The morning sun bathed Arcbridge Town in a warm golden hue. Zenjiro and Celeste strolled casually through the cobblestone streets, the townspeople parting like waves wherever they walked.
Eyes locked on them — some filled with awe, others with barely concealed envy. Whispers trailed in their wake, but Zenjiro didn't so much as glance at them.
Clad in a crisp black tunic embroidered with silver threads and wearing his ever-confident smirk, Zenjiro walked like he owned the very ground beneath him.
Beside him, Celeste glided gracefully in a flowing white dress, the subtle sparkle of her sapphire tiara catching the light. Her beauty was so striking that more than a few men stumbled into market stalls just trying to get a better look at her.
Zenjiro chuckled lowly and leaned in closer to her, his voice dropping into a teasing murmur.
"You know… last night, my lovely Celeste, was nothing short of divine. You truly have the body of a goddess."
Celeste's cheeks colored a soft pink, but she tilted her head proudly, brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear.
"Our union… was a blessing I never imagined I'd experience. Especially after being freed... from my chains."
She whispered it tenderly, a reminder of the life she'd escaped — a life that now felt like a distant dream under Zenjiro's reign.
Zenjiro gave a cocky grin, running a hand through his spiky hair.
"Tch. Of course it was. You're the first jewel of my growing empire."
As they made their way toward the central square, a small group of rough-looking adventurers approached them. They wore patched armor and worn boots, but their faces were lit with genuine admiration.
"Lord Zenjiro! Thank you for taking care of that rat Dougas. That bastard was bleeding all of us dry with his 'taxes.'" The adventurer said with a polite smile.
"Yeah!" Another one added. "He even made kids pay tolls to cross the river. You did us all a huge favor!"
Zenjiro flashed a dazzling grin, crossing his arms arrogantly.
"Hmph. Arcbridge is under my divine protection now. You all answer to me."
The adventurers glanced at one another, nodding quickly, murmuring thanks and praise. They seemed almost ready to kneel before him — Zenjiro radiated the energy of a natural-born king.
Then one of the younger adventurers, a cocky redhead, spoke up.
"Say, you got perfect timing, too. We're gearing up for the Royal Tournament in the neighboring kingdom. It's to challenge Princess Aria."
Zenjiro raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Princess Aria? Who's that?"
The men exchanged glances, as if unsure how much to say. Finally, the redhead shrugged.
"She's royalty — beautiful as a summer sunset, but cold as a winter storm. Undefeated. It's said that if a man can defeat her in combat, he earns her hand in marriage."
"But nobody's even come close." another one chimed in, "They say only a real man could tame a woman like her. If one even exists."
Zenjiro's grin widened into something dangerous, almost predatory. He glanced at Celeste, who smiled faintly, as if she already knew what he was thinking.
"Heh. A challenge. Sounds like destiny knocking."
He placed an arm around Celeste's waist, pulling her close.
"We're tagging along. I want to see this Aria myself. If she's my type..." He smirked devilishly.
"…she'll be the next jewel in my harem."
The adventurers gawked at him in disbelief.
"You already have a woman like her—!"
He motioned wildly at Celeste, whose beauty easily outshone any noblewoman.
"You're aiming for a harem?!"
Zenjiro threw back his head and laughed loudly, the sound rich and utterly unrepentant.
He turned to face the bustling town square, raised his arms high, and announced boldly for all to hear:
"HEAR ME, MORTALS! I AM ZENJIRO — A GOD WALKING AMONG MEN! I SHALL BUILD A HAREM WORTHY OF DIVINITY ITSELF!"
The entire marketplace fell silent for a heartbeat — before erupting into stunned whispers and gasps.
Celeste simply shook her head fondly and adjusted her tiara.
"He truly is impossible…" saying softly to herself.
And yet, her lips curled in a proud smile.
The group of adventurers, still shell-shocked, scrambled to offer directions to the Royal Tournament grounds, while Zenjiro strolled ahead confidently, Celeste at his side, and the promise of new conquests gleaming brightly in his crimson eyes.
***
The path leading away from Arcbridge was winding and dusty, stretching into rolling green fields under a vast blue sky. A cool breeze stirred the grass, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and adventure.
