Chapter 33: End of the Semifinal
In the arena, Xavier and Rai stood across from one another beneath the glaring sun, their shadows long against the stone tiles.
The atmosphere was thick with tension, the crowd holding its collective breath.
Rai gave a lopsided grin, trying to break the silence. "It's finally our turn, huh, Xavier?"
He cracked his knuckles, sparks of lightning dancing along his fingertips. "I've been looking forward to fighting the number one disciple of the Blue Mist Mountain Sect. Heard a lot about you."
He jabbed a thumb toward the viewing platform. "You saw the last match, right? That guy only won because of his good looks. Can't blame the girl though—he looked like he descended straight from the celestial realm or something."
Xavier remained silent, his eyes focused.
Rai sighed. "Not much of a talker, huh? Alright, alright. Let's let our fists do the chatting."
With a sharp inhale, Xavier drew his sword in one fluid motion. It shimmered faintly in the light, already infused with sword qi. Rai's body responded with a surge of blue lightning that cracked across his skin like living armor.
The signal sounded.
In an instant, they clashed. The impact of their first exchange sent a shockwave through the arena, rattling the spectator stands. Xavier's swordsmanship was precise and relentless.
Rai, however, wasn't so easily overwhelmed. His movements were heavy, each blow carrying the weight of a thunderstorm. Punches collided with sword swings in a storm of force and light, scattering arcs of lightning and sending sharp gusts across the battleground.
BOOM!
A massive shockwave erupted as Rai struck the ground, creating a field of static that cracked and buzzed. Xavier dashed through the arcs like a ghost, slashing from angles that seemed impossible to predict.
They exchanged blows for nearly an hour. The crowd alternated between cheers and stunned silence.
Despite the spectacle, Rai was growing weary. His lightning grew erratic, and sweat glistened beneath his wild hair.
He laughed, breathless. "Hahaha! You're really strong, Xavier."
Xavier's expression didn't change. "You're as annoying as ever."
"Huh? Pretty sure we've never had a conversation before… Ah well, whatever! Let's finish this!"
With a roar, Rai unleashed a final burst of power, lightning enveloping him like a storm beast. He charged forward, fists raised high.
Xavier's eyes sharpened. With a swift sidestep and a slash imbued with profound sword intent, he cut through the lightning and landed a clean blow.
Rai crumpled to the ground, his spiritual energy flickering like a dying flame.
"Winner: Xavier Reu!" the announcer's voice rang out, clear and final.
The crowd roared as the medical team rushed in. A few moments later, several elders descended to check on both fighters.
Flux had watched the entire battle from the seats. He stayed silent as the noise swelled in the arena, his expression unreadable. When the match ended and the commotion began to die down, he stood and quietly slipped out of the arena.
---
Outside the arena, the late afternoon sun bathed the streets in gold.
Under a broad tree near the plaza, Ryo leaned back lazily, popping roasted seeds into his mouth. His robes were wrinkled, his hair slightly frazzled.
"There you are, Ryo," Flux said, approaching with measured steps.
Ryo squinted up. "Huh? Who—my eyes! Why are you glowing?!"
Flux raised an eyebrow, amused. "Still not recovered from frying your own brain with lightning?"
"Tsk. You're not really going to bring that up again, are you?" Ryo grumbled, tossing a seed shell to the ground.
Flux said nothing, only smiled faintly.
Ryo flinched and shielded his face. "Dammit, don't smile like that! You'll blind the whole crowd. That white robe's illegal. Where's my shady friend gone?"
"You always complained about me hiding my appearance. What's with the change of heart?"
"I changed my mind! You're way too dashing like this. I preferred the mysterious, creepy version. At least he didn't get us stared at every five seconds."
"I'm heading to buy new clothes anyway," Flux said. "Want to come?"
"Yeah, why not. I've got nothing better to do."
As they walked down the busy street, whispers followed them like shadows.
Ryo muttered under his breath, "Are you sure you're not some runaway prince or hidden young master from a legendary sect? Where did you get those looks?"
"I already told you I'm not."
"And I already told you—no one's going to believe that."
Flux glanced toward a large, decorative building up ahead. "I'm going to the gambling house first. Time to collect."
Ryo gave him a sideways glance. "You're not planning to fight Xavier first?"
Flux replied evenly, "I know my limits."
"…Can't argue with that. Let's go, rich man."
---
The Golden Guava Gambling House loomed ahead with polished doors and gilded lanterns.
Inside, the smell of incense and spirit wine hung in the air. Flux approached the front desk.
"I'm here to withdraw my winnings," he said calmly.
The clerk blinked at him, clearly caught off guard by his striking presence. "Ah—yes, of course! One moment, please!"
After a short wait and some formalities, Flux was handed a pouch of spirit stones.
"We take a five percent commission, as per the house rules," the clerk reminded him politely.
[Gambling House Rules]:
Bets may only be placed before the tournament begins.
If your pick loses in their first match, you lose your bet.
If they win at least once, you can withdraw before their next match.
After the round begins, you must wait until the tournament ends.
Outside, Ryo groaned as they walked. "You're seriously going to blind the whole city. Everyone's still staring at you."
Flux adjusted his robe. "Let's buy new clothes. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable too."
"So... how much did you win?" Ryo asked, rubbing his chin.
"I bet 30 middle-grade spirit stones. The odds were high—almost no one bet on me. I won around 1,000."
"Damn!" Ryo nearly choked on a seed. "You're paying for dinner, and dessert."
He sighed. "So many people bet on Xavier… I'll be lucky if I walk away with a few dozen stones."
Flux smiled. "Let's go buy clothes."
---
They arrived at the largest clothing store in Mologan City, Azure Needle Atelier, where enchanted mannequins stood in elegant poses behind crystal glass.
Ryo muttered as they walked in, "Please, for the love of the heavens, don't buy something more dazzling. Think of the innocent people."
Flux chuckled softly. "Relax. I'm looking for something more practical."
A smartly dressed clerk approached with a bow. "Welcome, honored guests. What may I assist you with?"
"I'm looking for a black robe," Flux said. "Something durable."
"Right this way," the clerk said with a polite smile, leading them into a private showroom.
"This piece here," the clerk gestured proudly, "features self-repair enchantments, automatic cleaning formations, and low-level protective arrays. Elegant yet fit for combat."
Ryo let out a whistle. "Now that's high-end. What's the damage?"
"Fifty middle-grade spirit stones," the clerk replied.
Flux nodded. "I'll take it."
Ryo sighed exaggeratedly. "Must be nice being rich."
The clerk bowed. "Would you like it packaged, or would you prefer to wear it now? You may use our dressing room."
"I'll wear it now. Do you have a durable hat as well?"
"Of course. This one's black, reinforced, and includes an active Shadow Veil formation—excellent for identity concealment. Very popular among discreet travelers and rogue cultivators."
"Perfect. I'll take it."
"That will be ten more middle-grade spirit stones. Sixty in total."
Flux paid and changed into his new gear. When he stepped out, dressed head to toe in sleek, battle-ready black, Ryo groaned again.
"Dammit! Why do you look so cool in that expensive shady gear?"
Flux raised an eyebrow. "You always have something to say about how I look."
"Yeah, well, that's your fault for walking around like a protagonist."
Flux smirked. "Let's go eat. The final match is tomorrow. I want to be at full strength."
Ryo shook his head, smiling. "You really are the weirdest person I've ever met."