The colosseum roared before the announcer even spoke.

  Quartz walls shimmered with reflected light, the arena layered with tens of thousands of spectators—voices colliding like waves. The air itself felt heavy, waiting.

  Then the voice echoed.

  “The most awaited battle begins.”

  A pause.

  A breath.

  “Aethelgard… versus Ossuarium.”

  The roar doubled.

  Scene Shift

  “OH SHIT—”

  Shura skidded to a stop, nearly slipping on the polished street.

  “We’re late,” he said, panic rising. “I think we missed the fight.”

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  Orin groaned. “Ren is going to kill us for not attending his match.”

  Zenkyou and Orin exchanged a look.

  Not words.

  Not expressions.

  An understanding.

  Before Shura could react—

  Both of them grabbed Shura and Yura.

  And ran.

  The world blurred.

  Stone cracked beneath their feet. Wind screamed past Shura’s ears as his stomach dropped.

  “YOU GUYS ARE CRAZY—!” Shura yelled. “WHAT IF WE DIE—SHOW SOME MERCY!”

  Orin didn’t even turn her head. “First—let’s enter!”

  The Colosseum

  They burst through the gates just as the crowd erupted again.

  Shura froze.

  So many people.

  Layers upon layers of life. Nobles above. Fighters in the middle. Commoners below.

  Noise. Heat. Pressure.

  “This many…” Shura whispered. “People…”

  Zenkyou and Orin split instantly, moving away from the seating.

  “You’re not sitting?” Shura asked.

  Zenkyou smirked. “Nah. We protect civilians.”

  “From what?” Shura asked.

  Orin glanced toward the arena, eyes sharp.

  “Who knows.”

  She tapped Shura’s shoulder. “Now sit. And enjoy.”

  Zenkyou paused only once—her eyes locking onto Yun Shi across the stands.

  She smiled.

  Confident.

  Almost dangerous.

  Yun Shi noticed.

  Arena – Fighters Enter

  The announcer’s voice thundered again.

  “Enter… the Black Knight of Aethelgard.”

  Heavy footsteps echoed.

  The Black Knight emerged—towering, wrapped in dark armor, a massive sword resting against his shoulder. Each step felt deliberate. Controlled. Like a war machine given form.

  Then—

  “Enter… Ren of Ossuarium.”

  The crowd surged.

  Ren stepped forward, bare arms marked with old scars, his own greatsword dragging lightly against the ground. Calm. Focused. His presence alone sharpened the air.

  Two giants.

  Two kingdoms.

  Facing each other.

  Royal Box

  Rose leaned slightly toward Yun Shi.

  “…Nice move.”

  Yun Shi didn’t look away from the arena.

  “I already won,” he said calmly.

  Rose’s lips curved, unreadable.

  “We’ll see.”

  Silence fell.

  And the battle—

  was about to explode.