Zenjiro led the way atop a magnificent black stallion, the steed a gift from grateful townsfolk who now saw him as a living god. Celeste rode beside him on a snow-white mare, her flowing hair and regal posture making her look every bit the goddess to match her husband's lofty ambitions.
For a while, they rode in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the rhythmic clop of hooves and the rustle of wind in the trees.
But Celeste, ever observant, caught the glint of excitement in Zenjiro's crimson eyes and decided to poke some fun.
Celeste then spoke, teasingly…
"You seem... unusually spirited, husband. Is it the idea of facing an undefeated princess that excites you? Or simply the thought of adding another beauty to your collection?"
Zenjiro shot her a sideways glance, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.
"Why not both? A man of my stature deserves a harem fitting of legend."
Celeste chuckled softly, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Just remember, my lord, even gods can be overwhelmed if they gather too many treasures they cannot control."
Zenjiro leaned back lazily in his saddle, resting his hands behind his head.
"Tch. I'm not like those pathetic kings who collapse under the weight of their own greed.
I don't collect women. I conquer their hearts."
Celeste raised an elegant brow.
"A noble sentiment. I trust you'll remember to conquer them with more than just your... swordsmanship." she said dryly.
Zenjiro barked a laugh, nearly startling his horse.
"Heh! If my sword doesn't win them over, my other skills surely will."
Celeste's face flushed a delicate pink, but she quickly masked it with a graceful toss of her hair.
They passed a group of traders hauling goods toward Arcbridge, who gawked openly at Zenjiro and Celeste.
The men bowed clumsily from their carts; the women blushed furiously as Zenjiro offered a casual wink.
"You leave broken hearts in your wake." Celeste murmured.
"Better broken hearts than broken bones. Although... I'm good at both." He grinned.
***
The road stretched on, and as the day wore into late afternoon, the towers of the neighboring kingdom began to loom in the distance — white spires glinting like blades against the sky.
Ahead of them, banners fluttered in the breeze: the sigil of the Royal Tournament — two golden lions entwined around a sword.
Celeste leaned closer to Zenjiro, her voice softer now.
"This Princess Aria… do you truly intend to claim her?"
Zenjiro's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"If she's strong, beautiful, and worthy… then yes. I'll claim her.
I came to this other world to live without limits.
Why should my ambitions stop at just one kingdom... or one woman?"
Celeste said nothing for a moment. Then, with a sly smile, she offered him a small nod.
Celeste then whispered to him…
"Then I shall help you… so long as I remain your first and most beloved."
Zenjiro reached out, grasped her hand firmly in his, and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
"You will always be my first goddess, Celeste. My queen." He said, low and fierce.
Their horses rode side by side into the gathering twilight, the great kingdom of Rosenthal awaiting them — and with it, the first true test of Zenjiro's grand ambition.
The hunt for Princess Aria had begun.
***
The great city of Rosenthal stretched before them, alive with music, chatter, and the clang of steel. Banners depicting roaring lions snapped in the wind above white stone towers. In the heart of the city, the Grand Arena loomed like a coliseum built for gods — rows upon rows of seating rising high into the sky.
Crowds from every corner of the kingdom had gathered for the Tournament of Valor, eager to see the strongest warriors clash for the greatest prize: the hand of the undefeated Princess Aria Valeflame.
Zenjiro and Celeste dismounted at the city gates. The guards barely gave them a second glance — every traveler was welcome during the festival.
As they entered the bustling streets, they were immediately swept up in the energy: merchants shouting, acrobats flipping, smiths hammering gleaming swords for would-be champions.
Zenjiro grinned, "Feels like the whole damn world showed up."
"A kingdom that celebrates bloodshed for marriage… how quaint." Celeste said as she was eyeing the chaos.
They strolled through the market, ignoring the stares they attracted. News of Arcbridge's liberation hadn't reached this far yet — for now, they were just another pair of travelers.
Near the Arena's massive entrance, a group of rugged adventurers were swapping tales over mugs of ale.
"You heard? Some kid from the north tried to flirt with her during the last tournament. She broke his nose before the match even started!"
Another one chimed in, mockingly…
"Your beauty rivals the flames,' he said. Got a flaming fist to the jaw for his poetry."
The table erupted in laughter.
