Purple flames advanced across the arena.
Not like ordinary fire.
But like a spiritual frost.
The crimson runes scattered across the Crimson Witchcraft gradually began to lose their glow.
Some froze.
Others cracked.
The mana flowing through them slowed.
Like a river gradually turning into ice.
Aysa watched the phenomenon.
Then sighed.
Aysa:
“They’re still ridiculously overpowered.”
Nicelle:
“You’ve been saying that since the beginning.”
Aysa:
“Because it’s still true.”
Hermes rubbed his forehead.
Hermes:
“These two…”
In the stands—
Guma laughed loudly.
Mimi hid her anxiety.
Yashina watched attentively.
Kamero analyzed every detail.
And Hitori simply tried to understand how two people could carry on a conversation like that while exchanging blows powerful enough to kill each other.
At the center of the arena—
Aysa spun one knife.
Then another.
Then another.
But she didn’t attack immediately.
Because a memory had surfaced.
The very same memory that was probably passing through Nicelle’s mind at that exact moment.
Several years earlier
Nicelle’s House
Three in the morning.
Four empty bags of chips.
Two bottles of soda.
A forgotten pizza sitting on the table.
And two laptops running nonstop.
The screen displayed:
QUEST DUNGEON FIRE
The MMORPG that had completely destroyed their sleep schedules.
Aysa:
“Heal.”
Nicelle:
“I already healed you.”
Aysa:
“Heal again.”
Nicelle:
“I literally just healed you.”
Aysa:
“Heal more.”
Nicelle:
“I’m not a hospital.”
Aysa pointed at the screen.
Aysa:
“I’m dying.”
Nicelle:
“Because you charged into twenty monsters.”
Aysa:
“That’s called strategy.”
Nicelle:
“That’s called stupidity.”
Aysa burst into laughter.
Nicelle laughed too.
At that moment…
They were simply two friends.
Playing until sunrise.
Arena 17
The memory faded.
Reality returned.
Aysa charged.
She didn’t throw knives.
She didn’t rely on tricks.
She ran.
Straight toward Nicelle.
The kitsune smiled.
Because she understood.
Aysa wanted a real fight too.
No hiding.
No distractions.
No detours.
The bracelets met the knives.
Steel clashed against spiritual metal.
The two passed by one another.
Spinning.
Dodging.
Counterattacking.
Every strike was answered immediately.
Because each knew the other’s habits.
Because each knew the other’s tendencies.
Because each knew the other’s flaws.
The battle looked like a dance.
Violent.
Dangerous.
Yet strangely beautiful.
Aysa aimed for Nicelle’s ribs.
Nicelle blocked.
Her bracelet knocked the blade aside.
The kitsune answered with an elbow strike.
Aysa spun.
The blow barely missed.
A knife appeared.
Nicelle dodged.
Another emerged.
Blocked.
A third.
Dodged.
Neither could gain the upper hand.
Because both knew exactly how the other fought.
And that made everything harder.
And much more enjoyable.
Aysa:
“You’re still impossible.”
Nicelle:
“So are you.”
The two smiled.
Then collided once more.
A knife passed close to Nicelle’s face.
She tilted her head aside.
The blade cut only a few strands of hair.
At the same moment—
Her bracelet shot forward.
Aysa twisted her wrist.
The knife struck the golden metal.
The two remained close.
Very close.
As though neither of them was willing to take a single step back.
Then they separated.
Almost at the same instant.
Breathing more heavily.
Watching.
Waiting.
Because both had realized something.
The fight was becoming harder and harder.
But neither of them minded.
On the contrary.
It reminded them of the old days.
Several years earlier
Quest Dungeon Fire
The MMORPG had become part of both of their daily lives.
What had started as a joke…
Turned into a habit.
Then into an addiction.
And finally…
Into a passion.
Almost every night—
Nicelle would log in.
A few minutes later…
Aysa would appear too.
And the night would simply disappear.
Between quests.
Boss fights.
Exploration.
And countless pointless arguments.
Aysa:
“My character is prettier.”
