Ch.3-Road to Strength

The Aftermath of the First Round

The sun hung high over the arena, casting long shadows over the cracked stone floor. The first round of battles had ended, leaving a mix of victorious warriors standing tall and defeated ones struggling to catch their breath. Some had their heads held high, proud of their efforts. Others slumped in silence, their dreams shattered in an instant.

Blade Taizuka stood among them, wiping sweat from his brow and wincing as pain shot through his ribs. His body ached from the fight against Majinto, the Mountain Crusher. He had fought hard, but in the end, Majinto's raw power had overwhelmed him.

"Still standing, Blade?"

Blade turned to see Kibito Akammi, his best friend, walking toward him with his usual cocky smirk. His opponent, Hachijo, had been fast—an assassin with deadly precision—but Kibito's fire aura had burned through his opponent's tricks.

Blade forced a grin. "Barely. You didn't have to make your fight look so easy, you know."

Kibito let out a laugh. "Hey, can't help it. I was born for this."

Nearby, Suntaro Akammi, Kibito's younger brother, dusting off his kimono . His victory over Hiroki, the Lightning Wolf, had been decisive—his speed and control over lightning aura had been on another level.

Suntaro crossed his arms. "You rushed in too fast, Blade. That's why you lost."

Blade rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Remind me to take a lesson from you next time, genius."

Before Suntaro could fire back, Kagami Hanera approached. Her katana rested in its sheath, the cold aura of her ice blade, Kakori, still faintly visible. She had outmaneuvered Sue Yong, using her counterattacks to freeze the twin-sword fighter's offense.

Kagami studied Blade for a moment, then spoke. "You're not upset, are you?"

Blade let out a sigh. "What, about losing? No way. Just means I need to get stronger."

Kagami nodded. "Good answer."

But deep down, Blade felt the sting of defeat. He had been so close, but it hadn't been enough.

---

The Second Round Begins

A large stone board flickered, displaying the second-round matchups:

Kibito Akammi vs. Tensho, the Phantom Blade

Suntaro Akammi vs. Goromitsu, the Iron Ogre

Kagami Hanera vs. Rento, the Gale Swordsman

Blade's name was missing.

He clenched his fists. I lost my first match, so I don't qualify for the second round…

The realization hit him harder than Majinto's sword.

"Guess that's it for me," he muttered, forcing a grin.

Kibito patted his back. "Hey, don't beat yourself up. Even if you lost, you proved you belong here."

Kagami added, "Don't waste time sulking. Watch the others fight. Learn from them."

Blade sighed. "You just don't want me to miss you winning again."

Kagami smirked. "Maybe."

---

Second Round: Kibito vs. Tensho

The arena fell silent as Kibito Akammi faced Tensho, a masked warrior known for ending his previous fight in an instant.

Tensho stood motionless, his sword still sheathed. His presence alone sent chills through the crowd.

Kibito twirled Makashi, his flame-covered katana, flames licking along the blade's edge. "You gonna draw your weapon or what?"

Tensho didn't answer.

The gong sounded—the fight began.

Kibito charged forward, swinging his blade in a blazing arc. The flames roared, distorting the air between them.

And then—

Tensho moved.

A blur of speed. A flash of steel.

Before Kibito's attack could connect, Tensho appeared behind him, his sword now drawn. A single thin cut appeared on Kibito's cheek.

The crowd gasped.

Blade's eyes widened. What the hell was that? I didn't even see him move!

Kibito slowly touched his cheek, looking at the blood on his fingers. Then, a wide grin spread across his face.

"Finally," he whispered. "A real fight."

With a sudden burst of flame, Kibito launched himself backward, creating distance.

Tensho raised his sword slightly, finally acknowledging him. "Hmph. You're not as slow as the others."

Kibito chuckled. "Neither are you. Let's see who burns out first."

The air exploded with heat as Kibito unleashed a wave of fire, while Tensho vanished again, the real battle beginning.

---

Second Round: Suntaro vs. Goromitsu

Across the battlefield, Suntaro faced off against Goromitsu, a massive warrior wielding a club as large as a tree trunk.

Goromitsu slammed his weapon into the ground, causing shockwaves that cracked the stone beneath him. "You're just a kid. I'll crush you in one hit."

Suntaro exhaled, his aura crackling with electricity. "Try it."

The gong rang—Goromitsu charged, swinging his club.

A loud boom echoed through the arena.

But Suntaro was gone.

A streak of lightning flashed.

Before Goromitsu could react, a slash appeared across his chest, then another at his side, then another to his leg.

The crowd barely followed what had happened.

Goromitsu's club slammed into the ground—empty air.

Blade smirked. "Classic Suntaro. Too fast for his own good."

Goromitsu roared in frustration. "STAND STILL!"

Suntaro appeared behind him. "Nah."

A final lightning slash struck Goromitsu, sending him crashing into the ground.

Silence.

Then—cheers erupted.

Suntaro had won.

---

A Mysterious Threat

As the fights continued, Blade stood in the crowd, watching, learning.

Then—he felt it.

A presence.

An overwhelming aura that sent a shiver down his spine. It wasn't from a competitor. It was something else.

His breath hitched as he turned sharply, scanning the spectators.

And then—he saw them.

Three figures in black cloaks, standing at the edge of the crowd. Their faces were hidden, but their presence was undeniable.

Blade's stomach twisted. Something's wrong.

Before he could react, one of the figures stepped forward.

A deep, chilling voice spoke.

"The Phoenix Order's new recruits… I'm not impressed."

The crowd turned toward the speaker.

Up on the captain's balcony, Yutako Koichi and Kinattsu Yuri stepped forward, their eyes locked onto the intruders.

Yutako's voice was dangerously low. "You."

Kinattsu's golden eyes sharpened. "You shouldn't be here."

The tension in the air thickened, the weight of the unknown pressing down on everyone.

Blade clenched his fists, his mind racing.

Who were these people?

And why did it feel like something terrible was about to happen?

To Be Continued....

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