The morning sun bled gold over the academy grounds, casting a divine hue across the massive coliseum known as the Moon Lotus Arena. Its name came from the ancient flower that only bloomed during sacred trials—tonight, the flower would open.
Jin stood at the edge of the arena with his team: Bo Lang humming while stretching dramatically, Meiqi tying her hair with focus, Rei Han meditating with a quiet smirk, and He Wang sharpening his knuckle gloves. At the far end, Yooha stood beside Xie Luan, exchanging a glance that said "Let's protect each other."
The academy's headmaster announced, "From this day forward, teams will clash for ranking, honor… and truth. Choose your stance. Choose your spirit. Let the path of ascension begin."
Bo whispered to Jin, "So… no pressure, right?"
Jin grinned, "Bo, if we die, I'm haunting you."
"Deal," Bo said, fist bumping him.
Suddenly, the ground shifted—lotus petals of light swirled around the arena as the first team was summoned. A rival group stepped in—fast, sharp, and smug. Their leader, a yellow-haired prodigy, pointed at Jin. "I've heard of you, son of a god. Let's see if that blood can bleed."
Jin rolled his eyes. "Wow, dramatic much? I was hoping for a villain with a sense of humor."
The fight began. Rei Han moved like wind, distracting opponents. Meiqi flicked fans of energy like daggers. Bo Lang turned the battle into a dance of chaos, spinning and pranking mid-fight. Yooha, swift as light, appeared behind foes before they blinked. Xie Luan created a barrier with wind sigils, yelling, "Back off, ugly!"
In the middle of the battle, Jin clashed blades with the rival leader, their weapons sending shockwaves. Laughing Blade glowed deep violet. Jin whispered, "Let's show 'em we're not here to play."
And they didn't.
As petals rained from above, Jin's team stood tall, bruised but victorious. The crowd erupted.
Later, Jin sat beside Yooha, gazing at the moon.
"You alright?" she asked.
He nodded. "You looked like a goddess in there."
Yooha blinked. "...Weirdo."
"Still true," he smirked.
End of Episode 38( continue)