Nicelle:
“No.”
Aysa:
“Yes.”
Nicelle:
“No.”
Aysa:
“Yes.”
Nicelle:
“No.”
Aysa:
“You’re just jealous.”
Nicelle:
“You’re delusional.”
Aysa pointed at the screen.
Her character—
A witch with a voluptuous figure.
Long red hair.
Extravagant clothes.
A provocative expression.
Aysa:
“Look at this.”
Aysa:
“This is art.”
Nicelle showed her own screen.
A kitsune.
Nine tails.
Very little clothing.
A serious gaze.
Nicelle:
“This is art.”
Aysa:
“She looks like she works at a hostess club.”
Nicelle:
“She looks like someone who knows how to use her charms.”
Aysa fell silent.
For two seconds.
Then burst into laughter.
Nicelle laughed too.
Because arguments like those happened practically every single day.
As the months passed…
The two began attending gaming events.
Tournaments.
Geek conventions.
Player gatherings.
And before long, they became well known.
Not because they were the very best.
Although they were extremely skilled.
But because they were impossible to ignore.
They spoke loudly.
Argued constantly.
Teased everyone around them.
And spent more time picking on each other than actually playing.
It was during those events that they started cosplaying.
And eventually, they received a nickname.
“The Perverts.”
Aysa loved it.
Nicelle hated it.
The problem…
Was that the nickname stuck.
Very quickly.
Aysa:
“We’re famous.”
Nicelle:
“We’re an embarrassment.”
Aysa:
“You leave the house dressed like that.”
Nicelle:
“It’s just cosplay.”
Aysa:
“Sure. Sure.”
And once again…
The two started arguing.
One of the orange tails swept forward.
Tracing a wide arc.
The intense heat made the air shimmer.
Aysa jumped.
The tail passed beneath her feet.
But Nicelle had already anticipated that.
A second tail followed immediately afterward.
This one—
Purple.
Aysa crossed her knives.
The spiritual flame struck the metal.
Instantly—
A layer of spiritual frost began spreading across the blades.
Aysa’s eyes widened.
The mana flowing through her weapons slowed.
Their movement became heavy.
Aysa:
“Damn it.”
She twisted her body.
Forcing the ice to shatter.
But it cost her time.
Enough time for Nicelle to move.
A punch struck the witch square in the stomach.
The impact knocked the air from Aysa’s lungs.
Her body was hurled backward.
Sliding several meters across the arena floor.
The crowd reacted.
But Nicelle didn’t celebrate.
Because she knew Aysa.
And she knew…
That wouldn’t be enough.
Aysa braced herself with one hand against the ground.
She coughed up blood.
Took a deep breath.
And then…
She started laughing.
Nicelle closed her eyes.
Nicelle:
“You’re unbelievably stubborn.”
Aysa:
“You love me.”
Nicelle:
“Not even a little.”
Aysa:
“Tell me the truth.”
Despite the pain.
Despite the exhaustion.
Despite the battle.
The two of them were still exactly the same.
And perhaps…
That was the real problem.
Or perhaps…
That was exactly what made their friendship so special.
Aysa remained kneeling.
One hand resting on the arena floor.
Her breathing was heavy.
Nicelle’s blow had landed perfectly.
Even so…
She smiled.
Nicelle sighed.
Nicelle:
“You really do have a problem.”
Aysa:
“Don’t say it like that.”
Nicelle:
“You don’t know how to give up.”
Aysa:
“Look who’s talking.”
Nicelle:
“Fair enough.”
The two laughed.
A short.
Sincere laugh.
One that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Because reality returned.
The fight.
The tournament.
The present.
Yet the memories kept resurfacing.
And this time…
It was a different memory.
One neither of them liked.
Several years earlier
Eudos Accounting
The workday was coming to an end.
Computers were shutting down.
Employees were leaving.
The lights were being turned off.
An ordinary routine.
But that day…
Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Aysa was unusually quiet.
Sitting at her desk.
Not joking.
Not teasing anyone.
Not making inappropriate comments.
Nicelle noticed immediately.
