It was high noon when Kazuo stepped through the gates of the coliseum, his squad at his side.
The noise hit first — a rolling wave of voices that seemed to shake the stone itself. The stands were overflowing, every seat taken, every railing lined. Compared to the preliminaries, the crowd was twice as large, and their focus was fixed squarely on him. Word had spread. They weren't here just for another match — they were here to see the rare sight of Water Magic wielded in a duel.
Sora strolled a step ahead, tail swaying lazily. She glanced over her shoulder with a grin that showed the faintest edge of a fang."Try not to trip on the way in, Kazu. Would be a shame to disappoint all your fans."
"Fans? They just want to see me fai—" Kazuo stopped mid-word, narrowing his eyes. "Wait… did you just call me Kazu?"
Sora's grin widened. "Guess it's catching on."
From behind them, Setsuna smirked. "Told you it'd stick."
Kazuo rolled his eyes.
Tetsu adjusted his glasses without looking up from the notepad in his hands. "Watch her footwork. If it changes, she's about to switch tactics." He scribbled quickly, muttering just loud enough for Kazuo to catch, "Unless she's faking it… which would be worse."
Kazuo gave him a sideways look. "That's supposed to help?"
"Absolutely," Tetsu said, already jotting more notes.
"Just don't overthink everything and you'll be fine." Setsuna cut in, his hands tucked loosely into his coat pockets. His eyes scanned the arena without urgency, like he'd seen it all a thousand times. "Focus on reading her rhythm. You break that, you break her."
Kazuo said nothing, but the words settled in his mind.
At the Staging Hall
Heat from the midday sun poured through the open arches, the roar of the crowd vibrating through the floor. Kazuo moved to the arch overlooking the arena floor. The stands were packed to the very edge, banners rippling in the light.
More people than the battle royale… They're all here to watch me.
He inhaled deeply, tasting dust, stone, and anticipation, then let it out slow.This is it. My first official magic match in the Tournament of Nobles. I have to win this.
His eyes shifted toward the far side of the arena. I wonder what kind of magic she uses.
Lifting his gaze, Kazuo found the royal balcony high above. Cedric sat with composed stillness, golden eyes unreadable. Beside him, Elyria leaned forward, silver hair catching the light.
Kazuo's gaze drifted across the stands. For a moment, he caught himself searching — half-expecting a familiar shock of red hair. But Rei wasn't there. With the new job and the restrictions on commoners at noble events, it was never likely. Still… it would've been good to see him.
At the Captains' Gallery
The midday heat was softened by the shade of carved stone arches. From here, the platform lay perfectly in view — every movement and reaction visible.
Setsuna strolled in last, hands in his pockets, leaning casually on the rail. His eyes tracked the arena like a hawk despite his easy posture.
Captain Jin sat upright, elbows on the armrests, uniform immaculate, focus sharp.
Vaskel leaned forward, chin resting on one hand, smirk in place.
Jin broke the silence. "So… how is your brat, Setsuna?"
"He'll manage," Setsuna replied lazily.
"Kaya's in good shape," Jin continued. "Sharp, disciplined, more focused than I've seen her in years. She has every reason to win."
"Oh?" Setsuna's grin sharpened. "So you think Kazuo doesn't?"
"I didn't say that," Jin said. "The match will tell me."
Vaskel chuckled without looking away from the arena.
The door creaked open. Idris stepped in alone, cigarette between his fingers, smoke curling in the light. He stopped a few paces from Setsuna.
"Didn't think you'd bother coming," Setsuna said.
"I'm curious to see Water Magic in action," Idris replied evenly. "Besides—" he nodded toward the squad stands "—Aoi's been begging me to bring him. Seems he wants a front-row seat to your boy."
Setsuna followed his gaze and spotted Aoi next to Sora and Tetsu, scarf stirring in the breeze, eyes locked on the arena.
Meanwhile, at the Squad Stands
Sora's ears twitched at the presence beside her. She turned, tail flicking. "Aoi? What are you doing here?"
He didn't answer, gaze fixed on the empty arena floor, like he was already watching the fight in his head.
A few girls in front glanced back and giggled. Sora smirked at the attention he drew without effort.
Tetsu leaned forward. "I get why Kazuo hates you," he muttered, then shifted tone. "The layout this year… more dangerous than ever."
"Dangerous?" Sora asked.
"We've had walls, shifting floors, even weather effects before," Tetsu said. "But never spikes like these."
The arena platform gleamed under the sun, carved from pale, rune-etched stone. Around its edges, rows of vicious iron spikes jutted upward — close enough to make the perimeter deadly. The enchantments reinforcing the stone glowed faintly.
This match had no forfeits, no concessions. Weapons and spells were unrestricted. The platform felt more like a stage for execution than sport.
At the Royal Balcony
High above, the sun lit the balcony in gold. Lady Elyria leaned forward, eyes on the glittering spikes below.
"Father… were the spikes necessary?"
Cedric plucked a grape from a silver dish, biting slowly. "They're for suspense. Mostly. The fighters are skilled enough to avoid them."
"And Kazuo?"
He sipped wine before answering. "We'll see."
If he loses here, the nobles will want him executed — no fear of an uprising after that. If he wins, the nobles will see him as one of their own. And if that happens, swaying him to my side becomes possible. Let him climb the ladder… and if he climbs too high, Aoi will be there to stop him.
That is the gamble I'm willing to play. The Tournament of Nobles keeps the masses fed, and if they want spikes… I give them spikes.
Back to the Arena Floor
The announcer's voice boomed over the coliseum."Ladies and gentlemen — your next match in the Tournament of Nobles!"
"Representing the First Division of the Royal Guard, under Captain Setsuna — for the first time in this tournament, we will witness the rare art of Water Magic… Kazuo!"
"And his opponent — representing the Third Division under Captain Jin — wielder of Stone Magic, a fighter said to break solid rock with her bare fists… Kaya!"
From opposite gates, they stepped into the sunlight at the exact same moment. The crowd erupted — cheers, jeers, and raw anticipation blending into a single wave.
Kazuo's sword hung at his side, heat pressing against his skin. Kaya's bare feet struck the stone without hesitation, her athletic frame carrying the weight of runed stone gauntlets.
Short black hair framed sharp features, yellow eyes locked on him like a chisel set to strike. She ignored the crowd entirely.
She looks even more furious than when we clashed in the battle royale.
They stood at opposite ends of the platform.
Kazuo rolled his shoulders, drawing his sword in a smooth, deliberate motion.
Kaya sank into a grounded stance, gauntleted fists raised. The grind of stone rasped in the air.
The roar ebbed into silence. Every heartbeat held.
The tension coiled tight.
The gong sounded.