The momentary silence was shattered by a wave of murmurs and gasps from the stands. The shock was palpable.

  Even Igurū, Kuro, and Remy exchanged tense glances.

  From the center of the arena, Isein Mūsu raised his voice to ensure everyone heard the announcement.

  —That's right, ladies and gentlemen! The next fighter is Ibuki Ishikawa, wielder of the Cerberus Reiken, from the Mythological class!

  The crowd erupted instantly.

  —No way! Ibuki's fighting this early?!

  —This isn't normal!

  —Sukasa's in serious trouble!

  Near the arena entrance, Kuro clicked his tongue.

  —Ibuki? —he muttered in disbelief.

  Igurū, however, stood motionless, his mind racing as he analyzed the situation.

  —That bastard decided to go second… Why?

  His gaze sharpened, his blue eyes flashing with intensity.

  —It's unusual for a King to fight so soon. —He crossed his arms, his voice low—. The logical strategy is to save the strongest for last… Why move up?

  He gritted his teeth, his frown deepening in frustration.

  —Unless… —he whispered, fingers tightening on his uniform sleeve—. Unless he knew we’d send first-years early.

  His head turned slightly, as if searching for answers in Ibuki’s expression.

  —But… how could he predict my strategy?

  Hours before the match…

  In the office of Arkanum’s King.

  The room was dark, illuminated only by the faint sunlight filtering through the window.

  A whisper broke the silence.

  —Did you get in?

  A shadowy figure slipped through the darkness, breath held.

  —Yes. Their Sentinels were easy to fool.

  The intruder moved silently, meticulously searching every drawer and shelf.

  On the other end of the communicator, a calm but cold voice replied:

  —Good. Now, find the envelopes with Igurū’s team lineup.

  The intruder’s fingers slid through documents, flipping quickly but precisely.

  —Are you sure they’re here?

  —Igurū is meticulous. He plans everything in advance. —The voice on the communicator was certain—. They have to be in his office.

  After a few more seconds of searching, Komori—the shadow who had infiltrated Igurū’s office—paused over a set of envelopes sealed with Arkanum Academy’s emblem.

  He carefully opened them.

  His eyes gleamed as he read the first name.

  —Here it is. The first fighter is one of Arkanum’s Jotas… Kaiyō Shirokuma.

  On the other end of the line, Ibuki smirked.

  —I see. He’s sticking to his usual strategy. —His tone was amused—. At least he didn’t send Blaike or Isein first. That’s good.

  Komori kept reading, whispering the names in the dim light.

  —The next fighters are the first-year Sentinels… Sukasa Kaze and Hino Tora.

  Ibuki’s smirk widened.

  —Perfect. That’s two guaranteed points.

  Komori kept scanning, but then—

  A faint sound came from outside the office.

  Someone was coming.

  His muscles tensed instantly.

  —Someone’s here. —His voice was urgent.

  Ibuki reacted immediately.

  —Get out. Now.

  Komori sealed the envelopes in a flash and melted into the shadows, vanishing just as the office door creaked open.

  Back in Ibuki’s hideout…

  Komori arrived, panting.

  —Did you see who their last fighter is?

  —Not much. —Komori shook his head, catching his breath—. Just something about someone named Kuro.

  Ibuki tilted his head slightly, thoughtful.

  —Kuro, huh? I’ve never seen him fight in previous challenges.

  He paused, calculating.

  —Must be a rookie Sentinel.

  His golden eyes gleamed with cunning.

  —With this intel, I can craft the perfect strategy.

  Komori watched his leader with admiration.

  —What’s the plan, sir?

  Ibuki let out a low chuckle, his tone laced with arrogance.

  —First, you’ll fight Kaiyō.

  Komori blinked in surprise.

  —Me? But…

  Ibuki raised a hand, cutting him off.

  —Don’t underestimate Kaiyō. —His voice was firm but amused—. He’s one of Arkanum’s strongest Jotas, but I’m sure you can beat him.