Nicelle:
“What happened?”
Aysa didn’t answer.
She kept staring at her computer screen.
Nicelle:
“Aysa.”
Silence.
Nicelle:
“What happened?”
Aysa sighed.
Closed her eyes.
Then finally answered.
Aysa:
“I’m being transferred.”
Nicelle blinked.
Confused.
Nicelle:
“Transferred?”
Aysa:
“Kyoto.”
The world seemed to slow down.
Nicelle:
“…What?”
Aysa:
“The directors decided.”
Nicelle:
“You accepted?”
Aysa let out a humorless laugh.
Aysa:
“As if I had a choice.”
Silence filled the office.
Because for the first time…
Neither of them knew what to say.
For years…
They had worked together.
Played together.
Gone out together.
Drank together.
Lived their daily lives together.
And now…
Everything was about to change.
Aysa charged once again.
But this time, something was different.
There was greater intensity in her movements.
As though those memories were fueling her determination as well.
Knives appeared between her fingers. This chapter was taken from g.com without permission.
Four of them.
She threw one.
Then another.
Then another.
Nicelle spun her bracelets.
Deflecting the first.
The second.
Blocking the third.
But the fourth struck the ground.
Immediately—
A crimson symbol lit up.
Nicelle felt the mana around her being pulled away.
As though the very air were trying to slow her abilities.
Aysa:
“So it still works.”
Nicelle:
“It’s still annoying.”
Aysa smiled.
Then vanished behind a crimson mist created by her fluids.
Nicelle narrowed her eyes.
Instinct.
Nothing but instinct.
Her body spun.
CLANG!
A knife struck her bracelet.
Another came immediately afterward.
Then a third.
Aysa attacked from different angles.
Using the mist created by her fluids.
Turning the entire battlefield into her territory.
Kamero watched intently.
Kamero:
“She’s using the whole arena.”
Guma:
“How does anyone fight like that?”
Kamero:
“Like a witch.”
And that was exactly what she was doing.
Aysa didn’t fight like a warrior.
She didn’t fight like a rogue.
She didn’t fight like an assassin.
She fought like a manipulator.
Turning everything around her into a weapon.
But Nicelle wasn’t easy prey.
Five tails moved behind her.
As though they had minds of their own.
One released a wave of heat.
The crimson mist dispersed.
Another unleashed purple flames.
Part of the symbols scattered across the floor froze.
The mana within them slowed.
Aysa leaped backward.
For the first time…
Losing part of her control over the battlefield.
Nicelle:
“I don’t like it when you use your witchcraft to paralyze me.”
Aysa:
“And I don’t like it when someone freezes my things.”
Nicelle:
“Then we’re even.”
Aysa smiled.
But there was something sad in that smile.
Because another memory was already beginning to surface.
Their farewell.
Their final meeting.
The moment that changed everything.
Aysa and Nicelle remained motionless.
For several seconds.
Neither advanced.
Neither attacked.
Fatigue was beginning to set in.
The cuts.
The burns.
The mana they had consumed.
Everything was taking its toll.
But the heaviest burden wasn’t their injuries.
It was the memories.
Several years earlier
Gouvet Bar
The same place.
The same table.
The same two women.
But a completely different atmosphere.
That night…
Neither of them laughed.
Neither teased the other.
Neither joked.
Their glasses remained nearly full.
Something rare.
Very rare.
Aysa slowly swirled the drink inside her glass.
Watching the reflections of the lights.
Nicelle watched her friend.
Trying to find some way to make the moment hurt less.
But she couldn’t.
Because she knew.
She knew the farewell was real.
Nicelle:
“I still can’t believe it.”
Aysa let out a weak laugh.
Aysa:
“Neither can I.”
Nicelle:
“Kyoto is far away.”
Aysa:
“It is.”
Nicelle:
“Really far.”
Aysa:
“I know.”
Silence returned.
The two of them hated it.
Because they had always had something to talk about.
Always had something to say.
But that night…
No words seemed enough.
Aysa finished her drink.
Then rested both arms on the table.
