Skill Activated: Jewels of Light → Light-elemental bullets fired through a pistol, imbued with radiant energy.
"Whoa-whoa, calm down! That'll hurt! Can't you show me a little mercy!?" Rio ducked and weaved as streaks of glowing bullets zipped past him.
"Stop talking and focus. Or I will kill you," Xanthia growled, her pistol glowing in her hand.
"That's exactly what I want! Kill me—but not with your gun. Kill me with that gaze of yours. I was born mortal just to witness this moment..." Rio grinned, flipping midair to dodge another blast.
"He is cool ....! Despite being much like commoners." Other cadets and people showered whole arena with cheers.
---
(Theo: Shit! She's actually getting impressed by my dumb brother! It's a disgrace. If I don't do something soon, this angel of a girl might end up with him of all people. I've had plenty of girls—but this one… this one should be mine too!) Theo clenched his fist from the stands, his jaw tight with frustration.
---
(Rio: I'm at my limit… but I can still use your powers, can't I? Let's begin again.)
[D.M. Voice: "Don't try to outshine someone already standing above you—but if someone's status is fragile, crush them with everything you've got. However… if you use my power now, the backlash will cripple you. You'll be disqualified from the tournament. Your body isn't ready."]
Rio hesitated. Then slowly, he lowered his swords.
"Okay… I admit defeat."
Xanthia paused, slightly panting. Then she smirked.
"That's what I wanted to hear."
Xanthia Solaris wins.
---
Next Match: Lucien Vane (TIER-4, Dark element & Nullification) vs. Erame Mozak (TIER-3 Peak)
"I forfeit," Lucien said without a hint of emotion, looking down on the field. "This is a waste of time. Jordan, I'm leaving. I know you'll understand."
"Oii oii—so much arrogance," Erame scoffed, withdrawing his spear.
"You're not worth my effort. I could defeat you with ease, but why bother now?"
"Ahem… Erame wins!" Master Jordan quickly announced, scratching Lucien's name off the bracket.
---
(Xain, Military Commander – TIER-5, nearing breakthrough):
"This boy has potential… Too much ego, but if he survives long enough, he could become something terrifying."
(Neo Jura, King of Lyuii – TIER-6):
"True. But when he does become stronger… whose side will he be on?"
---
Match Concludes.
---
"Phew, that was exhausting." Rio stretched his arms, neck cracking. "Erame, let's head home and chill. Xanthia—you're coming too, right?"
"Yeah," she said casually. "My dorm's not set up yet. I'll tag along for now."
"You idiot," Theo sighed, lightly punching Rio's head. "Go home and tell the maids—and Ana—to prepare guest rooms for both of them."
"Ow! You're my big brother, but this is abuse!" Rio rubbed his scalp, pouting.
"Sheesh, stop fighting already." Xanthia grabbed Rio's hand, dragging him toward the metro station. "Let's hit up Lotus Xiang Mall first. You two go home—we'll catch up later."
Theo stood there, watching them disappear into the crowd.
"…How the hell is she impressed by him?" He grumbled, a flicker of aura leaking out in frustration.
"They look cool together, don't they?" Erame said with a grin.
"Not now, Erame. Shut up and walk."
"Okay-okay. Hey, what's for dinner?"
"How the hell should I know!?"
After a slight silent moment they break the silence with thoughtfulness.
"I've never seen Xanthia this relaxed before. Maybe this is a good start for both of them. Still… Rio better train harder. Love comes with new burdens."
"Since when did you get so mature? Anyway, if I don't spar with him every day, he'll just get soft and die old like a boring man."
---
Later that night...
"Tadaima~!" Erame called out cheerfully, stepping into the house.
"I don't understand your weird Japanese. Go take a bath and come straight to dinner!" Theo barked.
"Okaay~ Nei-chan~" Erame teased.
"You monkey! Stop right there!" Theo lunged and tackled him with a headlock.
"Hora-hora! We're late! You stink! Go wash up!" Erame chimed in, laughing.
"Shit, you're right. Mom, we were just goofing off to unwind—" Theo adjusted his earring and brushed back his neck-hair as his mother approached.
"Where's Rio? Don't tell me he got himself injured," Mary Ryunn said, brows furrowed.
"Nah, he's fine. He's on a date… with that new girl, Xanthia," Theo said smugly.
Pinch!
"Ow-ow-ow! Mom! That hurts!" Theo yelped as Mary pulled his ear hard, her face showing no mercy.
"Still telling lies to trick your brother? You haven't changed at all."
"Hehehe... it was just a joke!"
(Mary Ryunn: I pray these days never fade. May this peace last forever…)