Arok took a step forward.
The dragon aura around him trembled, as if responding to his decision. He reached behind his back and slowly drew his sword. The blade was straight, heavy, seemingly ordinary, but as soon as it slid out of its sheath, the air around it trembled.
— Now — he said calmly — the outcome of this fight is simple.
Kiyoshi raised his head. His breathing was uneven, but his eyes still burned with determination.
— Yes? — he replied. — Then show me that simple result.
He raised his hand. The sand around him immediately rose up, gathering in one spot. The grains twisted and condensed until they formed the shape of a sword. For a split second, it was pure sand, pulsing with energy, but then the blade hardened and became a real blade.
Kiyoshi made a quick flick of his wrist, shaking the remaining sand off the blade.
— Ready.
Their auras exploded simultaneously.
— They're off! — shouted the commentator.
It was impossible to follow their movements anymore. They disappeared from where they had been standing, and only flashes began to dart across the arena. Sparks flew with every clash of blades. Strike, block, counterattack. The sound of metal was so fast that it merged into one continuous roar.
The teams behind them continued to fight, but no one was watching them anymore.
Everyone saw only two captains.
Outside the arena, in the shadow of one of the side corridors, a hooded figure stopped. A second silhouette emerged from the darkness opposite it.
— It's time, Arthur. — said the first figure quietly, removing his hood.
Silver hair fell onto her shoulders.
— Is everything ready? — asked the man standing in the shadows.
— Yes. — replied Sylpha. — The tournament is entering its final stage. This is the best moment.
The man nodded.
— Any Orders?
— Get the others ready. When the signal comes... we move. — Sylpha ordered.
— Yes, Lady Sylpha.
Arthur vanished into the shadows as if he had never been there. Sylpha stared into the void for a moment, then pulled her hood back over her head and headed for the stands.
In the arena, the pace of the fight began to slow.
Burning Sand was clearly on the retreat. The members of Kiyoshi's team were barely standing. He himself stood opposite Arok, leaning slightly, breathing heavily.
Arok didn't look any better.
— Who will make the final move?! — shouted the commentator. — WHO WILL WIN?!
At that moment, Arok's dragon aura faded. The huge silhouette of the dragon dissolved like mist. Kiyoshi's sand armor also crumbled into fine grains.
Silence.
The arena held its breath.
Both men moved simultaneously.
A flash blinded the audience. The light lasted several long seconds.
When it disappeared, Arok and Kiyoshi stood back to back. Both held their swords out in front of them.
Kiyoshi spoke first.
— You won... congratulations...
His blade crumbled into sand and fell to the ground. A moment later, blood spurted from his stomach. The cut was long and diagonal, stretching across half his body.
Kiyoshi collapsed face down onto the arena floor.
Arok turned away, sheathed his sword, and dropped to one knee.
— You fought bravely, Kiyoshi. — he said quietly.
The rest of the Wolf's edge rushed over to Arok.
— Good job, Arok. — said Nebuko, placing a hand on his shoulder.
— They were really strong. — added Azazel.
Arok tried to stand up but staggered. Azazel caught him and supported him.
— WE NOW KNOW THE FINALISTS! — roared the commentator. — THE GRAND FINAL: WOLF'S EDGE VS. DRAGON'S PURSUIT!
Arok looked toward the stands.
Valdor looked straight at him.
Their eyes met for a brief moment. No words. No emotion on their faces. Only tension.
Arok turned and headed for the exit.
Healers rushed into the arena, carrying away members of Burning Sand on stretchers.
— This will be a difficult opponent. — said Arwen, watching Wolf's Edge.
Kael nodded.
— But we can do it.
The commentator raised his hands.
— I DECLARE AN HOUR-LONG BREAK BEFORE THE FINAL!
The people from the stands went back to the market in front of the arena, while the dragon hunt stayed and discussed strategies.