Aysa:
“Are you scared?”
Nicelle raised an eyebrow.
Nicelle:
“You’re the one who’s leaving.”
Aysa:
“I asked first.”
Nicelle looked away.
For a few seconds.
Then she answered.
Nicelle:
“I am.”
Aysa smiled.
Aysa:
“So am I.”
It was the first time.
The very first time Nicelle had ever heard Aysa admit she was afraid.
And somehow…
That made everything even harder.
Aysa:
“It’s going to be okay.”
Nicelle:
“You don’t know that.”
Aysa:
“You’re beautiful.”
Aysa:
“And incredibly talented.”
Aysa smiled.
That familiar smile.
That infuriating smile.
The one that always seemed to challenge the whole world.
Aysa:
“You’ll be taking my place at the company before long.”
Nicelle lowered her head.
Because she didn’t want her friend to see her eyes turning red.
But Aysa noticed anyway.
She always noticed.
Aysa stood up.
Walked around the table.
And pulled Nicelle into a hug.
A firm hug.
A sincere one.
Without jokes.
Without teasing.
Just two friends.
Nicelle hugged her back.
Tightly.
As though she could stop the farewell simply by refusing to let go.
Aysa:
“Hey.”
Nicelle:
“Hm?”
Aysa:
“We’ll always be sisters.”
Nicelle remained silent.
Then softly answered.
Nicelle:
“Always.”
Both of them spoke at exactly the same time.
Aysa and Nicelle:
“We’ll always be sisters.”
Arena 17
The past disappeared.
Reality returned.
And for the first time…
The two of them smiled together.
That same smile.
The one that had existed before the tournament.
Before the guilds.
Before their powers.
Before everything.
Aysa:
“It’s been a long time.”
Nicelle:
“It has.”
Aysa:
“I missed this.”
Nicelle:
“So did I.”
For a brief moment…
The battle no longer felt like a battle.
It felt like a reunion.
But only for a moment.
Because both of them knew…
There was still a winner to be decided.
Or perhaps…
There wouldn’t be one at all.
Aysa spun her knives.
Red liquid flowed along the blades.
Denser than before.
Stronger than before.
Nicelle noticed immediately.
Aysa was using the last of her reserves.
So she decided to do the same.
Her tails spread wider.
The spiritual flames became even more violent.
The orange fire illuminated the entire arena.
While the purple fire slowly froze the mana around them.
Hermes narrowed his eyes.
Even he could feel the pressure rising.
Aysa:
“So you’re going all out.”
Nicelle:
“You are too.”
Aysa smiled.
Nicelle smiled.
Then they charged.
Straight at one another.
Just as they had done hundreds of times in games.
But now…
For the first time…
The stakes were real.
The two fighters collided with such force that the air itself trembled.
Nicelle moved first.
Her right bracelet met one of Aysa’s knives.
Metal slid along the blade.
Sparks burst into the air.
Aysa twisted her wrist.
Trying to redirect the attack.
But Nicelle had already anticipated it.
She always did.
The kitsune spun her body.
Her shoulder slammed into the witch’s chest.
The impact drove Aysa backward.
But only for an instant.
She used the recoil itself.
Turning defense into movement.
Turning movement into an attack.
A knife appeared beneath Nicelle’s arm.
Rising toward her ribs.
Nicelle raised her bracelet.
CLANG!
The blade ricocheted away.
But a drop of fluid touched her skin.
Immediately—
A strange sensation spread through her body.
It wasn’t paralysis.
It wasn’t sluggishness.
It was exhaustion.
As though her muscles had already been fighting for hours.
Nicelle:
“Another fluid…”
Aysa smiled.
Aysa:
“Exhaustion Fluid.”
Nicelle:
“You keep inventing ridiculous things.”
Aysa:
“They work.”
Nicelle said nothing.
Because Aysa was right.
They worked.
Her legs grew heavier.
Breathing became more difficult.
Even the circulation of mana slowed.
But then—
The spiritual flames reacted.
One of her purple tails shone brightly.
