It had been two days since the tournament ended.
The academy was quieter now, with students slowly returning to routine—training, classes, and catching up on much-needed rest. But some wounds hadn't healed, especially the ones no one could see.
That night, after dinner, Kael walked down the darkened hallway toward his dorm. His body still ached faintly from the fight with Veyron, but he felt stronger, more focused. He was just steps from his room when—
"Kael."
The voice was sharp, familiar. Kael turned to see Ryuu leaning against the wall near the entrance to the training grounds.
Kael:"…What's up?"
Ryuu:"Come to the training yard. Now."
Kael raised an eyebrow but followed.
Once they were both outside in the dim light of the moon, standing beneath the silent trees of the academy's courtyard, Ryuu didn't wait. He walked up and punched Kael across the jaw.
Kael staggered, stunned.
Kael:"What the hell was that for?!"
Ryuu (coldly):"Fight me."
Kael (still rubbing his jaw):"…A sparring match?"
Ryuu (stepping forward):"No. A real fight."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
Kael:"Why?"
Ryuu (his tone sharp, bitter):"You think you can surpass me? Then show me. Show me this amazing, unbeatable power of yours. Show me what makes you so special."
Kael (confused):"What's with this all of a sudden?"
Ryuu (voice rising):"You think I cared about winning that tournament? No. I wanted to show everyone how strong I was. I wanted to prove I could be the best. But ever since you awakened that damn power of yours, it's been all about you. You this. You that."
Kael took a step back, shocked by the raw anger in Ryuu's voice.
Ryuu (shouting):"You beat the man who beat me. You tried to make it look like you avenged me—but you didn't. You embarrassed me! You stole what should've been my moment!"
He swung again—faster this time. But Kael blocked it with one arm.
Silence.
Then, Kael's expression shifted. Calm… but firm.
Kael (voice low):"…Alright."
He stepped forward, pushing Ryuu back slightly.
Kael:"If you want a fight, you've got it. But don't start crying when you lose."
Lightning flashed in the sky above as tension sparked between them. The training field became a battleground—old rivals, once friends, now caught in a storm of pride, pain, and unresolved fury.
Their real fight was about to begin.