The morning light bathed the massive tournament arena in gold as Kael and his squad stepped into a world unlike any they'd ever seen. The World Ascension Tournament Grounds, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, stretched like a fortress of stone, steel, and energy—a modern coliseum buzzing with the power of over a thousand young Wielders, all from different corners of the world.
The crowd inside was a vibrant storm of languages, uniforms, and elemental flares. Some students were levitating, others sparring mid-air, and others walking with confident auras that screamed experience. Tokyo's energy was nothing compared to the pulse of this place. This was elite territory—and Kael could feel it in his bones.
As the squad entered, Eri tugged Kael and Tetsu back for a moment, her expression firm but playful. She was adjusting Kael's gauntlet gear and double-checking Tetsu's blade.
"Reminder," she said, tightening the last strap. "Break this gear, and you'll owe me a lifetime supply of chocolate mochi."
Tetsu smirked. "No promises if I run into a dragon."
Kael offered a faint smile. "We'll bring it back in one piece."
"Good," Eri replied, stepping back. "Now go show them what we're made of."
The Events Begin
The stadium's overhead screens lit up with the emblem of the World Ascension Tournament—a burning phoenix fused with a dragon, wings spread around a spiraling Will crystal. Kaede gathered the squad in the preparation room, giving them the breakdown.
"Four events before the main tournament," Kaede said. "Each one tests a core skill. Your scores will affect matchups in the final combat bracket. Don't burn out before the real fight."
The events were announced one by one:
The Gauntlet Run – A multi-terrain obstacle course filled with elemental traps, illusions, and summoned beasts. It tested agility, reflexes, and creative use of powers.
Mind Lock – A Will-based mental simulation, where participants faced tailored hallucinations drawn from their fears and desires. It was a battle of self-awareness and Will-control.
The Weight of Will – A gravity chamber that increased pressure the deeper participants went. They had to carry a core relic to the center while withstanding crushing weight.
The Unity Clash – A two-person team battle against other duos. Speed, strategy, and sync were key.
The fighting tournament, the Celestial Combat Crown, would be last. Only the top 128 fighters would make it through.
A Darker Presence
As Kael, Tetsu, Hana, Ryuu, and the others watched the other competitors warm up, a chilling aura rolled through the air like thick fog. Whispers rippled through the nearby teams as five figures walked calmly into the arena's competitor zone, clad in midnight-black uniforms with silver trim.
The air tightened.
Kael turned toward the source instinctively, his Will reacting before his eyes did. These kids weren't normal—three of them practically radiated malevolence. Dark Will leaked from their skin like smoke.
"Yo," Tetsu said, stepping next to Kael. "You feel that too?"
Ryuu crossed his arms, eyes narrowed. "It's like their presence... wants to crush you."
Kael nodded slowly. "Familiar... but different."
The fifth figure in their group was an average-looking boy, perhaps younger than the others, eyes wide and lost. Clearly not one of the core three. But standing just a few feet behind them was a man in a black cloak, hands folded calmly. He wore a plain smile, gray hair slightly falling over one eye, posture humble—almost... monk-like.
Kaede, standing behind them, froze for half a second. His gaze locked on the man.
That face.
Those eyes.
He blinked—and the moment passed. The man turned his head slowly, meeting Kaede's gaze with a subtle smile, then turned back to his students. Kaede's breath caught.
No... it couldn't be.
But something deep in his instincts whispered otherwise.
That man was none other than Kurojin Tsukiro.
Yet no one knew. Not yet.
As the event announcements ended and participants moved to their respective zones, Kael couldn't help but glance back at the three dark Wielders. One of them—a tall one with a jagged scar on his jaw and glowing red eyes—grinned at Kael when their eyes met.
That smile didn't feel like a threat. It felt like a promise.
The tournament hadn't even begun, but the war behind the scenes had already started.