"I'll make you my servant after I defeat you!" Soldrak sneered, licking the edge of his chain-sickle as he drew it with a hiss.
(Erame: That weapon… it's one of the strongest type when it comes to brute force, range, and versatility. Xanthia, be careful.)
"You bastard! I don't care if you're a prince—I'm gonna smack your ass!" Erame shouted, stepping forward to storm the battlefield.
"Seriously? You're always telling Theo and me to stay calm, and now look at you." Rio grabbed his friend's arm, holding him back with a sigh.
(Xanthia: Is it even worth fighting this moron seriously? Whatever. I'll just use a basic skill—gotta save my real tricks for the tournament.)
[Skill Activated: Light of Dawn → Creates a spectral reflection to mask the user's precise location.]
"Ahhh—SHIT! Where the hell are you? I'm gonna kill you!!" Soldrak roared, slashing wildly as illusions danced around him.
Suddenly—a flash of light—
A sword pressed against his throat.
Xanthia Solaris wins.
(Soldrak: What the hell!? That was just her common skill? Tch... I swear I'll make her my slave during the tournament. Just wait.)
"She's insane… That was awesome." Rio clapped from the stands, his chest tightening. "This feeling… It's different. Not like when I met Nyxara, Ana, or even Misa."
---
"Next Match: Theo Ryunn vs. Rilac Jura — TIER-3, Wind Element!"
Rilac bowed with grace. "Greetings, Theo Ryunn. Let us fight with honor and heart."
"The Prince of Lyuii? Hah, didn't expect such humility. I accept your greeting." Theo returned the bow, smiling.
1...2...3... Match Start!
Wind spiraled beneath Rilac's feet.
[Skill Activated: Windy Footworks → Enhances movement speed and agility to avoid tracking.]
Rilac struck with a wind-boosted kick, but Theo parried and countered with two quick punches, reinforced with power.
"You're fast, but I'm tougher than you," Theo growled.
Cough— Rilac staggered back, wheezing.
"I'm not done yet!"
He leapt, wind swirling around him, aiming a boosted aerial kick.
But Theo slammed his hand into the ground—
[Skill: Stone Bastion → Summons a fortified stone wall.]
CRACK!
Rilac collided with the wall mid-flight, the impact shattering the wind barrier and sending him tumbling.
"Match is over," Theo declared, bowing with theatrical flair. "Master Jordan, I thank you for this victory."
"Hah… clown," Rio muttered, watching his brother's flamboyant exit.
"No! I'm not done—aghhh!" Rilac cried, gripping his leg. One of his knees twisted unnaturally—fractured.
Theo Ryunn wins.
---
(Rio: I think… I'm falling for Xanthia. It's not like with Nyxara, Ana, or Misa. Just watching her makes my heart feel like it's gonna explode.)
[D.M. Voice: Love can either become your greatest strength… or a snake without venom—biting but harmless. Enjoy this moment, Rio. Because what comes next… won't allow it.]
(Rio: What the hell is that supposed to mean? Never mind. Let me just enjoy this while I can.)
---
Next Match: Rio vs. Xanthia Solaris
"Greetings, my lady," Rio said with a formal bow. "Looking forward to trading blows… and seeing you again."
"Skip the formalities, Rio. And stop copying Erame's style—it doesn't suit you." She smirked, drawing her sword. "Let's make a bet. If I win, you answer all my questions. If you win… I'll do whatever you want. Deal?"
"Erame's my friend—I can copy him if I want." Rio smiled as he unsheathed his dual obsidian swords. "And… I accept your bet."
[D.M. Voice: You know you'll lose this fight, don't you? I see your plan. Keep calm. If your intention is true, there's no need to rush.]
1...2...3... MATCH BEGIN!
Xanthia vanished.
[Skill Activated: Light of Dawn.]
"Not this time!"
[TIERCRAFT: Obsidian Slashing → Generates a wave-distortion field, disrupting illusions, light patterns, and energy particles.]
"Got you," Rio whispered, dashing toward her. Their blades clashed with an echo of fire and steel.
"Damn. Almost had you," Xanthia said, backing off.
"You're awesome… and gorgeous," Rio added with a grin. "Truth is, I lost to your beauty before this match even started."
"What are they talking about?" Theo muttered, watching from above. "And how's he so good with those swords?"
"Who knows," Erame replied, smirking. "But they're definitely enjoying it."
"You're just like your brother—irritating," Xanthia said, equipping her pistol with a click. "Still not taking me seriously, huh? Fine. I'll fight at full strength."