  Komori swallowed hard before nodding.

  —I’ll do my best, sir.

  Ibuki continued, his confidence growing.

  —Then, I’ll step into the arena. If by some chance you lose, I’ll finish him myself.

  He paused, his smirk unwavering.

  —And those first-year Sentinels will be easy prey.

  His tone was so calm, as if victory was already in his hands.

  —That’ll secure us three quick points.

  Komori nodded, impressed by his leader’s precision.

  —Brilliant strategy, sir.

  But then, he hesitated.

  —But… what about Arkanum’s King?

  Ibuki let out a soft laugh.

  His eyes burned with absolute confidence.

  —It’s true Igurū’s never lost a challenge…

  He paused, his expression sharpening.

  —But this year will be different.

  Crossing his arms, he met Komori’s gaze with unshakable certainty.

  —With your energy-draining ability…

  His smirk widened.

  —Not even Igurū can stop us.

  Back in the arena…

  The tension was suffocating.

  Kuro watched silently, his sharp eyes tracking every movement. Ibuki’s plan was falling into place.

  —This isn’t just arrogance. —He frowned—. This is all part of his strategy… and the troublemaker’s right in the middle of it.

  Beside him, Remy swallowed hard, genuine worry in her eyes.

  —This is bad. —She kept her gaze locked on the arena—. No matter how strong Sukasa is, Ibuki’s on another level.

  Igurū crossed his arms, nodding slightly.

  —You’re right. —His voice was firm, but his eyes held confidence—. But there’s nothing we can do now. We just have to watch and wait.

  He raised his voice slightly, calling to the arena.

  —This won’t be easy, Sukasa. But I believe you can handle it.

  Sukasa took a deep breath, gripping her Reiken tightly, feeling its weight heavier than ever.

  Across from her, Ibuki strode into the arena with effortless confidence, his steps measured, his smirk barely contained. He wasn’t rushing—he was savoring every second under the crowd’s gaze.

  When he reached his position, he raised his right hand and declared in a commanding voice:

  —Come to me, Reiken of Cerberus!

  Instantly, a violent burst of fire erupted from his palm, expanding into an inferno that engulfed him completely.

  The heat was suffocating.

  The flames burned hotter than Kaiyō’s, a ravenous fire that crackled with a life of its own. The arena’s temperature skyrocketed—the stones beneath his feet turned red-hot, and scorching air spread through the stadium.

  Sukasa instinctively stepped back, shielding her face with her forearm.

  —How… is his fire this intense?! —Her lips felt parched.

  The hellish flames began to dissipate.

  First, a dark silhouette emerged from the embers. Then, a crimson sword became visible, its edge glowing orange as if freshly forged.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  The hilt was adorned with two curved claws, giving it a savage, aggressive appearance.

  Then, the rest of his figure was revealed.

  A terrifying suit of armor covered his body—deep red with black accents. Every plate was engraved with markings resembling the fangs and eyes of Cerberus, the monstrous guardian of the underworld.

  Ibuki smiled.

  He raised his sword and pointed it straight at Sukasa.

  —Even if you’re a girl… —His voice was icy—. I won’t hold back.

  In Arkanum’s infirmary…

  A sharp pain in his side tore a scream from Kaiyō.

  —AAAAH! IT HURTS! IT REALLY HURTS!

  Master Tsume, applying ointment with rough movements, clicked his tongue in annoyance.

  —Stop whining. —His voice was gruff—. This is what you get for being overconfident. Learn your lesson, kid.

  Kaiyō gritted his teeth.

  —But I still won! —He forced a grin.

  Tsume scoffed.

  —Yeah, but at what cost? —He glared—. You’re an idiot.

  Kaiyō huffed before glancing around.

  His eyes landed on an empty bed nearby.

  —Where’s the Bat? —He frowned.

  Tsume kept working, unfazed.

  —Left as soon as I treated him.

  Kaiyō blinked.

  —He left?

  —I’m not his babysitter. —Tsume tightened the bandage harshly, earning another yelp—. Idiot.