The fire coursed through her body.
Like a spiritual river.
Part of the effect began to disappear.
Aysa’s eyes widened.
Aysa:
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Nicelle:
“I warned you.”
The crowd erupted.
It was impossible not to notice.
The battle had reached an entirely different level.
All nine tails swayed behind the kitsune.
Each one radiating an overwhelming amount of energy.
But Nicelle didn’t stop.
Because she wasn’t finished yet.
The flames intensified.
The spiritual pressure grew stronger.
Standing before her felt like standing before an ancient creature.
A being that should have existed only in legends.
Mimi smiled.
She knew that feeling.
Mimi:
“She finally decided to stop holding back.”
Aysa took a deep breath.
Then made her decision.
One by one…
Her knives disappeared.
Sheathed.
Hidden away.
Nicelle frowned.
Aysa would never abandon her weapons.
Never.
Then she noticed.
The witch’s hands were covered in crimson liquid.
Not only her hands.
Her arms.
Her neck.
Her shoulders.
Crimson symbols began appearing across her skin.
Like tattoos.
Like runes.
Like a curse.
Kamero immediately stood up.
Kamero:
“So she’s finally going to use it.”
Hitori:
“What are you talking about?”
Yashina:
“Her true Blood Witchcraft.”
Sarina:
“Blood?”
The arena itself began to change.
Every mark Aysa had left behind since the beginning of the fight responded.
One after another.
Connecting together.
Forming an enormous magic circle.
The entire arena floor turned crimson.
Hermes instinctively took a step backward.
Even he could feel the danger.
Aysa slowly opened her eyes.
They now glowed with a deep crimson light.
Aysa:
“I’ve been saving this.”
Nicelle smiled.
Nicelle:
“You’re not the only one with a new power.”
The spiritual flames erupted around the kitsune.
Not as a sudden explosion.
But like a steadily growing spiritual storm.
Nicelle assumed the complete form of a fox with purple-and-orange fur.
She no longer resembled a warrior.
She looked like a true Legendary Kitsune.
Her nine tails danced behind her.
The purple flames froze the mana in the surroundings.
The orange flames caused the air to ripple with heat.
Her fox ears grew larger.
Her fingernails became claws.
Her eyes shone with golden light.
The Complete Passive Fox Form.
At last.
It stood before everyone.
Aysa smiled.
A weary smile.
But a sincere one.
Nicelle:
“Full furry form.”
Aysa:
“Still overpowered.”
The two smiled.
One last time.
Before the final clash.
Nicelle’s mana was nearing its limit.
Aysa’s mana was as well.
The wounds accumulated throughout the battle were beginning to take their toll.
Their muscles ached.
Every breath burned.
Yet neither of them intended to retreat.
Because this was more than just a battle.
It was a reunion.
A farewell.
A conversation they had never been able to finish after all those years.
And now…
There was only one way left to bring it to an end.
Aysa looked at the kitsune standing before her.
Nine tails danced behind Nicelle.
Spiritual flames illuminated the arena.
Purple.
Orange.
Purple.
Orange.
It was an almost divine sight.
Aysa smiled.
Aysa:
“You’ve become beautiful.”
Nicelle almost rolled her eyes.
Nicelle:
“You’re still terrible at complimenting people.”
Aysa:
“I’m serious.”
Nicelle:
“That’s exactly what scares me.”
Aysa took a deep breath.
The Crimson Witchcraft circle glowed once more.
The symbols scattered throughout the arena began converging.
The crimson fluid left the ground.
It rose into the air.
Like strands of blood floating on the wind.
Every strand converged upon the witch’s knives.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Five.
Six.
The blades began to vibrate.
The mana within them steadily increased.
Hitori watched in fascination.
Yashina:
“She’s giving everything she has.”
Kamero nodded.
Mimi:
“Nicelle is too.”
On the opposite side—
The nine tails slowly began to move.
The spiritual flames withdrew from the surroundings.
Gradually converging into the kitsune’s bracelets.
First the purple flame.
Then the orange one.
The two energies revolved around her arms.