Zenjiro paused, intrigued.
"Sounds like she's got a bit of a temper." He said to Celeste.
"You have a knack for attracting trouble." Celeste smirked.
Just then, a loud trumpet blast echoed through the streets. The crowd parted as a procession rode past: knights in crimson cloaks escorting a single figure on horseback.
Her.
Princess Aria Valeflame.
Zenjiro turned, and for the first time, laid eyes on her.
Aria was breathtaking — a vision of burning vitality. She wore black and red battle armor that gleamed under the sun, her fiery scarlet hair spilling like molten lava down her shoulders. Her golden eyes burned with pride and defiance, daring anyone to challenge her.
The citizens cheered wildly, chanting her name: "Aria! Aria! Aria!"
Aria dismounted in front of the Arena steps, tossing her helm to a squire without even glancing at him. Her sword — a sleek, curved blade shimmering with enchantments — hung casually at her hip.
Zenjiro, standing tall amidst the crowd, didn't hide the smirk playing on his lips.
Zenjiro (low to Celeste): "Now that... is a woman worth claiming."
As if sensing his gaze, Aria turned sharply, her fiery eyes locking onto his.
For a split second, the world around them blurred.
She narrowed her eyes at Zenjiro's bold, cocky grin. A faint pink tinge colored her cheeks, though she masked it quickly with a sneer.
Under her breath, barely audible, she muttered:
"Bastard..."
Celeste, hearing it, chuckled softly behind her hand.
"Congratulations. You've already left an impression."
Zenjiro grinned wider, "Good. I'll make sure she never forgets it."
The princess turned on her heel, cape swirling, and stormed up the Arena steps — but not before casting one last sideways glance at the infuriatingly smug newcomer.
Zenjiro watched her go, feeling the familiar thrill of the hunt igniting within him.
"This tournament just got interesting."
***
The tournament grounds were a wild swirl of color and sound — cheering crowds packed the wooden bleachers, food vendors shouted to passing travelers, and at the center, a massive open arena of hardened dirt awaited its first spilled blood.
Zenjiro stood tall at the edge of the arena, arms crossed, wearing a cocky grin that could punch through mountains. Beside him, Celeste in her light blue traveling cloak looked around nervously, her beautiful face troubled.
She tugged at his sleeve.
"Zenjiro," she said softly, "please… try not to go overboard."
He turned his head toward her, amused, eyes glinting. "Go overboard?" he repeated with mock offense. "My dear bride, I am a God among mortals. How else should I demonstrate my glory?"
Celeste flushed slightly, pushing against his chest with her palms. "I'm serious! This tournament is meant to be a celebration, not a massacre!" she scolded in a whisper.
Zenjiro chuckled low, wrapping an arm lazily around her shoulders. "Relax, my lovely Celeste. I'll hold back... a little."
He leaned in closer, a devilish smirk spreading across his lips. "But what's the fun if I end it too quickly? Watching them struggle... beg... it's part of the entertainment."
Celeste shook her head, giving him a look somewhere between exasperation and fondness. "Just… don't break too many bones, alright?"
He winked at her. "No promises."
From across the field, a loud booming voice interrupted them:
"All participants! Gather in the central ring! The First Round is about to begin!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.
Zenjiro grinned, cracked his knuckles loudly, and strutted forward with the swagger of a man who owned the very ground he walked on. The other contestants eyed him warily — some scoffing, others quietly moving away.
Celeste stayed behind, watching him from the stands.
Her heart thudded with a mix of worry and pride.
"Be safe, my love..." she whispered.
Zenjiro stepped into the arena, facing a sea of would-be warriors from all walks of life — adventurers, mercenaries, knights — all drawn by the promise of Princess Aria's hand.
He tilted his head back and laughed boldly, throwing his arms open.
"Come, insects! Face your God!"
The horn sounded, echoing across the arena.
The tournament had begun.
***
First Round (The Free-for-All)
The moment the horn finished its blaring note, the arena erupted into chaos.
Swords clanged. Fireballs soared. Battle cries filled the air.
Over fifty contestants surged into battle, clawing, slashing, and scrambling like desperate rats.
In the very center, completely untouched by the madness, stood Zenjiro, arms folded, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips.
