The quiet hum of the transport vehicle was a constant reminder of the journey ahead. Squad Four was heading toward a new chapter—quite literally—leaving their home state behind for the bustling city of Tokyo, where the World Ascension Tournament would be held. This wasn't just a change of scenery. It was a shift in their reality. The stakes were higher now. The tournament wasn't just a competition; it was their proving ground.
Kael sat in silence by the window, the world outside blurring by in a rush of colors. The cityscape, far removed from the tranquility of the academy, felt cold, distant. He let out a slow breath and leaned back in his seat, his mind wandering back to the training days that had led them to this point. Every moment had been grueling. Every setback had made him question himself even more. Would his powers be a liability? Would he be able to control them?
Tetsu sat across from him, tapping away on his phone, clearly more relaxed than Kael. His eyes flicked up, catching Kael's gaze.
"Hey, you good?" Tetsu asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you're about to pass out from all that thinking."
Kael gave a small nod but didn't say much. He didn't know how to explain the swirling mix of emotions inside him—anxiety, determination, and... guilt. He couldn't shake the image of Hana's scar, no matter how hard he tried.
Across from them, Hana and Ryuu were having their own conversation. Hana was excited about the tournament, her face glowing with a certain eagerness. She was a force to be reckoned with, and Kael couldn't help but admire her resilience. Ryuu, on the other hand, kept his usual serious demeanor, but even he couldn't hide the slight spark in his eyes. They were all ready, even if they didn't fully know what awaited them.
"I hope the tournament's as exciting as they say," Hana said, glancing at Kael with a mischievous grin. "I've been training with you guys for weeks now, but I've got a feeling I might actually enjoy the real competition."
Kael finally looked up, meeting her gaze, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You'll do great. Just make sure not to go easy on anyone."
"I never go easy," Hana responded confidently. "I'll show them what the squad can really do."
Tetsu leaned back in his seat, shaking his head. "Just make sure you don't go overboard and break someone's arm, alright?"
Hana laughed, the sound light and carefree. It was good to see her in a lighter mood after everything that had happened. Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him, even if it was temporary. They were all in this together.
The transport vehicle rumbled along the highway, heading toward Tokyo. It would take several hours to get there, and the team was making the most of their time by going over battle strategies and mental preparations.
Kaede, who had been quiet for most of the trip, finally spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of authority that Kael had come to expect from him.
"Alright, we're entering the final stretch. We'll arrive in Tokyo by tonight. From there, you'll have a day to settle in and prepare. Tomorrow, the tournament begins."
Kael nodded, feeling the anticipation in the pit of his stomach. He could feel the excitement building, but it wasn't the same as before. Now, it was tempered by the understanding that this wasn't just about fighting for victory—it was about proving himself. About proving that he could control his power. And that he could protect the people he cared about.
"We're going to need every ounce of focus," Kaede continued, glancing at each of them. "There will be opponents out there who won't hesitate. Some will fight to win, others will fight for something more. Don't let anything distract you. This isn't just about strength; it's about strategy."
Ryuu leaned forward, locking eyes with Kaede. "You think anyone from outside the academy can stand up to us?"
Kaede gave a slight smirk. "I wouldn't underestimate anyone. The other schools have their own powerful students. Some of them may be more dangerous than we realize."
The Arrival in Tokyo
The sun was beginning to set as the transport vehicle rolled into the heart of Tokyo. The sprawling city greeted them with its towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and a pulsating energy that Kael had only ever seen in documentaries. The streets were alive with activity, and the sheer size of the city made everything feel even more real. This wasn't just a tournament; it was a stage for the world to watch. The stakes couldn't have been higher.
The team arrived at their designated accommodations, a high-tech facility designed specifically for the tournament's participants. It was a sleek, modern building with all the amenities they could need, but Kael barely noticed the luxury. His mind was elsewhere—on the fights to come, on the pressure that weighed down on him.
Kaede gathered them together before they entered the building.
"Tomorrow morning, the first round begins. Use tonight to rest. This is the calm before the storm. I don't want any distractions."
"Got it," Tetsu said, saluting with a smirk.
The rest of the squad nodded in agreement. Kael, however, felt the familiar weight of responsibility press down on him. The tournament wasn't just a test of strength—it was a test of character. He wasn't sure if he was ready, but he knew he didn't have a choice. He would have to be.
As they entered the building, Kael cast one last glance at the Tokyo skyline through the large windows, the city lights shimmering in the distance. This was it. No turning back now.