Like two opposing currents.
Absolute cold.
Extreme heat.
United.
Aysa:
“It’s been a long time.”
Nicelle:
“It has.”
Aysa:
“I missed you.”
Nicelle’s smile disappeared.
Just for a moment.
Only for a moment.
Nicelle:
“…I missed you too.”
Silence.
Aysa smiled.
This time…
Without teasing.
Without sarcasm.
Without a joke.
Only sincerity.
Aysa:
“For old times’ sake.”
Nicelle closed her eyes.
Remembering.
The office.
Gouvet Bar.
Their late-night gaming sessions.
Their ridiculous arguments.
The geek conventions.
The laughter.
The farewell.
Then she opened her eyes once more.
Nicelle:
“For old times’ sake.”
They charged.
At exactly the same moment.
Aysa threw her knives.
Not one after another.
All six at once.
The blades tore through the air, guided by the crimson threads extending from the witch’s fingers.
Spinning.
Surrounded by scarlet fluids.
They resembled falling stars.
Nicelle advanced.
Not trying to dodge.
Not trying to block.
She ran directly toward them.
All nine tails moved.
The spiritual flames expanded.
Her right bracelet intercepted the first knife.
Her left deflected the second.
The third froze beneath the purple flame.
The fourth was hurled away by the pressure of the orange flame.
But the fifth…
And the sixth…
Continued forward.
Aysa appeared behind them.
Using her own knives as a distraction.
Nicelle realized it too late.
The witch was already standing before her.
Only a few steps away.
The two smiled.
Because both of them understood.
It would end here.
Nicelle’s fist shot forward.
Wrapped in spiritual flames.
Aysa rushed in as well.
The last knife gripped tightly in her hand.
Neither dodged.
Neither retreated.
Neither hesitated.
Aysa:
“Blood Hunt!”
Nicelle:
“Night Fox!”
The two attacks collided.
A massive wave of mana erupted outward.
The impact passed straight through both of them.
The entire arena seemed to hold its breath.
The world stood still.
For a single second.
The two women remained standing.
Hitori’s eyes widened.
Yashina covered her mouth.
Mimi clenched her fists.
Guma fell silent.
Sarina watched without saying a word.
Then—
Kamero:
“It’s over…”
A knife slipped from Aysa’s hand.
Clack.
Nicelle staggered.
Aysa braced herself on one leg while the other dropped to one knee.
The two exchanged one final glance.
A weary smile appeared on both of their faces.
And then—
They fell.
At exactly the same time.
Hermes watched them for several seconds.
Waiting.
Neither of them stood up.
Five seconds.
Ten.
Fifteen.
Nothing.
Hermes let out a quiet sigh.
Then raised his voice.
Hermes:
“As only one participant may advance to the next stage…”
Hermes:
“And neither competitor is capable of continuing…”
Hermes:
“I hereby declare this match concluded.”
Silence deepened throughout the arena.
Hermes:
“THERE IS NO WINNER!”
Arena 17 erupted into applause.
Not because someone had won.
But because everyone knew…
They had just witnessed something rare.
A battle in which victory had never been the most important thing.
As the healers rushed into the arena—
Mimi ran toward Nicelle.
Yashina hurried to Aysa.
Guma slowly shook his head.
Guma:
“Two idiots.”
Sarina smiled.
Sarina:
“The best idiots around.”
And as the sun disappeared beyond the river…
The third day of the tournament finally came to an end.
Kamero silently watched the arena.
The healers had already surrounded both combatants while the audience continued applauding on its feet.
For several moments…
No one from Guild EXO said a word.
The battle had been too intense.
Too emotional.
Hermes walked calmly to the center of Arena 17.
The judge’s voice echoed through the loudspeakers.
Hermes:
“With the result of this battle…”
Hermes:
“The first half of the third phase of the tournament is now complete.”
Hermes:
“Only eighteen competitors remain in contention for the championship.”
The audience answered with another round of applause.
The tournament was entering its final stretch.
From this point on…
Every battle would carry even greater weight.