"Pathetic."
A beefy axe-wielder charged at him with a roar, swinging a massive double-bladed weapon aimed at splitting Zenjiro's skull open.
Without even unfolding his arms, Zenjiro tilted his head slightly — the axe whooshed past harmlessly.
Then, with a simple flick of his foot, he tapped the man's shin.
CRACK!
The man screamed and crumpled to the ground, clutching his shattered leg, disarmed and defeated in an instant.
From the stands, Celeste winced slightly but couldn't help smiling. "He's showing off again..."
Another group — three spearmen and a mage — decided to rush Zenjiro together, believing numbers would overcome arrogance.
Big mistake.
Zenjiro sighed dramatically.
"I guess I'll get a little exercise after all."
In a single, fluid movement, he lunged forward.
His hand caught the first spear mid-thrust and snapped it like a twig. He used the broken shaft to trip the second spearman, sending him sprawling.
The third barely had time to react before Zenjiro's fist hammered into his stomach with a loud, sickening thud — the man went flying backward like a ragdoll, crashing into a group of stunned archers.
The mage desperately began to chant a spell, a glowing orb of flame gathering in his palm.
Zenjiro didn't even give him the honor of finishing it.
He plucked a rock from the ground and casually tossed it — it whizzed through the air and smashed into the mage's forehead.
Thunk!
Out cold before the spell could even ignite.
The crowd gasped — some in horror, others in awe.
The other fighters quickly began to realize: this man was not just another contestant. He was a monster wearing a smug human face.
All around the field, weaker contestants either tried to avoid Zenjiro entirely or ganged up on easier prey to survive.
Zenjiro strolled through the battlefield leisurely, picking off fighters like a farmer plucking weeds.
Sometimes he used a flick of his finger, a tap of his foot, a casual shove — but every touch sent his opponents sprawling, howling, or unconscious.
And the entire time, he never stopped grinning.
From the stands, Celeste leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.
"You could have just knocked them out gently, you know..." she muttered under her breath.
But secretly, watching him — confident, unstoppable — filled her heart with pride.
This was her husband. Her God.
Minutes dragged by, and the field rapidly thinned.
The once-thunderous roar of the battlefield dwindled to grunts, groans, and the occasional scream as Zenjiro effortlessly dismantled the competition.
Soon, only a handful remained.
The judges, stunned by the pace of the match, hurriedly blew the signal horn.
BOOOOOOOOM!
The First Round ended.
In the dust and silence, Zenjiro stood alone in the center of the arena, surrounded by the fallen.
Ten participants were left, including him — most of them surviving only because they'd wisely avoided getting anywhere near him.
The announcer's voice cracked as he shouted:
"T-The first round is over! The top ten will move to the next stage — one-on-one duels!"
The crowd exploded into cheers, and Zenjiro lifted one hand lazily in a half-hearted wave, as if basking in his inevitable glory.
Celeste rose from her seat, a small smile playing on her lips.
"He's just getting started."
***
The Second Round (1v1 Duels Begin)
The arena had been quickly cleaned of unconscious bodies.
The sand was stained, weapons scattered, the scent of blood still sharp in the air.
The judges gathered the top ten survivors into the center.
Zenjiro barely even glanced at them — none of them had made enough impression to be worth remembering.
A few flinched just being near him.
From the VIP balcony above, a pair of piercing amber eyes studied him.
Princess Aria Valeflame, armored lightly in crimson and black, leaned forward in her seat.
Her fiery hair was pulled back in a warrior's braid, and a sword rested casually across her lap.
"Hmph... that cocky bastard is making a mockery of my tournament."
Her voice was cool, but there was a strange glint of intrigue in her gaze.
Next to her, an advisor muttered nervously, "Princess Aria, he... he might be a real contender."
Aria's lip curled slightly in amusement.
"Or just another idiot who'll crumble when faced with me."
Still...
She hadn't seen someone so brazen — so disgustingly sure of himself — in a long time.
And worse, he was winning. EASILY.
Her interest was piqued.
And that annoyed her more than anything.
Down below, the second round began.
Each match was announced, and the fighters paired off.
The first matchup: Zenjiro vs. Raul Thunderfist — a hulking brute twice Zenjiro's size, known for breaking bones with his bare hands.
