Rhys walked back toward his team, still breathing hard. Puddle jumped onto his shoulder, clapping her tiny hands.
"MASTER STRONG! Master scary! Master SUPER WINNER!"
Rhys nearly collapsed.
"…I want water."
Sophia immediately handed him a bottle.
"Drink. Slowly."
Lyra added, "Rest. The other matches will take time."
Rhys lay back in his chair, trying to breathe normally.
He had just survived the first Top Ten match… and somehow won.
He was now officially in the Top Five, guaranteed a place in tomorrow's finals.
The referee raised his hand.
"Next match! Zenith vs. Eira Flamesong!"
The crowd exploded with cheers.
Rhys froze.
"…Eira? The girl who melted half the training field last week?"
Dreamer nodded.
"Yep. Fire demoness versus darkness swordsman."
Fate grinned.
"We get front row seats to a disaster!"
Rhys turned slowly.
"…Please never say that again."
Match 2: Zenith vs. Eira Flamesong
The arena shook as the two fighters stepped forward.