A few minutes later…
In the medical ward—
Yuri and Yudi sat side by side.
The twin brothers avoided making eye contact with anyone.
Until Guma walked over.
Guma:
“You two…”
The brothers looked up.
Guma:
“What a disgrace.”
Guma:
“You got eliminated this early.”
Yuri and Yudi immediately lowered their heads.
Yuri:
“Sorry…”
Yudi:
“Our bad…”
Hitori watched the scene.
He still couldn’t quite believe it.
Hitori:
“Honestly…”
Hitori:
“I still can’t believe they lost.”
Hitori:
“They’re both incredibly strong.”
Kamero nodded.
Kamero:
“They are.”
Kamero:
“But their true strength only appears when they fight together.”
Kamero:
“Separated, each of them only displays about half of the power they normally have.”
Kamero:
“And today…”
Kamero:
“Half wasn’t enough.”
Yashina let out a quiet sigh.
Yashina:
“That’s such a shame…”
Just then—
A familiar voice came from behind them.
Nicelle:
“Don’t be so hard on them, Guma.”
Everyone turned around.
Nicelle was sitting on one of the medical beds.
Bandages covered parts of her arms and legs.
Even so…
She was smiling.
Nicelle:
“They’re still young.”
Mimi:
“Nicelle!”
Mimi immediately ran over to her.
Mimi:
“I’m so glad you’re okay…”
Nicelle smiled.
Nicelle:
“I’m in one piece.”
Guma folded his arms.
Guma:
“You’re in no position to talk, idiot.”
Nicelle:
“It’s not my fault the match ended in a draw.”
Guma:
“Yes, it is.”
Nicelle:
“No, it isn’t.”
Guma:
“Yes, it is.”
Nicelle:
“No, it isn’t.”
Mimi let out a laugh.
Hitori laughed as well.
Even Kamero allowed himself a faint smile.
Another voice echoed through the infirmary.
Weaker.
Sleepier.
Aysa:
“Haaah…”
Aysa:
“Guys…”
Nicelle immediately turned toward her.
Nicelle:
“So you’re finally awake.”
Nicelle:
“You’re getting old.”
Aysa raised an eyebrow.
Aysa:
“Look who’s talking.”
Nicelle:
“For your information…”
Nicelle:
“I’m younger than you.”
Aysa:
“I’m not old.”
Aysa:
“I’m experienced.”
Guma:
“No, you’re not.”
Hitori:
“You two are both pretty old.”
Sarina:
“Yeah, definitely.”
Silence.
The two women slowly turned their heads.
Nicelle and Aysa:
“WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!”
The entire infirmary burst into laughter.
Yashina looked out the window.
The sky had already grown dark.
The first stars were beginning to appear above River City.
Yashina:
“Let’s go.”
Kamero:
“It’s getting late.”
Aysa slowly raised one hand.
Aysa:
“Hitori.”
Hitori:
“No.”
Aysa:
“But I haven’t even asked yet.”
Hitori:
“You’re going to ask me to carry you.”
Aysa:
“So what’s the problem with that?”
Hitori:
“Keep dreaming.”
Guma burst into laughter.
Guma:
“What, are you scared of women?”
Hitori:
“Shut up.”
Nicelle then raised her own hand.
Nicelle:
“Then you carry me, Guma.”
Guma:
“Get lost.”
Nicelle:
“Coward.”
Hitori:
“And you call me out?”
Laughter echoed through the infirmary once again.
And so…
The third day of the River City Tournament came to an end.
Eighteen competitors remained in the competition.
Eighteen warriors.
Eighteen dreams.
Only one would become the champion.
That same night…
Far from the lights of the arena…
A lone figure stood atop a rooftop, watching the city below.
The darkness concealed the figure’s face completely.
Below…
The river flowed silently toward the sea.
The wind stirred the dark cloak.
The figure remained perfectly still.
Watching.
Waiting.
Then…
A smile appeared beneath the shadows.
???:
“Tomorrow…”
The voice faded into the wind.
???:
“…will be the great day.”
The night remained silent.