The crowd roared as Raul stepped forward, flexing his muscles and pounding his fists together.
Zenjiro yawned loudly.
"Another ogre. How boring," he said, stretching his arms casually.
Celeste, sitting elegantly at the side with the nobles, chuckled softly behind her hand.
"Show off..." she whispered to herself.
"BEGIN!"
The judge's shout barely finished before Raul lunged.
He swung a heavy haymaker aimed straight at Zenjiro's jaw.
WHIFF.
Zenjiro wasn't there.
He was standing casually behind Raul now, tapping the man mockingly on the shoulder.
"Too slow."
Raul roared in frustration and spun, throwing a series of wild punches.
Zenjiro dodged each one effortlessly, weaving around them with lazy, almost insulting ease.
Then, with a smirk, Zenjiro raised a single finger —
—and booped Raul on the forehead.
BOOM!
A shockwave erupted from that single touch, sending the giant flying backward across the arena like a kicked sack of flour.
He crashed into the wall with a deafening thud and slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Silence.
Then an explosion of cheers — some horrified, others ecstatic.
In the VIP balcony, Aria narrowed her eyes, tapping a gloved finger on her sword thoughtfully.
"What the hell was that...? He didn't even use magic."
The duels continued, but none could match the sheer spectacle of Zenjiro's fight.
Each time it was his turn, the crowd buzzed with excitement.
His next opponent was a wiry assassin-type with poisoned daggers.
Zenjiro grinned, cracked his knuckles, and said:
"Bring all your tricks. I'll still wipe the floor with you."
The assassin vanished into thin air — invisibility magic!
The crowd gasped.
Zenjiro didn't even blink.
He reached out lazily —
—and caught the invisible man mid-air by the neck as if he were grabbing a kitten.
The assassin yelped as he shimmered back into visibility, flailing uselessly.
Zenjiro slammed him into the ground with a casual thud and stepped over him, not even bothering to look back.
"Next."
By the end of the second round, the top three were clear.
Zenjiro stood untouched, unbothered, and utterly dominant.
The other two finalists were strong in their own right —
— but next to Zenjiro's overwhelming presence, they looked like side characters at best.
The judges announced the result, struggling to hide their awe:
"T-The final three contestants will now face Princess Aria Valeflame... one by one!"
The crowd went wild, stamping their feet and shouting.
Above, Aria rose from her seat.
The air around her heated visibly as she moved, a crackling aura of power swirling around her armored form.
She descended from the balcony with the grace of a predator, her crimson cape billowing behind her.
Her golden eyes locked onto Zenjiro as she passed.
He smirked.
She scowled and muttered under her breath:
"Cocky bastard..."
But...
Her heart beat just a little faster.
This wasn't going to be a boring match after all.
Momentarily, the three finalists stood near the center of the now half-ruined arena.
The crowd buzzed with excitement, their voices a rising storm above the sand.
From the far end, Princess Aria Valeflame slowly approached, her aura of heat shimmering around her like a living flame.
But before the final duels began, there was a tense moment between the three survivors.
Zenjiro stretched lazily, flashing a grin at the others.
"Well, well... we made it. Not bad for a bunch of wannabes."
Brunhilde "The Iron Rose" crossed her thick arms over her breastplate and shot him a withering glare.
"You're so damn cocky, it's a miracle your head doesn't float away."
She stomped her heavy boot into the ground, causing a small tremor under their feet.
"Some of us actually had to fight to get here."
Zenjiro chuckled, completely unfazed.
"What can I say? Talent's a curse."
He gave her a playful wink, which only made her scowl deepen into something murderous.
Kaine "The Lightning Fang" remained silent for a moment, sheathing his slim rapier with a smooth motion.
His sharp, stoic gaze landed on Zenjiro with something between disapproval and reluctant respect.
"You fight like a storm with no direction," Kaine said, his voice low and even.
"Wild. Untamed. But..."
He paused, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"...I can't deny your strength."
Zenjiro smirked.
"Aw, dude. You're gonna make me blush."
Kaine huffed softly, like a sigh caught halfway between amusement and exasperation.
"Tch. Just don't get yourself killed before we get our turn."
Brunhilde snorted.