  Kaiyō ignored the pain.

  His mind was elsewhere.

  —Why would he leave before fully recovering?

  His instincts told him something was wrong.

  Back in the arena…

  Master Geki raised his hand, calling for attention.

  —This battle ends only when one of you drops their Reiken. BEGIN!

  Instantly, Sukasa and Ibuki lunged at each other, their swords clashing in a rapid exchange of strikes.

  The sound of steel rang through the arena as the two fighters tested each other’s skills.

  I can’t let my guard down… This isn’t just any opponent. He’s Arkam’s King. —Sukasa adjusted her stance, preparing for the next attack.

  Ibuki watched her calmly, his expression unreadable. Every move was calculated.

  —You fight well… —He deflected her sword effortlessly—. But I’ll be the one winning this.

  He stepped back and raised his Reiken with a confident smirk.

  —CERBERUS BITE.

  Three massive jaws of fire erupted from his blade, roaring with a life of their own.

  Sukasa barely had time to react. She twisted mid-air, narrowly dodging the first bite.

  The second grazed her armor, the searing heat burning the edges of her uniform.

  The third slammed into her leg, scorching the lower half of her armor.

  —AAH! —She cried out in pain as her body hit the ground hard.

  The crowd held its breath.

  From the stands, Remy clenched her fists.

  —Dammit! This isn’t fair!

  Ibuki stepped back, twirling his sword lazily.

  —Well… time to wait for the next one.

  But just as he turned away—

  —Where do you think you’re going?! We’re not done!

  Ibuki paused.

  He turned his head slowly, watching as Sukasa forced herself up, swaying but with fire in her eyes.

  Her burns still smoldered, her breathing was ragged—but her will was unbroken.

  The crowd erupted in murmurs.

  —What?! She’s still standing after that?!

  Ibuki narrowed his eyes, momentarily surprised before smirking.

  —Impressive… but trash belongs on the ground.

  Sukasa spat to the side and raised her sword with both hands.

  —I’ll make you eat those words! EAGLE FLIGHT!

  A whirlwind of wind exploded from her blade, shooting straight at Ibuki.

  But he didn’t move.

  The attack hit him square in the chest…

  And did nothing.

  Not a scratch.

  Not even a flinch.

  Ibuki smirked.

  —That was… refreshing. —He dusted off his armor—. Did you really think that would work?

  Sukasa froze.

  One of her strongest attacks… had failed.

  From the arena entrance, Kuro let out an amused whistle.

  —Pfft, that attack was weaker than the one she hit me with during the trials. Of course it didn’t work.

  Igurū, however, clenched his fists.

  —The real question is… why was it so weak? It makes no sense!

  In the arena, Sukasa panted, exhausted.

  The three Ibukis surrounded her again—faster, stronger—while the air burned with suffocating tension. The flames of the Cerberus Reiken still crackled around Ibuki, who watched Sukasa with a mix of boredom and disdain.

  She could barely stand. Her body trembled from exhaustion, and her armor still smoldered from burns.

  But her eyes still burned with determination.

  Ibuki sighed and lazily twirled his sword.

  —Hey, you’re boring me. Why don’t you just give up?

  His tone turned crueler, confident in his imminent victory.

  Sukasa, gasping, tightened her grip on her Reiken.

  —Shut up! I’m not surrendering. Igurū trusted me—I won’t let him down.

  Ibuki let out a dry, amused laugh.

  —Hah… stop talking nonsense. You can’t beat me. The strong always dominate the weak.

  His eyes turned cold as he raised his sword for the final strike.

  —See you later, Eagle. —His Reiken blazed crimson—. GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD!

  A colossal fireball erupted from his blade, spinning violently as it surged forward, incinerating everything in its path.

  The arena’s heat became unbearable.

  The stone floor cracked under the attack’s intensity.

  There was no dodging it.

  From the entrance, Remy, Hino, and Igurū held their breaths.

