The grand battle arena was packed full of spectators, eagerly waiting for the beginning of the upcoming bout, this was as expected given who it was going to fight

One was undoubtedly the favourite to win the entire tournament, his presence took the breaths of many and demanded attention that brought upon the eyes of all: Adam Walker.

However, the same could not be said about his opponent. Indeed, he was a part of an esteemed fire household, yet people did not look out for him as any kind of threat. The seats during his matches were rather barren, with only a few spectators watching each one. But, as he continued to fight, the more spectators returned due to first impressions.

Although little amount of people witnessed him, the few that did seemed to have some sort of change of heart, like they were completely mesmerized.

And one such person was sat upon the grand canopy with a wide, eager smile, overlooking the empty Arena below.

"Miss Ashley Orbec. May I ask, but why exactly are you interested in such a match?"

"Excuse my rudeness, but supreme general, why are you spectating this match out of all matches?" She looked over towards her superior with a gleaming smile, removing her oddly coloured black and white hair from her face.

"Well, it's the qualifying round for my dear grandson! I would never miss this in a million years!" He chuckled heartily.

"Well, the same thing could be said about me. Kai Fatebringer is a fellow fire ability user. Our households may not be on the best of terms but He's really caught my eye this tournament. Supreme general sir, I don't think this match is gonna be so cut and dry like you assume. I think your grandson better watch out"

"Wha" The supreme general's eyes burst wide-open. "Surely you jest miss Orbec, my grandson had never once lost a match since his infancy! No, he had yet to even struggle! I personally trained him myself to ensure his success!"

"There's a first time for everything sir. You're not undefeated either supreme general. Why don't we just wait and see? Let the kids do the talking." She smiled and leaned in closer, her eyes parched down towards the arena as the supreme general to her side was left lost for words.

But in the end, he opened his mouth but spoke not, perhaps there was nothing more to say as he took a deep breath and peered down towards the announcer ready to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen! It is an honour to be your announcer once more! I see that once again the stands are packed! Not a single seat left unclaimed! Very fitting for our very first qualifying match! You already know who's fighting here! That's the reason you've all come! So without further ado! Allow me to present our two fighters!" As the announcer spoke, the crowd exploded into cheers.

The two gates opposing each other opened at once allowing a passage from their dark tunnels, the sound of chains and metal filling the air as the gates lifted.

"On the right! We've got a man you've all come to know very well in this tournament! His record stands undefeated since his birth, and he's undoubtedly the projected favourite to win this entire competition! Adam Walker!!"

The crowd's applause filled the air, their eyes following the announcer's fingers towards the dark entrance that slowly began to show signs of a figure that quietly trudged into the light.

His blonde hair waved in the wind, tied neatly in a ponytail reflecting the bright space above. His glittering sky-blue eyes were like a calming ocean set vibrantly staring at the path ahead, well complimenting his attitude. A small scar was clearly seen on his right cheek which represented the only time an opponent managed to even wound him, worn as a reminder of his mistakes, yet it did not detract from his looks, in fact, it even added onto his overall charm.

The weapon strapped upon his back was now a classic that all knew him for. It was rather obscure compared to the standard sword or spear one would normally see. It was like two swords mixed into one. Two massive blades protruded from each end and a metal hilt connected them at its center where it was safe to hold.

His face was indeed handsome, even amongst the very best of models. Yet, his perfectly sculpted face was far from what made his allure so mesmerizing.

Despite this being a tournament that would decide one's future, he was calm as can be. Though, his face was nearly emotionless, completely unlike the stereotypes of the obnoxiously overconfident nobles. If anything, it seemed like he felt bad for his opponents. Perhaps some sort of pity knowing that the opposition's bright future was snuffed out all due to their luck of being pitted against him.

As he made his way upon the stage, the crowd's madness became even more apparent. Yet, he paid it no heed as he simply waited, taking a single glance at the announcer.

"And on the other side! We have a man who is no slouch! He made it this far in the tournament with nothing but raw power and intuition! A member of one of the esteemed fire households! Kai Fatebringer!"

Just like before, a small figure began to reveal itself from the opposite gate, yet the expression he bore upon entering the light was a contrast akin to night and day.

Although the crowd's cheering was nowhere near as rambunctious as the opposition, he still wore a confident smile on his face as he looked up towards the crowds and not at the path ahead.

His mismatched hair of orange and blonde was rough yet oddly elegant at the same time, parted away from his eyes that nearly glowed with a dominant yet casual air.

The standard spear provided to him by the military shined brightly upon his back as he confidently strode up to the stage, gaping towards the canopy of judges before reaffirming his gaze towards his sudden wide-eyed opponent.

"Are Are you not scared of me?" Adam Walker spoke, and at that moment, the entire crowd went silent For that was the only time Adam Walker had even uttered a single word since the tournament had begun.

"Scared of you?" Kai raised an eyebrow before his face turned into innocent laughter. "Now why would I be scared? This is what fate has decided, and who am I to argue with fate? If I lose, then so be it! I've done all I can. But if I win, then so be it as well! I don't care what others think!"

"Interesting" Adam narrowed his eyes and placed one hand on his chin and mouth. "I've never met a man such as you before, even the most arrogant, overconfident fool would have cracks in their facade. I truly hope that your words are sincere and not just empty lies you placed in your heart to convince yourself of victory." He smiled from under his concealing hand as he further examined his opponent. "Kai Fatebringer was it?"

"Mhm," He nodded.

"Member of a house of flames, I hope we have an interesting bout. I would love to put that confidence of yours to the test."

"By all means, test to your heart's content!"

"Incredible! Such sportsmanship from both competitors! Even I could have never foreseen this! I'm even more hyped to see this match now! So, if both combatants are set, allow me to count you down!" The announcer looked over towards the two of them for a sign of approval, yet he seemed to receive nothing back as they continued to stare towards each other.

But that was when suddenly, a hazy black blob emerged from Adam's shadow like leaking water, forming its way up towards his shoulders.

And there, it formed a face of its own. Red, glowing eyes beamed through the sea of black, and a disturbingly wide mouth resembling that of human teeth began to open and close. It was like something completely out of nightmares

"Aaadammm That man He is not bluffing I sense something from him something odd odd indeed Do not let your guard down" The shadow spoke in a low, almost hissing voice that no one else could perceive. His speech was heavily slurred, and the tone was something soft and ominous, almost otherworldly in nature.

"Hmmm? What exactly do you sense Nago?"

"That I do not know Maybe it is this virtual world or maybe it is something else All I know for certain is that the power he harbours is potentially a great threaaaattt even to you"