"If anyone's getting killed, it's Mister 'I am-a-god' over there."
Zenjiro threw his head back and laughed, a deep and fearless sound that rolled across the arena.
Celeste watched him from the stands, her cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and exasperation.
She could only mutter:
"He's really impossible sometimes..."
When it was time, the judge raised his staff and announced:
"The first challenger to face Her Highness — BRUNHILDE THE IRON ROSE!"
The crowd roared approval.
Brunhilde cracked her knuckles and slammed her shield onto her arm, turning to Zenjiro and Kaine briefly.
"Watch closely, boys. This girl plays to win."
She stomped forward proudly, shield raised, earth magic swirling at her boots in faint pulses.
Princess Aria stepped into the ring with effortless grace.
Her sword gleamed — a long, thin blade glowing faintly with inner fire.
Her golden eyes locked onto Brunhilde's defiant stance.
"Let's get this over with," Aria said flatly, her voice carrying clear across the arena.
The judge dropped his hand.
"BEGIN!"
Brunhilde charged immediately, shaking the ground with her first steps, raising a wall of stone behind her to trap Aria between shield and rock.
The crowd gasped — fast thinking!
But Aria barely twitched.
With a flick of her wrist, a whip of searing flame erupted from her sword.
It lashed out faster than sight.
CRACK!
Brunhilde's stone wall shattered like glass.
Before the Iron Rose could react, Aria was already moving —
—a blazing blur closing the distance.
BAM!
Aria's flaming sword smashed against Brunhilde's shield with explosive force.
Brunhilde grunted, bracing with all her strength.
Stone armor rose up at her feet, trying to anchor her.
But Aria was relentless.
Strike after strike rained down like meteors —
— forcing Brunhilde back, step by agonizing step, the ground cracking beneath them.
Brunhilde roared, launching a desperate counter-attack, her shield glowing with earth magic —
—but Aria sidestepped it elegantly, spun, and slammed the flat of her blade against Brunhilde's exposed back.
A fiery blast erupted, sending the armored warrior skidding across the arena like a kicked barrel.
The crowd gasped in shock.
Brunhilde struggled to rise, coughing smoke, but Aria was already there, sword-point aimed at her throat.
Silence.
Brunhilde grimaced bitterly and slammed her gauntlet into the ground, yielding.
The judge raised his staff.
"Victory! Princess Aria!"
The arena exploded into cheers — and a few terrified murmurs.
Zenjiro whistled low, impressed.
"Fiery and fast... not bad."
Kaine, standing beside him, narrowed his eyes.
"She's no ordinary opponent. Be careful."
***
The arena floor was still cracked and scorched from Aria's brutal fight with Brunhilde.
The crowd had barely settled when the next announcement boomed:
"Next challenger — KAINE, THE LIGHTNING FANG!"
Kaine stepped forward, quiet and composed.
His slim rapier gleamed under the sun, tiny arcs of electricity crackling along its edge.
Across from him, Princess Aria stood tall, twirling her flaming sword once before steadying it at her side.
Their eyes met —
— two predators measuring each other.
There were no words between them.
No banter.
No taunts.
Just mutual, razor-sharp respect.
The judge's hand dropped.
"BEGIN!"
For a heartbeat — nothing.
Then Kaine vanished.
A thunderous crack split the air as Kaine lunged forward at blinding speed, his rapier aiming for Aria's exposed side.
Aria's eyes widened slightly — and she spun, her flaming blade moving like molten silk to parry.
CLANG!
The two weapons met with a flash of sparks — lightning and fire colliding in midair.
The crowd roared in shock.
Kaine didn't stop.
He pressed the assault, unleashing a storm of rapid thrusts, each one fast enough to blur.
ZING! ZING! ZING!
Aria countered each strike with narrow, elegant deflections, her feet gliding across the cracked earth.
Still, Kaine's relentless speed began to push her back.
For a moment, it looked like the princess might actually be overwhelmed.
Zenjiro watched, arms crossed, grinning.
"He's good," he admitted.
Celeste (speaking telepathically)
"Very good. But..."
She trailed off.
Zenjiro smirked knowingly.
"...but she's not even serious yet."