  But in that instant—

  Sukasa closed her eyes for a brief second.

  Memories flashed in her mind.

  Years ago…

  A young Sukasa stared in awe at her older brother.

  He was covered in bandages after a fight, yet he wore a calm smile.

  —Hey, big bro… doesn’t it hurt when you get hurt in battle?

  He chuckled softly, ruffling her hair.

  —Mmm… yeah, it hurts a lot. Sometimes I even get knocked down.

  Sukasa’s eyes widened.

  —Really?

  —Yeah. But I always choose to get back up.

  He knelt to her level, placing a hand on her shoulder.

  —That’s life, Sukasa. No matter how many times you’re hit, no matter how hard you fall… you always stand back up. No matter what. Got it?

  Little Sukasa’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

  —Yeah, big bro!

  Back to the present…

  Sukasa’s eyes snapped open.

  Her heart pounded.

  I won’t give up.

  Gritting her teeth, she raised her sword with both hands.

  —DIVINE TORNADO!

  A furious whirlwind erupted from her Reiken, surging toward Ibuki’s attack.

  The two techniques collided at the arena’s center.

  Wind and fire clashed with overwhelming force.

  The shockwave shook the stadium’s foundations.

  The air pressure forced spectators to shield their faces from the scorching gusts.

  Remy watched in awe.

  —She’s holding back Ibuki’s attack!

  But Sukasa’s tornado began to weaken.

  Ibuki’s flames were too strong.

  Finally, his attack overpowered hers.

  The inferno engulfed her completely.

  —AAAAH!

  Sukasa’s scream echoed as her body was hurled violently to the ground.

  The impact sent up a cloud of dust and embers.

  Silence.

  Ibuki slowly lowered his sword.

  His expression was utterly indifferent.

  —How boring. I expected more.

  The crowd didn’t know how to react.

  Sukasa lay motionless, her body battered and smoking.

  But… her hand still clutched her Reiken.

  The silence broke when someone whispered:

  —Did she give up…?

  —No…

  The embers covering her body suddenly extinguished.

  A shudder ran through the arena as Sukasa began to move.

  Shaking. In pain.

  But rising.

  Ibuki’s eyes narrowed.

  —Well, well… look who’s getting up again?

  His voice carried irritation… and surprise.

  —What’s driving you to keep standing?

  Sukasa lifted her head.

  Her breathing was ragged, but her expression was unbreakable.

  With supreme effort, she stood and pointed her sword at Ibuki.

  —No matter how hard you hit me… I’ll always choose to stand back up.

  Her voice was firm. Unshakable.

  —That’s my strength.

  In the stands, Kuro watched with genuine amazement.

  —She’s stubborn… —he murmured, smirking—. But she’s got guts.

  —What a nice speech. Almost made me cry. —Ibuki sneered, watching her sway—. Let’s see how much more you can take.

  His Reiken burned with sinister fire.

  —CERBERUS FANGS!

  Multiple flaming blades materialized mid-air and shot toward Sukasa in an unstoppable barrage.

  The air hissed as the burning slashes tore into her flesh. Her uniform ripped, and blood dripped onto the arena floor.

  —Where’s your strength now? —Ibuki mocked, stepping forward.

  Sukasa clenched her teeth, but her body barely responded. Each slash made her stagger more.

  From the stands, Igurū, Hino, and the others watched in horror.

  —Please, do something! —Hino begged, tears in her eyes.

  —We can’t interfere! —Igurū growled, fists shaking—. If we do, the Kami no Batsu will—

  Ibuki smirked, seeing Sukasa’s resistance at its limit.

  —You bore me. —Three fiery shadows emerged around him—. Hey, don’t die, okay?

  His clones took position, preparing the final strike.

  —GATE OF THE UNDERWORLD X3!

  Three massive fireballs roared toward Sukasa, consuming oxygen in their path and leaving no room to escape.

  —She won’t survive that! —Igurū cursed, drawing his sword—. Damn it… Come to me, Reiken of—

  —THAT’S ENOUGH, IBUKI!

