psychological pressure.)
Rioji (watching closely, direct):
"Kirah, you have shown that your strength lies not just in predicting the future – but in shaping it. But the moment you start doubting yourself is the moment you lose. Your greatest enemy is not your opponent – it is your own hesitation."
8. Stella – 93 Points (in a coma)
9. Leto – 65 Points
10. Brix – 60 Points
11. Tahkin – 58 Points
Rioji's Final Words – The Selection Begins
Rioji stepped forward slowly. His expression was unreadable, his voice calm – but carrying that dangerous undertone that allowed no argument.
"This is your record. Points alone mean nothing."
His gaze moved through the ranks.
"Each of you stands at a threshold. A step forward – or a step back."
A brief pause. Then, a slight smirk played on his lips.
"You want a place?"
"Then prove you deserve it."
"The selection begins now."
He stepped back.
Now, everything was in their hands.