Back in the arena, Kaine unleashed a final, dazzling burst —
— a rapid flurry of jabs, each laced with lightning magic to numb the muscles on contact.
Aria's blade blurred as she blocked — but a single spark slipped past, grazing her shoulder.
The crowd gasped.
Kaine slid back, breathing hard but smiling faintly for the first time.
"First blood," he said simply.
Aria touched her singed armor, inspecting it.
Her lips curled into something resembling a smirk.
"Impressive," she admitted.
Then her eyes blazed — literally — as flames erupted around her body.
"But not enough."
The temperature in the arena soared.
Heatwaves rippled the air.
Kaine tensed, recognizing the shift instantly.
Aria launched herself at him with explosive speed.
This time, she was faster.
Much faster.
BAM! BAM!
Kaine parried desperately, but the force behind Aria's strikes was different now — like trying to block a meteor storm.
Each clash rocked the air.
Each step she took melted the ground beneath her boots.
Kaine tried to back away, tried to find an opening —
— but Aria gave him none.
She pressed him with overwhelming force until Kaine's footing slipped just slightly.
And in that instant, she struck.
A brilliant arc of fire slashed across the sky —
CRASH!
Kaine's rapier went flying from his hands, skittering across the sand.
Aria stood before him, sword raised, tip inches from his throat.
Kaine closed his eyes briefly... then knelt on one knee, placing his fist over his heart.
"I yield," he said quietly.
The crowd gave him a respectful round of applause — honoring the warrior who had fought valiantly.
The judge raised his hand.
"Victory! Princess Aria!"
And with that, only Zenjiro remained.
He rolled his shoulders casually, flashing a wild grin toward Celeste.
She shook her head with a small, knowing smile (telepathically):
"Remember, don't go overboard, you wouldn't want to kill the girl you want to make your bride."
Zenjiro winked back at her and turned toward the arena.
Aria watched him approach, her sword resting lightly on her shoulder.
Her golden eyes narrowed — curious, almost eager.
As he walked onto the cracked and scorched battlefield, Zenjiro called out across the space:
"Hope you're ready, Princess."
Aria pointed her blade at him.
"I hope you are, bastard."
The crowd exploded in cheers and laughter.
Zenjiro just laughed, stretching his arms lazily.
"Man, I like her already."
The tension in the air was electric — fire and storm ready to collide.
The judge raised his hand...
"FINAL MATCH — GET READY!"
***
The arena buzzed with excitement as Zenjiro and Aria faced each other, the cracked earth between them sizzling from the heat of their presence.
The judge raised his hand—
But Zenjiro casually lifted his own hand to stop him.
The crowd murmured in confusion.
Aria frowned, slightly lowering her blade.
"What are you doing, bastard?" she called out, annoyed.
Zenjiro just grinned that easy, reckless grin of his and said loud enough for everyone — especially her — to hear:
"Before we fight, there's something I want to say."
Aria blinked, suspicious.
Zenjiro pointed at her, a playful glint in his eye — but his voice was firm underneath the playfulness.
"When I win—"
(the crowd gasped at his boldness)
"—I want you to join me. Not because you have to, not because some tournament rule says so. I want you to choose to."
Aria stiffened, her flaming sword flaring a bit brighter.
"Choose?" she repeated coldly.
"Why would I ever choose to go with an arrogant fool like you?"
Zenjiro chuckled.
"Because I don't impose my will on women," he said simply.
"If you're gonna stand by my side, it has to be because you want to, not out of duty or obligation."
The sincerity in his voice — that strange, casual honesty — made Aria falter just slightly.
Zenjiro then tilted his head toward the stands, toward where Celeste watched with a serene smile.
"I've already got a bride," he said.
"Celeste."
"And if you come with me..."
He turned back to Aria, flashing a grin that was equal parts mischievous and dead serious.
"You'll be my second. Part of my harem."
The entire arena froze.
Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
For a heartbeat, Aria just stared at him, her mind processing his audacity.
Then—
"YOU INSOLENT SWINE!" she roared, her voice a fiery explosion of fury.
Her sword ignited with a brilliant flare of fire, flames crackling along the blade like a living thing.
"You dare make a MOCKERY of Rosenthal tradition?! Of MY kingdom?!"
Her eyes burned with righteous indignation — but beneath that was something else.