  A shadow blurred into the arena.

  —HAAAH!—

  A metallic flash sliced through the flames.

  The impact diverted the fire toward the barrier. The energy shield absorbed the explosion, but the heat shook the stadium.

  As the dust settled, Kuro stood in the arena’s center, his sword smoking.

  The entire stadium fell silent.

  Ibuki stared in disbelief.

  —Well, well… Arkanum’s second King. —A malicious grin spread across his face—. What brings you here, Kuro?

  Ignoring him, Kuro grabbed Ibuki by the collar of his armor and yanked him close.

  —Were you trying to kill her, you bastard?!

  Ibuki kept smirking.

  —And you… don’t realize the mess you’ve just stepped into.

  Sukasa collapsed.

  But before she hit the ground, Kuro caught her in one swift motion, cradling her in his arms.

  Master Geki stood, his expression severe.

  —Referee. —Ibuki turned with satisfaction—. What’s the penalty for interfering in a match?

  Geki sighed.

  —The Kami no Batsu will be enforced.

  A murmur spread through the crowd.

  Arkam Academy’s members began entering the arena.

  Komori led them, his expression cold and calculating. The tension was unbearable.

  Ibuki crossed his arms.

  —I wouldn’t have interfered if I were you, Kuro. Now you’ll face the consequences.

  Kuro ignored the threat. He knelt and carefully handed Sukasa to the medics.

  Her eyes fluttered open weakly. Her vision was blurry—but for a second, she thought she saw her brother.

  Then, her focus cleared, and she recognized Kuro’s face.

  —What are you doing, idiot? —Her voice was a whisper, but fierce—. I can still fight…

  Kuro looked at her softly.

  —Don’t be stupid. —His tone was calm but firm—. Look at you. You can’t even stand.

  —But… because of me, you’ll get the Kami no Batsu…

  Kuro smiled faintly.

  —That doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters now is you being okay.

  With steady steps, he carried her to the medics, where Igurū, Remy, and Hino waited.

  Hino burst into tears and hugged Sukasa the moment Kuro laid her down.

  —Sukasa! —she sobbed—. Thank you, King Kuro…

  Kuro nodded calmly.

  Igurū watched him seriously.

  —So… what now?

  Kuro rolled his shoulders casually.

  —I’m not one to run from a fight.

  Igurū narrowed his eyes.

  —Just from responsibilities, huh?

  Kuro frowned but smirked.

  —Shut up. You should be worried about me.

  Igurū smiled slightly.

  —Trust me. I am.

  The two clasped hands in a silent show of camaraderie.

  Then Kuro turned and walked back to the arena.

  Ibuki and his team waited with predatory grins.

  From the announcer’s booth, Isein stood and spoke with authority.

  —By the rules of the Kami no Batsu, Kuro—Arkanum’s second King—will face a six-on-one battle for interfering in the match between Sentinel Sukasa and King Ibuki.

  The crowd held its breath.

  —Victory will be decided when one side surrenders or can no longer continue.

  A dramatic pause.

  —For this battle… —Isein’s eyes sharpened— all attacks are permitted.

  The silence shattered into cheers and shouts.

  Kuro drew his sword, holding it loosely in one hand.

  His expression was calm. Unshaken.

  —This’ll be… fun.

  Ibuki laughed mockingly as his team surrounded him.

  —Fun? This’ll be your end, Kuro.

  Master Geki raised his hand.

  —Good luck, Kuro.

  —Thanks, Master.

  With a swift motion, Geki lowered his hand.

  —BEGIN!

  Arkam’s six warriors activated their Reikens and charged like a storm toward their lone opponent.

  Kuro stood still for a moment, watching them, analyzing every move.

  —Let’s see how long you last, second King of Arkanum—Ibuki taunted, grinning cruelly.

  Kuro narrowed his eyes—and smiled confidently, adjusting his grip on his sword.

  —This’ll be entertaining…