Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Whispers swarmed the stands, eyes darting between the four remaining fighters. But one question echoed louder than the cheers and explosions from earlier rounds:
"How did an old man even enter the tournament?"
Kael, Ryuu, Hana, Tetsu—everyone had thought the World Ascension Tournament was only for students. Ages 15 to 19. That's how it had always been.
But this man—Kyoushiro—was clearly not a teenager. He looked like he belonged on a battlefield from a different era.
Just then, the announcer's voice boomed through the arena, cutting through the noise like a blade.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to officially announce a change to this year's World Ascension Tournament!"
"Starting this year, the tournament is no longer restricted to youth academies alone. From now on, it is open to all combatants ages fifteen and up! This is no longer just a battle between schools… this is a battle between the world's rising forces!"
The audience erupted. Cheers, confusion, awe.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "So that's why."
Ryuu's jaw clenched. "No wonder I couldn't read him. That guy isn't just strong—he's experienced."
Kaede, watching from the stands beside Eri, rubbed his chin. "This changes everything. If adults can enter, the pressure's doubled for them."
Eri nodded. "That old man… I ran scans. He's not even using his full Will."
The massive tournament screen flared to life, showing the semi-final matchups:
Tetsu Akiyama vs. Kael Renji
Ryuu Takashi vs. Kyoushiro
A beat of silence, then the announcer added:
"Both matches will begin tomorrow after a brief intermission. Fighters are given time to recover, train, and prepare. The final showdown is near!"
Kael walked off toward the lockers, Tetsu beside him, scratching the back of his neck.
Tetsu grinned. "Guess it's you and me now, huh?"
Kael smirked. "Hope you've improved those counters."
Behind them, Ryuu stood silently, watching Kyoushiro as he disappeared into the shadows of the underground corridor.
Ryuu whispered to himself, "Old or not, you're in my way."
The tournament had evolved.No longer a stage for students.Now… a proving ground for the world's best.
And only one would rise to the top.