Something that looked suspiciously like... flustered confusion.
Zenjiro just laughed — a deep, free sound that infuriated her even more.
"Relax, Princess," he said, rolling his neck with a lazy crack.
"If you don't want to, you can just beat me and walk away."
He lowered into a loose stance, that wild, unstoppable grin plastered across his face.
"But you'll have to win first."
Aria gritted her teeth, practically vibrating with rage.
"I'll burn that smugness right off your face, bastard!"
The judge, wisely reading the atmosphere, wasted no time:
"BEGIN!!"
The moment the judge's voice echoed across the arena—
Aria exploded forward like a streak of flame, her sword a burning comet in her hands.
Zenjiro grinned wider, almost delighted, and with a lazy sway of his body, he sidestepped her ferocious opening slash — the fire from her blade licking at the air just inches from his face.
"Fast," Zenjiro mused, pivoting lightly on his heel.
"But not fast enough to catch a god."
"SHUT UP!" Aria barked, spinning around mid-air and slamming her flaming sword downward.
Zenjiro raised a single arm — barehanded — and caught the sword mid-swing with a thunderous impact that shook the ground. The flames hissed against his skin but didn't burn him, protected by his unnatural aura.
The crowd gasped.
Celeste, from the stands, just smiled fondly.
"W-what—?!" Aria stared in shock, struggling to push her blade down.
Zenjiro leaned in close, whispering with a wicked grin:
"You're beautiful when you're angry, princess."
Her cheeks flushed furiously — and with a roar, she pulled back, blasting a fiery wave at him from her sword.
The flames roared across the arena, engulfing Zenjiro completely.
The crowd stood, some screaming, some covering their eyes.
For a moment, nothing but smoke and flames.
Aria lowered her sword slightly, panting—
Was it over?
Then the smoke shimmered.
And out of the inferno, Zenjiro walked, completely untouched, his golden eyes gleaming through the haze like a predator's.
He dusted a speck of ash off his shoulder casually.
"Cute trick," he said.
Aria's heart pounded — not just from fear, but from the overwhelming presence of him.
He wasn't human.
He really did feel like... something more.
With a growl of frustration, she charged again — this time weaving elegant, unpredictable patterns, slicing through the air with arcs of flame and dazzling footwork.
Zenjiro dodged effortlessly — almost playing with her.
Every strike was met with a sway, a pivot, a taunting little side-step.
"You're strong," he said, easily parrying a particularly nasty thrust with just two fingers.
"Strong enough to fight alongside me."
"I'D RATHER DIE!" she shrieked, her fire roaring higher.
Their clash became a dance of pure chaos —
Blades flashing, flames bursting, Zenjiro moving like a phantom through her attacks.
But finally, after another furious exchange, Zenjiro decided he had enough fun.
As Aria leapt at him for a finishing blow, Zenjiro blurred forward — impossibly fast — and with one hand, caught her wrist mid-swing.
Her eyes widened in shock.
Then, with a gentle but irresistible pull, he yanked her toward him — and with a theatrical flourish, spun her around until her back was pressed lightly against his chest, her sword arm pinned harmlessly across her body.
The entire arena went dead silent.
"Wha—?! LET ME GO!" Aria struggled furiously, her face a furious red.
Zenjiro lowered his mouth next to her ear and said smoothly:
"Submit, Princess. Or I'll be forced to carry you out of here like a sack of potatoes."
"NEVER!" she screamed, struggling wildly but unable to break free.
Zenjiro just chuckled.
"Then yield."
Aria's pride warred with her reality.
She thrashed again — but his strength was like iron wrapped in velvet.
Finally, her sword clattered to the ground in defeat.
The judge didn't even hesitate:
"THE WINNER — ZENJIRO!"
The arena erupted in cheers and disbelief.
Zenjiro finally released her, stepping back with a cocky grin as Aria stumbled forward, humiliated and trembling with rage and something else she refused to name.
Celeste clapped gently from the stands, her expression one of amusement and fond approval.
Aria spun around, glaring daggers at Zenjiro.
"Don't think this means I accept anything, you asshoel!" she hissed.
Zenjiro simply laughed and crossed his arms as he looked at her face which burned hotter than her own flames.