Zack was up early. He quietly fastened his sword across his back, the sheath resting snugly against his shoulder. The first rays of morning light crept through the window as he reached for the doorknob to leave Valen's room.
Just before stepping out, he paused.
Turning back, he looked at Valen—still asleep, peaceful.
Zack bowed his head slightly. "Thank you… but—" he took a deep breath, voice low and resolute, "I still have a goal. And I won't stop until I achieve it."
Even though he knew Valen couldn't hear him as he was asleep, Zack said it anyway. Then, without another word, he quietly stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
Few hours later...
Valen stirred awake, blinking as he looked around the room. His gaze darted left and right, disoriented.
"…Where…?" he mumbled before realization dawned.
"He must have left," Valen said bluntly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He scratched his messy bed hair and groaned as he glanced at the clock. "Ah, look at the time! Damn that kid… didn't even bother to wake me up."
Yawning, he stripped off his shirt and headed to the bathroom.
"At this rate," he muttered, stepping into the warm water, "I might be the last one there…"
Meanwhile still in the contenders' area inside bianca's room
Bianca sat on her bed, already dressed in her battle outfit. Her energy had returned. She looked calm, collected—ready.
Rider ran towards bianca, carrying her sword with a wide grin. "It's the big day! Give it your all, okay?"
Bianca smiled, taking the sword and strapping it to her waist. "Do you even have to say it? Of course I'll give it everything."
Rider let out a relieved sigh. "You were right—it was just a night fever. I'm glad you're okay."
Bianca shook her head. "No… it could've been worse if not for Dad."
She looked toward the corner where Azreal was adjusting his cloth, preparing to leave.
"I won't be here all the time," Azreal said, without turning. "So take care of yourself. Damn it I'm running late—Neon's going to kill me."
"Wait, Azreal!" Rider called out, rushing to the door with him. "I never got to thank you. Because of—"
"Save it," Azreal interrupted, smirking.
"If you want to thank me, do it properly—by protecting my daughter. I've always trusted you with that role. Now more than ever, she needs someone by her side. I'm not around much, so it's up to you now… Son of Dran."
Rider bowed, solemn. "I promise. Her protection is my responsibility."
Azreal patted Rider's head. "Good. Now I have to go before Neon eats me alive."
He started down the hallway but suddenly stopped, turning back.
"Oh—and one more thing, Rider."
Rider tensed. "Yeah?"
"If you ever see Bianca's mom…" Azreal narrowed his eyes, "Don't ever tell her Bianca entered the tournament. She'd skin me alive."
Rider chuckled. "These lips are sealed."
Azreal grinned and disappeared down the corridor. As Rider watched him go, Bianca stepped out of her room, fully prepared.
"Umm… Rider? You okay?" she asked.
He blinked and quickly looked away. "Yeah, yeah—I'm fine. Let's go."
He rushed ahead, but Bianca called out, "Hey, wait!"
He turned—and was met with a quick kiss on the cheek.
Both of them froze. Faces flushed.
"What… what was that for?" Rider stammered.
Bianca giggled. "That was for everything you did for me. Wait—you didn't like it?"
Rider's face turned crimson. "No! I mean—yes! I mean—maybe? Wait—what I meant was—"
She laughed harder, finally cutting him off. "Relax. I was just teasing you. Let's go."
Meanwhile outside the contenders' area, The arena.
A massive crowd had gathered—more than last time. The stands were packed, and the air buzzed with excitement.
Zack stood still, taking in the new battlefield arrangements.
"They managed to set this up overnight?" he muttered in disbelief.
Suddenly, a voice called out.
"Zack, wait!"
He turned casually. Leo came running toward him, panting.
"I couldn't find you yesterday," Leo gasped. "Please, listen—I didn't want to do what I did. Bell told me if I helped him, he'd stop hurting you. I only did it… for you, Zack."
Zack shrugged, emotionless. "What you do is none of my business. If that's all, I'll be leaving now. And for the record—my father… Bell… doesn't keep his promises."
He walked off without another glance, leaving Leo alone in the crowd.
Aingo stepped into the arena, his eyes scanning the new setup in awe. Rider spotted him and ran over.
"Aingo! I'm sorry I didn't come home last night—Bianca needed—"
Aingo waved him off, walking past and sitting down.
"Why are you apologizing? I slept better than usual. Your snoring didn't keep me up."
"I don't snore!" Rider protested, wide-eyed.
"Sure you don't," Aingo replied with heavy sarcasm.
Before Rider could retort, a booming voice echoed across the arena.
"WARRIOR AINGO!!"
They turned to see a owering, muscular man striding toward them with a wide grin.
Aingo's expression shifted from surprise to awe.
"…Tanker?" he whispered.
Rider's eyes widened. So this is Tanker… eighth in the tournament. Whoa. Even his muscles have muscles… He's got a strong aura. No wonder he was one of the Elite Soldiers.